Aberdeen Finance Company

Aberdeen Finance, historically known as Aberdeen Asset Management, is a global investment management company with a long and established presence in the financial world. While its name has evolved through mergers and acquisitions, its core business remains focused on managing assets for institutions and individuals worldwide.

Founded in Aberdeen, Scotland, in 1983, the company initially specialized in managing investment trusts. Over the years, Aberdeen expanded its investment capabilities to encompass a wide array of asset classes, including equities, fixed income, property, and alternatives. This diversification allowed the firm to cater to a broader range of client needs and investment objectives.

A key factor in Aberdeen’s growth was its strategy of acquiring other asset management firms. Notable acquisitions included Deutsche Asset Management’s UK business in 2005 and Scottish Widows Investment Partnership (SWIP) in 2014. These strategic moves significantly increased Aberdeen’s assets under management and expanded its global reach, establishing a stronger presence in key markets.

In 2017, Aberdeen Asset Management merged with Standard Life to form Standard Life Aberdeen, now known as Abrdn. This merger created one of the largest asset managers in Europe. Under the Abrdn umbrella, the legacy Aberdeen investment strategies and expertise continue to play a vital role. While the overarching corporate structure changed, the core investment teams and processes developed over decades largely remained intact.

Aberdeen, as a component of Abrdn, is recognized for its active management approach, emphasizing rigorous research and fundamental analysis. Investment decisions are driven by a team of experienced professionals who seek to identify undervalued assets and generate long-term returns for clients. This active approach contrasts with passive investment strategies that track market indices.

The company’s investment philosophy typically involves a bottom-up approach, focusing on the specific characteristics of individual companies and securities, rather than making broad macroeconomic bets. This approach reflects a belief that understanding the fundamentals of a business is crucial to making informed investment decisions. Aberdeen’s investment teams often engage directly with company management to gain deeper insights into their operations and strategies.

Aberdeen Finance, as part of Abrdn, serves a diverse client base, including pension funds, insurance companies, sovereign wealth funds, financial institutions, and retail investors. It offers a range of investment solutions, from segregated mandates tailored to specific client needs to pooled funds accessible to a wider audience. The company’s distribution network spans across various regions, enabling it to reach investors in both developed and emerging markets.

In summary, Aberdeen Finance represents a legacy of expertise in active asset management, built on a foundation of rigorous research and a commitment to delivering long-term value for clients. While now part of a larger corporate entity, the core investment principles and capabilities that defined Aberdeen Asset Management continue to be a significant component of Abrdn’s global investment management business.