About Us
Who are Comet Wealth?
Our name is inspired by a Comet in the night sky. This reflects our desire and aim to be a guiding light in your financial journey.
We partner with you on your financial journey and have been helping people in the UK navigate their finances since 2006. We are a small boutique firm that offer professional financial planning, usually where you’re most comfy – at work, home, or at our Yateley office in Hampshire.
Our advice is fee-based, so we tailor solutions to your unique needs without any pressure to buy specific products. This independence lets us explore all the options on the market and find the perfect fit for you. Our clients recognise us as being a reliable, stable, and a trusted source of advice, a source you can gain reassurance about your current position, regardless of where you are on your financial journey.
Our financial advisers are supported by our team of administrators and researchers, freeing up their time to ensure they spend as much time with YOU as you require. This allows them to provide you with a high level of personal care, focus and attention to detail. You’re in the driver’s seat. We only get started after you’ve agreed on our fees, so everything’s transparent and on your terms.
We’re here to empower you to make informed financial decisions, stress-free and in your own time.
Meet the Team
Ian Russell DipPFS
Director & Financial Planning Adviser
Ian is the owner and principal of Comet Wealth Ltd.
Ian has been an adviser since 1997 and is qualified to an advanced level in taxation and trusts (G10), Pensions (AF3) and Investments (AF4). His main responsibilities are the development of client support and the growth of Comet Wealth to ensure a future sustainable client service. Ian is married with 2 sons, enjoys cycling, keeping fit and follows Camberley RFC.
Hywel Rees DipFA
Financial Planning Adviser
Hywel has worked in Financial Services since 1987, within large corporate companies such as Prudential, Eagle Star, John Charcol and Scottish Widows. During his time at Scottish Widows he became the regional chairman of the Life Insurance Association for Swindon. Hywel is married with two sons and enjoys coaching rugby, music and cooking. Hywel joined in June 2020.
Owen May MCSI
Financial Planning Adviser
Owen joined Comet Wealth in 2025 after 12 years in the city working for the global asset manager Janus Henderson Investors. Owen has a BA (Hons) Business degree from the University of Exeter and the CISI Chartered Wealth Manager qualification, previously the Masters in Wealth Management. He also holds the CFA Investment Management Certificate and Certificate in ESG Investing.
In his spare time, Owen enjoys exploring the local area with his young family. In the little remaining spare time, he can be found on the golf course, tennis court or watching Formula 1.
Natasha Beaumont
Operations Manager
Natasha joined Comet Wealth in 2019, having previously worked in third party pension administration for 18 years, 14 of which were spent at KPMG working on occupational DB pension schemes. Natasha holds qualifications of Certificate in Pension Calculations (CPC) and Retirement Provision Certificate (RPC). Natasha lives in Yateley, has 2 very active sons, and enjoys baking and going to the gym.
River Wales DipPFS
Client Admin Manager
River joined Comet Wealth in 2019 having worked in both Law & Financial Services gaining experience with Life & Pensions providers and Independent Financial Advisors. She is qualified to level 4 with the Chartered Insurance Institute and also holds CII Trusts Certificate. River enjoys watching sport and pushing her own limitations in parasports.
Helena Mallett
Client Administrator
Helena joined Comet Wealth in 2025 and brought over 20 years of industry experience to her role, and she prides herself on providing a smooth, end-to-end administration service that ensures a great experience for every client. When she’s not helping clients, Helena is busy with her family in Aldershot, where she lives with her husband and two children. In her free time, she loves to cook and has even been teaching herself how to sew.
Karlene Briley
Compliance Administration
Karlene has worked in financial adviser firm operations for more than 20 years and is a great believer in good systems and processes being the foundation of any business, no matter how small.
Tracey Russell
Director & Payments Manager
Tracey is an experienced business administrator having been a PA at Director level for companies including NTL (now Virgin Media) and Whitbread plc. She has also worked as a Financial Director’s assistant for a small publishing company and a MD’s assistant for a company providing mobile solutions for PCs.
Theresa Dunsby
Accounts Manager
Theresa has worked in accountancy since 2000 working for local businesses from many different sectors. Theresa spent 6 years bookkeeping in a firm of accountants before joining Comet Wealth where she enjoys the variation of working in the financial services industry.
Ben Edwards CFA – Albion Strategic Consulting
Investment Analyst
Ben is our independent investment consultant and brings significant industry experience, enriching and adding technical content to our Investment Committee meetings.
Ben has a passion for investing and has earned the CFA® charter in 2021.