The UK is a world leader in asset management

The UK's offer

The largest centre for asset management outside the US
£8.5 trillion of assets under management
Pioneers of sustainable and responsible investing - a key future trend for global asset managers
A truly international market: over a third of assets under management are managed for overseas investors

Leading global centre for asset management

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, benefitting 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.

The UK is a top choice for international investors

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

£8.5tn

assets under management

in the UK - second only to the US

38%

of all European assets

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

23%

of assets managed by UK firms

are managed by firms based in Scotland - it is a UK-wide industry

34%

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.

International reach

The UK is a pre-eminent asset management centre for global investors with £3.1tn managed on behalf of overseas clients

A deep talent pool

In London alone, 57,500 people work in the asset management sector

Big corporates on your doorstep

Many global companies have their European headquarters in London

Europe's biggest asset management centre

The Investment Association's Asset Management Survey shows that the UK accounts for over a third of all assets under management in Europe, and that assets managed for European clients increased by nearly 30% year on year.

Find out more from the IA's survey

Pioneering sustainable investment

Global assets under management incorporating environmental, social and governance mandates grew to $30.7tr in early 2018 from $22.9tr in 2016, reflecting a long-term, and significant trend in the asset management industry. The UK’s strength in sustainable investment is critical in attracting new capital and investment. Globally, an estimated $90 trillion of investment is required by 2050 to deliver the Paris Agreement ’two degrees or less’ scenario.

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

Integrating sustainability

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

"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

Partner Story

China International Capital Corporation: 'It is in the City that the seeds of our future opportunities are planted.'

Partner Story

Aberdeen Standard Investments: 'Our London base has, first and foremost, given us credibility that has opened many doors.'

See more Case Studies

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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Asset management

Outstanding asset management capabilities