Paul has been in the industry for over 25 years, working in Private Wealth and Wholesale Retail before moving into institutional investment. Paul is now the EMEA Delegated Chief Investment Officer for Aon Investments, manging the investment portfolios for Corporate Defined Benefit Pensions Schemes, Charities, Endowments and Insurance clients.

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

I am fundamentally investing in people and the trustworthiness of the relationships I build. A strong and ethical corporate culture is not just a "nice to have"; it is essential for the long-term success of investment teams. A positive culture helps teams identify the best investment ideas and, even more importantly, manage risk effectively. Culture starts at the top, with leadership setting the tone, but it must be lived by every employee. An open, honest, and ethical environment ensures that everyone feels supported in doing the right thing. While I can delegate tasks, I cannot delegate the responsibility I hold to my clients. When allocating assets, I need to be confident that the teams I entrust with capital share these high standards and values.

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

Over the years, I have had the privilege of working alongside some of the brightest and most principled individuals in our industry, but I have also witnessed poor behaviours that can undermine client trust and damage our reputation as a whole. Our work has a real impact: we help people achieve their financial goals and improve their retirement outcomes. That positive impact is only possible if clients have faith in our integrity. It is therefore essential for all financial professionals to set and uphold the highest standards of stewardship and behaviour. By doing so, we protect our clients’ interests and help restore and maintain trust in the industry.

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

I am fully aligned with ACT’s mission and values, so joining the Stewardship Council was an easy decision. After engaging in thoughtful discussions with Bev and Mandy, I became even more convinced that my experience and perspective could add value to ACT’s work. Personally, serving on the Council is an opportunity to help drive positive change in our industry, raising standards and ensuring that stewardship and ethical behaviour remain at the forefront of our collective agenda. It is both a responsibility and a privilege to contribute in this way.