On 26 June, Edinburgh-based investment boutique SVM Asset Management will mark 30 years since it was co-founded by Colin McLean and Margaret Lawson back in 1990.Since launch, SVM’s philosophy has been to create an environment in which its investors have the independence, autonomy and flexibility to run the funds to the best of their ability, using original research, to help clients build their wealth responsibly.
SVM began managing Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) products in 2006 and responsible investing has been an important aspect of the service SVM offers its clients and a key point of differentiation with passive investment strategies and many other active managers.
Colin McLean, managing director at SVM Asset Management, says: “In 1990, working with Sir John Templeton showed me the opportunity for an independent investment boutique, even though the concept was rare in Europe. There was value in active management if investment managers were given a high degree of autonomy in their research within the discipline of a risk framework. This approach has steered us through many changes in the industry and markets and has helped us build strong track records.
“By continuing in the same vein, SVM will be well-placed to meet client needs and respond to any future challenges.”
SVM remains privately owned and is focused on equities and runs UK, European and global mandates for its retail and institutional clients, guided by a behavioural finance perspective.
