Under Rule 2.2.3R of the FCA’s Conduct of Business Sourcebook, GCW is required to include on this website a disclosure about the nature of its commitment to the UK Financial Reporting Council’s UK Stewardship Code (the “Code”) or, where it does not commit to the Code, its alternative investment strategy.

The Code is a voluntary code, first published in 2010 and subsequently subjected to updates in 2012 and 2020.  The more recent UK Stewardship Code 2020 (“The Code”), sets high standards by way of Principles which should be applied by asset owners and service providers (in some cases), as well as asset managers, such as GCW.

GCW pursues a number of investment strategies, which in general aim to help individuals preserve and grow their wealth, depending on their risk profiles.  In the case of direct investments in companies, GCW may engage with the management of those companies, including voting on matters which we consider material to the interests of our clients. In such cases, our diligence and analysis enable us to form views on the activities, strategy, and performance of those companies, and to use our voting rights and access to management to express these views.  We may also engage with other shareholders and stakeholders, where it is appropriate and consistent with our strategy and the interests of our clients.  However, many of our investments are in fund vehicles and not direct investments in companies. 

While we agree with the aspirations of the Code, given that many of our investments are in fund vehicles and not direct investments in companies, we have made the decision not to sign up to it formally.  We consider Stewardship issues on a case-by-case basis and, where relevant, make decisions in the best interests of our clients, as we determine using our reasonable commercial judgement.