About Us
Find out more about Astute and our dedicated team of expert financial advisers ready to help with your mortgage, pension, will writing and more.

About Astute
With advisers that have more than 100 years’ collective experience, our firm offers an impartial and personalised approach to Independent Financial Advice.
As independent financial advisers we are not owned, affiliated with or tied to any financial services product provider which ensures we are able to provide you with fully independent and unbiased financial advice. Astute Financial and Mortgage Advisers Ltd is directly authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (Number 811049).
Many of our clients have been with our individual advisers for over 20 years, and they have recommended their friends, family and colleagues to us.
We enjoy close working relationships with businesses that offer services which are of benefit to our clients, including Solicitors and Estate Agents in the local area.
After a free initial consultation, you may decide to instruct us to work on your behalf on a commission or fee basis.
Our team
Meet our team of dedicated Financial Advisers.
Steve Innocent
Financial adviser
Steve has worked in financial services for 30 years and is one of our directors. Specialising in pension advice, he achieved chartered status in 2014. Steve was born in Sheffield but has lived locally for over 40 years, and when Steve isn’t watching the stock markets, you’ll find him playing his guitar.
Paul Bollands
Financial Adviser
Having started in financial services straight from college, Paul has 20 years’ experience as a financial and mortgage adviser and is our joint director. A family man, Paul spends most of his time with his wife and two young children and enjoys the occasional game of squash.
Michelle Fletcher
Mortgage Supervisor
Originally from Sunderland (and still a supporter!), Michelle worked for the national company YourMove and a local independent firm and brings a wealth of experience with her. Michelle has a financial adviser diploma and is supervisor of the Mortgage Team.
Steve Sanderson
FINANCIAL ADVISER
Steve has worked in financial services since 1987 and has been an Independent Financial Adviser since 1992. He is a member of the IFS School of Finance by Diploma. Steve has been advising his clients for many years, but on a weekend enjoys long rides on his motorbike.
Chris Snowdon
MORTGAGE ADVISER
Chris has worked in financial services since 2004. He was previously with Barclays, where he progressed through various roles including Premier Mortgage Adviser. He started with Astute in June 2019. Chris was born and raised in Stockton on Tees and is a Middlesbrough supporter. He is married with two young children.
Interested in our financial adviser services?
Get in touch today to find out how we can help you.