Meet the team : Amber Financial Planning

Meet The Team

“The strength of the team is every single one of us, the strength of every single one of us is the team”

Strong relationships, bespoke solutions and strategic direction

Your perspective is our reality, at Amber Financial Planning, our mission is to help you live the life you want, by assisting you in making smart financial choices through uncompromising integrity, trust, and personalised service. We inspire, motivate and teach people how to gain better control and understanding of their finances and transform their relationship with money.

We take time to understand what you want out of life and what is important to you and your family. Nothing matters more to us than helping you enjoy a better future, safe in the knowledge that your finances are sorted. Our ethos is long term forward planning, rather than a quick fix and we focus solely on personal lifestyle goals, rather than being product driven. We help you maximise the value of your investments, plan your future and protect what is most important.

Our source of our success is the commitment to building strong relationships, providing transparency, strategic direction and delivering a highly professional and bespoke solutions. We put your life goals at the heart of everything we do.

But don't just take our word for it, see what our customers say about us »

Meet The Team

John Fissenden Manager Director Amber Wealth

John Fissenden

Managing Director

When I formed Amber in 1998 my main aim was to treat my clients, as I would my family - by really listening to both their worries and their dreams, before helping them plan their way forward with financial planning that was tailored just for them. No product push or false promises, just smart efficient advice and planning that would help them realise their goals and give them peace of mind. Nothing since then has changed - it is the DNA of everything we do.

Most people would describe me a family man, who enjoys spending time at home with my three lovely ladies, wife Paula, daughter Amber, who the company is named after and four-legged Beau. When not in the office or at home, you are guaranteed to find me out socialising with friends, on the golf course, shooting, travelling, at sporting or charity events. Set me a crazy challenge for a good cause and I will not only get involved, raise money, but persevere and do the best I possibly can.

Advisory

Kurt McSweeney acSales Director & Senior<br> Financial Plannermber Wealth

Kurt McSweeney

Sales Director & Senior
Financial Planner

About me

Having been in Financial Services for over a decade, I have found a passion for helping clients to understand, formulate and journey through their financial planning to achieve their short- & longer-term goals; whether this be financial protection, tax and/or retirement planning, care fees & inheritance tax planning to name a few.

When not working, I enjoy spending time with my wife Amy & son Milo. I love to travel & I try to keep busy with a number of hobbies & taking part in events for charity such as Triathlons, marathons and even a high-altitude trek to Everest base camp.

David PersonaInvestment Director & Senior Financial Plannerealth

David Rees

Investment Director & Senior Financial Planner

About me

I started my career in financial services in 2005 after graduating from the University of Nottingham in Economics and Geography, following successful roles in Leeds and London, which led me to Amber Wealth. I advise in areas of wealth management, pensions, divorces, trusts and inheritance taxes and hold Chartered and Fellowship status of the CII – the highest accolades in our industry. For me, it is all about clients and understanding their needs, helping them to live the life they want.

Outside of work, I try to spend as much time as I can with my lovely wife Juliet and our young daughters Olivia and Megan. If I have any free time, I am a sports addict, having previously played rugby and cricket until injury forced me to retire, I have turned my hand to golf, but retain my love for rugby by coaching at Bicester RUFC

John Tabbinor, pFinancial Planneraraplanner at Amber Wealth

John Tabbinor

Financial Planner

About me

I began my financial services career in January 2010 when I joined an investment platform (Alliance Trust Savings) in my home town of Dundee. After 4 years of learning the ins and outs of how a platform works, I relocated to Bristol to become a Paraplanner - a fairly big decision as I didn't know anyone down south, but I do love a good challenge! It is worth noting, as I often get asked - 'what is Paraplanning?!... the answer is, broadly speaking, working closely with Financial Advisers to provide technical, analytical and administrative support. From 2014 to present, I have worked as a Paraplanner/ Senior Paraplanner and been involved in most areas of financial planning, from pensions and investments to protection/ insurance and Trusts.

