Business Details
22 Years
experience
Your Trusted Financial Planning Partner in Dorset
Established as Dorset's leading independent financial guidance experts, we have built a reputation for delivering personalized service and unwavering commitment to client financial well-being. Our whole-of-market approach grants access to the full spectrum of regulated financial products, ensuring client interests remain paramount. With offices in Holton Heath and serving Poole, Bournemouth, Dorset and South Hampshire, we offer both office consultations and convenient home visits. Our team of qualified professionals maintains authorisation from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA registration no 507964) while delivering tailored solutions across all life stages - from early financial literacy to retirement planning. With over two decades of combined experience, our advisers specialise in navigating complex financial landscapes including Armed Forces transitions, business owner strategies, and legacy preservation. Our commitment to transparency ensures no hidden fees, with all communications handled confidentially and client data protected rigorously.
Services
Estate Planning
Financial Planning
Pension Advice
Tax Efficiency Strategies
Business Owner Solutions
Armed Forces Support
Retirement Planning
Served areas
- Dorset & SW Hampshire
Details
- Year established: 2004
- Employees: 6
- Licensed
- Insured
Highlights and features
- FCA-regulated financial experts with 20+ years combined experience
- Personalised whole-of-market product recommendations
- Specialist Armed Forces financial planning support
- Comprehensive annual financial reviews included
- Holistic approach integrating business and personal finances
Associations and certifications
- Financial Conduct Authority
- Services Insurance and Investment Advisory Panel (SIIAP)
What people say
Excellent service
Friendly care
Highly recommend
Safe hands
Professional approach
Services
Estate Planning
Our estate planning service focuses on preserving wealth for future generations while minimising inheritance tax liabilities. We advise on will creation, trust structures and gifting strategies to ensure assets are distributed according to client wishes. The service includes comprehensive reviews of existing arrangements and updates for changing circumstances.
Pension Advice
We provide expert guidance on all pension types including workplace schemes, personal pensions and SIPP arrangements. Our specialists help clients maximise retirement income through strategic contributions, tax-efficient withdrawals and pension consolidation. Armed Forces personnel receive tailored advice on navigating unique pension structures and transition planning.
Financial Planning
Our comprehensive financial planning service creates tailored roadmaps for clients at every life stage. From early career financial literacy to retirement optimisation, we develop strategies that balance short-term needs with long-term security. Our FCA-regulated advisers specialise in integrating pension planning, tax efficiency and investment growth to build sustainable wealth.
Business Owner Solutions
Tailored financial strategies for entrepreneurs combine business growth planning with personal wealth management. We help business owners optimise remuneration structures, implement tax-efficient pension contributions and develop succession plans. Our holistic approach ensures alignment between corporate objectives and personal financial goals for sustainable long-term success.
Armed Forces Support
As one of the UK's SIIAP-approved advisers, we specialise in military-specific financial planning. Our services include pension transition strategies, overseas asset management and deployment-related financial protection. We partner with Forces MoneyPlan to provide pro-bono guidance, helping service members navigate unique financial challenges with complete confidentiality.
People
Chris Ryan
Managing Director
BA (Hons) Dip PFS qualified with over 30 years' experience in financial planning. Specialises in retirement strategies and Armed Forces transitions. Known for clear communication of complex financial concepts and long-term client relationships.
Christopher Hoar
Financial Planner
Chris has progressed through the firm from an adviser support role to managing his own client bank. He is a BA (Hons) qualified adviser specialising in tax-efficient investments, pensions and estate planning. Chris combines technical expertise with a friendly and approachable manner.
David Robinson
Administrator
BA (Hons) graduate supporting client onboarding and documentation processes. Ensures regulatory compliance and efficient case management for the advisory team.
Dan Howe
Paraplanner
Dan joined the firm full time in 2024 after completing a degree course placement with us in 2022. He is training and developing his skills in supporting the adviser team.
Jack Ryan
Trainee paraplanner
Jack joined the team in 2025 and is on an Paraplanner apprenticeship course and loving his job. Currently he spends most of his income on blinging up his Audi.
