Goodbody Acquired Legacy Wealth Management
The firm expanded its presence in Northern Ireland following a deal approved by the UK Financial Conduct Authority.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Financial Planning
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Dublin-based Goodbody has completed its acquisition of Belfast-based Legacy Wealth Management. The deal received formal approval from the UK Financial Conduct Authority.
Why it matters
The acquisition aligns with AIB Group's strategy to grow its wealth management operations through targeted expansion. It also advances Goodbody's goal of becoming a premier all-Ireland wealth management firm.
Legacy Wealth Management currently manages over £680 million in client assets. The firm maintains a staff of 28 employees who will remain with the business.
The players
Goodbody
Goodbody is a Dublin-based financial services firm owned by AIB that provides wealth management and investment banking.
Legacy Wealth Management
Legacy Wealth Management is a Belfast-based advisory firm specializing in managing client assets.
AIB
AIB is a major banking institution that owns Goodbody and manages the group's broader wealth management strategy.
UK Financial Conduct Authority
The UK Financial Conduct Authority is the regulatory body responsible for overseeing financial markets and firms operating in the United Kingdom.
Keith Liggett
Keith Liggett is the executive who continues to lead the business operations at Legacy Wealth Management following the acquisition.
The details
As part of the integration, Keith Liggett will continue to lead the Belfast-based business under the new ownership. Goodbody, which is owned by AIB, seeks to leverage this acquisition to solidify its competitive footprint across the island of Ireland.
Timeline
The acquisition was first mooted in the summer of 2026.
The transaction was formally completed in October 2026.
Market Dynamics
This transaction follows the pattern set by AIB's broader corporate strategy to capture market share through the purchase of regional wealth firms. The move signals a period of consolidation within the Irish financial services sector as larger institutions seek to build regional scale.
Clients currently managed by Legacy Wealth Management will see no immediate changes to their service as Keith Liggett remains in charge. The integration allows these clients access to the broader wealth management resources provided by Goodbody and the AIB Group.
The takeaway
Consolidation in the wealth management sector often aims to streamline service offerings for high-net-worth individuals. Investors should review their advisory contracts whenever a firm is acquired to ensure their long-term financial goals remain aligned with the new ownership structure.
Further reading
For more information on trends in the sector, visit the Financial Planning section.
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