WEALTH July 31, 2026 0 Comments

Ian Brady’s Bold Move: What His Surprise Appointment as Fairstone Ireland CEO Means for the Future of Finance

Ever wonder what it takes to lead a powerhouse through explosive growth and still keep the soul of the business intact? Fairstone Ireland is diving headfirst into this challenge by appointing Ian Brady—a seasoned heavyweight with over 25 years navigating the Irish wealth management maze—as their new CEO. Brady’s no stranger to steering financial firms to greatness, having sharpened his skills at Unio and spent two decades molding strategies at Davy. This leadership shuffle isn’t just a routine change; it marks the next chapter for a company that’s gone from a single idea to managing over €4 billion in assets, serving tens of thousands, and snapping up firms like there’s no tomorrow. As Paul Merriman steps into the fresh role of President, the question on everyone’s mind is: Can Brady continue the momentum and keep Fairstone’s ambitious engine roaring? Strap in—this story’s just getting revved up. LEARN MORE

Fairstone Ireland has appointed veteran wealth management executive Ian Brady as its new chief executive.

The appointment, which is subject to regulatory approval, sees Brady succeed Paul Merriman, who will move from CEO to the newly created role of President of Fairstone Ireland.

Brady brings more than 25 years of experience in the Irish wealth management sector.

Most recently he was CEO of Unio, having previously spent 20 years at Davy, where he served as a Managing Director in the firm’s Wealth Management Division.

The leadership change comes after a period of significant growth for Fairstone Ireland.

Since Merriman sold askpaul.ie to UK-based Fairstone in 2022, the business has acquired 20 independent wealth management and financial planning firms, becoming one of the fastest-growing operators in the sector.

The company now manages more than €4bn in assets, employs around 240 people and provides financial planning, investment, retirement, mortgage and wealth management services to more than 70,000 clients nationwide.

Announcing the appointment, Merriman said Brady was the right person to lead the business through its next stage of development.

“Ian is one of Ireland’s most respected leaders in financial advice and wealth management, bringing exceptional experience, vision and a proven track record of high-level management and growing progressive wealth businesses.

“As Fairstone enters its next phase of growth, Ian is ideally placed to lead the organization and continue delivering outstanding outcomes for our clients, colleagues and partner firms.”

Brady said he was joining a business with strong momentum and ambitious plans for further expansion.

“It’s a privilege to take this role on from Paul Merriman, who built Fairstone Ireland into one of the fastest-growing advice businesses in the country.”

He added: “We’ll continue to grow Fairstone Ireland the way this business and the group’s ambition deserve with the right people, in the right regions, for the right reasons, while protecting what makes each partner firm special.”

Group CEO Steven Cooper said Fairstone Ireland had experienced significant expansion in recent years through acquisitions, organic growth and investment in its people and technology.