frequently asked questions

  • The ACT Standard of Corporate Culture is a framework enabling investment firms to be transparent about their culture, which in turn helps investors to assess culture, governance and risk in a comparable way.

  • No. ACT offers a structured framework of actions and progress to transparently reflect on a firm’s culture. Rather than ranking or rating, ACT focuses on transparency and improvement, which is specific to each firm.

    ACT prioritises fostering greater engagement and transparency with clients, rather than asking for a single "correct" approach. Responses should focus on firm actions and their drivers.

  • Yes. ACT is designed as a global standard. As ACT is completed through the Door platform, firms of any size or location can be part of it.

  • Yes. The ACT Framework applies whether a large firm or a boutique, with all firms able to provide narrative context on their corporate culture.

    Signatory fees are calculated according to a firm’s AUM, so it can be accessible to firms of all sizes. 

  • ACT examines behaviour, governance and culture and how these relate to firm practice and client delivery.

    The ACT Framework encourages transparency, reflection, and progress in these areas. This can include thinking about areas including sustainability, inclusion and equity, or mental health and wellbeing. 

    ACT does not promote specific behaviours or penalise firms , it emphasises the relational alignment on culture and values between investment companies and their clients.

  • ACT asks firms to back up their claims with responses and evidence. This gives professional investors a clearer picture of whether firms are genuinely embedding values like sustainability, ESG and good stewardship into their DNA.

How is ACT governed?

  • ACT is guided by our Stewardship Council, which comprises cross-industry experts who ensure the framework remains practical, and aligned with current industry needs. The Stewardship Council also provides insight into their own practices and expectations around transparency and accountability. This informs the research and thought leadership that we create and supports the networking building we are delivering.

    The Global Leadership Council provides strategic input and insight to guide and support ACT’s expansion on a global scale. 

  • ACT has been developed by City Hive, with input from investment industry professionals and is governed by our independent Stewardship Council. Its membership is clearly stated on our website.

    We work collaboratively with organisations across the investment ecosystem.

  • If a signatory’s conduct is brought into question, we will address this on a case-by-case basis which may involve engagement with a firm.  The role of ACT is not to determine which firms or actions are good or bad, and is not a guarantee or hallmark of perfect culture. ACT reflects a commitment to improvement, transparency and accountability.

How to use it?

  • Door is a due diligence platform that holds a track record of responses input by firms. Using Door means that asset managers can complete the framework digitally, to easily update it and to share the information widely with multiple clients.

    Professional investors can access responses to the ACT Framework in a single standardised place, be notified of changes made by reporting firms that are sharing their information, compare content between managers, and be well versed of how asset managers are incorporating changes and supporting the wider industry.

  • No. Any signatory firm can report to ACT via Door free of charge, and can also share information with any clients regardless of whether either party is subscribed to Door.

  • With stakeholder pressure and frameworks like Consumer Duty, SDR, and updated governance codes, investment companies have experienced increasing focus by clients and regulators on how firms operate, not just the products they offer.

    Recognising that there is pressure on firms from a number of reporting frameworks, ACT has been designed to provides a clear and structured way for firms to demonstrate their corporate culture. Being a Signatory demonstrates an understanding that their clients must consider firm culture when assessing risk and values alignment.

    ACT can also demonstrate trustworthiness, governance, and firm-wide values — especially in response to increasing scrutiny and regulatory expectations.

    In a relationship-driven industry, transparency builds trust. Firms with strong culture attract better talent, enjoy better product delivery and have lower reputational risk.

    And firms that cannot clearly articulate and evidence their culture risk losing credibility, client mandates, and long-term trust.

  • ACT gives manager research teams, fund buyers and professional investors access to structured information and evidence to guide the investment decision making process. 

    Professional investors and manager researchers can also join The ACT Collective, which gives members skills and resources to analyse data and support more robust decision making. This includes:

    • Access to resources, and practical tools designed to support analytical process

    • Free access to ACT Academy events that help professionals build new capabilities, strengthen their understanding, and explore fresh ideas

    • An opportunity to amplify their voice and build meaningful connections. 

    •  A stronger voice in demanding transparency and accountability from clients whilst also positively impacting the industry.   

  • It is expected that ACT data is updated annually. Signatories often opt to update sections of their reporting at a more frequent rate, as they become clearer about the nuances of their corporate culture that can be communicated through their own narrative, and where they are implementing relevant internal actions.

    Door issues notifications to clients subscribed to ACT reporting when firms update their disclosures.