David Shepherd

DipPFS, BA (Hons), MSc

Expertise & Qualifications

David specialises in advising high-achieving individuals and families with complex financial needs, with particular focus on two groups: lawyers and legal partners, and business owners and founders. His service covers Investment Planning, Tax Planning, Retirement Strategies, and Estate & Inheritance Tax Planning.

He holds a BA (Hons) in Business and an MSc in Business Management, and is a Diploma-qualified member of the Personal Finance Society (DipPFS). David has worked in financial services for over 17 years, with senior roles spanning Retail Banking, Investment Banking and Private Wealth Management at Santander, Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Barclays and Morrinson Wealth.

Professional Background

David founded Dragon Wealth in Knutsford to build a Practice on his own terms, defined by technical depth, discretion and long-term partnerships. In 2026, Dragon Wealth merged with Kingsford Wealth Management, bringing two experienced teams together under a shared conviction that great financial planning changes lives.

His specialism with legal partners spans the full career arc, from junior Partner through to Magic Circle equity Partner, including LLP profit shares, capital account obligations, pension maximisation and the alternative planning strategies that become essential at higher income levels. For founders and business owners, David has advised on exits exceeding £50 million, working alongside clients long before exit conversations begin.

Personal Life & Interests

David lives with his wife Laura, sons Sebastian and Theo, and the family dog Boston. A keen golfer, sailor, skier and hiker, he is also a vocal supporter of Liverpool FC and Sale Sharks. His rugby-playing days are firmly behind him, on Laura’s strict instructions.

Please note that advice with regard to exit strategy planning may involve the referral to a service that is separate and distinct to those offered by St. James's Place.

Addresses

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The Partner Practice is an Appointed Representative of and represents only St. James's Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the Group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the Group’s website www.sjp.co.uk/products. The ‘St. James's Place Partnership’ and the titles ‘Partner’ and ‘Partner Practice’ are marketing terms used to describe St. James's Place representatives.

Kingsford Wealth Management Ltd is registered in England and Wales, Number 13724219. Registered Office: The Old Workshop, 12b Kennerleys Lane, Wilmslow, Cheshire, SK9 5EQ.