Our people

We believe that ‘treating customers fairly’ is about offering a first class business service to ensure a suitable/fair financial outcome. Our clients should be assured that this belief is embedded in the culture of our team.

Chris Jones, Director, Chartered Financial Planner

Chris is a Chartered Financial Planner and is active in retirement, investment and inheritance tax planning. He began his career in financial services at Torquil Clark in Wolverhampton in 2000, where he qualified as a financial adviser.

Chris spent 14 years with Torquil Clark before leaving to found Autonomy Wealth with Nigel. Chris believes that the most important qualities in an adviser are to be a good listener, to be available to clients and have an opinion.

You should take it as a given that we know what we are doing in terms of technical knowledge; so our focus is on practical solutions that make sure your money works for you and your family, maintaining your chosen lifestyle. As a long-suffering supporter of Everton FC, Chris spends his spare time avoiding watching Match of the Day most weekends, playing guitar, and at least contemplating doing some exercise. 

Click here to read Chris’s statement of professional standing.

Nigel Murdock, Director

Nigel began his career in the independent financial adviser sector in 1976 and has gained considerable experience in various roles, including as MD, Operations Director, Compliance and Sales Management.  During this time, Nigel has been involved in all areas of individual financial advice and the provision of employee benefits. He gets the most satisfaction from being able to provide financial solutions and helping clients achieve their objectives. By demonstrating expertise and establishing the trust and confidence of his clients, he has developed long-term relationships with both corporate and personal clients.
 
Nigel lives with his family in Shropshire. He was born in Leicester, so naturally he supports the “Tigers” but enjoys most sports.

Click here to read Nigel’s statement of professional standing.

Craig Evans, Director, Chartered Financial Planner

Craig has worked in financial services since 1991, attained Chartered Financial Planner status in 2009 and has now achieved Fellowship of the Personal Finance Society. His advanced qualifications include investment and inheritance tax planning and specialist pensions advice.

In 2003 he joined Torquil Clark  where he forged a close working relationship with Nigel & Chris, his fellow Directors at Autonomy Wealth.

Being highly qualified and with more than two decades’ experience in delivering financial advice, Craig is well-placed to help clients understand the complexities of any financial arrangements they have and to adapt those plans as life changes. Craig works with each of his clients to establish a long-term relationship so they remain on course to achieve their aspirations. Craig believes that a good adviser knows why a client has invested, not just where.

Craig is married to Barbara. Out of the office Craig enjoys travel, the countryside, fishing and is slowly learning Turkish.

Click here to read Craig’s statement of professional standing 

Violet Hammond, Senior Financial Planner

Violet brings a wealth of experience to her role, having worked in the financial services industry since 1993, beginning her career at Royal Liver Assurance in Liverpool – a city she’s proud to call her roots.

After settling in the West Midlands and starting a young family, Violet joined a local financial planning practice and, whilst juggling family life and work, took the opportunity to qualify as a Financial Planner.

Her dedication and skill quickly saw her take on more responsibility working in technical and support areas, leading to her becoming a fully qualified Adviser in 2016 and becoming an integral part of the Autonomy Wealth team in 2024.

As one of the relatively few female financial planners in the UK, she’s passionate about making financial advice relatable and tailored to each individual. She builds strong, lasting relationships with her clients, offering empathy, support, and a clear, jargon-free approach to financial planning. Her priority is to ensure her clients feel understood, empowered, and confident about their financial futures.

Outside of work, Violet enjoys spending time with family and friends and staying active through running and countryside walks.

Click here to read Violet’s statement of professional standing.

Donna Bradburn, Technical Support Manager

Donna has worked in the financial services industry since 1999, undertaking numerous technical and paraplanning support roles at both insurance companies and IFA practices.

At Autonomy Wealth, as the Technical Support Manager, she plays a key role by assessing the latest developments in pensions and tax legislation, as well as producing personalised client research and financial plans.

Donna is qualified as a Chartered Financial Planner demonstrating her commitment to personal development and professionalism in a fast-moving and ever changing industry.

Kira Deavall, Administration Manager

Kira began her career in financial services when she joined Torquil Clark in 2011 to administer the in-house SIPP. Before that, she graduated with a first-class LLB (Hons) Law Degree from the University of Wolverhampton.

Kira joined Autonomy Wealth in 2016 and is fully involved in all areas of personal and corporate administration, including client reviews, investment transactions and fees – no two days are the same. Kira prides herself on excellent customer service and believes that clients are at the heart of everything she does. She is always on hand to offer assistance and also to provide refreshments for office visitors!

Kira holds the Certificate in Financial Services (General Route) and the Diploma in Financial Planning.

In her spare time Kira enjoys walking, days out, reading and yoga.

Jackie Malpass, Adviser Administration Support

Jackie is an experienced financial services administrator with a career spanning over a decade. She began her journey at Torquil Clark in 2011 and has remained dedicated to administrative roles, driven by a passion for continuous learning.

After 11 years with another local IFA, she rejoined familiar colleagues at Autonomy Wealth in 2025. Outside of work, Jackie is a devoted partner and mother who enjoys family adventures, National Trust outings, and gardening at a newly acquired allotment!