Old Mutual Global Investors has been officially renamed as Merian Global Investors, inspired by the life of the scientist, artist and adventurer Maria Sibylla Merian.
The business, which had assets under management of GBP34.6 billion, as at 31 August 2018, offers expertise in equities, fixed income and a range of alternative strategies. With no house view or CIO, its fund managers are given the freedom to follow their own proven strategies.
All permanent employees are directly or indirectly invested in the firm, in a move the business believes enhances alignment of client and investor interests.
Merian says that Maria Sibylla Merian embodied the multi-faceted approach the firm takes to investment, giving its specialist investment teams the freedom and support they need to succeed. While some fund managers invest in a definitively scientific manner, others believe investment is first and foremost an art. Merian Global Investors calls it “The art and science of investing.”
Merian’s achievements and willingness to challenge received wisdom are reflective of the approach Merian Global Investors takes both to running the business and managing funds. The firm values an entrepreneurial, creative environment, believing that over the long term this culture will contribute to superior outcomes for clients.
Richard Buxton, CEO, Merian Global Investors, says: “Our rebrand to Merian Global Investors represents the culmination of a year-long journey to build an independent and unique asset management business. I’m immensely proud that we’re named after such an extraordinary woman, whose ground-breaking approach to work and life we aim to reflect across the organisation.”
“We maintain our philosophy that the most effective investment businesses are large enough to inspire confidence – with big-firm governance and risk management – yet small enough to foster entrepreneurial spirit. We continue to be agile enough to adapt to a rapidly changing world, while maintaining our strong commitment to the pursuit of building a profitable and responsible business with differentiated funds, recognising the important relationship between good long-term stewardship and customer satisfaction.”
