Rathbones Renews Stewardship Code Membership, Reinforcing Commitment to Responsible Investment

• Rathbones meets the rigorous standards set by the Financial Reporting Council
• Accreditation reflects progress following the first full year since the IW&I merger

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

The renewed accreditation underscores the Group’s commitment to responsible investment, effective and transparent stewardship, and delivering sustainable long-term value for clients and wider society. Rathbones Group has held signatory status since 2022.

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

This year’s recognition reflects the first full year since Rathbones completed its merger with Investec Wealth & Investment and highlights the progress made during this period. The Group has established a refreshed governance framework to strengthen responsible investment across the enlarged organisation, with enhanced 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 strengthened its ESG integration by improving monitoring and engagement frameworks, refining climate scenario analysis, and developing sector-specific standards to enable consistent assessment of risks and opportunities. Looking forward, the Group plans to further align reporting and voting processes across the combined business, publish refreshed corporate values, and continue advancing its frameworks on human rights and nature-related risks.

By maintaining its signatory status to the UK Stewardship Code, Rathbones reaffirms its long-held belief that robust stewardship is fundamental to investment excellence, sustainable growth and creating positive outcomes for all stakeholders.

In November, Rathbones will host its Responsible Investment Summit, convening clients, partners and industry experts to discuss the future of responsible investing across private client, charity and advisor communities.