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Rathbones Group
Annual Report 2012

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FY2012 Annual Report · Rathbones Group
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Rathbone Brothers Plc 
Report and accounts 2012

Rathbone Brothers Plc 

Rathbone Brothers Plc is a 
leading provider of high-quality, 
personalised investment and 
wealth management services 
for private clients, charities and 
trustees. This includes discretionary 
investment management, unit 
trusts, tax planning, trust and 
company management, pension 
advice and banking services.

As at 31 December 2012, 
Rathbones managed £17.98 billion 
of client funds, of which  
£16.71 billion were managed  
by Rathbone Investment 
Management.

Contents

About Rathbones

1 
2 
4 
8 
9 
10 

Highlights of the year
Chairman’s statement
Chief Executive’s statement
Our business model 
Our services
Key investor information

Understanding our strategy

12 
14 

Strategy and key performance indicators
Rathbones at a glance

Our business performance

16 
22 
27 
32 

Business review
Financial review
Group risk committee report
Corporate responsibility report

Governance

42 
45 
49 
53 
61 
63 
64 

Directors
Directors’ report
Corporate governance report
Remuneration report
Audit committee report
Nomination committee report
Statement of directors’ responsibilities in respect  
of the report and accounts

Consolidated financial statements

66 

68 
69 
70 
71 
72 

Independent auditor’s report to the members of  
Rathbone Brothers Plc
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
Consolidated statement of changes in equity
Consolidated balance sheet
Consolidated statement of cash flows
Notes to the consolidated financial statements

Company financial statements

122 
123 
124 
125 

Company statement of changes in equity
Company balance sheet 
Company statement of cash flows
Notes to the Company financial statements

Further information

Five year record
Corporate information

143 
143 
144  Our offices

Report and accounts online 

We aim to provide easy and transparent access to 
shareholder information. As well as the printed annual 
report and accounts, we have developed an online 
version which presents a flexible way of accessing the 
information you need. We hope you find it a valuable 
addition to our suite of reporting materials and would 
value any feedback you may have via the link  
provided on the site.

www.rathbones.com/ra2012

 
Highlights of the year

Financial highlights

Business highlights

Funds under management 

2012: £17.98bn 
2011: £15.85bn

Operating income 

2012: £155.6m 
2011: £144.5m

Underlying1 profit before tax 

2012: £45.1m 
2011: £46.2m

Profit before tax 

2012: £38.8m 
2011: £39.2m

+13.4%

+7.7%

-2.4%

-1.0%

Rathbones purchase Taylor Young 
Investment Management Limited’s 
UK investment management private 
client base.

See page 5

Rathbone Brothers Plc raises  
£24.7 million of gross proceeds 
through a non pre-emptive 
institutional placing of  
2,000,000 shares.

See page 24

Other purchases of the private 
client investment management 
businesses of R.M. Walkden & Co. 
Limited and AIB Jersey.

Underlying1 earnings per share 

See page 5

2012: 77.96p 
2011: 78.79p

Basic earnings per share 

2012: 67.00p 
2011: 66.72p

-1.1%

+0.4%

Rathbones wins the Charity 
Times Investment Manager 
of the Year and the Investors 
Chronicle/Financial Times Best 
Wealth Manager for Alternative 
Investments awards.

Dividends paid and proposed per share 

See page 19

2012: 47.0p 
2011: 46.0p

+2.2%

The Rathbone Active Income Fund 
for Charities is launched.

1  Underlying profit before tax and underlying earnings per share exclude  amortisation  
of client relationships, head office relocation costs and, in 2011, gains on disposal of 
financial securities 

See page 21

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012  

1

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Chairman’s statement

Mark Nicholls 
Chairman

Governance, Board and senior  
management group 

We have considered our Board composition carefully  
and how it relates to our evolving management structure.  
As foreshadowed in my statement last year we have reduced 
the size of our Board so that it can increasingly focus its 
attention on strategy, monitoring performance and

Our investment performance was strong in 
2012 and we have grown funds under 
management through both performance and  
by continuing to attract experienced  
investment managers – both individually  
and through acquisitions.

