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Asset management

A global leader

The UK's offer

  • The largest centre for asset management outside the US
  • £11 trillion of assets under management
  • Pioneers of sustainable and responsible investing - a key future trend for global asset managers
  • A truly international market: 44% (£4.2tn) of assets under management are managed for overseas investors

Ideally placed to manage money

Spanning the trading hours of all the world's major financial centres, the UK is the world's biggest asset management centre outside the US, benefiting from a large and diverse pool of talent and significant numbers of domestic and international investors. Based on assets under management, the UK is bigger than the next three largest European countries combined. The UK has created a favourable environment for investment on the back of its commitment to the sector, close industry collaboration and encouragement of innovation. 

 

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The IMP+ACT Classification System (ICS)

The IMP+ACT Classifcation System (ICS) makes it easy to compare different investment products on their environmental and social impact. This innovative technology platform has been created, in collaboration with industry, as a practical tool to accelerate progress towards mainstreaming sustainable investing in the UK and beyond.

Read more

The UK is a top choice for international investors 

Almost half (44%) of total assets managed in the UK are managed on behalf of overseas clients.

40% of assets held by UK fund managers are managed on behalf of overseas investors.

£11tn

assets under management

in the UK - second only to the US

37%

of all European assets

are managed in the UK, significantly more than any other European country

£690m

assets are managed in Scotland

equivalent to 7% of UK total assets.

44%

of UK fund management assets

are managed on behalf of overseas investors

What does the UK offer asset managers?

An unrivalled access to top talent, proximity to clients and major global companies and a world-leading financial centre.

Watch our recent interview with Schroders and Ninety One to hear from both financial institutions about the opportunities available in the private asset and public markets for international investors.

International reach

The UK is a pre-eminent asset management centre for global investors with £4.2tn managed on behalf of overseas clients

International reach

A deep talent pool

In London alone, 31,900 people work in the asset management sector

A deep talent pool

Big corporates on your doorstep

Many global companies have their European headquarters in London

Big corporates on your doorstep

Europe's biggest asset management centre

The Investment Association's Asset Management Survey shows that the UK remains Europe’s biggest Asset Management centre, and that European clients continue to account for the majority (58%) of its overseas client assets. The UK’s share of the European market is larger than the combined total of France, Germany and Switzerland.

Find out more from the IA's survey

Pioneering sustainable investment

Global assets under management incorporating environmental, social and governance mandates grew to $35.3 trillion in early 2020, a 15% increase since 2018, reflecting a long-term, and significant trend in the asset management industry.

The UK became the first major economy to legislate a cut in greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050, followed recently by a new 2035 target for 78% emissions reduction from 1990 levels. Moreover, UK’s monthly fund figures showed responsible investment funds receiving a net retail inflow of £1.6 billion, with responsible AuM standing at £72 billion. 

Leading ESG in Europe

The rate at which environmental, social and governance factors influence investment decisions has grown by 76% in the UK compared with 60% in Europe overall

Leading ESG in Europe

Integrating sustainability

UK asset managers vote on more assets on sustainability grounds than any other European country - €2.84 trillion.

Integrating sustainability

Partner Story

China International Capital Corporation

China International Capital Corporation

Partner Story

Aberdeen Standard Investments

Aberdeen Standard Investments

Partner Story

BNP Paribas

BNP Paribas

Partner story

Smart Pension

Smart Pension

See more Case Studies

"London is a magnet to companies and international banks seeking to sell their products and services across the EU – its role, global influence and diversity are unmatched by any other city. It is an excellent centre from which to expand our EMEA presence more broadly, and our interaction with North America."

Xinhan Xia, Chief Executive of China International Capital Corporation UK China International Capital Corporation

Everything you need

The UK offers you everything you need to grow your business.

We have a global outlook, which means we understand your business needs. The depth and breadth of our offer mean unparalleled opportunities for you to grow. Innovation is what we do - creating an inspirational ecosystem where you can thrive. 

Choose the UK

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