Daren Wallbank is a Chartered Financial Planner and Fellow of the Personal Finance Society (FPFS) — the highest qualification in the financial planning profession. With more than 30 years' experience, he co-owns Ginkgo Financial Ltd in Blackheath with his wife, Debra Blundell.
Daren holds specialist qualifications in pension transfers (AF7) and personal tax and trust planning (AF1), and is registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (DXW00179). He has been a Chartered Financial Planner since 2015 and achieved Fellowship of the Personal Finance Society in 2017.
View Daren's profiles: LinkedIn | VouchedFor Reviews | Crunchbase
About Daren
If you're looking for clarity and confidence when it comes to complex finances, I'd be glad to help.
With over 30 years' experience and Chartered status, I work with people who want to make informed decisions about significant wealth — whether that's pensions, tax efficiency, intergenerational planning, or business exit. Many of my clients come to me with questions that feel daunting or even urgent. My job is to take that weight off your shoulders.
Whether you're managing family trusts, planning for long-term care, or thinking about inheritance, I'll help you understand your options and feel in control of your future. Clients often say I bring calm and plain-speaking to complex situations, and that they feel genuinely listened to.
As a founding partner at Ginkgo, I also oversee the team and the service we deliver. We're proud to be a multi-adviser firm, so if your needs don't quite align with my expertise, we'll have someone else who's the right fit. You can explore our wider team on our team page.
Outside work, I'm a dad, the unofficial plant waterer at our office, and a volunteer for Grow with Ginkgo - our campaign to help local families thrive by supporting community charities and projects.
If you are looking for a seasoned partner to guide you through complex financial decisions, I'd be happy to have a conversation.
Your job in a nutshell
In a nutshell, I help my clients get the most out of their money – making sure it works for them, their lifestyle and aspirations. And as a business owner, I'm here to oversee our operation and growth. It's vital that the quality of our service and the wonderful ethos and atmosphere we have as a group of professionals only strengthens as we go forward.
Tell me about your first paid job?
I was a beater for pheasant shoots. It was freezing! I remember wrapping my hands around big mugs of oxtail soup to try to get warm.
What led you to this career?
I've always been interested in the concept of money and how it works. I started off as an insurance salesman in my hometown of Croydon. Insurance was becoming more professionalised at the time. When the chance to take professional exams came up, I jumped at it! I qualified, then formed my own advice firm in 1994 and I've never stopped loving what I do. I suppose I matured with the industry.
What was the first thing you bought with your own money?
Probably spare parts for doing up my Mini. Mini racing was a family obsession.
What’s your retirement dream?
I'm not sure I'll ever retire entirely. I love being part of my local community, so I can see myself popping into Ginkgo once or twice a week and getting involved with local charities. The rest of the time I'll spend with my wonderful family. I fancy keeping bees!
What three words would your friends use to describe you?
Straight-forward, quick-witted, fair.
What’s the best thing about working at Ginkgo?
I thrive on picking apart complex financial puzzles and finding solutions that others may not have seen. The "Oh wow!" moment when I explain how to resolve an issue that's been causing a client genuine anguish is hugely rewarding.
If you would like an initial free 30-minute conversation with Daren please contact us or call on 020 7078 8683.
Trusts and inheritance tax planning is not regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Will writing & Power of Attorney is not part of the Quilter Financial Planning offering and is offered in our own right. Quilter Financial Planning accept no responsibility for this aspect of our business.