Charlene Ford
Administrator
Charlene is the most recent addition to the team. She joined in September 2026 after running a successful contract business and aims to progress into full time business support.
Questions
Are you regulated by any official financial authority?
Yes, we are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA registration no 507964).
Do you offer home visits for financial consultations?
Yes, we provide home visits across Dorset and South Hampshire for client convenience.
Can you help with Armed Forces pension transitions?
Yes, we are SIIAP-approved advisers with specialist expertise in military pension planning and transition support.
What areas do you cover in Dorset?
We serve Poole, Bournemouth, Holton Heath and surrounding areas of Dorset and South Hampshire.
Do you offer free initial consultations?
Yes, we provide a free initial discussion with no obligation for all prospective clients.
How often are financial reviews conducted?
We provide comprehensive annual financial reviews with your personal adviser as standard.
Reviews (23)
Brian Butler
Nov 04, 2025
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Chris Ryan and his staff have looked after my financial requirements for many years now. They have always exercised excellent professional care over what can be possible alongside what my exact personal needs might be. It's never been about 'you should do this' but always about what is best for me.
BJB Poole
BJB Poole
Mike Watson
May 12, 2022
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Chris & the Apex CB team have provided help & financial advice to myself For many years. Always polite & courteous & nothing is too much for them. Their services have never been more appreciated than as of now. So if you are in need of financial planning & advice make that phone call to them, yo won't regret it. Highly recommended. 4
Marilyn Benstead
Mar 23, 2022
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We have been with this Company for a number of years and have received very good service and sound financial advice and guidance. We would have no hesitation in recommending Apex CB Financial Planning Ltd.
Brian Carpenter
Mar 18, 2022
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I have just had my yearly review with Apex CB Financial Planning. I would highly recommend anyone looking for Financial Planning to give Apex a call. I have been with them a few years. They offer a very professional service and they go out of their way to explain things in a very helpful way, making your options very clear. Apex also have some great tools which help to visually explain the markets trends and providing the forecasting that you are after. Thank you again to the Apex team.
Linda Carruthers
Mar 09, 2022
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The whole pension process was explained in a way that I could understand giving me a clear understanding of what the process was to enable me to access my pension and what the long term plan would be. I feel that I have now a good understanding of what to expect from how things will work and know that should I have any questions at anytime regarding my pension that I would have no hesitation in asking for more help or guidance. I would definitely recommend Chris at Apex CB Financial Planning if you need help with your financial affairs. Thank you for all your help.
Anthony Thompson
Oct 22, 2021
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Always a courteous, friendly and very professional service with clear and simple to understand advice.
Katrina Offord
Jul 25, 2021
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We engaged Apex to help up with our mortgage search. Simone was our contact and made the process a smooth and upbeat experience. The application was completed quickly with no issues. Simone went above and beyond to ensure that we understood the process and had all the right information when making our mortgage decision. I highly recommend Apex - these are the chaps to use!
Brenda Chittenden
Apr 13, 2021
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Had a free consultation with Chris Ryan today. He came across as very professional and answered all our questions, and seemed to give good advice without being pushy. We think we will act on his advice.
Graham Wood
Feb 28, 2021
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From the outset we have considered Chris and his team to be trustworthy and that they always have the interests of the client at heart. After reviewing our attitude to risk Chris suggested a variety of investment options tailored to our personal circumstances. We have an annual review to discuss our needs and any change of circumstance.
Rose Pepper
Dec 26, 2020
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My experience of Apex CB was very pleasant, friendly and professional. Chris Ryan was well informed on my financial status and offered sound advice on future pension planning, retirement and investment. I would definitely recommend them.
Mike Mears
Nov 24, 2020
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Chris took all our financial information and did a thorough review. He then sat down with us and discussed what we wanted for our future. He worked his magic and came up with various options to manage our finances to give us the financial freedom to fulfill our plans. An indepth review looking at all our possible options, well worth the time, effort, and cost. I would recommend Apex CB unreservedly.