I relocated to Oxfordshire in Spring 2021 and joined Amber a few months later as a Paraplanner/ Trainee Adviser, with the intention of taking the next step in my career. In terms of qualifications, I graduated from the University of Dundee with a Degree in Economics and Marketing. I also hold the CII Certificate in Paraplanning and the CII Diploma in Financial Planning along with an MA (Hons) DipPFS in Financial Planning, achieving Chartered Status.

When not in work, I can usually be found with my wonderful partner and/ or running around after our mischievous wee puppy, Archie the Cavapoo. I also enjoy keeping active, particularly running and the gym when I get a chance to do so, and I am super passionate about the importance of mental health.

Paul Chesson Financial Plannerat amber

Paul Chesson

Financial Planner

About me

After working for over 20 years as a fund manager responsible for Japanese portfolios, I wanted to be closer to the most important point of contact in the industry; the individual client, whose needs are about so much more than investment alone.

The challenges and rewards come from being able to have a bird’s eye view of the whole financial services industry, and make it work for individuals and their families. After gaining my level 4 diploma, I was delighted to be able to find a business-like Amber that sets the very highest standards.

In my spare time, I have usually got a violin under my chin, or a bass guitar over my shoulder.

Adam Rogers Financial Planner at Amber Wealth

Adam Rogers

Financial Planner

About me

I first ventured into Financial Services in 2004 as part of a University work placement. Then after graduating from Plymouth Business School, I headed back into the Independent Advice market - and I have stayed ever since!

As a Financial Adviser I enjoy getting to know clients in order to best solve their financial problems. I like to keep advice simple, and often use the phrase “Begin with the End in Mind”. After working for both large and small firms I joined Amber in 2024 at an exciting stage of their expansion.

In 2020 I moved to Warwickshire. I have a daughter called Felicity and a crazy cocker spaniel named Dolly. In my spare time I like to play golf, although I am terrible at it, but please get in touch if you would like a round!

Emma Horwood, pEquity Release, Mortgage & Protection AdviserAmber Wealth

Emma Horwood

Equity Release, Mortgage & Protection Adviser

About me

I began my mortgage advising journey in 2002 and became qualified in 2007. I work in all areas of mortgages from buying your very first home, home movers to upsize/downsize, re-mortgaging and experienced landlords. I have always adapted myself to my clients' knowledge, so they always fully know what is happening, each and every step of the way, in this ever-changing world of mortgages and interest rates.

I feel very privileged to receive many recommendations from my existing clients as they have been happy with the service that they have received. I am extremely proud of my career progression, and I am always looking to add further qualifications in the mortgage industry. I have recently added "Equity Release Advice" to my qualifications.

Being a mother of adult children, I now get lots of free time, so I have now replaced my children with my beautiful, cheeky 3 Cypriot rescue dogs, who are more than happy to spend time with their Mum, strolling through the open fields living the life they deserve.

Jasmine Abel - Associate Paraplanner, Amber Wealth

Jasmine Abel

Associate Planner

About me

My career in financial services started in 2019, supporting investment managers alongside the completion of a Level 3 Apprenticeship in Business Administration. Following this, I had a change of direction within the industry and pursued a role in financial planning administration. Continuing my studies, I progressed into paraplanning, working closely with financial planners to achieve our client’s goals. Outside of work, I love to travel and experience different cultures around the world.

Technical

Jasmine Abel - Associate Paraplanner, Amber Wealth

Emma Wardle

Technical Lead

About me

I began my career in financial services in 2006 in retail banking. After 5 years I took a break from financial services before returning in 2014, this time in the financial advisory sector. I began my studies, achieving my regulated financial diploma in 2016 and later my advance financial diploma and Chartered status. Throughout my career, I have worked in many different areas including advising and mortgages, although no matter which area I have focused on my love for technical financial planning has always been at the forefront. In 2025 I joined Amber, taking the decision to step back from day to day advising and following my passion for technical planning as part of their technical team. Outside of work, my partner and I have a passion for walking and can regularly be found walking the hills of Oxfordshire and further afield. More recently joined by our new cocker spaniel, Albus, who is keen to take up every moment of spare time we have!

