FD Capital

Adrian
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Finance Directors and Chief Financial Officers are our speciality we are a London based recruitment service that specialises in Part-Time and Full Time senior financial professionals. Our podcast episodes discuss topics that are of interest to employers and prospective FD's and CFO's alike.

  1. 5D AGO

    The SMF2 Advantage: Hiring the Right CFO in a Regulated World

    Welcome back to the show, where we explore the people, strategies, and insights shaping modern finance leadership. Today’s episode dives into one of the most critical—and often misunderstood—appointments in financial services: the SMF2 regulated Chief Financial Officer. If you operate in an FCA-regulated environment, you already know that hiring a CFO isn’t just about financial stewardship. It’s about accountability, governance, and regulatory confidence. Under the Senior Managers and Certification Regime, the SMF2 role—Chief Finance Function—comes with direct responsibility to the regulator. That means the stakes are high, and the margin for error is low. So how do firms get this right? The SMF2 talent pool sits at a unique intersection. On one side, you have seasoned CFOs with strong commercial and strategic backgrounds. On the other, professionals deeply experienced in FCA-regulated environments, with hands-on exposure to prudential reporting, compliance frameworks, and direct regulatory engagement. Finding someone who combines both is rare—and that’s where specialist recruitment becomes essential.  This is exactly the space where FD Capital operates. Since 2018, they’ve built a focused network of senior finance leaders across regulated sectors—banking, asset management, payments, insurance, and more. Their approach isn’t volume-driven; it’s precision-led. Each SMF2 mandate is handled directly by founder Adrian Lawrence, a Fellow of the ICAEW with over two decades of experience.  Why does that matter? Because in regulated hiring, process is everything. It’s not just about identifying candidates—it’s about assessing fitness and propriety, understanding Statements of Responsibilities, and ensuring the individual can stand up to FCA scrutiny. FD Capital’s model reflects that. They personally screen candidates and typically deliver a shortlist within seven to ten working days—fast, but without compromising on regulatory quality.  Let’s talk flexibility. Not every firm needs a full-time SMF2 CFO. In fact, many fintechs, payment institutions, and growing firms benefit from fractional or interim solutions. FD Capital supports all three models: permanent hires, interim cover, and fractional appointments. This means firms can maintain compliance while scaling intelligently—without overcommitting on cost or structure.  And that’s a key point. Under SMCR, leaving a senior management function unfilled isn’t just inconvenient—it’s a regulatory risk. Whether it’s a sudden departure, a supervisory review, or a growth phase, firms need rapid access to qualified, pre-vetted professionals who can step in immediately.  Another advantage is network depth. FD Capital doesn’t rely on generic databases. Their candidate pool includes CFOs and finance leaders with real, hands-on experience in regulated firms—people who understand capital requirements, governance frameworks, and the expectations of the FCA.  To Find Out More visit https://www.fdcapital.co.uk/smf2-regulated-cfo-recruitment/ So what should you take away from today? First, SMF2 hiring is not standard executive recruitment—it’s a specialist discipline.  Second, speed matters—but only when combined with rigorous assessment.  And third, the right partner can bridge the gap between commercial leadership and regulatory expertise. If your firm is navigating SMCR requirements, planning a senior hire, or simply reassessing your finance leadership structure, it’s worth exploring a more targeted approach. That’s it for today’s episode. If you want to learn more about SMF2 regulated CFO recruitment and how to access the right talent quickly and compliantly, check out the link in the show notes. Until next time—stay informed, stay compliant, and hire smart.

