- Liontrust has done much better than most active asset managers this year
- Success down to multiple acquisitions and strong fund performance
The business landscape for active asset managers has been tough in recent years as the rise of passive funds, increased regulation and downward pressure on costs have all squeezed profit margins. But one asset manager that stands out among the others in the listed space is Liontrust Asset Management (LIO), whose share price has increased over 50 per cent in the 12 months to 28 October, where rivals Schroders (SDR), Jupiter Fund Management (JUP), M&G (MNG) and Standard Life Aberdeen (SLA) languish in negative territory.
“The success of the business is testament to the fact we deliver what clients want – long-term outperformance that has been clearly communicated,” says chief executive officer John Ions. Mr Ions joined Liontrust in 2010 when the business had been steadily losing clients and had total assets of £1.18bn. The firm has grown into a FTSE 250 company with over £20bn assets under management and advice at the end of September this year, and should continue to grow as it makes new strategic acquisitions.