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mcgrady financial services

Financial planning built around you.

Objective-based financial planning built around your life, your goals, and your future. We take the time to understand what matters – and build relationships that last

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How we work

About Söderberg & Partners Financial Planning

At Söderberg & Partners Financial Planning, we believe in building lasting relationships rooted in openness, personal service, and transparency. When your advisor is part of our network, they can focus on what matters most: you.

By minimising administrative tasks and risks through advanced technology used across Europe, we empower our advisors to spend more time understanding your unique goals and delivering tailored solutions. We also know that great outcomes depend on great communication – so keeping you informed, involved, and confident at every stage is central to how we work.

As part of a leading organisation, you enjoy the advantages of scale – access to expertise and resources – while your advisor remains personal, and dedicated to delivering strong client outcomes and helping you reach your financial goals with genuine care.

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About Söderberg & Partners Group

Behind your advisor stands a leading European financial services group with a strong track record. Founded in Sweden in 2004 as a team of nine analysts, Söderberg & Partners has grown into an organisation of over 5,590 employees across eight countries, with £95 billion in assets under advice, turnover of £973 million, and £6.8 billion in gross written premiums (2025). The group’s ownership is shared between Mr. P-O Söderberg, the founders and management, and two renowned international financial investors – KKR & TA Associates.

For thirteen consecutive years, the group has been rated number one for customer satisfaction in its home market – a reflection of the same commitment to quality, openness, and personal service that defines how we work in the UK. Söderberg & Partners entered the British market in 2024, investing in and partnering with financial advisers to help them deliver real value to their clients.

* Figures from Söderberg & Partners’ 2025 annual report.
** Figures per category are rounded to the nearest SEK 10 billion. Financial figures are reported in SEK, the company’s reporting currency, and have been translated into GBP using a fixed year-end 2025 exchange rate of 1 GBP = 12.4031 SEK for all periods.

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About us

Over 40 years of trusted advice

For over forty-seven years, McGrady Financial Services has provided trusted financial advice to individuals and families across County Down and Northern Ireland. Based in Downpatrick, our close-knit team is committed to building long-term relationships founded on trust, understanding, and personal service.


Led by Philip since 2010, we pride ourselves on knowing every client by name and supporting families across generations.

In 2026, we joined Söderberg & Partners Financial Planning, giving us access to innovative technology and enhanced investment solutions – while staying focused on what matters most: you.

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Who we help

Advice designed around your life

Everyone’s financial situation is different. Whether you are planning for your family, building a business, or preparing for the future, our advice is designed to help you make informed decisions with confidence. We take the time to understand your circumstances and provide clear, long-term financial planning tailored to your goals.

Individuals & Families
Professionals & High Earners
Business Owners

Individuals & Families

A clear plan for your family’s future

Life is busy, and finances can easily become scattered. We help you bring everything together into one clear plan – so you can see where you stand and build towards the things that matter most.
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Professionals & High Earners

Make the most of what you earn

When your income grows, so does the complexity. We help you cut through the noise, keep more of what you earn, and build long-term wealth with a strategy that fits your career and lifestyle.
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Business Owners

Protect your business and your life
Your personal and business finances are deeply connected. We help you plan for both – from rewarding yourself tax-efficiently to protecting the business against the unexpected.
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our services

Financial planning built for you

Effective financial planning begins with expert advice. We examine your entire financial landscape – goals, responsibilities, and ambitions – to develop a personalised strategy that fits your needs. Whether you’re building wealth, growing a business, or preparing for retirement, we guide you towards approaches that support your objectives.

Our capabilities span retirement, investments, protection, and more, with tax planning integrated into every recommendation to maximise allowances and ensure your arrangements align with your broader goals – all within a plan designed just for you.

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The advice journey

Six steps of your journey to Clarity

Our structured process ensure nothing is left to chance. Every step is designed to give you confidence transparency and a plan that truly works.

30 Min - no obligation

01

Initial Conversation

We begin by learning about your story, values, and goals. In our first complimentary meeting, your adviser will discuss your financial and life objectives, whether you’re planning for retirement, building wealth, protecting loved ones, or preparing for future generations. This conversation sets the foundation for tailored advice.

You can share as much as you like. Your adviser will outline how your information informs our recommendations, ensuring our guidance aligns with your priorities.

Our discussions will include

  • Clear understanding of your objectives
  • Overview of our process and fees
  • Confirmation to proceed to the following stage
60–90 min · In depth

02

Discovery & Analysis

After we’ve discussed your goals, we’ll thoroughly review your finances – covering your income, expenses, assets, and debts. Investing carries a certain level of risk, so your adviser will help determine both your comfort with risk and the degree you can realistically take on. This ensures that all suggestions are tailored to fit your financial situation, resources, and aims.

What will this include

  • Complete financial snapshot
  • Attitude to risk assessment
  • Cashflow modelling inputs
Behind the scenes

03

Research & Strategy

Our team carries out comprehensive market studies, product evaluations, and financial analyses. We rigorously test various scenarios, simulate multiple outcomes, and determine which strategy aligns best with your situation. Your adviser will then assess your current setup – including costs, performance, guarantees, and suitability – to ensure it meets your needs. If maintaining your existing arrangements is the most advantageous choice, they will communicate that clearly.

