26 September 2025

Rathbones reaffirms commitment to responsible investment, renewing membership of Stewardship Code

 

  • Rathbones meets high standards set by Financial Reporting Council
  • Accreditation follows first full year since IW&I merger

 

Rathbones, one of the UK’s leading wealth and asset management groups, is pleased to announce that it has been recognised once again as a signatory to the UK Stewardship Code, following the publication of its latest Stewardship Code Compliance Statement for the year April 2024 to March 2025.

The accreditation reaffirms the Group’s commitment to responsible investment, transparent and effective stewardship and sustainable long-term value for clients and wider society. Rathbones Group has been a signatory since 2022.

The Stewardship Code, regulated by the Financial Reporting Council, sets globally respected standards for asset managers and owners on the responsible allocation, management and oversight of capital. As a signatory, Rathbones demonstrates how environmental, social and governance considerations are integrated into its investment decision-making, and how stewardship activities, including engagement and voting on behalf of shareholdings for its clients on company resolutions are applied in practice.

This year’s accreditation covers the first full year since Rathbones received regulatory approval of its merger with Investec Wealth & Investment and reflects the significant progress made in that time. A refreshed governance structure has been established to support responsible investment across the enlarged business, with strengthened oversight at both Group and Rathbones Asset Management levels.

Matt Crossman, Stewardship Director at Rathbones, said: “Our purpose is to think, act and invest for everyone’s tomorrow. This not only shapes what we do but also how we do it. It is woven throughout our business strategy and values, recognising that this approach is core to our day–to–day decision-making.

“Our clients grant us the privilege of acting for them to invest well, so how we act as stewards is a critical part of what differentiates us as a firm. We believe responsible stewardship and long-term thinking are core to preserving and enhancing value for clients, society and the planet.”

Rathbones has advanced its ESG integration by enhancing monitoring and engagement frameworks, refining climate scenario analysis, and drafting sector-specific standards to support consistent assessment of risks and opportunities. Looking ahead, the Group will continue work to fully align reporting and voting processes across the combined business, publish refreshed corporate values, and further develop its frameworks on human rights and nature-related risks.

By maintaining its status as a signatory to the UK Stewardship Code, Rathbones reaffirms its long-standing belief that effective stewardship is central to investment excellence, sustainable growth and positive outcomes for all stakeholders.

In November, Rathbones hosts its Responsible Investment Summit, bringing together clients, partners and industry experts to explore the future of responsible investing across private client, charity and advisor communities.