Richard is the proud CEO of Ascencia and our parent company Frenkel Topping Group, which has a reputation in financial services going back more than 30 years. He founded Ascencia in 2016 to offer a personal service that delivers financial growth through tailored solutions and diversification of investments that yield a strong track record of low-risk investment.
Simon is an experienced multi-asset investment manager, with over 20 years of experience. His investment career began in 1996 and he has held investment roles at a range of firms including Investec, Savoy Asset Management, Midas Capital, and Miton. He then joined Ascencia Investment Management in 2016. Simon is the Chief Investment Officer and the Chairman of Ascencia IM’s investment management committee. Simon has been recognised for his consistent investment performance by Investment Week, Citywire, and Defaqto.
Anthony is a multi-asset portfolio and due diligence specialist. He began his career at Deutsche Bank in 2013 after graduating from Sheffield Hallam University with a degree in Accounting and Financial Management.
He then moved to the International Settlements team at Pershing (part of the BNY Mellon Group), before moving on to WH Ireland, in Manchester.
At Frenkel Topping, he excelled as a junior fund manager, before joining Ascencia, where he completed the CFA UK IMC Level 4 (Investment Management Certificate).
Chris has worked within the Frenkel Topping Group since 2015, when he started out as a Financial Services Administrator after studying International Business at University. After gaining knowledge and experience in investment products and financial markets at Frenkel Topping, he joined Ascencia Investment Management in January 2018 as an Investment Administrator. He has since completed the CFA UK Investment Management Certificate Level 4, as well as the CFA UK Certificate in ESG Investing Level 4. As well as researching and creating investment models for Ascencia’s clients and investing and monitoring their funds, Chris writes Ascencia’s regular market commentaries.
Debra has been working her way through the ranks of Frenkel Topping group since 2005, when she joined the group as a receptionist and compliance assistant. After developing a passion for investment and gaining knowledge and experience in investment products and financial markets at Frenkel Topping, she joined Ascencia Investment Management in April 2019 as an Investment Administrator. Debra is currently studying for the CFA UK Investment Management Certificate Level 4. Her role within Ascencia includes preparing Ascencia monthly factsheets, investing and monitoring client’s monies, and researching/ creating models for Ascencia clients.
Dean joined the Ascencia team as a graduate associate in September 2021 after successfully obtaining a Master of Mathematics from the University of Manchester. Dean has since finished his graduate scheme after successfully obtaining the CFA UK IMC Level 4 (Investment Management Certificate), which helped secure him a role as an investment analyst. In addition to this, Dean has recently completed the CFA Institute Certificate in ESG Investing. His role includes managing and analysing data, fund due diligence and helping assist with investment decisions. He is passionate about making a difference and feels that Ascencia provides an excellent platform to help vulnerable clients live a financially secure life.
Tom graduated with a degree in Business Management from The University of York in 2019. He initially began working for Willis Towers Watson as a Pensions Administrator. After developing an interest in the stock market, he relocated to Manchester in 2020 to pursue a career in asset management within Ascencia, where he now works as an Investment Administrator. Tom’s primary responsibilities include the on-boarding of new clients onto Ascencia’s investment platforms, factsheet production and actioning client requests to top up or withdraw funds from their investment accounts.
Sam has worked in the finance industry for over 9 years, first with Lloyds Banking Group as an administrator and then Frenkel Topping Group from 2015. After completing his degree in Business Management with Law in 2017, he then joined the company graduate scheme, working as an expert witness report writer. He was promoted to Expert Witness Specialist in 2020 and focused on work involving periodical payments, settlement assessment reports and pensions on divorce reports. This included detailed cash flow analysis and complex PPO uplift calculations. Sam completed the CII level 4 Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning during this time and gained a keen interest in investments. As a result, he joined Ascencia Investment Management in February 2024 as a Trainee Investment Analyst. Since joining Ascencia, Sam has successfully obtained the CFA UK IMC Level 4 (Investment Management Certificate).