The Origins of Asset Management from 1700 to 1960

This book explores the origins and development of the asset management profession in Britain as a distinct activity within financial services, independent of banks and stockbrokers. Specifically, it identifies the main individuals and institutions after 1868 who established the profession. The book draws a distinction between banks (short-term deposit-taking) and asset management (an investment service with longer-term objectives). It explains why some banks fail but asset management businesses generally do not. It argues that asset management has been socially useful and has had a beneficial impact on the development of securities markets by offering choices to savers as an alternative to banks, improving the efficiency of capital allocation, re-cycling excess savings productively and enabling a range of investors - from institutions to individuals - to benefit from thoughtful, long-term investing.

Focuses on the history of asset management in the UK Draws comparisons with developments in the United States Places asset management in the context of major historical events, both economic and financial Identifies transformational changes in the nature of markets Highlights the contribution of skilled investors and their innovative thinking in the world of investment

Autorentext

Nigel Edward Morecroft is a former asset management professional having spent most of his working life in institutional asset management. Previous appointments have included Partner at Baillie Gifford & Co. and Director at Foreign & Colonial Asset Management, having started his career at Wood Mackenzie & Co. Typically in his capacity as a trustee, Nigel currently applies his extensive experience in investments to a number of charities including the Charities Official Investment Funds (COIF) where he is a Director. He is also a Trustee and Member of the University Court at the University of St Andrews, UK.

Klappentext

Inhalt
Chapter 1: Introduction adn overview.- Chapter 2: Markets and insurance company investments,1700 to 1900.-Chapter 3: Philip Rose and the first investment company, 1868 to 1883.-Chapter 4: Robert Fleming and Scottish asset management, 1873 to 1890.- Chapter 5: Life office investment 1900 to 1960, and John Maynard Keynes.- Chapter 6: Keynes - flawed investor or genius? Chapter 7: George Booth, Ian Fairburn and the first trust units, 1931 to 1960.- Chapter 8: George Ross Goobey, revolutionising pension fund investment, 1947 to 1960.- Chapter 9: Observations from the past.