SYS Financial has acquired Galway-based advisory firm Q Financial, increasing its assets under advisement (AuA) to €1.12 billion as the Irish financial advice group continues to expand through acquisition. The transaction reflects sustained consolidation activity across financial advisory services as firms respond to changing market dynamics and invest in long-term growth.

Writing by The Irish Times reported that the acquisition adds €120 million in assets under advisement to SYS Financial's portfolio. The company said the deal also brings the 10 members of Q Financial's team, including financial planners and business support staff, into the business.

Founded in 2015 by former financial adviser Tony Delaney, SYS Financial has pursued expansion through acquisitions while seeking additional capital investment to accelerate further deal-making. Delaney, who previously spent more than two decades with New Ireland as a financial adviser and regional sales manager, is the company's controlling shareholder alongside his wife, Elaine.

The transaction comes as acquisition activity across the financial advisory market continues to increase. According to the report, firms are responding to rising regulatory, compliance and technology costs, while many long-established business owners are also addressing succession planning through mergers and acquisitions.

Chief Executive Tony Delaney said: “Successful acquisitions aren’t just about growth, they’re about people. We look for talented teams who put clients first every day and who have earned the trust of their local communities.” He confirmed that all 10 employees from Q Financial will transfer to SYS Financial as part of the acquisition.

The report highlighted broader consolidation across the sector, noting that Fairstone Group recently completed its 16th acquisition in four years after agreeing a deal for Galway-based Wealthwise Financial Planning. Other active consolidators include Irish family-owned firms LHK Group and Gallivan Financial.

The report also referenced data from the Central Bank of Ireland showing that total net Irish household wealth increased from €411 billion in 2013 to €1.38 trillion by the end of 2025. It added that financial assets exceeded €600 billion at the end of last year, while Government plans for tax-efficient savings and investment accounts are expected to be introduced next year.