At Blackmount Private Wealth Limited, we provide independent financial planning on a whole-of-market basis from our Glasgow office, supporting individuals, families and business owners across Scotland and the wider UK. Since we have no commercial ties with product providers, we can base our recommendations on what is appropriate for each clients circumstances, rather than on which option pays us the most. Our areas of advice cover retirement planning, pension consolidation, drawdown and income strategy, investment advice and protection planning. We also support clients with wider financial planning through services such as cash flow modelling and inheritance tax mitigation.

Alex Shairp and Qasim Younis are the Co-Founding Directors of the firm. Those wishing to learn more about our business can visit www.blackmountwealth.co.uk. Blackmount Private Wealth Limited acts as an appointed representative of ValidPath Ltd, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, Firm Reference Number 197107. Our own FCA Register entry is listed under reference 976093. Investments are subject to market movements, meaning their value may decrease as well as increase and you could receive less than you invested. If you would like to explore how independent, whole-of-market financial advice may support your retirement, investment or protection planning, contact Blackmount Private Wealth today.

Business details

Year established: 2022
Licensed
Insured

Highlights and features

Independent fee-based advice tailored around your financial goals
Whole-of-market comparisons across UK products and providers
Specialist financial planning for business owners approaching exit
Retirement planning for professionals, families, and senior earners
Transparent fees agreed clearly before advice begins
Ongoing reviews, portfolio management, and responsive adviser access

Payment methods

Cash
Debit cards
Credit cards

Linkedin profile

Share

Retirement Planning Report

We provide personalised retirement planning to help you determine the income you need and when you can afford to stop working. Using your pensions, ISAs and other income sources, we create a detailed cashflow model and assess suitable retirement options. Our advice can cover pension consolidation, drawdown, annuities and other retirement arrangements.

Investment Advice Report

Our investment advice is built around your individual objectives rather than a standard portfolio. We assess both your attitude to risk and capacity for loss before researching and implementing a suitable investment strategy. Alongside this, we advise on existing portfolios, pensions and tax-efficient investments, incorporating personal considerations such as environmental concerns or Sharia compliance where required.

Personal & Mortgage Protection Report

Our protection service helps safeguard your income, mortgage, family and business when illness, injury or death affects your plans. We consider a wide range of policies, from life and critical illness cover to income protection and family income benefit, alongside business solutions such as key person and shareholder protection. As an independent firm, we research available options and provide a personal recommendation based on your needs.

Tax & Estate Planning Report

Through our tax and estate planning service, we develop a clear strategy for managing your inheritance tax position and preparing for the next generation. Advice may include available exemptions and reliefs, gifting arrangements, pension planning, life insurance in trust, and qualifying business or agricultural assets. We provide financial guidance while working with appropriate legal professionals on wills, trusts and Powers of Attorney.

Alex Shairp

Director & Independent Financial Adviser

Alex's particular expertise lies in retirement planning and intergenerational wealth ~ helping clients and families understand not just how to build wealth, but how to protect it for the people they love. He holds a BA (Hons) in Finance, Investment & Risk, the CII Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning, and the CISI Certificate in Advanced Financial Planning.

Beyond client work, Alex is a PFS Education Champion for the My Personal Finance Skills programme and provides pro-bono financial guidance to armed forces veterans through Forces MoneyPlan. He mentors graduating university students entering the profession. Alex grew up in rural Argyll but now lives in Johnstone with his young family.

Qasim Younis

Director & Independent Financial Adviser

Qasim has spent his career working at the intersection of high-net-worth client advice and institutional investments, with experience at Barclays, Morgan Stanley, and Abrdn. That background informs an advisory style that is both technically rigorous and firmly client-centred.

He holds BA (Hons) in Finance, Investment & Risk and the CII Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning. Qasim is drawn to working with entrepreneurs and business owners ~ clients who understand the value of a trusted adviser and the importance of getting complex decisions right. Qasim lives in Bearsden with his family.

Jack Gallagher

May 12, 2026

Report

Incredibly straightforward service. I was referred to Alex to help with setting up a SIPP. He was helpful from start to finish.

Marie Murphy

Feb 14, 2026

Report

Alex has provided excellent support and advice with our financial planning over the last couple of years. Information is presented in an easy to understand manner which helps build a relationship of trust. We have been very happy with the service provided by Alex and Blackmount Private Wealth.

Cameron Stewart

Aug 15, 2025

Report

Qasim has been nothing short of excellent. From the moment I walked in I was made at ease and nothing was too much hassle. Everything has been explained to me in a way that I understand and everything has been taken at a pace that I'm comfortable with.
I feel settled and secure that my future has been taken care of and I can't thank both the guys enough

Claire Adamson

Aug 11, 2025

Report

Alex Shairp was so very kind and helpful. He was happy to answer any questions and kept me well informed. It is clear he keeps up to date on financial affairs and has set me up to build on my financial future. He's a really nice, genuine and knowledgeable person who I would highly recommend to anyone looking for financial advise.

Anne Mouli Castillo

Jul 01, 2025

Report

Over the past few months, Alex Shairp has been guiding me through my financial planning journey. As a complete novice, I initially found the process daunting, but Alex’s professionalism, patience, and clear explanations quickly put me at ease. He has been consistently present and approachable, making the experience both manageable and reassuring.

I would highly recommend Alex to anyone looking for a trustworthy and knowledgeable financial adviser who truly cares about their clients.