Investment management in Scotland
Investment management in Scotland first came to prominence in the nineteenth century and Scotland has remained a global centre of excellence for the industry ever since.
Today total assets under management here stand at close to £750 billion.
Our investment management sector mixes large institutions and smaller businesses delivering a variety of products to corporate and personal clients around the world.
Investment management industry in Scotland – an overview
Scotland’s investment management experience and expertise has seen the sector enjoy robust growth in recent years.
There has been a particular rise in the number of boutique firms and new business start-ups. The majority of these organisations have headquarters in Scotland, employing over 3300 people locally and over 13000 globally.
Some of the world’s biggest investment management companies have operations in Scotland:
- Aberdeen Asset Management Plc
- AEGON Asset Management UK
- Baillie Gifford & Co
- First State Investments
- Scottish Widows Investment Partnership
- Standard Life Investments
Scotland’s reputation in the investment management sector allows these companies to attract a diverse mix of international clients.
Scotland played a major role in the investment management sector in the 1870s when investment trusts were pioneered by a Scotsman, Robert Fleming. Fleming’s grandson, Ian, found fame as the novelist who created James Bond.
Today, the industry in Scotland has experience across the sector including investment trusts, global equity, private equity, hedge funds and emerging market funds.
Scotland's investment management industry strengths