Stephen Harper
Profile Verified by The Marque
Last Updated: 22 Sep 2026
Founder
Cheltenham, GB
Profile Verified by The Marque
Last Updated: 22 Sep 2026
THE MARQUE
In Their Own Right
Biography
Stephen Harper is a highly experienced financial services entrepreneur and business leader, and the founder of Attivo.
Motivated to act in his clients’ best interests and delivering the best financial solution available from the whole of the market, Stephen established Attivo in 2005, with the firm evolving into the highly respected Chartered, genuinely independent, Lifestyle Financial Planning business. He has led the business, raised shareholder funds, and negotiated the mergers and acquisitions.
Stephen believes that Lifestyle Financial Planning is a far superior approach to a financial planning client service proposition, and that this makes Attivo stand out from other typically transactional financial advice firms.
Headquartered in Cheltenham, with offices across England and Wales, Attivo specialises in providing comprehensive Lifestyle Financial Planning and tax planning advice to both individuals and businesses. Areas of expertise include pensions, investments, retirement, tax and estate planning, mortgages, and protection. Stephen’s vision for Attivo was to create a truly independent financial planning business, supported by technically and professionally qualified Financial Planners.
Attivo has successfully acquired more than 40 independent financial advice companies, solidifying its position as a market leader in acquisitions and integration in the sector. The firm’s commitment to excellence is reflected in its Chartered and Pension Specialist Gold Standard status and the focus on training and professional development for its employees through the Attivo Academy.
Stephen’s journey in financial services began more than three decades ago with a company called Pioneer Mutual, Prior to that he moved from a nine-year career as a Royal Navy engineer where he became one of the youngest Chief Marine Engineers in the Royal Navy at that time.
The Record
Background
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2021 — Present
Founder
Attivo Group
Attivo is a privately owned, Independent, Chartered Financial Planning and Occupational Pension Specialist providing financial planning advice to private and corporate clients in investments, retirement, tax, and estate planning. Headquartered in Cheltenham, Attivo also have offices in Mayfair London, Leeds, Liverpool, Darlington, Havant and Cardiff.
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2005 — 2021
Chief Executive
Attivo Group
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1980 — 1990
Royal Navy
Stephen joined the Royal Navy at the age of 16 and became one of the youngest Chief Marine Engineers in the Navy at 22. Britain's naval warfare force, with a history that stretches back to the 16th century, plays a crucial role in protecting the country's interests at sea, deterring aggression, and supporting international peacekeeping efforts.
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1998 — 2005
Managing Director & Independent Financial Planner
Attivo Financial Planning Ltd.
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1992 — 1997
Executive Business Manager
Royal & Sun Alliance
Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance plc (RSA) is a British multinational general insurance company. It is one of the world's longest-standing insurance firms, offering a wide range of insurance products and services to individuals and businesses across various countries.
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1989 — 1992
Branch Manager
Swiss Pioneer Life
Swiss Pioneer Life was an insurance company that provided life insurance policies, including Whole of Life and Investment plans for individuals.
In The News
Newsfeed
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21 April 2026 · Citywire
We must stop ‘dumbing down’ advice sector - Attivo's Harper
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15 December 2025 · Citywire
Attivo migrates £1bn in a week to new in-house platform
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7 August 2025 · Bromsgrove Advertiser
Worcestershire CCC: Josh Baker Foundation honoured on shirt
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16 April 2025
A FINANCIAL planning firm has become a principal partner of Worcestershire County Cricket Club
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14 February 2025 · So Glos
'What Cheltenham Festivals does for the community is enormous' — Attivo shares value of partnershi
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9 January 2025 · Citywire
Attivo partners with SEI to launch MPS ranges
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22 June 2024
Attivo Kick Off Summer Event With Jonny Wilkinson
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19 April 2024
Women’s Rapids announce major partnership with Attivo
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28 November 2023 · FT Adviser
Attivo partners with Global Returns Project to enhance planning process
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11 October 2023 · Citywire
Jonny Wilkinson tackles financial planning with Attivo tie-up
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In Frame
Gallery
Areas Of Focus