Colm Murphy – Junior Partner

For me, financial planning is about empowering people to make confident, informed decisions at every stage of their life. While tax planning and investment returns are important, the true value lies in the peace of mind that comprehensive financial planning brings – sitting down together, exploring cashflow modelling scenarios, and giving clients the clarity they need to make life’s key decisions. The investments themselves are simply the mechanics and science behind what is, at its heart, an art.

I work with a wide range of clients – from those just crossing the £100,000 threshold for the first time to couples enjoying their retirement – and everything in between. Most of my clients come to me through referrals from families I already advise, which is a huge compliment. Many initially seek reassurance that they’re on the right track, often starting with one specific question like “Where should I invest my pension?” or “How should I structure my investments?”. I enjoy helping them see the bigger picture – starting with one simple but powerful question: what are we planning for, in the short, medium, and long term?

Clients describe me as practical, reliable, and honest. I live by the KISS principle – keep it simple, stupid – because nobody wants to hear jargon. They want to understand, in plain English, how complex financial rules work and, more importantly, how they affect them. I believe in being straightforward with my clients. My role is to advise – not to simply tell them what they want to hear. This honest, transparent approach helps people make informed decisions at pivotal moments in their lives.

I remain calm when markets are volatile – and my clients do too. Because I make sure they understand market downturns are inevitable; what matters is understanding why they happen and what they mean over the long term.

I’m also not afraid to ask the difficult questions: “Why is money important to you?” or “What’s your earliest memory of money?” These conversations help me get to know my clients on a deeper level. Yes, the numbers matter, but investing is deeply emotional – understanding someone’s relationship with money is just as important as understanding their balance sheet.

I hold a Level 4 Diploma in Regulated Financial Planning and a First-Class Degree in Economics and Accounting from Queen’s University Belfast. Before joining Porta, I was an auditor at Forviz Mazars.

Outside of work, you’ll usually find me playing golf or running around Brockwell Park.