Brewin Dolphin was founded in 1762 in Liverpool, making it one of the oldest wealth management firms in the United Kingdom, originally operating as a stockbroking business serving merchants and local investors during the expansion of British trade. Over the centuries, the firm evolved through a series of mergers and name changes, eventually becoming Brewin Dolphin and establishing itself as a leading discretionary wealth manager and financial planning provider for high-net-worth individuals, charities, and intermediaries across the UK and Ireland. Known for its personalized portfolio management approach, Brewin Dolphin built a strong regional office network and a reputation for traditional, client-focused investment services.
In 2022, Brewin Dolphin was acquired by Royal Bank of Canada for approximately £1.6 billion, integrating the business into RBC’s global wealth management division and significantly expanding its footprint in the UK market. The acquisition marked the end of Brewin Dolphin as an independent public company, but its long heritage and client base continue under RBC’s ownership, reflecting the broader consolidation trend in wealth management as global banks seek scale and distribution in key financial centers.