Pareto Financial Planning appoints Chris Fraser as Chief Operating Officer

Manchester, UK, 29 September 2026 – Pareto Financial Planning, the award-winning Manchester-based financial planning business, announces the appointment of Chris Fraser as Chief Operating Officer. Chris joined Pareto in August 2026, working across the Wealth Management division of K3 Advisory Group.

At Pareto, Chris will help turn the division’s growth strategy into a scalable operating model. His remit covers the people, processes, technology, controls and governance needed to support organic growth, digital transformation and carefully selected acquisitions while maintaining strong regulatory standards and excellent client outcomes.

Chris has extensive experience designing and implementing operating models, improving processes and controls, introducing technology and building teams that sustain change.

A qualified accountant and specialist in change management and operational resilience, Chris brings more than 20 years’ experience across finance, operations and business transformation in the financial services industry. His career includes roles with BDO, RBS and Worldpay, followed by seven years at Alter Domus in senior leadership positions spanning transformation, operations and investor services.

Chris’ achievements include: the implementation and delivery of a global business service centre in Vilnius, Lithuania; successfully obtaining direct authorisation and operating a regulated Payment Institution; and, leading the delivery of a transformed investor services operating model across people, process and technology, including the launch of a dedicated portal and operating system.

Chris said: “Pareto and the wider Wealth Management division have strong foundations, an excellent reputation and a culture that combines a real focus on clients with commercial ambition. I was attracted by the opportunity to help develop the business through organic growth, technology and digital transformation, and carefully selected acquisitions,”

“My focus is on building an operating platform that delivers excellent client outcomes, supports our people and maintains strong regulatory standards while enabling the business to grow efficiently. I also want us to be at the forefront of the industry in how we use technology and AI, building upon the qualities that have made Pareto, Luna and Organon successful.”

Paul Stones, Managing Director of Pareto Financial Planning, said: “Chris joins us at an important stage in Pareto’s development. His experience of building strong operational foundations, leading transformation and supporting businesses through significant growth will be invaluable as we continue to develop our proposition and grow our wider Wealth Management division.

Just as importantly, Chris understands that sustainable growth depends on delivering positive outcomes for clients and creating the right environment for our people to succeed. We are delighted to welcome him to the team.”Originally from Edinburgh, Chris has lived in South Manchester for the past 20 years with his wife and three children. Outside work, he is a keen cyclist and has a longstanding interest in sport, having represented both Scotland and Great Britain in volleyball between 1998 and 2009.