2012 was a challenging year. Most of the markets in  
which we invest remained broadly flat throughout the  
period and the investment management industry generally 
has suffered from economic and regulatory uncertainty. 
Nevertheless, I am pleased to say that our performance 
demonstrates our resilience and the benefits of continuing  
to grow our business. Our investment performance was 
strong in 2012 and we have grown funds under management 
through both performance and by continuing to attract 
experienced investment managers – both individually and 
through acquisitions. Our reputation as an investment 
manager and an employer remains high.

The private client investment management industry in the  
UK faces a number of challenges. The introduction of  
the Retail Distribution Review (RDR) on 1 January 2013 
– which will regulate all advisers in the retail investment 
market – will, inter alia, lead to greater transparency of the 
charges levied by our competitors and intermediaries. Some 
intermediaries will disappear but the strongest and best  
run will remain significant players, and we will continue to 
work with them. The full implications of RDR will not be 
clear for some time, but we believe we are well-positioned. 

ensuring that effective governance and  
risk management processes are in place. 

Ian Buckley, Andrew Morris and  
Richard Smeeton agreed to stand down  
from the Board at the end of 2012 but will 
continue their management responsibilities. 
My thanks go to them and we look forward 
to their continuing strong contribution  
to the growth of the business. This means  
the only executive directors on the Board are 
the chief executive, the head of investment

management and the finance director. This change makes the 
current Board composition compliant with the UK Corporate 
Governance Code as the majority of directors (excluding me) 
are now independent non-executive directors. 

There are currently five non-executive directors apart from 
me. Caroline Burton, however, has now completed nine 
years’ service and will be standing down at the next Annual  
General Meeting (AGM). Kate Avery has also asked to stand
down after three years’ service. We are grateful to both 
Caroline and Kate for their contribution to our Board and  
to Caroline also for her service as chairman of the 
remuneration committee, from which she stood down on  
1 November. I am very grateful to David Harrel for agreeing 
to chair the committee after Caroline. 

We will be looking to appoint a new non-executive  
director in 2013. When we do so we will appoint the best 
available candidate, having regard to their skills, experience 
and overall suitability. The benefits of Board diversity will,  
of course, be a consideration in this. 

We appointed Paul Chavasse as head of 
investment management with effect from  
1 March 2012. He succeeded Richard 
Lanyon, who held the position for over 10 
years and deserves much credit for managing 
a growing business so effectively. Paul has
introduced a more formalised structure to 

More generally, we need to spend more time 
on succession planning at all levels and this is 
a priority for the coming year.

manage the business and is involving a wider group of senior 
investment managers (the ‘senior management group’),  
which I welcome heartily. We must continue to invest in 
management talent to support and grow our business. I touch 
on the implications of this for our remuneration policy below.

More generally, we need to spend more time on  
succession planning at all levels and this is a priority for  
the coming year. 

2 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Chairman’s statement continued

Strategy 

Risk 

We continue to debate our strategy, both in the boardroom 
and within the senior management group, recognising that 
our capital resources and risk appetite determine our speed  
of growth. We have been able to grow our core business well, 
both organically and by acquisition, and our recent placing 
has provided us with further resources to continue doing so. 
At our annual strategy discussion in November there was a 
strong consensus that the greatest growth potential lies in  
our core business and we should prioritise this. Although we 
continue to develop our offering, both to reflect the different 
market segments we touch and the channels through which 
we get our business, the service of our clients and our 
personal relationship with them remain our core strengths 
and will not be diluted.  

The Board is responsible for defining our risk appetite  
and ensuring effective risk management. Kathryn Matthews, 
as non-executive chairman of the group risk committee, has 
overseen the continuing development of our risk governance 
and reporting framework. Apart from the uncertainties  
of the global environment in which all investment managers 
operate, the biggest risks to Rathbones arise from our 
ambition to grow our business and from regulatory 
intervention in our sector. 

Shareholders 

We have an enviable shareholder list. This enabled us to  
raise £24 million in a placing last November at a small

We have made some acquisitions this year 
which we believe will benefit the business.  
We suspect there will be more opportunities  
in the medium term and, if they arise, the 
Board will ensure we act in the best interests 
of our shareholders.

discount to the market price. We regard it as 
important to maintain a good dialogue with 
our major shareholders on the issues that 
arise out of the challenges and opportunities 
we face. 

At the AGM, in line with best practice  
under the UK Corporate Governance Code 
requirements, we are giving shareholders the 
opportunity to vote on the re-appointment

of every Board member. Biographies of each director are set 
out on pages 42 to 44. 

