Weekly Market Intelligence - November 22, 2025: November 2025:The Month Trust Services Changed Forever
What Happened This Week
Between November 15-22, 2025, three simultaneous forces converged to fundamentally restructure the trust and fiduciary services sector:
1. PE-Driven Consolidation at Premium Valuations
GTCR acquired Fiduciary Trust Company ($34B AUM, 98% client retention) while Edward Jones Canada executed its first-ever acquisition. The message: PE firms will pay premium multiples—but only for operational excellence.
2. Regulatory Enforcement Exposes Industry Vulnerability
TMF Group's £130K fine for AML failures demonstrates that even global leaders face compliance risk.
3. Technology Investment Becomes Mandatory
UK Companies House identity verification requirements force £3.5M technology investment over 36 months—creating an unbridgeable gap for mid-tier firms.