Our story

Our Story

Ginkgo Financial is a financial advice firm based in Blackheath serving families and professionals across Greenwich, Lewisham, Bexley and Bromley with retirement planning, investments and estate planning.

We offer clear, jargon-free guidance across all stages of life  - creating, managing and protecting wealth, then planning for the future. Our experienced advisers provide common-sense support to help you make confident decisions.

Founded in 2012 by husband and wife team Daren Wallbank (a Chartered Financial Planner)  and Debra Blundell, we've grown into a dedicated team of 3 advisers and 11 support professionals.

We're rooted in our community. Through Grow with Ginkgo  we support financial education, community and environmental projects and local charities. It's all about wellbeing - we manage the financial side, but also support the health and community connections that help families thrive.

The ginkgo tree

Ginkgo shares its name with an ancient tree with a story to tell – a story that reflects much of what we stand for. With a history stretching back over 200 million years, the ginkgo biloba is one of the oldest and most enduring trees on the planet. Its longevity reflects our long-term commitment to helping our clients achieve their personal financial goals.

One of the most fascinating things about the ginkgo tree is its ability to survive even the toughest challenges – one of the chief aims of good financial planning. A handful of ginkgo trees were the only plants to survive the devastation of the atomic bomb attack on Hiroshima. It seems they contained a previously unknown plasma from their prehistoric origins that protected them from radiation. As the burnt and broken trees regained their strength and bloomed once more, they brought hope to the survivors.

No one knows what lies around the corner. But, like the ginkgo tree's plasma, our financial planning service will provide a buffer from life's blows and give you and your family hope in times of disaster.
"Someone's sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago." — Warren Buffet

Our team

Ginkgo Financial is a team of 14 professionals, including three qualified financial advisers.

Our practice is led by Daren Wallbank, Chartered Financial  Planner and Fellow of the Personal Finance Society - the gold standard qualification in UK financial planning. Our advisers Catriona Bryden  and Rachael Childs  both hold Diplomas in Financial Advice, ensuring you receive expert guidance at every stage.

Beyond our advice team, we have dedicated specialists in case processing, client care, and business operations - ensuring your experience is seamless from first contact through to ongoing reviews.

You're in safe hands

Ginkgo Financial is registered with the Financial Conduct Authority. You can verify our status on the FCA register. 

As part of Quilter Financial Planning, which is part of Quilter PLC  – a FTSE 250 company,  we combine local, personal service with the strength and resources of one of the UK's leading wealth management companies.

Ginkgo Financial Ltd is registered with Companies House  (Company Number 08220047). You can also find us on Crunchbase.

Awards and recognition

We're proud to be finalists in the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry SME Business Awards 2025 for both Service Excellence and Positive Impact categories.

What our clients say

Don't just take our word for it. See our independently verified client reviews:

• Read our VouchedFor reviews 
• Read our Google reviews

Ready to find out more?

The first step is a free initial 30-minute phone or video call to discuss your situation with no obligation.

Get in touch  or call us on 020 7078 8683.