Why culture matters (and why clients should care)

We asked ACT representatives why clients should care about company culture

There is a material risk to investors when investing in a company without understanding its culture and alignment with their own values.

We asked representatives from ACT Signatories and the Stewardship Council to share why culture matters, and why clients should care.

• Debbie Clarke, non-executive director: “Clients generally want to deal with asset managers who are transparent, have integrity and really want to create the best outcomes for clients.”

• David Coombs, head of multi-asset investments at Rathbones Asset Management: “If we can differentiate ourselves in the way that we look after the people that work for us and around us, I think that gives us an edge; it makes us real, and it fosters trust."

• Jo Holden, global head of investment research & consulting at Mercer: "Asset owners want longevity of relationship with asset managers, and the thing that generates those long-term relationships is an alignment of culture."

• Erich Gerth, CEO at RBC Bluebay Asset Management: "Clients should care about corporate culture, because it is fundamental and sits below everything else we do."

• Rose Vangerven, CEO at Findlay Park Partners LLP: "[Clients] are buying into us as an investment team and as a management team... the interaction, the collaboration, the culture, it's part of our value-add, it's part of our USP. If you don't believe in that, don't buy us. And if you do believe in that, we'd love to be long term partners with you."

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