    1 min

  2. APR 10

    Investment Management CFO: The Financial Leader Behind Smarter Investment Decisions

    Welcome to today’s episode, where we’re focusing on a specialist role that sits at the heart of high-stakes financial decision-making: the Investment Management CFO. Because in investment-led businesses, finance isn’t just about reporting. It’s about performance. Risk. And capital allocation. And that requires a very different type of financial leadership. To Find Out more visit https://www.fdcapital.co.uk/investment-management-cfo/ And that’s where the complexity begins. Because unlike standard corporate environments, investment management businesses deal with multiple layers of financial activity. Funds. Portfolios. Returns. Risk exposure. All of which need to be tracked, analysed, and communicated with precision. That’s why hiring the right CFO in this space is so critical. According to FD Capital, CFOs and Finance Directors play a key role in investment decision-making—using data-driven insights to guide strategy, support growth, and identify opportunities such as acquisitions or expansion. () But here’s the challenge. Not every CFO has this experience. An Investment Management CFO needs a very specific skill set. Deep understanding of financial markets. Experience with fund structures and investor relations. And the ability to operate in highly regulated environments. They must also be commercially focused. Because in investment businesses, performance is everything. Returns must be optimised. Risk must be controlled. And stakeholders—from investors to regulators—must have complete confidence in the numbers. That combination of technical expertise and strategic thinking is rare. Which is why a specialist recruitment approach matters. FD Capital focuses exclusively on senior finance recruitment, connecting businesses with CFOs and Finance Directors who bring relevant, real-world experience across sectors including financial services, fintech, and investment management. () Their network includes professionals who have worked across private equity, venture capital, and institutional finance—bringing the credibility and insight required at this level. () And importantly, they offer flexibility in how that leadership is delivered. Some firms require a full-time CFO to lead long-term strategy. Others benefit from interim leadership—particularly during fundraising, restructuring, or periods of change. And increasingly, firms are turning to fractional CFOs—accessing senior expertise on a part-time basis while maintaining cost efficiency. This flexibility is especially valuable in investment management, where business needs can shift quickly depending on market conditions, portfolio performance, or capital activity. But ultimately, this comes down to impact. A strong Investment Management CFO doesn’t just manage finances. They shape strategy. They improve investment decision-making. And they ensure the business operates with clarity, control, and confidence. Because in this sector, small decisions can have large financial consequences. And the quality of financial leadership directly influences outcomes. So if your organisation operates in investment management, private equity, or financial services—and is facing increasing complexity or growth—it may be time to think carefully about your financial leadership. If you want to learn more about Investment Management CFO recruitment, visit FD Capital’s page. Because in investment-driven businesses, the numbers don’t just tell the story. They drive it. Thanks for listening—and we’ll see you next time.

    1 min

  3. APR 9

    Fractional CFO Pricing in the UK: What Businesses Actually Pay—and Why It Matters

    Welcome to today’s episode, where we’re breaking down one of the most common questions growing businesses ask: How much does a Fractional CFO actually cost in the UK? Because here’s the reality. Pricing isn’t just about numbers—it’s about understanding value. And with fractional CFOs, that value comes from accessing senior financial leadership without committing to a full-time hire. So let’s break it down. First, the headline figures. In the UK, fractional CFO day rates typically range from around £700 to £1,800+, depending on experience, sector, and complexity. () In London, that often sits at the higher end—commonly £900 to £1,800 per day. () Hourly rates are another model. These usually range from £100 to £300 per hour, offering flexibility for advisory or short-term support.  To find our more visit https://www.fdcapital.co.uk/fractional-cfo-pricing-uk/ But most businesses don’t engage CFOs hourly. They use structured arrangements. And that’s where monthly retainers come in. Typical monthly costs range from £2,000 to £10,000+, depending on how many days are required and the scope of work.  For example, a CFO working one day per week at £900 per day would cost roughly £3,600 per month—far less than a full-time hire.  And that comparison is important. A full-time CFO in the UK can cost £130,000 to £200,000+ annually, before bonuses and benefits. () So the fractional model isn’t just flexible—it’s significantly more cost-efficient. But pricing isn’t fixed. It’s influenced by a few key factors. Experience is the biggest. A CFO with private equity or fundraising experience will command a premium. Sector also matters. Regulated industries like fintech or financial services often require specialist expertise—again increasing rates. And then there’s scope. A business needing strategic oversight a few days a month will pay far less than one requiring hands-on leadership through a transaction or turnaround. There are also different pricing structures. Day rates for ongoing support. Monthly retainers for consistent involvement. And project-based fees—often ranging from £5,000 to £50,000+ for specific initiatives like fundraising or restructuring. () So what does this look like in practice? Most businesses start with one to three days per week. That provides enough time for strategic input, reporting oversight, and leadership—without overcommitting on cost. And as the business grows, that involvement can scale. Either increasing the fractional time—or transitioning to a full-time CFO. That flexibility is what makes the model so powerful. Because it aligns cost with need. You’re not paying for unused capacity. You’re paying for impact. And that impact goes beyond finance. A strong fractional CFO improves decision-making. Supports fundraising. Strengthens reporting. And gives leadership teams confidence in their numbers. So if your business is reaching that point—where financial complexity is increasing, but a full-time hire doesn’t yet make sense—fractional CFO pricing starts to look less like a cost… And more like an investment. If you want to explore typical pricing and options in more detail, visit FD Capital’s fractional CFO pricing page. Because the real question isn’t just what a CFO costs. It’s what the right financial leadership can unlock. Thanks for listening—and we’ll see you next time.

