The Independent Investment Management Initiative announces that Baillie Gifford, one of the UK’s most established and respected investment management firms, has formally joined the IIMI’s growing network of independent asset managers.
Baillie Gifford’s interest in joining the IIMI catalysed a discussion around what it means to be an ‘independent investment boutique’ firm in a modern and evolving industry. IIMI has created and published to its website a formal membership inclusion framework that will be used to determine whether a firm is a suitable member even if they may not fit the traditional definition of a boutique.
Stuart Dunbar, Partner, Baillie Gifford said: “Baillie Gifford is delighted to join the Independent Investment Management Initiative. Although we may be too big to be truly a boutique, what’s important is that we aim to retain the characteristics of one – independently owned, investment team led, client-centric and focused on investment results before the growth of our own firm. We look forward to working with the IIMI as a voice for the fundamental principles of investing well in the real economy, for the benefit of both clients and society.”
Dani Hristova, CEO, IIMI said: “We are excited to welcome Baillie Gifford to the membership. As the industry evolves and our membership grows, it is important for us to be clear about the unifying characteristics of the members that IIMI represents. Baillie Gifford’s interest in joining the IIMI prompted a valuable Board conversation about how we look to define the types of businesses that we set out to represent and we recently published a criteria for joining. Whilst large in size, the firm has many other key qualities that we recognise, and we feel that they are a great fit given their independence, active approach and commitment to stewardship. We look forward to working with Stuart and the wider team.”
