Charity Investment Management Services

From forecasting future spending and funding your goals, to navigating environmental, social and governance issues, we can help preserve your charity's capital, while acting as a sounding board and adviser to help fulfil your obligations.

We tend to partner with charities with a long-term horizon, investing sustainably on their behalf to ensure they have a lasting impact for generations to come.

Our investment approach

Our objective is to preserve and grow the wealth of our clients over multiple generations. Through our investments, we aspire to preserve both the wealth of future generations and the environment and society they will inherit.

Our approach to ESG

We've always invested in long-term, sustainable business. To discover how environmental, social and governance issues are embedded in our approach to wealth management, please review our Sustainability and Stewardship Report for 2022.

 

Building from the bottom up

We often speak about our bottom-up investment approach. However, in this Quarterly Letter, we (ironically) take a look at this approach from a top-down perspective, outlining our investment objective, as well as the people and processes that work to achieve this.

Our Client Advisers are a great sounding board for all your financial questions. Below we answer some of the most common questions they have been asked.

Can a charity invest in the stock market?

Charities in the UK can invest in the stock market, subject to certain regulations and guidelines. They can choose to invest their funds in shares and other types of investments as part of their investment strategy.

However, charities are required to act in accordance with their charitable purposes and invest carefully. They must comply with legal and regulatory requirements, seek professional advice and they have a duty to protect the assets for charitable purposes.

What is a Charity Authorised Investment Fund?

A Charity Authorised Investment Fund is a type of investment fund specifically designed for charitable organisations in the UK. It is regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, the City watchdog, and allows multiple charities to pool their investments in a collective investment scheme.

These funds must have professional management and adhere to specific rules and restrictions set by the Charity Commission, another watchdog. They allow charities to diversify their income sources and access a wide range of investment opportunities.

Do charities need an investment policy?

Charities should have a strategy in place before they start investing. This policy should outline the principles and objectives for managing the charity's investments.

The policy should provide guidance on how the charity's funds should be invested, including the level of risk tolerance, asset allocation and ethical considerations. This helps ensure transparency, accountability and effective management of the charity's financial resources.

Insights

  • Understanding sustainability risks and opportunities

    Insights

    Investing is not just about choosing companies that we expect to achieve success in the short term. It’s important to find businesses which can adapt to a changing world and are part of shaping the future. In this article we explore the risks and opportunities they face.

    Daniel Drain

  • Should I form a trust?

    Insights

    Trusts can be an effective way to provide for your family while retaining control, but you must balance the advantages against the administrative and financial costs. In this article we examine the pros and cons of setting up a trust, and potential pitfalls to avoid.

    David Kilshaw

  • Are oil prices pushing inflation higher?

    Blog

    Oil prices are up by a fifth since January, but should we be worried this will sustain higher inflation? We consider how demand may be firming up as the depressed manufacturing sector picks up, and the impact that could have on demand for raw inputs like oil.

    Victor Balfour