    1 min

  4. APR 8

    Finance Director Executive Search: Finding the Right Financial Leader for Your Business

    Welcome to today’s episode, where we’re diving into a topic that sits at the heart of every successful organisation: Finance Director executive search. Because here’s the reality. Hiring a Finance Director isn’t just about filling a role. It’s about bringing in someone who can shape financial strategy, influence decision-making, and guide the business through growth, risk, and change. And that’s why executive search matters. A Finance Director operates at board level. They’re responsible for financial control, reporting, forecasting, and often play a key role in funding, acquisitions, and long-term planning. But the challenge isn’t understanding the role. It’s finding the right person. Because the best Finance Directors aren’t usually applying for jobs. They’re already in roles—delivering results—and only move when the opportunity is right. To find out more visit https://www.fdcapital.co.uk/finance-director-executive-search/ This isn’t high-volume recruitment. It’s targeted. Curated. And built around relationships. Their network includes experienced Finance Directors with backgrounds across multiple industries—many of whom are not actively on the market but open to the right opportunity. () And that’s critical. Because at this level, success depends on more than technical ability. It’s about fit. A Finance Director who thrives in a private equity-backed business may struggle in a founder-led SME. Someone used to large corporates may find a scaling environment too unstructured. These nuances are what define whether a hire succeeds—or fails. That’s why FD Capital places so much emphasis on the briefing stage. Before any search begins, they work closely with clients to understand the business, the leadership team, and what success actually looks like in the role. () Because a poorly defined brief leads to the wrong shortlist. And ultimately, the wrong hire. Once the brief is clear, the search process begins. This typically includes market mapping, targeted outreach, and direct engagement with candidates—rather than relying on job boards or inbound applications. () The result is a curated shortlist of candidates who are not just qualified—but relevant. And speed is another advantage. In many cases, FD Capital can deliver shortlists within days for interim roles, and within a few weeks for permanent searches. () That flexibility is key. Because not every business needs the same type of Finance Director. Some require a permanent hire to lead long-term strategy. Others need interim leadership to manage transition or change. And many benefit from fractional Finance Directors—bringing in senior expertise on a part-time basis while the business continues to grow. () This range of options allows businesses to align financial leadership with their current stage and priorities. But ultimately, this comes down to impact. A strong Finance Director doesn’t just manage the numbers. They provide insight. They improve decision-making. And they help the business navigate complexity with confidence. Because in today’s environment, financial leadership is not optional. It’s foundational. So if your organisation is reaching a point where financial decisions are becoming more complex—or the stakes are getting higher—it may be time to think about executive search differently. If you want to learn more about Finance Director executive search, visit FD Capital’s page. Because the right Finance Director doesn’t just support your business. They help define its future. Thanks for listening—and we’ll see you next time.

