In this #FundManagerChat podcast, Keith Skeoch, CEO of Standard Life Aberdeen Plc, [SLA.L] discusses a wide range of issues currently influencing its business.
Keith addresses the fund outflows and performance issues outlined SLA's recent half-year results and discusses the elements of its core business which are performing well.
Keith also discusses the blend of SLA's business and how core and other listed assets are influencing key strategic decision making.
Additionally, this interview covers the subjects of fee compression, cost cutting, geopolitical risks as well as some of the key opportunities Keith sees for fund firms in the near term.
Running Order Run Time Topic 00:25 How are you settling into the role of sole CEO of Standard Life Aberdeen PLC? 01:00 On reported half-year net outflows: Do you believe you have turned the corner? 02:20 What elements of your core business, outside of EM equities and GARs, have been performing well? 04:00 How have you maintaining staff morale and keeping your investment talent and resources engaged? 05:10 How does the blend of your core business and other balance sheet assets affect your strategic decision making? 06:30 How important is the development of your platforms/ advice business in your wider strategy? 08:40 How do you deal with the pressures on active fund fees? Can you increase fees once they've been reduced? 10:55 How are you going to squeeze more cost savings out of your business? 12:08 What are some of the potential market risks that are keeping you awake at night? 14:20 What do you see as some of the key opportunities that Standard Life Aberdeen can tap into over the next couple of years?
Keith Skeoch is chatting with Jake Moeller, Head of Lipper UK and Ireland Research at Refinitiv, in London on August 29, 2019.
About Keith SkeochKeith Skeoch is Chief Executive of Standard Life Aberdeen plc, which oversees £577bn* of assets for clients.
Keith started his career in 1979 at the Government Economic Service. He moved into financial services in 1980 with James Capel (HSBC Securities from 1996), where he was latterly Managing Director of International Equities.
He joined Standard Life Investments in 1999 as Chief Investment Officer, before becoming Chief Executive of that division in 2004. In 2015 he was appointed Chief Executive of Standard Life plc, having been a board member since 2006, and led the merger with Aberdeen Asset Management in 2017. He was named as sole CEO of Standard Life Aberdeen in 2019.
Keith has held a number of key industry appointments. He is currently a board member of the Financial Reporting Council and Deputy Chair of the Investment Association.
In recognition of his wider contribution to the financial services industry – particularly his work in response to the global financial crisis – Keith has been awarded honorary doctorates from the University of Sussex and Teesside University. For his services to the economics profession, he has been named a Fellow of the Society of Business Economists.
Keith is also a Trustee of the Edinburgh International Festival.
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Disclaimer:
This material is provided for as market commentary and for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment research or advice. Refinitiv cannot be held responsible for any direct or incidental loss resulting from applying any of the information provided in this publication or from any other source mentioned. Please consult with a qualified professional for financial advice. The author does not own shares in this company.
