Q1. Why is corporate culture becoming more important to you when deciding who you allocate assets to? 

Culture has always formed a significant part of our manager assessment, it's key for retaining talent and fostering strong decision making.  Our clients also want to develop long term relationships with asset managers, and in my experience, alignment of culture between asset owners and asset managers is a key driver when it comes to longevity in that sense.

Q2. In your view, why is it important to set a higher standard of stewardship and behaviour within the investment industry?

If we want to attract and retain the best talent, if we want to foster an environment where innovation thrives, then people have to enjoy coming to work.  I think it’s as simple as that.

Q3. Why did you decide to sit on the ACT Stewardship Council and what does it mean to you personally?

I think the ACT initiative represents a pragmatic way of raising standards without being overly prescriptive.  There is no boxing ticking – no sense of completing the assessment, getting a gold star and feeling as though the job is done.  Encouraging asset managers to self assess, to evolve in a way that reflects their own aspirations and at their own speed where culture is concerned, and giving them a tool to discuss and engage with asset owners is a very healthy approach I think.

On a personal level, I would love to be able to showcase the improvements that our industry has made and will continue to make, and being asked to sit on the Stewardship Council provides an opportunity to be involved with that.