    1 min

  5. APR 5

    CFO Services: Choosing the Right Financial Leadership for Your Business

    Welcome to today’s episode, where we’re unpacking a question more businesses are asking than ever before: What’s the right way to access CFO-level expertise? Because here’s the shift. Not every business needs a full-time Chief Financial Officer. But almost every business, at some point, needs CFO-level thinking. That’s where modern CFO services come in. To find out more visit https://www.fdcapital.co.uk/cfo-services/ And choosing the right model is where real value is created. Let’s start with fractional CFOs. You get senior expertise—without the full-time cost. Then there’s the interim CFO. This is a full-time, embedded role, usually for a defined period. Interim CFOs take ownership of reporting, team leadership, and board-level responsibilities—stepping in quickly to cover gaps, manage change, or lead key events like fundraising or restructuring. () And speed matters here. In urgent situations, candidates can often be introduced within days, ensuring continuity when it’s needed most. () Finally, the permanent CFO. This is the long-term solution—typically required when the business has reached a scale where dedicated financial leadership is essential. But unlike interim or fractional hires, this process is more structured and can take several weeks to complete. () So how do you choose? It comes down to a few key questions. Is your need ongoing—or tied to a specific event? How much time do you actually need from a CFO? How quickly do you need someone in place? And what level of investment makes sense right now? Because the reality is, most businesses don’t get this perfectly right on the first attempt. And that’s okay. In fact, many organisations now run a dual-track approach—bringing in an interim CFO immediately while running a longer-term search in parallel. () Others start with a fractional CFO, using that experience to better define what a permanent hire should look like. What’s changed is flexibility. CFO services today are no longer one-size-fits-all. They’re tailored. Scalable. And aligned to the real needs of the business. And that’s important—because the role of the CFO itself has evolved. It’s no longer just about reporting and compliance. Today’s CFO is a strategist, an operator, and a catalyst for growth—shaping financial direction, supporting investment decisions, and driving performance across the organisation. () Which means access to that level of thinking—at the right time—can have a significant impact. That’s where FD Capital comes in. As a specialist recruiter focused purely on senior finance leadership, FD Capital works with businesses across the UK to place CFOs in all three models—fractional, interim, and permanent. () Their approach is simple. Understand the situation. Define the requirement. And match the business with the right level of expertise. Because getting the model right is just as important as getting the person right. And ultimately, this comes down to clarity. A strong CFO—whether fractional, interim, or permanent—doesn’t just manage the numbers. They provide insight. They support decision-making. And they give leadership teams confidence in where the business is heading. So if your organisation is reaching a point where financial complexity is increasing—or decisions are becoming more strategic—it may be time to think differently about how you access CFO-level expertise. If you want to learn more, visit FD Capital’s CFO services page. Because in today’s environment, it’s not just about having a CFO. It’s about having the right one, at the right time. Thanks for listening—and we’ll see you next time.