Alex Stephenson - Technical Analyst, Amber Wealth

Alex Stephenson

Technical Analyst

About me

I joined the financial services industry in 2021 after completing my Level 4 Diploma. Since then, I have worked in a variety of technical roles across several firms while continuing to develop my expertise and work towards Chartered Status, which I achieved in August 2025. Outside of work, I enjoy travelling and recently returned from spending four months exploring Southeast Asia. I'm also a keen golfer and try to play as often as possible, although there's still plenty of room for improvement.

John Hopkins - Technical Analyst, Amber Wealth

John Hopkins

Technical & Operations Analyst

About me

Having graduated from the University of Bristol in History, I started my financial services career in 2019 at a local firm in Taunton. From there, I obtained valuable experience in financial planning as well as operations as I moved onto London and Henley-on-Thames-based firms, achieving DIP FPS status and joining Amber Wealth in 2025.

Away from work, I love to travel with my partner, Marina, play as many sports as I can, such as squash, swimming, running and hockey and am hoping to take part in the Blenheim triathlon next year.

Abby Green - Associate Technical Analyst, Amber Wealth

Abby Green

Associate Technical Analyst

About me

After graduating from university in 2023 with an honours degree in Accounting and Finance, I began pursuing a career in financial planning. Having previously worked within the Business Support team, I have progressed into the Technical Team, where I continue to develop my knowledge and expertise while working towards my CII Diploma. Away from work, I enjoy spending time with my dog and taking her on walks through the countryside. I also love to travel and explore new places both across the UK and abroad!

Business & Administrative Support

Jan Cherry - Head of Business support, Amber Wealth

Jane Cherry

Head of Business support

About me

I joined Amber in 2006 as a mortgage adviser and I am now responsible for the smooth running of our office. It is delicate balancing act, keeping everyone happy and making tough decisions to keep the office functioning. What I love most about my job, is to develop strong long-term relationships with clients, acting as liaison between clients and other team members.

I supervise the workflow and support fellow team members, promoting best practice within the business. Prior to joining Amber, I worked for a High Street Bank for over 20 years in various roles, including Mortgage Advice and Branch Management.

Married with two children, I enjoy spending time with the people I care about; traveling, eating out, cinema, theatre and entertaining at home.

Megan Whitehead - Business Support, Amber Wealth

Megan Whitehead

Business Support

About me

After leaving school, I studied Health and Social Care at college. Began my career working as a Nursery Nurse where I studied to become an Early Years Teacher. After 6 years, I decided I wanted a career change and started a new role working as a Medical Secretary at the John Radcliffe Hospital.

In 2022, I welcomed my beautiful daughter Mabel into the world. Fast forward several months and with maternity ending, I began working for Amber Wealth as an Administrator. I am looking forward expanding my knowledge, diving deeper into the financial planning world over the upcoming years and supporting the team and our clients. Outside of work I enjoy spending time with family and friends, keeping fit and exploring new places.

Abby Gree - Business Support, Amber Wealth

Nikki Wheeler

Business Support

About me

I began my finance career in retail banking, where I built strong customer relationships and gained a good knowledge of the finance sector. I fancied a change after 17 years and moved into administration. I enjoy coming to work and take pride in helping support the team with our clients. Outside of work I love spending time with my Nephew and going to music concerts.

Accountant

Wendy McMillan - accountant, Amber Wealth

Wendy McMillan

Accountant

About me

I joined Amber in 2016 as a financial accountant and thoroughly enjoy interacting with clients, efficiently managing their tax affairs, helping them to conceive goals, plan how to achieve them and then take the necessary steps.

Married to my charming husband, we enjoy travelling. You really only get to know a place, if you see it through the eyes of the people who live there. I relax doing needlepoint or reading a good book or three.

Contact us today

Our team of highly committed professional advisers and accountants are passionate about helping you achieve your financial goals. See how we can help.

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