Oberon Investments - Former JM Finn COO (IM) joins Oberon

("Oberon" or the "Company")

Former JM Finn COO (Investment Management) joins Oberon as Head of Investment Management

Oberon Investments Group plc ("Oberon" or the "Company"), (AQSE: OBE), the listed boutique investment management, wealth planning, and corporate broking group, is pleased to announce the appointment of Barry Smead as Head of Investment Management.

Most recently, Barry served as Chief Operating Officer of Investment Management at JM Finn, where he oversaw activities across the division, implemented strategic growth initiatives, and led teams responsible for operational governance, analytics, and business development support. He was a permanent member of the firm's Management Committee and played a key role in delivering operational efficiency and profitability improvements across the investment management business.

Barry brings over three decades of experience in global financial services, with a career spanning senior leadership roles in private client investment management, institutional and wholesale asset management, and business development across the UK, Europe, North America, and Asia.

Barry will jointly lead Oberon's Investment Management division alongside Phil Smeaton, Chief Investment Officer, reflecting Oberon's broader strategy of strengthening its leadership team and delivering its strategic growth objectives.

Prior to JM Finn, Barry held senior roles at Hermes Fund Managers (as COO of Business Development and Head of IT & Operations Management Office) and Invesco Perpetual, where he worked in global leadership positions within technology. His expertise includes building and leading high-performing teams, implementing strategic change, and developing strong client-focused business growth frameworks.

Barry's appointment marks the continued expansion of Oberon's investment management division, ensuring the firm remains one of the few houses in the UK offering genuinely bespoke investment management services to both private clients and the adviser community. As the industry shifts towards more commoditised offerings, Oberon's growth reflects a rising demand for personalised investment strategies that deliver flexibility and choice for clients and advisers.

Simon McGivern, Chief Executive Officer of Oberon, commented:

"We are delighted to welcome Barry to Oberon. His depth of experience in leading investment management functions, driving operational excellence, and supporting business growth will be instrumental as we continue to deliver on our strategic ambitions. Working closely with Phil Smeaton, our Chief Investment Officer, Barry will help lead the division into its next phase of development."

Barry Smead added:

"I am excited to join Oberon at such a pivotal stage in its development. The group is growing fast and attracting top quality teams and talent.  I look forward to working with Phil and the wider team to build on the strong foundations in place and drive the next stage of growth within the investment management division."

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About Oberon Investments Group PLC:

Oberon Investments Group PLC is a London-based boutique financial services firm specialising in investment management, asset management, wealth planning, corporate broking and private ventures. Listed on the Aquis Exchange Growth Market, Oberon has experienced rapid growth through strategic acquisitions, a client centric ethos and a commitment to delivering personalised financial solutions.

Company Overview

Founded in 2017, Oberon began its journey by acquiring a small stockbroking firm with approximately £100 million in assets under administration (AUA). This acquisition provided Oberon with the necessary regulatory permissions and a platform for future growth. The company underwent a reverse takeover of Baskerville Capital plc in February 2021, rebranding as Oberon Investments Group PLC and listing on the AQSE Growth Market with a valuation of £16 million.

Oberon has since expanded into a full-service financial group, offering a comprehensive range of services through its five core divisions. This diversified model allows Oberon to leverage a wealth of experience, providing clients with nuanced, tailored advice that aligns with their unique financial goals.

Core Divisions:

·    Investment Management

Oberon applies market knowledge to help identify opportunities that align with different investment objectives. Portfolio construction reflects an individual's risk appetite and investment preferences ultimately providing a personalised investment solution.

·    Strategic Financial Planning

Oberon welcomed Smythe House into the group to provide an unbiased opinion and bespoke financial solutions crafted exclusively for Private Clients and Family Offices. The team works to proactively manage an integrated lifetime financial plan customised to meet clients' financial objectives.

·    Asset Management

Oberon's Asset Management team was expanded in August 2025 to include a new dedicated global equities team in addition to the existing UK small and mid-cap sector focused function. The latter employs a bottom-up, stock-picking approach, targeting return on capital and revenue growth, looking for changes in revenues, profits and company valuations which provide special investment opportunities.

·    Corporate Advisory & Broking

Specialising in the small and mid-cap market, Oberon's Corporate and Advisory team provide full-market access and fundraising capabilities to corporate clients as well as sound advice and insightful research.

·    Private Ventures

With personal experience in setting up and successfully exiting several businesses, the Oberon Private Ventures team is well placed to offer full life cycle fundraising and advisory services.

Recent Milestones

·    In February 2025, Oberon raised £2.5 million through a successful share placing, issuing 55.6 million new shares at 4.5 pence each. Notably, staff and directors participated, accounting for 15% of the raise, reflecting strong internal confidence in Oberon's future.

·    The Company has relaunched the Oberon AIM Venture Capital Trust (VCT), enhancing its ability to support high-growth businesses.

·    In July 2025, Oberon was awarded AQSE Company of the Year.

With a focus on strategic expansion, Oberon continues to explore opportunities to attract new talent and expand its service offerings, ensuring a dynamic, client-focused approach.

For more information, visit Oberon Investments Group PLC's website

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