Oak Group has transitioned to private ownership under Opera.
The new holding company is backed by Pula, the family office of Stephen Lansdown, co-founder of Hargreaves Lansdown, along with shareholders including Sealyham, the family office of Tom Scott.
This milestone marks the beginning of a new era for Oak Group, it says, as the first business within Opera’s portfolio.
Opera, which stands for O for Oak, P for Pula, and E-R-A for a new era in financial services, reflects the company’s vision of transformation and excellence.
Kim Sgarlata, Group Chief Executive Officer, said: “Stephen Lansdown’s investment is not just financial—it’s a testament to his belief in Opera’s potential to redefine our industry. With the launch of Opera and Project Overture, we are committed to transforming where and how we do business, leveraging innovation, talent, and a forward-thinking culture to deliver unparalleled value to our clients and stakeholders.”
Stephen Lansdown added: “The launch of Opera and its acquisition of Oak Group is about building a portfolio of businesses that exemplify excellence in fiduciary, corporate, and fund administration services. With this new ownership structure, we are laying the groundwork for long-term, sustainable growth. I am excited to work closely with Kim and the team as we expand the Opera portfolio and strengthen our position as a leader in the industry.”
At the heart of this transformation is Project Overture, Opera’s five-year strategic plan focused on three key areas: platform optimisation, organic growth, and inorganic growth.
By 2029, Opera will have a significantly larger portfolio of businesses, expanded its geographic reach, and accelerated revenue and value growth, all while maintaining a client-first ethos.
The group has introduced Opera Options, a long-term incentive plan that gives employees a stake in the business’s growth.
Originally formed in 1999, Oak Trust in Guernsey consolidated with Consortia Partnership in Jersey, Kreston in the Isle of Man and IAG in Guernsey since 2018, forming what is now Oak Group.
Since its founding in 2018, Oak Group had been majority owned and funded by the Guernsey listed Financial Services Opportunities Investment Fund Limited (FSOIF), which was managed by Ravenscroft Specialist Fund Management Limited.
Oak Group operates across Guernsey, Jersey, Isle of Man, and Mauritius, with more than 230 employees administering over £19bn in assets.