Schroders plc is a British multinational asset management company headquartered in London, England. Founded in 1804, it employs over 6,000 people worldwide in 38 locations around Europe, America, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. It is traded on the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index.
Unveiling the Rich History of Schroders
In 1804, Johann Heinrich Schröder (John Henry) joined forces with his brother's London-based firm, Johann Friedrich (John Frederick), marking the inception of Schroders. The company boasts a prestigious lineage, deriving its name from the eminent Hanseatic family of Hamburg, with branches spanning across nations. Today, the Schroder family maintains a significant stake of 47.93% of the company's ordinary shares through trustee companies, individual ownership, and charities[^1].
Image: Arms of the family
A Journey through Time
Schroders' journey has been replete with noteworthy milestones. In 1863, the company issued £3m bonds for the Confederacy during the American Civil War[^7]. Further expansion ensued with the establishment of J. Henry Schroder Banking Corporation ('Schrobanco') as a commercial bank in New York in 1923[^8]. Notably, 1959 witnessed the company's shares being publicly offered on the London Stock Exchange[^9]. In 1986, Schroders divested its commercial banking arm in New York, Schrobanco, and acquired a 50% stake in Wertheim & Co., an investment bank in New York[^11]. An important chapter in Schroders' legacy emerged as it played a pivotal role in the UK Government's privatization efforts in the 1980s. Under the leadership of Winfried Bischoff, the company experienced exponential growth. In 2000, Schroders sold its investment banking division to Citigroup for £1.3 billion[^13].
A Modern Era of Expansion
Schroders continued to thrive in the modern era, marking significant acquisitions and additions to its portfolio. In 2013, the capital management arm of Cazenove was purchased by Schroders in a deal worth £424 million[^15]. The London-based Sandaire Investment Office became part of Schroders in September 2020, further consolidating its position[^16]. In June 2021, Schroders launched Schroders Capital, uniting its specialist private assets capabilities[^17]. As the company forges ahead, driving growth across the Asia-Pacific area, it appointed Chris Durack and Karine Szenberg as co-heads of its client groups[^18].
Empowering Women and Responsible Investments
Schroders stands committed to promoting gender equality and empowering women in the workplace. In December 2021, the company joined the UN's Women Empowerment Principles, a notable initiative founded by the United Nations Global Compact and UN Women[^21].
Thriving in the World of Asset Management
With assets worth £615.2 billion under management as of December 2021, Schroders has cemented its position as a trusted asset management company. Its client base includes corporations, insurance companies, local and public authorities, charities, pension funds, high-net-worth individuals, and retail investors[^1].
Collaborating with Academic Excellence
Schroders has partnered with esteemed academic institutions to foster innovation and advance the field of finance. In 2014, the Multi-Asset Investments and Portfolio Solutions (MAPS) division collaborated with Professor Anthony G. Constantinides, Director of the newly created Imperial College Financial Signal Processing Laboratory (FSP)[^22].
Celebrating Accomplished Individuals
Schroders has been associated with exceptional individuals who have made significant contributions to the business, politics, public service, and other spheres. Notable figures include Geoffrey Bell, Winfried Bischoff, Andrew Knight, David Ogilvy (13th Earl of Airlie), Sir Gordon Richardson, James Wolfensohn, and Sir John Henry Bremridge[^23].
A Legacy of Excellence
Throughout its rich history, Schroders has demonstrated expertise, trustworthiness, and experience in the world of asset management. With a commitment to providing exceptional services and fostering growth, Schroders continues to shape the future of the industry.
References
[^1]: Schroders. About Schroders. Retrieved from https://www.schroders.com/en/about-us/ [^7]: Original Article - reference 7 [^8]: Original Article - reference 8 [^9]: Original Article - reference 9 [^11]: Original Article - reference 11 [^13]: Original Article - reference 13 [^15]: Original Article - reference 15 [^16]: Original Article - reference 16 [^17]: Original Article - reference 17 [^18]: Original Article - reference 18 [^21]: Original Article - reference 21 [^22]: Original Article - reference 22 [^23]: Original Article - reference 23