The Board is committed to creating long term shareholder 
value. I hope you will find this year’s annual report provides 
a clear account of how we run the business and what we 
have achieved during the year. 

Mark Nicholls
Chairman 

19 February 2013

We have made some acquisitions this year which we  
believe will benefit the business. We suspect there will be 
more opportunities in the medium term and, if they arise,  
the Board will ensure we act in the best interests of our 
shareholders. We also wish to grow our banking business, 
but are mindful of the growing regulatory burden on all banks. 

Remuneration 

Remuneration has been another area the Board has spent 
considerable time on. We have been considering ways to 
ensure that our performance-driven culture is reinforced by 
our remuneration structure right across the business. Greater 
accountability is now being introduced for both the senior 
management group (who are investment managers that spend 
significant time on the management of the business) and for 
executive directors. Individual investment managers have 
clear performance measures. As I mentioned earlier, David 
Harrel has become chairman of the remuneration committee 
and we will all benefit from his considerable experience in 
managing a successful ‘people’ business. 

The Board is committed to creating long term 
shareholder value. I hope you will find this 
year’s annual report provides a clear account 
of how we run the business and what we have 
achieved during the year.

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012  

3

 
 
 
 
Chief Executive’s statement

Andy Pomfret 
Chief Executive

In terms of commission the year began and ended positively, 
but activity was fairly subdued in between, with the worst 
three months for commission occurring in the second half of 
the year as a result of holidays and the Christmas period.

Looking at credit markets, the second half of the year saw 
concerted action within Europe to stave off the eurozone 
crisis (at least for the time being) and this significantly

reduced volatility towards the end of 2012. 
As a bank, the cash in our investment 
management clients’ accounts is held with us 
on a banking basis and is then placed in the 
money markets. We have been monitoring  
our counterparties carefully during the year 
and the small amount of money that had  
been placed directly with Spanish and Italian 
counterparties was reduced to zero during  
the first half of 2012. We continue to 
monitor the counterparties in our treasury 
book and have recently opened an account

with the Bank of England which currently pays base rate and 
in theory has zero risk. The activities of the UK Government 
and the Bank of England have continued to reduce money 
market rates, so the interest rate margin that we are able to 
earn on our treasury book is much reduced and continues to 
be under pressure. At the end of the year, three month 
certificates of deposit were paying close to 40 basis points.

During the year we have taken the opportunity to grow  
our loan book to £65.1 million from £36.4 million in 2011. 
These loans are made to investment management clients  
on a short term basis and are generally secured against the 
discretionary portfolio which we manage for them. These 
loans are seen as very attractive for those clients that require 
short term borrowing. We are keen to expand this loan book 
during 2013 without changing our risk criteria. 

Funds under management (FUM)

•   Investment Management 
•   Unit Trusts 

Underlying operating income

•   Investment Management 
•   Unit Trusts 

2012 
£bn 

16.71 
1.27 

2011 
£bn

14.76 
1.09

17.98 

15.85

2012 
£m 

146.7 
8.9 

2011 
£m

135.1 
8.2

155.6 

143.3

As expected, 2012 presented a demanding 
investment climate for both Rathbones and 
our clients. Whilst we continued to grow, 
increases in operating expenses, which were 
predominantly planned, contributed to a  
fall of 1.0% in profit before tax.

Results and financial highlights 

As expected, 2012 presented a demanding investment  
climate for both Rathbones and our clients. Whilst we 
continued to grow, increases in operating expenses, which 
were predominantly planned, contributed to a fall of  
1.0% in profit before tax to £38.8 million in 2012  
(2011: £39.2 million). Underlying profit (before amortisation  
of client relationships, head office relocation costs and,  
in 2011, gains on disposal of financial securities) fell from  
£46.2 million to £45.1 million. Basic earnings per share  
rose to 67.00p from 66.72p in 2011, an increase of 0.4%  
(mainly due to a lower corporate tax rate). 

As markets are more positive, the Board has decided to 
increase the final dividend for the year by 1p. Economic 
uncertainties remain, but there are a number of acquisition 
opportunities that we are currently reviewing, and we expect 
there to be more in 2013. We are keen to maintain capital  
to take advantage of these opportunities, and this was part  
of the reason for our recent placing which was announced 
and completed in November, raising £24.0 million, net  
of transaction costs. 

