Finders International: 2025 Year in Review

A Year of Transformation

2025 has been a landmark year for Finders International — a year defined by bold innovation, strategic growth, and unwavering commitment to excellence in probate genealogy and estate administration.

Rebrand Launch: A Fresh Identity for a Trusted Partner

In June, we introduced a refreshed brand identity for Finders International, developed in collaboration with our design partners at Plug and Play. The new branding reflects our commitment to approachability and trust, presenting a warm, professional image that builds confidence with clients and beneficiaries while reinforcing our reputation as an empathetic leader in probate genealogy and estate administration.

As part of this evolution, we also rebuilt our website from the ground up. The new platform delivers a sleek, intuitive digital experience that makes exploring our services effortless. With optimised SEO, enhanced site architecture, and faster load times, the redesign ensures greater visibility and accessibility for users. Combined with our updated branding, the site offers a seamless journey — one that balances technical excellence with a human touch.

Strategic Growth: Delivering on Our Vision

Building on the momentum from our acquisition by Pelican Capital and the appointment of Simonne Llewellyn as CEO last year, 2025 has been about delivering on that vision — innovation, expansion, and excellence. Today, we are proud to have grown to over 150 employees, a testament to our continued success and the trust our clients place in us.

Simonne Llewellyn, CEO of Finders International, said: “This year has been transformational for Finders International. We’ve invested heavily in innovation, expanded our global reach, and strengthened our commitment to delivering exceptional service. I’m incredibly proud of what our team has achieved, and I’m excited about the future as we continue to set new standards in probate genealogy and estate administration.”

Innovation & Technology

One of our proudest achievements this year has been the development and launch of our new CRM and case management system. Built in-house by our talented tech team, this system is streamlining workflows, improving efficiency, and setting new standards for operational excellence — a true game-changer for how we manage cases and serve our clients.

We also formed a strategic partnership with LEAP Legal Software, integrating their purpose-built legal tech with our specialist probate genealogy and administration services. This collaboration enhances our ability to deliver seamless, efficient solutions for legal professionals.

Certifications & Accreditations

Our commitment to excellence, security, and sustainability is reflected in the internationally recognised standards we maintain, including ISO/IEC 27001 for Information Security, ISO 14001 for Environmental Management, ISO 9001 for Quality Management, Cyber Essentials Plus, and ICO Data Protection Registration. These accreditations demonstrate our dedication to safeguarding client data, delivering quality services, and reducing our environmental impact.

Global Reach

2025 has been a year of sustained international success. Our research has taken us to every corner of the globe, tracing heirs and reuniting families with their rightful inheritances. We traced over 16,000 beneficiaries in more than 80 countries, supported by our offices in London, Scotland, Ireland, and Australia. From Africa and Asia to Europe and the Americas, our reach continues to expand.

Case Highlights

Our work this year has uncovered remarkable stories. We traced heirs in Togo and Zambia due a combined £65,000, secured a death certificate in China, and obtained a divorce certificate in Switzerland that unlocked a deadlocked estate. In Brazil, we located a deceased’s ex-wife entitled to half a property share, and in Canada, we identified 67 heirs to a CAD$1 million estate. Each case reflects the complexity of our work and the dedication of our team.

Remarkable Cases

One standout case involved building a global family tree with over 130 beneficiaries across Ireland, Australia, the USA, and the UK. With 12 paternal and 8 maternal aunts and uncles, this case exemplifies the scale and precision of our research — and our commitment to leaving no stone unturned.

Media Highlights

Our expertise has been featured in major media stories throughout the year, including BBC Morning Live, a case study on a woman inheriting a £400k estate after believing it was a scam, and a BBC feature on empty homes in the UK. These stories highlight the real-world impact of our work and the trust families and professionals place in us.

Awards & Recognition

We are honoured to have received industry recognition in 2025. At the Modern Law Magazine Private Client Awards, we won the Business Growth category and were shortlisted for Supporting the Industry (26+ Employees). At The Probate Industry Awards, we were named UK Probate Research Firm of the Year and received Story of the Year. We were also shortlisted for multiple categories at the British Wills & Probate Awards and the Scottish Legal Awards, underscoring our leadership and innovation.

Community & Charity

Giving back is at the heart of what we do. This year, we supported AtaLoss and the Irish Hospice Foundation as our charities of the year, raising £610 through team fundraising efforts. We are proud to contribute to organisations that make a real difference in people’s lives.

Events & Engagement

Our engagement with the community has never been stronger. We attended 70 sponsored events and hosted 13 of our own, connecting with private client and public sector audiences. The Finders Development Hub continues to grow, now boasting over 3,000 members — a vibrant network for sharing expertise and building meaningful relationships.

Looking Ahead to 2026

As we close the chapter on 2025, we do so with immense pride in what we’ve achieved and excitement for what lies ahead. This has been a year of transformation, innovation, and growth — and it’s only the beginning. Thank you to our clients, partners, and team members for making this year possible. Here’s to an even brighter 2026!