We help you reach your financial goals and understand your financial position by stripping away the jargon and giving you clear, sound advice that helps you make the best decisions about your money with confidence. 

A happy family of four, including a woman, a man, a young boy, and a girl, sharing a joyful hug and kiss indoors.
Two people in a business meeting, one showing a document with a logo reading "Bartholomew & James" to the other person. The person holding the document is wearing a suit and holding a pen. They are seated at a table with a notebook, a white mug, and a green and gray background.

About Us

Bartholomew & James is an independent financial planning company based in Northern Ireland.

Built on strong foundations, we have a long-standing history of providing high quality financial advice and tailored solutions for our clients.

We are a truly independent financial services company and use whole market product selection for your financial investments. 

Our experienced financial advisers provide first class customer service to clients and our operational efficiency coupled with streamlined processes and cost-effective fee structures, adds value to the service we provide.

We pride ourselves on clear communication so that you understand their investments and that we are there to support them on their financial planning journey. 

Close-up image of a black ruler with white measurements and markings.
Business letter from Bartholomew & Janes on a white sheet of paper placed on a brown spiral notebook on a desk.

Our History

Bartholomew & James was founded in 1957 with the business consisting of general insurance and financial services divisions. Bartholomew & James financial services became a separate entity led by Ken James in 1987. During this time, the company has developed a long-standing presence in the financial services sector in Northern Ireland.

Having worked for Bartholomew & James financial services for over 20 years, Bruce Topping took over in 2022 when Ken James retired and has continued to build the business from strength to strength.

As a truly independent financial planning company, our advisers maintain a view of all products on the market which enables us to select the best suited financial products for our clients based on their individual requirements.

Value & Ethos

  • We take time to understand the needs of our customers and pride ourselves on providing innovative solutions and a first-class service.

  • We always act with integrity, honesty and transparency, whilst maintaining the highest levels of confidentiality.

  • We are true to our word and build long-lasting relationships with our clients, suppliers and partner organisations.

Our Team

Man wearing glasses and a striped shirt looking at a person in the foreground, with computer monitors on desks in an office environment.


  • Managing Director

    With over 25 years’ experience in the financial services industry, Bruce worked for Bartholomew & James for over 20 years before purchasing the firm from Ken James in 2022.

    Bruce has a wealth of experience in retirement planning, investment planning, inheritance tax planning and protection planning for individual and business clients.  He enjoys meeting new clients and working with existing clients to ensure that they receive personalised and effective advice.

    In his much younger days, Bruce competed in badminton and cricket to a high level and on retirement enjoyed coaching both sports at grass roots level for a number of years.  Most of his time now outside running a busy financial advice practice is spent with his family. 

Businessman sitting at a desk in an office with large windows, wearing a suit and tie, looking at the camera.


  • Financial Adviser

    Robert is a Chartered Financial Adviser with over 14 years’ experience in the financial services industry. 

    He enjoys working with personal clients and business owners in respect of investment advice, protection and legacy planning. Robert also has a wealth of experience in providing pension advice and retirement planning having worked extensively with various providers and products.

    Outside of work Robert enjoys travelling, listening to music, running and football.

A man with glasses in a white shirt and green tie sitting at a desk, looking at the camera, with another man blurred in the foreground in an office setting.


  • Financial Adviser

    Adam is a qualified financial adviser with a degree in Business Economics from Queen’s University Belfast. He has been working in Financial Services since 2019 and is currently working towards Chartered status with the  Chartered Insurance Institute.

    Adam enjoys meeting and helping clients to achieve their personal financial objectives.

    Outside of work, Adam enjoys socialising, skiing in the French Alpes, city breaks and playing golf at Royal Portrush and Malone.

A man with glasses and a beard sitting at a desk in an office, looking toward the camera. He is wearing a light blue shirt and a dark blue tie. There are office supplies and a large blue folder on the desk.


  • Paraplanner and Office Manager

    Stuart has over 15 years’ experience working in the financial sector. Diligent, versatile and self-motivated, Stuart is a Financial Services Professional who possesses a proactive approach to acquiring new knowledge and keeping up to date on current financial regulations and compliance requirements. 

    When he isn’t working, Stuart enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, playing and watching rugby, listening to music and cooking.

Let’s get started