Sell my Financial Services Business

We connect you with like-minded buyers with financial backgrounds

How to sell a financial services business

The financial services industry, hard hit by the global financial crisis, has had to make systemic changes to adapt to a new regulatory framework and consumer demands for greater transparency.

So if you are selling your financial services business, you may face a number of potential challenges. These include the extraordinarily low interest rates that have been in existence for some time, as well as extensive regulatory compliance, and our exit from the European Union.

Professional advisors

In this operational environment, it is vital to find suitably qualified and experienced advisors to help you steer your sale and achieve the desired outcome. Obtaining legal and financial advice before preparing documentation - and when assessing buyer offers - will minimise mistakes and ensure a smoother process.

You may also choose to hire a business broker with experience in your industry, to undertake negotiations on your behalf, and allow you to run your business without undue distraction.

So when selling your company, what issues might hinder its sale or potentially reduce the final selling price?

• Regulation and compliance costs

Stringent regulations, brought in since the financial crisis, have created an additional cost burden as companies are forced to comply. The conduct of financial services businesses is closely scrutinised by regulators, who may now be more inclined to favour a consumer’s standpoint, rather than that of a financial organisation.

• Remaining competitive/ investment in technology

New and innovative companies represent a significant competitive risk to those already operating in the industry. Advanced technology, including artificial intelligence software, is becoming commonplace, and many firms require a long-term investment plan simply to compete on equal terms with new entrants.

• Dealing effectively with lack of consumer trust

The legacy of the recession has created a general environment of mistrust and suspicion as far as consumers are concerned. This can be challenging to overcome, as financial firms have to manage and mitigate risks on a daily basis.

• Cyber security

Financial services companies face an increasing number of cyber security problems that threaten to disrupt operations, and in some cases, endanger their very existence. Effective protection of consumer data is a huge issue that requires strategic thinking and investment in the right software/systems.

• Brexit

The potential for regulatory requirements to change once a Brexit deal is announced causes uncertainty for businesses in financial services. Staffing issues may also emerge for companies with employees from EU member states.

The process of selling your business

Providing information to interested parties

Prospective purchasers obtain information about your business via the sales memorandum (or information memorandum). This document includes details about the company in general – its location, history, and why you are selling.

Also included in the sales memorandum is general financial information, such as a record of the company’s profitability in recent years, details of assets and liabilities, and its IT infrastructure.

It is not advisable at this point to provide a detailed picture of the business’ finances for confidentiality reasons. In fact, many business owners require interested parties to sign a non-disclosure agreement to protect themselves.

Negotiations, terms and conditions

When one or two good ‘matches’ appear, you will begin more detailed negotiations to establish what they are looking for, and whether they are able to quickly go further with the sale in financial terms.

If a buyer believes the price is too high, or is concerned about the level of risk they are taking on immediately after the sale, they may request an ‘earn out’ agreement. This involves you working in the business a little longer to ensure a smoother handover, and provide more confidence for the buyer.

These arrangements generally involve the seller being paid a lump sum, and then the remainder in instalments over a period of time, based on business performance.

Final sales agreement and the legal implications for you

The final sales agreement will contain detailed terms and conditions as negotiated between you/your broker, and the buyer. If any warranties and indemnities are required, they can result in you having to pay compensation at a later date, should the information you have provided during the sale be inaccurate or misleading.

It is crucial, therefore, for a legal expert to protect your interests by checking all indemnities and warranties to verify how you would be affected.

Selling My Business can provide industry-specific advice for firms in financial services looking for acquirers and investors. We are industry experts with vast practical experience, and will provide the insight and technical knowledge to smooth out this complex process.

Value my financial services business

If you’re interested in putting up the sale sign for your banking, equity, accounting or insurance business, it’s vital to carry out a financial services business valuation to determine the financial value of your business, prior to putting it on the market. This will assist prospective buyers to envision the true potential of your business and answer the question – how much is my financial services business worth? The Selling My Business team is made up of business transfer experts with extensive industry background and a proven track record of directing successful sales.

How to value a financial services business

Valuing a financial services business is vital to planning an exit strategy which is why we have an in-house team who understand the complexities relating to business value. At SMB, we take a razor-sharp approach when valuing your business, taking a fine-tooth comb through 3 years’ worth of business accounts, profit and loss statement, gross profit margin and overheads. The valuation of your business will be carried out with precision and accuracy, deterring the risk of under or overestimation.

So when selling your company, what issues might hinder its sale or potentially reduce the final selling price?

• Regulation and compliance costs

Stringent regulations, brought in since the financial crisis, have created an additional cost burden as companies are forced to comply. The conduct of financial services businesses is closely scrutinised by regulators, who may now be more inclined to favour a consumer’s standpoint, rather than that of a financial organisation.

•  Remaining competitive/ investment in technology

New and innovative companies represent a significant competitive risk to those already operating in the industry. Advanced technology, including artificial intelligence software, is becoming commonplace, and many firms require a long-term investment plan simply to compete on equal terms with new entrants.

• Dealing effectively with lack of consumer trust

The legacy of the recession has created a general environment of mistrust and suspicion as far as consumers are concerned. This can be challenging to overcome, as financial firms have to manage and mitigate risks on a daily basis.

•  Cyber security

Financial services companies face an increasing number of cyber security problems that threaten to disrupt operations, and in some cases, endanger their very existence. Effective protection of consumer data is a huge issue that requires strategic thinking and investment in the right software/systems.

•  Brexit

The potential for regulatory requirements to change once a Brexit deal is announced causes uncertainty for businesses in financial services. Staffing issues may also emerge for companies with employees from EU member states.

The process of selling your business

Providing information to interested parties

Prospective purchasers obtain information about your business via the sales memorandum (or information memorandum). This document includes details about the company in general – its location, history, and why you are selling.

Also included in the sales memorandum is general financial information, such as a record of the company’s profitability in recent years, details of assets and liabilities, and its IT infrastructure.

It is not advisable at this point to provide a detailed picture of the business’ finances for confidentiality reasons. In fact, many business owners require interested parties to sign a non-disclosure agreement to protect themselves.

Negotiations, terms and conditions

When one or two good ‘matches’ appear, you will begin more detailed negotiations to establish what they are looking for, and whether they are able to quickly go further with the sale in financial terms.

If a buyer believes the price is too high, or is concerned about the level of risk they are taking on immediately after the sale, they may request an ‘earn out’ agreement. This involves you working in the business a little longer to ensure a smoother handover, and provide more confidence for the buyer.

These arrangements generally involve the seller being paid a lump sum, and then the remainder in instalments over a period of time, based on business performance.

Final sales agreement and the legal implications for you

The final sales agreement will contain detailed terms and conditions as negotiated between you/your broker, and the buyer. If any warranties and indemnities are required, they can result in you having to pay compensation at a later date, should the information you have provided during the sale be inaccurate or misleading.

It is crucial, therefore, for a legal expert to protect your interests by checking all indemnities and warranties to verify how you would be affected.

Selling My Business can provide industry-specific advice for firms in financial services looking for acquirers and investors. We are industry experts with vast practical experience, and will provide the insight and technical knowledge to smooth out this complex process.