Ralph Weeks
Aug 02, 2020
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As potential new clients who approached Apex on the basis of a recommendation from trusted friends, we have not been disappointed! We nevertheless tested Chris's advice, through consultation with a family member who is 'in the business', and found that he was prepared to address our resulting questions in a very respectful and comprehensive way. This has led to us becoming signed up clients of Apex and feeling that we have received financial planning guidance that is very much in tune with our instincts and wishes and which has set us on a path that is carefully tailored to our needs. Overall our experience so far has been characterised by a very courteous reception, high professional standards and a mutual respect that all combine to create optimism for our financial future.
Thomas Lewis
Jul 26, 2020
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Chris Ryan came into our school twice to deliver inspiring and interesting workshops to our Year 7 and 8 children. The material was excellent, engaging and well-matched to our children's abilities. Every child left having gained knowledge and insight into the risk sector, best of all, whilst playing games. Thank you so much, Chris, we look forward to seeing you next year!
Alison Edwards
Jun 26, 2020
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Chris has been advising me for around 15 years and I consider that during that time he's provided me with good guidance. He's helpful in suggesting options and making recommendations on ways to achieve what I want to. He's reassuring when circumstances change, and always takes care to understand my own attitude to risk. What's more, he and the team at Apex are always very pleasant to deal with.
Rose Pepper
Mar 11, 2020
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My experience of Apex CB was very pleasant, friendly and professional. Chris Ryan was well informed on my financial status and offered sound advice on future pension planning, retirement and investment. I would definitely recommend them.
Ralph Weeks
Feb 02, 2020
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As potential new clients who approached Apex on the basis of a recommendation from trusted friends, we have not been disappointed! We nevertheless tested Chris's advice, through consultation with a family member who is 'in the business', and found that he was prepared to address our resulting questions in a very respectful and comprehensive way. This has led to us becoming signed up clients of Apex and feeling that we have received financial planning guidance that is very much in tune with our instincts and wishes and which has set us on a path that is carefully tailored to our needs. Overall our experience so far has been characterised by a very courteous reception, high professional standards and a mutual respect that all combine to create optimism for our financial future.
Derek V.
Jan 18, 2020
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Apex CB are a small and very professional organisation. Chris Ryan, their principal advisor, is friendly, very approachable and knowledgeable about the finance industry and all things related to my personal finance. He has carefully managed pensions and savings for me and my wife over the last 6 years and provided a flexible approach to investments matched to our levels of risk during that time. I would recommend them highly, and above other financial advisors that I have used in the past, for anybody that needs their personal finances professionally managed.
john Llewellyn
Having used APEX for over 6 years , I find they are professional and thorough, explaining everything clearly regarding my financial and pension advice and planning. The whole team is friendly and efficient and Chris is always available to discuss any issues I have between my annual reviews.
Thomas Price
We found Apex CB Financial Planning Ltd to be discreet, understanding and totally efficient in their work. In this world it is hard to find such trustworthy and honest people to deal with sensitive personal financial details. We are delighted to have found them through personal recommendation and are more than happy to commend them to others.
Gillian Linford
Chris has consistently added value to the client relationship when I have introduced him. He has a good manner with the clients, reassuring the nervous and speaking on equal terms with the more experienced. I consider Chris to be a shining but sadly rare example of a truly independent financial adviser.
Lieutenant Commander B. Royal Navy MBE (Retd.)
My wife and I have enjoyed the financial expertise of Chris Ryan for the last ten years. We have found Chris to be a thoroughly professional advisor who takes pride in providing the most suitable avenue to take in respect of stocks and shares. My mother-in-law has also used Apex CB Financial Planning and has utmost faith in the team.
Cedric Roach, Vice President Procurement, Dockwise Ltd
It is always reassuring and comforting to receive comprehensive and professional advice regarding ones savings and investing plans for the future. These sentiments have been developed during my association with Apex CB Financial Planning Ltd over the past 7 years. Chris and his team always handle my needs in a friendly and personal manner.
David Watson
I have been using Apex CB financial planning for a number of years now and have always been impressed with the service provided and the recommendations made. One specific example was arranging my bank base rate tracker mortgage which has been fantastic value throughout especially in the current low interest rate environment. I would highly recommend the services offered here regardless of your your reason for seeking independent financial advice.