Atomos
Hybrid digital wealth — formerly Sanlam UK Wealth.
Atomos was created when Oaktree Capital Management acquired Sanlam's UK Wealth business in 2022 and rebranded it. Willis Towers Watson took a 25% minority stake in 2024 with a £20m equity injection. Positioned as a 'digitally enabled, hybrid wealth business' integrating financial planning and bespoke portfolio management with a modern client experience.
In short
Rebranded from Sanlam Wealth UK in 2022 after Oaktree's acquisition. WTW took a 25% stake in 2024. Hybrid digital + adviser model.
01 · Charging Model
What it costs the client — and you.
Total client cost is what regulators care about — and what clients shop on. We unpick it across advice, platform and product.
Our take: Vertically integrated investment + advice charging.
02 · Investment Proposition
Where client money goes
In-house bespoke portfolio management + planning.
- Bespoke discretionary portfolios
- Risk-graded model portfolios
- Digital client experience layered over investment ops
03 · Tech Stack
What you'll work with daily
- Bespoke client portal & app
- In-house investment ops
- Intelliflo iO
- Microsoft 365
Our take: Digital experience is a stated differentiator. Hybrid model blends self-serve and adviser interaction.
Strengths
Where it shines
- Credible WTW partnership for corporate distribution
- Investment heritage (ex-Sanlam)
- Modern digital client experience
- Integrated DFM + planning
Watch-outs
Where it stings
- Multiple ownership transitions — strategic identity still settling
- Brand recognition limited post-rebrand
- Employed model less attractive to entrepreneurial advisers
- Dual-shareholder dynamics to monitor
04 · Who owns it
Ownership
Two institutional shareholders aligns Atomos to corporate governance norms. WTW partnership opens UK consultancy distribution.
Currently: Oaktree Capital Management (PE) majority + WTW 25% minority since 2024
05 · Day-to-day
Culture
Investment-led, corporate, modernising. Strategic ambitions are clear.
06 · When you leave
Exit options
Equity holders crystallise on next strategic event.
07 · Payout Economics
Employed model — base + bonus
Standard PE-backed wealth manager terms. Equity available to senior leadership.
08 · Real Voices
What advisers and clients actually say
A balanced selection of public reviews from Trustpilot, Glassdoor, the FT and trade press — both glowing and damning. We don't cherry-pick.
"WTW investment is a vote of confidence but the rebrand journey from Sanlam is still bedding in."
"Talented team, lots of change. Strategic clarity has improved with WTW alongside."
"Smooth transition from Sanlam. Same adviser, better portal."
Fortis Connect Verdict
Best for
Investment-led advisers attracted to a modern hybrid model with corporate (WTW) distribution upside.
Watch out for
Multi-shareholder governance and the next strategic chapter post-rebrand.
Considering Atomos? Get an unbiased second opinion before you sign.
Talk to us →09 · Regulatory & Corporate Timeline
What's happened, and when.
- 2024
WTW acquires 25% minority with £20m equity injection
- 2022
Oaktree acquires Sanlam UK Wealth; rebranded Atomos