    1 min

  6. MAR 31

    Exit Ready: The Finance Director’s 24-Month Blueprint to Maximise Business Value

    elcome to Executive Insights, the podcast where we break down the strategies behind building, scaling, and successfully exiting a business. Today’s episode is all about one of the most critical — and often misunderstood — phases of a company’s journey: exit preparation. Whether you're planning a sale, a management buyout, or even an IPO, timing and financial leadership can make or break your outcome. We’re diving into a powerful framework inspired by this guide:  👉 https://www.fdcapital.co.uk/business-exit-preparation-the-finance-directors-24-month-plan/ [Segment 1: Why 24 Months Matters] Let’s start with a reality check. Many founders believe they can prepare for an exit in 6 months. In truth, that’s rarely enough.  That’s where a Finance Director (FD) becomes indispensable. Today’s FD isn’t just a numbers person — they’re a strategic partner who helps shape the future of the business, not just report on the past.  [Segment 2: The First 12 Months – Building the Foundations] In the first year of the 24-month plan, the focus is all about getting your house in order. This includes:  Cleaning up financial records  Establishing robust reporting systems  Creating reliable forecasts and KPIs  Strengthening cash flow management Why does this matter? Because buyers don’t just look at revenue — they look at confidence. They want to trust your numbers, your processes, and your leadership team. A strong FD will also begin aligning your financial narrative with your growth story — making sure the numbers clearly support your strategic direction. [Segment 3: Months 12–18 – Optimisation and Value Creation] Now we move into the optimisation phase. This is where the FD really earns their stripes. They’ll work on:  Improving margins  Streamlining operations  Identifying and eliminating inefficiencies  Enhancing EBITDA At this stage, it’s about maximising valuation. Businesses that demonstrate consistent growth, strong governance, and scalable systems are far more attractive to investors. And importantly, they command higher multiples. This is also the time to prepare for due diligence — ensuring everything from contracts to compliance is airtight. [Segment 4: Final 6 Months – Exit Execution] The final stretch is all about execution. Your FD will:  Lead financial due diligence  Support negotiations with buyers  Ensure data rooms are complete and accurate  Work closely with advisors, investors, and legal teams This phase is intense — but if the previous 18 months have been done right, it becomes a controlled process rather than a scramble. [Segment 5: Why Bring in an FD Early?] The truth is, many businesses benefit from fractional or part-time Finance Directors well before exit planning begins. These professionals provide board-level insight without the cost of a full-time hire, making them ideal for growing companies. If there’s one takeaway from today’s episode, it’s this: A successful exit doesn’t happen by accident — it’s engineered. With a clear 24-month plan and the right Finance Director guiding the process, you can:  Increase your valuation  Reduce risk  Attract better buyers  And ultimately, achieve a smoother, more profitable exit

    1 min

  7. MAR 31

    The Financial Engine Room: Mastering EBITDA, Management Accounts, and Cash Flow

    Welcome to today’s episode, where we step inside the financial engine room of a successful business. If you want to understand how companies truly grow, scale, and ultimately maximise their value, you need to get to grips with three core finance disciplines: EBITDA, management accounts, and cash flow forecasting. Let’s start with EBITDA. You’ve probably heard the term thrown around in investor conversations, but what does it actually mean? EBITDA stands for Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortisation. In simple terms, it’s a way of measuring operating performance without the noise of financing decisions or accounting policies. It gives a clearer picture of how a business is performing at its core. But EBITDA isn’t just about calculation. It’s about interpretation. Adjusted EBITDA, for example, removes one-off or non-recurring costs to show the “true” underlying profitability. This is critical when it comes to exit valuation. Buyers often apply sector-specific multiples to EBITDA, so improving this metric can directly increase the value of your business. A strong CFO focuses on operational efficiency, pricing strategy, and cost control to drive EBITDA upwards in a sustainable way. Read our guide to Ebitda here https://www.fdcapital.co.uk/ebitda-why-it-matters/ Now, let’s move on to management accounts. If EBITDA is the headline number, management accounts are the story behind it. These are the internal financial reports produced regularly—usually monthly—that give leadership real-time insight into performance. They typically include profit and loss statements, balance sheets, cash flow summaries, and key performance indicators. The key difference between management accounts and statutory accounts is timing and purpose. Statutory accounts are historical and compliance-focused. Management accounts are forward-looking and decision-driven. They allow business leaders to spot trends early, respond to challenges, and seize opportunities. This is why the Finance Director or CFO owns the monthly close process—because accuracy, consistency, and speed are critical. Read about MA's here https://www.fdcapital.co.uk/management-accounts/ Finally, let’s talk about cash flow forecasting—the discipline that keeps businesses alive. Profit is important, but cash is survival. A business can be profitable on paper and still fail if it runs out of cash. One of the most effective tools here is the 13-week rolling cash flow forecast. This short-term model provides weekly visibility of inflows and outflows, helping businesses anticipate gaps before they become crises. It forces discipline around working capital—managing receivables, payables, and inventory efficiently. Common mistakes? Over-optimism in revenue timing, ignoring seasonality, and failing to update forecasts regularly. A good forecast is not static—it evolves as new information comes in. Read about Cash flow here https://www.fdcapital.co.uk/cash-flow-forecasting/ So how do these three disciplines connect? EBITDA shows performance. Management accounts explain it. Cash flow forecasting ensures the business can sustain and grow it. Together, they form the backbone of financial control and strategic decision-making. If you want to build a resilient, valuable business, mastering these areas isn’t optional—it’s essential. That’s it for today’s episode. Stay focused, stay informed, and keep your financial engine running strong.

