Mr Derek B Stewart

Derek Stewart spent more than 45 years helping people navigate the often intimidating world of financial planning. From nurses and teachers to pop stars and even an astronaut, his clients came from every walk of life - yet they all wanted the same thing: reassurance, clarity, and long-term financial security.

Known for his ability to simplify complex financial concepts and remove unnecessary jargon, Derek built his reputation on trust, empathy, and genuinely caring for the people he advised. His approach went far beyond traditional financial advice, helping clients feel calmer, more confident, and more in control of their futures.

Derek began his career at just 18 years old, joining a large financial advisory firm - his first real job. By the age of 32, he had become a board member. At 36, driven by a belief that clients deserved better service, clearer advice, and greater value, he founded his own successful financial practice.

Alongside his advisory career, Derek also established a management consultancy business that worked with major brands across the financial services sector. His insight, creativity, and ability to communicate clearly made him a highly respected voice within the industry.

Although now semi-retired, Derek felt there was one final promise to fulfil: to write the book his clients had asked for over many years - a book that removes fear, complexity, and confusion from financial planning. The result is What’s Your Number?

Derek lives in Scotland and has three children. A lifelong advocate of health and fitness, he believes physical wellbeing is an essential part of a happy retirement. An accomplished endurance runner, he has run unsupported across the Sahara Desert and through the Grand Canyon. In his free time, he enjoys training, mountain walks with his partner and their dog, and staying active outdoors.

Earlier in life, Derek was also a professionally qualified tennis coach, running one of Scotland’s national squads - an experience that helped shape the patience, encouragement, and resilience he later brought to guiding clients through life’s financial challenges.

Derek also now runs The Performance Academy for company executives to take their personal and company performance to a higher level and create high performance teams.