Howden Ireland, the insurance intermediary and advisory business, has confirmed the acquisition of Opes Private Clients Limited, a Dublin-based financial services firm focused on financial, retirement and investment planning.
Howden Ireland states that the transaction will support the continued development of its Financial Advisory team in Ireland and further strengthen its Financial Advisory offering through additional specialist expertise and wider capability.
Opes Wealth Trust, established by Cathal McCabe, provides financial planning advice to self-employed people, business owners and private clients.
Howden Ireland reports that the Opes Wealth Trust team of experienced professionals will become part of Howden Ireland, with the company indicating this will contribute to ongoing expansion of its client base.
Dermot Gaskin, Managing Director of Financial Advisory, Howden Ireland, commented: “Opes Wealth Trust is an exceptionally well-established business in Dublin, offering services that align with and strengthen our goal to create a scaled, market-leading Financial Advisory platform in Ireland. The expertise and values shown by the dynamic team at Opes Wealth Trust mirror those at Howden, and the longevity of their client relationships reflects our own commitment to putting customers at the centre of everything we do. We are delighted to welcome Cathal and the Opes Wealth Trust team to Howden.”
Cathal McCabe, Founder or Opes Wealth Trust, added: “We’re excited to join Howden’s growing Financial Advisory team in Ireland. This partnership brings together shared values, experience, and expertise, and we are confident it will create significant benefits for our clients and our team alike. Through enhanced resources and broader capabilities, we look forward to continuing to deliver the high standard of service and trusted advice our clients expect.”
This development comes after Howden Ireland’s acquisition of Maven Financial Planning in April 2026, and forms part of the company’s wider strategy to build out its Financial Advisory capabilities. Established last year and led by Managing Director Dermot Gaskin, Howden Ireland’s team comprises more than 80 professionals supporting insurance and financial advisory requirements for a substantial client base across Ireland.
The acquisition of Opes Private Clients Limited remains subject to approval from the Central Bank of Ireland (CBI).