What will this entail

  • Product & market comparison
  • Tax impact analysis
60 min · Face to face

04

Recommendation

After the research is completed, your adviser prepares a comprehensive Suitability Report. This document outlines their recommendations in detail, explains the rationale behind them, highlights any associated risks, and provides a full breakdown of costs. You will have all pertinent information available prior to making your decision.

What you'll receive

  • Full suitability report Detailed cashflow projections
  • Detailed cashflow projections (where required)
  • Clear cost disclosure (Step-by-step implementation plan
We manage everything

05

Implementation

Should you choose to proceed, your adviser and their team will oversee all aspects of the process – including applications, transfers, identity verification, and product setup. You are not required to manage paperwork or interact directly with providers. Throughout each stage, your adviser will maintain consistent communication, ensuring you remain informed about your application’s progress and upcoming steps.

What you'll receive

  • Application processing & tracking
  • Fund selection & allocation
  • Policy documentation & confirmations
Annual + whenever you need us

06

Ongoing partnership

Your financial plan is designed to be flexible, just like our partnership with you. We keep a close watch on your portfolio, check your goals every year, and adjust your strategy as your circumstances change. You’ll always have someone available to help when you need it. Because life, markets, and tax laws are constantly evolving, our ongoing advice service ensures your adviser reviews your plan annually and offers continuous support – details follow below.

Your ongoing support will include

  • Annual review meeting
  • Update of your current circumstances
  • Assessment of whether you’re on track to meet your objectives
  • Suitability of your current plan

Our team

Meet the people behind your plan

An experienced team of advisers and professionals dedicated to your financial wellbeing.

Insights & commentary

Thinking that matters

View all insights
  • hello@ashworthsterling.co.uk
  • 0161 000 000

Philip McCrickard

Principal and Senior Financial Planner

Philip is the owner of McGrady Financial Services, a family business with over 40 years of history advising clients across Northern Ireland and beyond. He has more than 30 years’ experience in the financial services industry.

He specialises in retirement planning, investment planning and inheritance tax planning, working with individuals, families and business owners. His approach is built on long-term, trusted relationships — many of his clients have been with him for decades.

Before entering financial services, Philip was a professional jockey in England, Ireland and the US — a background that instilled the discipline and resilience he brings to every client relationship. Today he is a director of Downpatrick Racecourse and still enjoys mountain running.

  • hello@ashworthsterling.co.uk
  • 0161 000 000

Paul Rogan

Senior Financial Planner

Paul is a Senior Financial Planner at McGrady Financial Services with over 35 years of experience in the financial services industry, supporting clients across mortgages, protection, investments and retirement planning.

He works closely with individuals, families and business owners at every stage of life — from buying a first home to building and preserving long-term wealth. His approach is thorough and straightforward, helping clients fully understand their options and feel confident in their decisions.

Outside of work, Paul enjoys spending time with his family — especially his grandchildren — as well as playing golf and travelling whenever he can.

  • hello@ashworthsterling.co.uk
  • 0161 000 000

Cathy Black

Senior Paraplanner

Cathy is a Level 4 qualified Senior Paraplanner at McGrady Financial Services with over 20 years’ experience in financial services, including 15 years with the firm.

She works closely with advisers across investment, retirement and protection planning — researching solutions, analysing client information and preparing detailed reports. Her technical knowledge and attention to detail ensure every recommendation is clear, suitable and well considered.

Outside of work, Cathy is an avid trail runner around Castleward and competes in local half marathons and 10Ks. She also spends much of her time pitch-side, supporting her son in football, Gaelic and golf, and her daughter in camogie.

  • hello@ashworthsterling.co.uk
  • 0161 000 000

Carole Stapleton

Operations Manager

Carole is the Operations Manager at McGrady Financial Services with over 24 years’ experience in the insurance and financial services industry, spanning both the public and private sectors.

She oversees all areas of operations and client servicing, working closely with advisers and paraplanners to ensure everything runs smoothly. Often the first point of contact for clients, she takes great pride in creating a welcoming experience and ensuring everyone feels valued.

Outside of work, Carole enjoys spending time with her two daughters and has a passion for live music, attending concerts whenever she can.

  • hello@ashworthsterling.co.uk
  • 0161 000 000

Catherine McCrickard

Senior Administrator

Catherine holds a Higher National Diploma in Business Studies and is the Company Secretary at McGrady Financial Services, ensuring statutory and regulatory responsibilities are maintained to a high standard.

She oversees administrative processes and coordinates marketing and client events, helping the business run smoothly behind the scenes and supporting the team in delivering a professional, well-organised service.

Outside of work, Catherine enjoys walking with her dog Cooper, travelling, and supporting her daughters through their Irish dancing competitions.

  • hello@ashworthsterling.co.uk
  • 0161 000 000

Amy McCrickard

Administrator

Amy supports the team at McGrady Financial Services on a part-time basis while studying at university. She assists with a range of administrative duties, helping to maintain an organised and efficient working environment.

Working closely with the Operations Manager, she supports client servicing tasks and general office administration, contributing to the smooth day-to-day running of the practice and the overall client experience.

Outside of her studies and work, Amy is a highly accomplished Irish dancer, having won multiple Ulster titles. She also enjoys horse riding and spending time outdoors.

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About us

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Who we help

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Our vision & values

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Our services

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Advice journey

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Insights

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Resources

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Contact

Contact

028 4461 7176
enquiries@mcgradyfinancial.com