The financial markets 

The market as measured by the level of the FTSE has been 
volatile during 2012 (with a maximum swing of 14.7% from 
high to low), but on average was similar to market levels in 
2011 on our key charging dates. In 2012, sentiment in the 
market was often adversely affected by continuing worries 
about the future of the eurozone, but in the latter half of the 
year these seem to have abated in spite of medium and long 
term concerns in parts of Europe (Greece and Spain, in 
particular) not being resolved. At the very end of the year, the 
United States managed to avoid, or at least defer, the ‘fiscal 
cliff’, which helped year end market levels. Our 2012 income 
benefited for a full year from the small change to our charges 
that we made at the end of the first quarter of 2011.

4 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Chief Executive’s statement continued

Acquisitions and growth in 2012 

Funds under management have grown 13.4% to £17.98 
billion for Rathbones as a whole (2011: £15.85 billion). 
Although at a headline level this represents a very satisfactory 
rate of growth, it has become much harder to achieve net 
organic growth with two factors working against us. Firstly, 
a number of clients have suffered a reduction in the income 
level that can be achieved from their portfolio over the last 
few years and as a result are withdrawing capital in order to 
maintain lifestyle. Secondly, the number of introductions we 
have had from independent financial advisers (IFAs) has 
decreased in the second half of 2012 as many have spent the 
last few months concentrating on their preparedness for the 
Retail Distribution Review (RDR), which came into effect  
on 1 January 2013. We believe that both of these significant 
impacts are likely to continue into 2013 although in the 
longer term the changes in the IFA market may well lead to 
further consolidation of IFAs and give us opportunities  
to develop some significant relationships with some of the 
better, higher-quality and well-established IFA groups.  

We made a number of acquisitions during the year including 
the purchase of Taylor Young Investment Management 
Limited’s private client base in November. This transaction  
is expected to add up to £350 million to funds under 
management in 2013 as clients are migrated to Rathbones. 
Eight Taylor Young staff have already joined us as part of the 
acquisition. Earlier in the year we acquired 100% of the 
share capital of R.M. Walkden & Co. Limited, successfully 
adding £76 million of funds under management, and the 
investment management business of Allied Irish Bank Jersey, 
which provided our Jersey office with a boost of some £51 
million of funds under management and one member of staff. 
We have also announced the acquisition of a small team of 
investment managers who are setting up a new office in 
Lymington in early 2013 and we have recently opened an 
office in Newcastle. 

In October 2012, we acquired a 19.9% stake in a high 
quality IFA business based in the South West called Vision 
Independent Financial Planning Limited, along with its sister 
company, Castle Investment Solutions Limited (together,

As markets are more positive, the Board 
has decided to increase the final dividend 
for the year by 1p. Economic uncertainties 
remain, but there are a number of acquisition 
opportunities that we are currently reviewing.

‘Vision’). Vision is a business that has been 
set up relatively recently, principally with 
advisers who primarily used to work for 
clearing banks. The acquisition allows us 
access to a wider network of clients and 
Vision continues to introduce these clients  
to both us and a number of investment 
managers on their panel. Prior to our 
purchase, Vision had already introduced

2012 was also adversely impacted by a couple of client 
losses. Firstly the loss of the management contract for  
the Albany Investment Trust, which had been managed by  
our Liverpool office for over 60 years, but was the only 
investment trust we managed. Secondly, we received notice 
that our arrangement with Cavanagh Asset Management  
was coming to an end during November following 
Cavanagh’s takeover by Close Brothers in February 2012.  
By the end of 2012 this had led to the loss of £31 million  
out of the funds originally introduced to us by Cavanagh. 
Relationships with significant introducers can be very 
beneficial as they introduce clients to us with little marketing 
effort, but equally there is the danger that material amounts 
can be withdrawn at very short notice. On a more positive 
note we added some significant new clients, particularly  
in our charity business which now has over £2 billion under 
management. Our Bristol office has also recently reached  
£1 billion of funds under management. 

some £122 million of funds under management to us. We not 
only expect the introductions to Rathbones to continue, but 
our relationship with Vision will allow us to keep close to the 
changes that are taking place following the introduction of 
RDR. We also have an option to acquire the remaining 
80.1% of Vision in three years’ time. 