    1 min

  8. MAR 31

    Smarter Growth: Using EMI, R&D Tax Relief, and EIS/SEIS to Scale Your Busines

    Welcome back to The Growth Engine Podcast, where we break down the smartest ways to scale a UK business efficiently. Today’s episode is all about three powerful tools that can dramatically improve how you grow: EMI share schemes, R&D tax relief, and EIS/SEIS fundraising. Used correctly, these aren’t just helpful—they can completely reshape your growth strategy. Let’s start with EMI schemes. Hiring and retaining top talent is one of the biggest challenges for growing businesses. Salaries alone often aren’t enough—especially when you’re competing with larger companies. EMI schemes allow you to offer tax-efficient share options to employees, giving them a real stake in your company’s success. This creates stronger alignment, improves retention, and reduces pressure on cash flow. Instead of overpaying upfront, you reward long-term value creation. You can learn more about how EMI works here: https://www.fdcapital.co.uk/emi-scheme/ Next, let’s talk about R&D tax relief. This is one of the most underutilised incentives in the UK. Many businesses assume they don’t qualify, but if you’re developing new products, improving software, or solving technical challenges, there’s a strong chance you do. R&D tax relief allows you to reclaim a portion of those costs—either by reducing your corporation tax or receiving a cash payment if you’re not yet profitable. That means more working capital, longer runway, and more resources to reinvest in growth. It effectively turns innovation into a financial advantage. Find out more here: https://www.fdcapital.co.uk/rd-tax-relief/ Now onto EIS and SEIS fundraising. Raising investment can be difficult, particularly at early stages. EIS and SEIS schemes are designed to make your business more attractive to investors by offering significant tax reliefs. These reduce investor risk and can make a huge difference when securing funding. For startups and scale-ups, this can unlock access to capital that might otherwise be out of reach. It’s not just about raising money—it’s about raising it on better terms. Full details here: https://www.fdcapital.co.uk/eis-and-seis-fundraising/ Here’s where it all comes together. The real power lies in combining these three strategies. EMI helps you build a strong, motivated team without excessive salary costs. That team drives innovation, which qualifies for R&D tax relief and brings cash back into the business. With that progress and financial efficiency, you’re in a stronger position to raise investment through EIS or SEIS. It creates a cycle: attract talent, innovate, recover costs, raise capital, and scale further. Many businesses treat these as optional or leave them too late—but the earlier you implement them, the greater the impact. If you’re serious about building a capital-efficient, high-growth business, these tools should be part of your core strategy from day one. Thanks for listening to The Growth Engine Podcast. If you found this useful, share it with someone building something ambitious—and we’ll see you next time.

    1 min
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About

Finance Directors and Chief Financial Officers are our speciality we are a London based recruitment service that specialises in Part-Time and Full Time senior financial professionals. Our podcast episodes discuss topics that are of interest to employers and prospective FD's and CFO's alike.

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  • Creator
    Adrian
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    © 2026 FD Capital
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