Transact co-founder and former chief executive Ian Taylor has died at the age of 58.
He died peacefully on 17 October after a short illness and is survived by wife Frances and three children Patrick, Elizabeth and Annie.
He co-founded platform business Transact in 1999 with Michael Howard, becoming chief executive in 2002 and leading the company for 19 years – including through its IPO in April 2018.
Taylor stepped down as chief executive in 2020, and retired in February 2021.
Jonathan Gunby, Transact chief executive, said: “We are, all, desperately saddened by the news of Ian’s passing. Our condolences and thoughts at this time are with Frances, Patrick, Elizabeth, Annie and their wider family.
“Ian was a true innovator and a giant of the industry, who leaves behind a legacy of a transformed world for financial advisers. He will be greatly missed, not least for his razor sharp sense of humour.”
A well-known and highly regarded figure, Taylor’s passing has prompted a flurry of condolences and comments on social media from industry friends and former colleagues.
Ed Dymott, managing director, wealth at Benchmark Capital, described the news as “devastating”, adding that “Ian was a legend in our industry, a true innovator, but he also had the sharpest of minds, was incredible fun company but had huge time for everyone”.
“I first met Ian probably 20 years ago – and found him terrifying. His infinite knowledge of everything about platforms, his focus on doing the right thing for Mrs Miggins, and his relentless focus on making Transact the very best service in our industry was incredible. To this date the fact that Transact is still the Benchmark that other platforms aspire to is testament to the legacy he has created.”
Nucleus Financial said Taylor was “one of the early drivers and champions of our sector and we’re all the better for his wisdom and leadership”.
Boring Money founder and managing director Holly Mackay wrote: “Sad to hear that Transact founder, maverick, bearded rebel and agent of change Ian Taylor has passed away. I enjoyed verbal sparring with him. Few people make lasting change on the space they move in. He really did. Thoughts with his family.”
Octo founder and CEO Lee Robertson added: “Much will be, rightly, said about Ian. His wit, intellect, commitment to supporting the planning profession, his drive to make platforms better and continually improve and deliver for both advisers and their clients.
“He was a man of generosity of spirit and I always enjoyed being in his company. The practice I owned were very early adopters of Transact so I had the opportunity to learn from him for many years.”
See also: Ian Taylor bids farewell to Transact after more than two decades
This story originated on our sister publication, International Adviser.
