Our investment approach

abrdn has been investing across asset classes and markets for over 40 years. Over that time, we’ve developed some clear ideas about the most effective ways to invest to achieve our and our clients’ goals.

Of course, we tailor our processes for different markets, investments and strategies. However there are some principles that are always at the heart of our approach.

Identifying and investing in quality assets

We rate every investment against strict quality criteria designed for each asset class. Intensive, first-hand research, supported by our global presence and proprietary tools, means we can often identify investments whose quality is not yet fully recognized by the market. 

Team-based, high-conviction thinking

Instead of star managers, we use the insight and analysis of our whole teams to rate and select investments. This in turn gives us the conviction to focus on our best ideas – and build portfolios that may be very different from the benchmark and competitor funds. 

Being forward focused

For us, achieving exceptional results for our clients demands being future-facing. We focus on what’s changing in companies, industries and markets but isn’t being priced in or is being mispriced. We analyse the dynamics shaping future opportunity and the corporate leaders of the future. 

Focused on powering positive change

We believe that investing sustainably has the power to create a fairer, healthier world. It’s also critical to managing risk and generating better returns. Analysis of environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors is integral to our investment process.

Once invested, we actively engage with companies, issuers and projects to keep raising sustainability standards across their activities and operations.