Former Titan Wealth Chief Executive Returns with New Venture Nine Edge Wealth
Derek Miles, the former chief executive of Titan Wealth, has officially launched a new wealth management business called Nine Edge Wealth on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. This strategic move marks his return to the financial services sector with a clear mission to modernize what he describes as a "staid and old" industry.
Leadership Team and Initial Investment
Miles has co-founded Nine Edge Wealth alongside Kyle Augustin, previously chief executive at Fintel IQ, forming a leadership duo with extensive industry experience. The business has also attracted notable talent including Jo Blake, another former Titan Wealth executive, and Matthew Dawson, an England Rugby World Cup winner who will serve as non-executive director.
The venture has secured significant start-up investment from specialist private equity investor BP Marsh and Partners, though the exact amount remains undisclosed. This financial backing provides Nine Edge Wealth with the resources needed to pursue its ambitious growth plans from day one.
Modernizing Wealth Management
Speaking exclusively to City AM, Miles explained his motivation for returning to the market: "I wasn't ready for the scrap heap after leaving Titan. I see tremendous opportunity in an industry that hasn't really leapt forward in terms of delivering a great customer experience."
The new company aims to address several pain points in traditional wealth management, including excessive jargon and complexity in client communications. Miles also highlighted the need to streamline wealth management transfers, which often suffer from sluggish processes due to strict security protocols and outdated legacy technology systems.
Technology Strategy and AI Perspective
While artificial intelligence has caused concern among some UK wealth managers recently, with share prices tumbling after new AI tool launches, Miles maintains a balanced perspective. "We're going to use technology to enhance that client-advisor relationship, not replace it," he stated confidently.
Miles believes the industry remains "quite a way away" from technology completely replacing face-to-face trust relationships, particularly in the mass affluent market segment. His approach focuses on leveraging technology as an enhancement tool rather than a replacement for human financial expertise.
Target Market and Expansion Plans
Nine Edge Wealth is initially targeting the mass affluent market, defined as individuals with between £50,000 and £5 million in investable assets. Miles revealed an innovative strategy: "Your next mass affluent are currently in the mass markets. We're going to turn them into the mass affluent through financial education and advice."
The company has already expanded its London presence through several financial advisor hires and has made its first acquisition - Edinburgh-based financial advice firm RMS Limited. This strategic purchase provides Nine Edge Wealth with regulated status, allowing for quicker organic growth. Miles confirmed the group is actively looking at "other acquisitions as well" to continue scaling operations.
Aggressive Growth Targets
Nine Edge Wealth has set ambitious goals for its first year of operation. Miles aims to transform the company from a startup to a significant market player rapidly, with a target of managing over half a billion pounds in assets by the end of year one.
Beyond traditional wealth management services, the company plans to diversify into tax returns, trust executive services, and general insurance. This broader service offering is designed to create diversified revenue streams while providing comprehensive financial solutions to clients.
The launch represents a significant development in the UK wealth management landscape, with an experienced leadership team backed by private equity investment aiming to disrupt traditional practices through modernization and strategic expansion across the country.
