David Cobb, Co-CEO, Smith & Williamson
After many moons at Smith & Williamson, Cobb continues to prove himself following a 10% income growth at the firm in 2017
Bio
Cobb studied electrical engineering at King’s College London, and he is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI).
He joined Smith & Williamson in 1985, and over the time spent with them he has celebrated a number of achievements.
These include advising a number of significant landed and commercial families, and helping to restructure trusts and assets to help families meet their financial needs through tax-efficient investment vehicles.
Cobb’s areas of expertise include landed estates, charitable trusts, bespoke family open-ended investment companies (OEICs), and family office disputes.
He became Head of Investment Management and Banking at the firm in 2007, and in 2013 he moved up to his current Co-Chief Executive role.
Why did he make the power list?
Cobb has been awarded 37th in the Accountancy Age Financial Power List 2018. Co-steering Smith & Williamson to 10% fee income growth in 2017, Cobb will be looking to another successful year at the firm. Despite a failed merger with Rathbones last year, the Smith & Williamson is now pursuing a potential listing and much of 2018 will see the firm implement measures in preparation. While Cobb has said that the firm won’t be in a position to list until the second half of 2019, major steps are expected to be taken before then, including an upgrade to the firm’s technology platform.
Smith & Williamson
Smith & Williamson are a leading, independently-owned financial and professional services group. They have been looking after the financial affairs of individuals, families, and businesses for more than a century.
The firm have 12 offices across the UK, Ireland, and Jersey and over 1,700 employees. In September 2017 their funds under management and advice were around £19.5 billion, and they are the 8th largest firm in the UK according to the Accountancy Age Top 50+50 rankings 2017.
Resources & Whitepapers
Accounting Software The power of customisation in accounting systems
Find out who made numbers 41-45 and 46-50 in the Power List. You can also compare this year’s rankings with those from 2017 and 2016.
