Palmes Advisory Group is a discreet, principal-led advisory firm serving ultra-high-net-worth individuals, family offices and select institutions. We specialise in strategic counsel, cross-border advisory and private capital partnerships across Europe, the Gulf and North America – working closely with sovereign, government and market-leading private sector partners. Our approach is defined by trust, long-term alignment and a nuanced understanding of complex family and investment dynamics.
Our expertise enables leaders in governments, investments funds, corporations and family offices to bridge gaps between markets and decision-makers in the most efficient manner possible.
Palmes Advisory is highly selective about who we work with, ensuring our clients’ offerings add value desired by the region. Leveraging deep subject matter expertise with a regional network of the most influential leaders in government and the private sector, we consistently deliver insights and strategies for our clients that enable them to maximise their impact and returns.
Sensitive to cultural mores and business practices, we combine our values and commitment to the long-term growth of the region, by devoting our assets and expertise to supporting the firms that will build the economies and industries of the future. We are proud to have enabled such a diverse variety of positive impact projects, transactions and partnerships.
Our evolved understanding of cultural sensitivities and differing legal and political environments enables us to chart a path to long-term engagements for clients, delivering their growth objectives while avoiding potential pitfalls in establishing their footprint and relationships in the region.
Meet the core team
Oliver Renwick
Oliver founded Palmes Advisory in 2014 and has since led its growth from inception into a discreet and influential strategic advisory firm. He continues to oversee the business today, with a particular focus on its practices serving ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWI), family office Principals and clients navigating geopolitical and strategic inflexion points.
Oliver works at the intersection of public and private capital, advising senior political figures, sovereign entities, global investors and commercial leaders. He has consistently unlocked transformational opportunities for clients by capitalising on the dynamic growth potential of EMEA markets, with a particular emphasis on inward foreign direct investment (FDI) into the UAE and broader Gulf region. His efforts have helped channel both capital and credibility into critical regional initiatives.
Deeply versed in the political, commercial and cultural dynamics of both the UK and the Gulf, Oliver has served in formal and informal advisory roles to government entities in both regions – including over a decade of experience advising the UAE Government on strategic initiatives.
Oliver is known for his ability to advance client positioning in complex and high-stakes environments. His work is informed by a nuanced understanding of regional sensitivities, geopolitical dynamics and the priorities of both Western and Middle Eastern audiences. He has particular strength in navigating cross-border UHNW engagement and investor alignment across sectors and jurisdictions. He holds a degree in Politics from Durham University.
Harrison Layden-Fritz
Harrison works across Palmes Advisory’s Geopolitical, Family Office and Strategic Advisory clients, with a particular focus on supporting our ultra-high-net-worth individual (UHNWI) vertical.
He brings experience working with senior leadership in the Gulf, having previously been part of one of the region’s leading government advisory firms. There, he supported principals on strategy, communications and policy matters, often in complex environments and gained exposure to a broad range of public and private sector issues.
Harrison combines strong research and analytical skills with a clear focus on stakeholder engagement and communication. He works directly with clients and partners to support strategic positioning, drawing on his ability to interpret complex developments and convey insight in a clear and relevant way.
He holds a degree in International Relations from the University of Leeds, with a focus on UK, European and MENA politics and is based between the UK and UAE.
Julie Banks Thompson
Julie oversees Operations at Palmes Advisory and serves as Executive Assistant to the Group’s Founder and Managing Director, Oliver Renwick.
She brings extensive experience supporting senior leaders across both government and the private sector. Her previous roles include serving as Senior Parliamentary Assistant to two British Members of Parliament and as Private Personal Assistant to a high-net-worth Peer and their family office. In each setting, she has demonstrated a strong ability to manage complex, fast-paced environments while ensuring the smooth running of day-to-day operations.
Julie is skilled in strategic coordination, planning and oversight, and has worked with a wide range of counterparts across the UK and internationally. She is known for her discretion, adaptability and ability to bridge cultural and professional contexts with ease.
Julie spent several years living in the Middle East and is now based in the UK.