Aided by an improving trend of outflows, Brooks Macdonald total funds under management (FuM) has reached a record £15.5bn at the end of December 2020.

This was up from £13.7bn in June 2020 and £13.1bn at the end of 2019.

In its half-year results for the six months ending 31 December 2020, the firm attributed the growth in AuM to the acquisition of Lloyds Banking Group’s Channel Islands funds and wealth management business along with investment performance of 9.5%. In addition, net outflows narrowed to £367m from £506m.

Highlights

The British wealth manager’s underlying profit before tax rose was £14m in the six months to the end of 2020, a 22% increase from a year ago.

This was helped by a significantly increased underlying profit margin of 25.1% as a result of higher revenue as well as cost discipline.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Statutory profit before tax surged 84% to £14.1m, while revenue rose 2% to £55.9m.

The group said that it has raised the interim dividend by 9.5% to 23.0p, in keeping with its progressive dividend policy.

Comment

Brooks Macdonald CEO Caroline Connellan said:Our ongoing robust investment performance, coupled with high-quality acquisitions, brought FUM to record levels and, alongside strong cost discipline, resulted in record underlying profit margin. This shows that the investment we have made and the actions we have taken are delivering financial and strategic benefits for the business now and positioning us well for the future.”

Connellan further said: “Looking ahead, client sentiment has held up well and, although the timescale for easing of lockdown restrictions remains uncertain, we continue to have a positive outlook. Momentum is building in the business and we are on track to meet full year profit expectations.”

Takeover of Lloyds’ offshore wealth arm

Brooks Macdonald wrapped up the acquisition of the wealth management and funds business of Lloyds Bank International in Channel Islands in December last year.

It agreed to purchase the business in June this year for a maximum consideration of £9.63m ($11.97m), including £2.5m of regulatory capital.

The deal followed the firm’s acquisition of Cornelian Asset Managers Group, which was closed in the first half of last year.