We must never forget that the most attractive clients for us 
are those that come to us directly. In 2012 we have improved 
the marketing, advertising and support we give our offices 
around the country. We have also run some events that have 
attracted a great deal of interest and produced new client 
leads. One of these is the very successful Annual Charity 
Symposium that we ran at the British Museum in September 
2012, where we had some 335 trustees in attendance.  
We have also received very favourable publicity for our 
sponsorship of lacrosse in Scotland’s schools and a number  
of financial awareness days that we run for children of  
our clients in our London and Liverpool offices. 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012  

5

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Chief Executive’s statement continued

Acquisitions and growth in 2012 continued  

Funds under management have grown 13.4% 
to £17.98 billion for Rathbones as a whole.

During the year we conducted a significant number of 
workshops with our staff and have had input from a number  
of external focus groups on our brand and how we should  
best use it in our marketing material. This has led to 
considerable refinement of our brochures and with several 
changes to our paperwork required by regulatory changes  
(such as the splitting of the Financial Services Authority (FSA) 
into the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Prudential 
Regulation Authority (PRA)), we will be making a number  
of further changes to our marketing and client documentation 
during 2013. 

Our unit trust business has performed well in a difficult 
marketplace during 2012; by the end of the year we had seen 
nine continuous quarters of net growth. The performance  
of all of the publicly quoted funds was also good with the 
majority of funds being in the first or second quartile for the 
three years to the end of 2012. The traditional funds have 
been supplemented by three multi asset portfolios which  
now also have a three year track record and which are very 
well-placed to provide solutions for clients of IFAs in a  
post-RDR world.  

Our unit trust business has performed well  
in a difficult marketplace during 2012; by the 
end of the year we had seen nine continuous 
quarters of net growth.

of schools in the Liverpool area over several 
years. It also underlines the importance of 
our Liverpool office, where we have over 
350 people in some 65,000 square feet at 
The Port of Liverpool building. This gives us 
ample room to expand and is where we  
have centred our operational activities for 
several years. 

During the year we modified our New Business Scheme 
to align awards more closely with the objective of getting 
investment managers to grow their business. We also decided 
to enrol all staff that join us from 1 January 2013 into 
pension arrangements and have been actively encouraging  
all existing staff to join our pension schemes well in advance 
of the statutory deadline of October 2013.  

Regulation 

During the year the FSA moved to adopt the ‘twin peaks’ 
approach to regulation by establishing teams that will 
ultimately form the FCA and the PRA. We have continued to 
work closely with our regulators and have had meetings with 
the teams from the FCA and the PRA and look forward to 
the situation being formalised on 1 April 2013. As a bank, 
we will have prudential regulation from the PRA, but our 
conduct of business will be regulated by the FCA. This will

inevitably increase our regulatory  
burden, but we will be working with  
both regulators to try to ensure that 
duplication is minimised.

RDR came into effect on 1 January 2013 
and all of our client-facing staff are suitably 
qualified. The impact on the IFA community 
is potentially more marked and it will be

Investing in the business 

We continue to believe that when other companies are  
facing challenges and everyone is nervous about the overall 
direction of the market, it is often a good time for us to  
make acquisitions and to invest in technology to improve our 
efficiency and the overall client experience. To that end we 
have made some significant investments in technology in 
recent years and will continue to do so in 2013. We are 
rolling out an asset allocation modelling tool, developing a 
new online platform for both our clients and IFAs, and are 
continuing to roll out improved versions of our document 
management system. We have moved to a much better 
investment markets tool to support investment managers and 
are spending more money on our internal research process, 
both in terms of people and the tools they have. We continue 
to invest in staff by spending more on training and coaching 
and have recently introduced an apprenticeship programme 
in our Liverpool office which should see six apprentices 
joining us from local schools to start a full time career  
with us. This continues the theme of investing in the local 
community and the close links we have had with a number  

interesting to see how this impacts their business in the 
coming year. Benefits for clients are that not only will the fees 
that they pay be more transparent, but also that trail 
commission is effectively being banned. Although this has a 
small negative effect on our income, it is a move we have 
supported for many years and we are very pleased to see the 
beginning of the end of trail commission. 

The regulators have also focused on the use of Unregulated 
Collective Investment Schemes (UCIS) and we are expecting 
some developments on this in 2013. 

The Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS)  
charge of £1.0 million in 2012 was some £0.6 million higher 
than we have seen in previous years due to a larger number 
of failures and results of levy restatement exercises. We  
have been involved in the consultation on how the FSCS is 
funded in the future and await the final outcome of this  
consultation process. 

Alongside other industry members, we will be responding to 
FSA papers in the early part of 2013 on conflicts of interest 
and outsourcing. 

6 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
Chief Executive’s statement continued

Other matters 

Outlook 

I am particularly pleased to announce that Philip Howell  
will be joining us on 4 March as deputy chief executive. Most 
recently Philip has been chief executive of Williams de Broë 
and his considerable experience will add to the strength and 
depth of our management team. Along with Mike Webb (the 
chief executive of our unit trust business) he will join the 
Group’s executive committee. I look forward to working 
with them both. 

The new committees that were established during 2012 under 
our new head of investment management, Paul Chavasse, 
have all started well. These committees are the management 
committee, which looks after the day to day management of 
the investment management business, the client committee, 
which is concerned with marketing, client experience and 
growth of the business, and finally the investment committee, 
which is the custodian of our investment process. The 
investment committee also coordinates research activities  
and how recommendations are communicated to investment 
managers who ultimately make investment decisions for  
their clients.  

Our primary aim is to continue what we have done for 
many years – namely to look after clients well. Although the 
markets are likely to remain volatile for some time to come, 
we believe we provide a very valuable service for our clients 
and charge them fairly for it. We will continue to invest to 
improve the client experience and to grow the business, both 
organically and by acquisition. We continue to be mindful  
of increases in our cost base but recognise that it is important 
to continue to strengthen the business. We remain well-
positioned to make acquisitions, if the culture fits, and they 
can be purchased on a basis which will be earnings  
enhancing for our shareholders. 

Andy Pomfret  
Chief Executive 

19 February 2013 

Our primary aim is to continue what we have 
done for many years – namely to look after 
clients well. Although the markets are likely 
to remain volatile for some time to come, we 
believe we provide a very valuable service for 
our clients and charge them fairly for it. 

At the half year we announced that we had issued 
proceedings to confirm insurance cover against the insurers 
on the excess layer of our civil liability (professional 
indemnity) policy. We had done this to protect the 
Company’s interests as we were aware that a claim relating 
to the management of a Jersey trust had been filed against  
a former director of Rathbone Trust Company Jersey 
Limited, which was owned by us from March 2000 until 
October 2008. A trial date for the insurance coverage claim 
has been set for Autumn 2013, but the underlying case in 
Jersey is unlikely to be heard until 2014. We will keep the 
market informed of any material changes. 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012  

7

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our business model

Rathbone Brothers Plc is one of the UK’s leading providers of investment 
and wealth management services for private clients, charities and trustees.

We offer a range of complementary services to support our core  
investment services, providing our clients with a wide range of solutions  
to meet their individual needs.

T r u s t  and tax services
F i n a ncial planning
B a n king services

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Clients

Rathbones serve three main client groups: private clients, 
charities and trustees.

We have over 39,000 clients predominantly managed on a 
discretionary basis, representing a total of £17.98 billion of 
funds under management.

Our charities team advises over 900 charities, with funds 
under management totalling £2.09 billion.

The services we offer to financial intermediaries assist them 
in providing discretionary investment management services to 
their clients. Intermediaries include financial advisers, lawyers 
and accountants. We hold £2.93 billion in accounts managed 
on behalf of the clients of financial intermediaries.

8 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012

 
Our services

  Core services

Investment Management

Investment management teams provide investment 
management services to our clients with portfolios held in 
discretionary accounts, individual savings accounts (ISAs), 
self-invested personal pensions (SIPPs) and trust structures. 
The personal service we offer is underpinned by a  
well-researched, robust investment process which informs 
our investment managers as they tailor portfolios to 
individual clients’ needs.

Investment professionals from across our business participate 
in the investment process. The outputs of this process are 
derived from our combined expertise and experience and 
help to ensure that the investments selected are suitable. Our 
internal performance monitoring and risk control processes 
ensure that the quality of service and fulfillment of client 
objectives can be achieved.

  Complementary services

  Banking services

Our ethical investment service continually develops its 
extensive expertise in understanding how financial and 
ethical issues can be integrated within portfolios to meet  
the overall objectives of clients.

