In a significant strategic move, the London-based stockbroking firm First Equity has announced the opening of a new base in Liverpool. This marks the independent boutique's first foray into the North West of England.
Liverpool's Resilience Attracts Financial Player
The expansion will be spearheaded by Neil Blankstone, a senior investment manager who joined the firm in April 2025 and is a well-known figure in Liverpool's investment scene. The news was officially confirmed at the annual Opus Events "Legends & Laughter" Christmas Lunch, an event held in support of The Owen McVeigh Foundation.
Blankstone highlighted the city's character as a key driver for the move. "Liverpool is a dynamic and vibrant city, one that refuses to buckle even through the hardest of times," he stated. "It is that resilience and the dynamism of its people, the 'can do and won't be beaten' attitude, that has attracted First Equity to the North West as a key area for expansion."
Brokerage Services and Everton FC Role
First Equity, which was established in 1986 as London's first equity inter-dealer broker, provides a comprehensive suite of financial services. The firm is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and offers:
- Private client investment management (discretionary, advisory, and execution-only).
- Corporate broking and consultancy for publicly traded companies.
- Services for companies listed on the London Stock Exchange, AIM, Aquis Exchange, and JP Jenkins Private Markets.
In a related development, it was confirmed that Asset Match Limited has restarted auctions for Everton Football Club shares. First Equity acts as the designated broker for these auctions, providing a formal, structured platform for shareholders to trade. "We're proud to be recognised as broker in Everton FC shares," Blankstone noted.
Growth and Recruitment Plans
The expansion is accompanied by immediate recruitment plans. The Liverpool office is seeking to hire investment managers and advisors. "We're excited to announce that we are hiring," Blankstone said. "We're looking for investment managers and advisors who seek the responsibility and flexibility to shape their own and their clients' futures."
The firm also expressed pride in supporting the recent Opus Events charity lunch, which helped raise thousands of pounds for The Owen McVeigh Foundation, with over 350 people in attendance.
