Why a Group of Specialist Practices?

Senior recruitment works best when the recruiter genuinely knows the market for the role. A search for an approved compliance officer draws on different networks, different questions and different checks from a search for a fractional finance director or a non-executive chair. Rather than one generalist firm, the group is organised as specialist practices, each with its own focus, its own candidate networks and its own published guidance.

What the practices share is a founder, a standard and a pooled network. Every practice is led personally by Adrian Lawrence FCA, a Chartered Accountant and former listed-company Finance Director. The team has worked in senior-level recruitment for many years, and many of the executives in one practice’s network also sit on boards or advise firms served by another. When a client’s needs span more than one practice, the searches are coordinated rather than run separately.

Which Practice for Which Hire?

If you’re not sure which applies, contact any of us. We’ll make sure the right practice picks up the brief.

FD Capital: Fractional, Interim and Permanent Finance Leadership

FD Capital is where the group began, in 2018. It places CFOs and finance directors on fractional, part-time, interim and permanent terms, for businesses from fast-growing start-ups to private equity-backed groups. For many growing companies, the first senior finance hire is a part-time one, and FD Capital’s work on fractional CFO appointments and part-time finance directors is designed for exactly that stage.

When a business needs experienced cover quickly, for a departure, a refinancing or a turnaround, FD Capital places interim finance directors who can start at short notice. Firms that would rather buy finance leadership as a service can read about outsourced finance director arrangements.

When FD Capital and SMF Capital work together: a regulated firm’s CFO may need approval as SMF2. SMF Capital leads the regulatory side of those searches, drawing on FD Capital’s finance leadership network. Our page on SMF2 CFO recruitment explains how.

Exec Capital: C-Suite and Board-Level Executives

Exec Capital recruits chief executives and the wider C-suite for businesses across sectors, including roles that sit outside the Senior Managers regime. Its CEO recruitment work covers founder successions, private equity appointments and turnaround leadership, while its COO searches help businesses strengthen operations as they scale.

Exec Capital also recruits company secretaries, an important role in any regulated firm’s governance, and places fractional C-suite executives for businesses that need senior leadership for part of the week.

When Exec Capital and SMF Capital work together: if the chief executive of an FCA-regulated firm needs approval as SMF1, SMF Capital leads the search; see regulated CEO recruitment. For unregulated businesses, or regulated groups hiring executives outside the regulated entity, Exec Capital leads.

NED Capital: Non-Executive Directors and Chairs

NED Capital specialises in non-executive appointments: independent directors, chairs and board advisers for private companies, private equity-backed businesses, charities and regulated firms. Its non-executive director recruitment service helps boards add the skills and independence they’re missing, and its work on independent NED appointments is particularly relevant to firms that need genuine challenge on the board.

NED Capital also leads chair appointments and wider board recruitment, from a first independent director to a complete board refresh.

When NED Capital and SMF Capital work together: at FCA and PRA-regulated firms, the chair and committee chairs hold Senior Manager Functions (SMF9 to SMF14). SMF Capital leads those searches, drawing on NED Capital’s network of experienced non-executives; see chair and committee chair recruitment. Other non-executives at regulated firms are subject to the Conduct Rules but don’t need approval; our guide to NEDs at FCA-regulated firms explains the difference.

Accountancy Capital: Qualified Finance Professionals

Accountancy Capital recruits the finance professionals below director level who keep a finance function running: financial controllers, FP&A specialists, finance managers and business partners, on permanent, interim and fractional terms. Its financial controller recruitment is one of its busiest areas, and for smaller businesses it places fractional financial controllers who provide experienced control for a few days a week.

When a controller leaves at short notice, or a business needs cover through a year-end or system change, Accountancy Capital places interim financial controllers. It also recruits FP&A professionals for businesses that need stronger forecasting and analysis.

When Accountancy Capital and SMF Capital work together: a regulated firm’s Senior Managers depend on the team below them. A compliance officer or CFO can only take reasonable steps with capable people supporting them. When an SMF search reveals a gap in the finance team, Accountancy Capital fills it. Our guides to the finance team behind your Senior Managers and financial controllers in regulated firms explain why it matters.

How the Practices Work Together in Practice

Many of the briefs we receive involve more than one practice. Some typical examples:

When practices work together, there’s one point of contact and one coordinated timetable. For regulated appointments, that timetable is built around the regulator’s approval process; see how long an SMF appointment takes.

One Standard Across the Group

Every practice follows the same approach: a brief built around what the role is actually accountable for, direct and confidential search, candidates assessed thoroughly before they reach a shortlist, and personal involvement from Adrian Lawrence FCA. Each practice also publishes free guidance for the market it serves. SMF Capital’s Knowledge Centre, free guides and templates and Insights cover the Senior Managers regime in depth.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the practices separate companies?

They are specialist practices within The Capital Recruitment Group, all founded and led by Adrian Lawrence FCA. SMF Capital is a trading name of FD Capital Recruitment Ltd.

Which practice should I contact?

Use the table above as a guide. If you’re unsure, contact any practice and we’ll make sure the right team picks up your brief.

Can one search involve more than one practice?

Yes. Many briefs do, especially for regulated firms. You’ll have one point of contact and one coordinated timetable.

Do all the practices recruit on fractional and interim terms?

Yes. Fractional and interim appointments are offered across the group, from fractional CFOs and controllers to interim Senior Managers.

Who leads the searches?

Adrian Lawrence FCA leads every search personally, supported by a team with many years of senior recruitment experience.