As a licensed deposit taker, we are able to offer our  
clients a range of banking services including currency, 
payment services, fixed interest term deposits and loans 
secured against investment portfolios.

Our Jersey office provides our clients access to offshore 
investment management services.

We also offer a unitised portfolio service to both private 
investors who wish to invest a lower level of funds than 
would be economically optimal for a full discretionary 
service and to financial advisers with larger groups of clients.

Unit Trusts

Rathbone Unit Trust Management offers a range of unit 
trusts and open-ended investment companies (OEICs) for 
private investors with £1,000 or more to invest. These are 
distributed mainly through financial advisers in the UK.

Funds cover the UK stock market, embracing small,  
medium and large companies to achieve growth and income. 
In addition, we manage an ethical bond fund, a strategic 
bond fund and a global fund which is focused on 
international opportunities.

Rathbone multi asset funds provide the building blocks  
for a collective solution for private clients, delivered via our 
unitised portfolio service. These funds are also available  
to investors with as little as £1,000 to invest.

  Investment process

The Rathbone investment process underpins all of the core 
services we offer. It is fundamental to the service we provide, 
guiding the thinking of our investment managers yet allowing  
enough flexibility to ensure that our clients’ individual needs 
are met. It is constantly evolving and we continue to invest  
in the people and resources required to ensure it remains 
intellectually robust and capable of meeting a variety  
of needs.

As alternative asset classes and investment products such  
as hedge funds and structured products have become more 
accessible and available to individual investors, we have 
invested significant resource to ensure we can analyse these 
wider options and incorporate them where we deem this 
suitable for our clients.

Financial planning

Rathbone Pension & Advisory Services advises clients  
on financial planning options, including retirement and 
inheritance tax planning. We also offer the Rathbone SIPP. 
For clients that do not have a financial adviser, we are able  
to offer fully-independent financial advice through our 
chartered financial planners.

Trust and tax services

Rathbone Trust Company provides advisory and  
compliance services in relation to taxation, probate and 
trusts. In addition, we offer family office support to  
clients that stand to benefit from it.

We report on the subsidiaries of Rathbone Brothers Plc as follows:

Investment Management 

Unit Trusts

  Rathbone Investment Management 
  Rathbone Investment  

  Management International 

  Rathbone Pension & Advisory Services 
  Rathbone Trust Company

Rathbone Unit Trust Management 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012  

9

 
 
 
 
 
Key investor information

In spite of difficult economic conditions, the UK wealth market  
continues to benefit from positive demographics and a critical need to  
save. Rathbones is well placed in a growing wealth market as a stable 
business with the right skills and qualities to take advantage of future 
growth opportunities.

Our market

Rathbones in context

•	 £483	billion	of	assets	managed	in	the	UK	by	private	client	

•	 We	manage	£17.98	billion,	which	equates	approximately	

wealth managers1

to a 4% market share

•	 The	UK	market	comprises	circa	2.0	million2 individuals  

•	 We	provide	investment	management	services	to	over	

with liquid assets >£100,000

39,000 clients

•	 Of	an	estimated	522,400	high	net	worth	individuals	 
with liquid assets >£500,0002 approximately 300,000 
employ an investment manager3

•	 Our	investment	management	client	portfolios	range	in	size	

from £100,000 to over £100 million

•	 Over	50%	of	the	money	we	manage	is	in	client	

•	 Over	150	companies	offer	wealth	management	services	 

relationships of greater than £1 million

in the UK4

The competitive landscape

UK Market by discretionary assets under management (AUM) at 31 December 20114

Discretionary AUM5  
£m  

Total AUM 
£m

41,828 
15,523 
14,400 
13,912 
13,389 
12,600 
9,679 
9,652 
9,616 
9,308 
8,744 
8,200 

49,795 
15,523* 
24,000 
14,800 
32,539* 
12,600 
12,735 
33,282* 
24,039*7 
31,025* 
11,658 
8,200

Coutts & Co 
GLG Partners 
Brewin Dolphin 
Rathbones 
HSBC6 
Lloyds TSB Private Banking 
Investec Wealth & Investment 
UBS Wealth Management 
Hargreaves Lansdown Asset Management 
Goldman Sachs International 
Smith & Williamson Investment Management 
Cazenove Capital Management 

Our performance

e
g
a
t
n
e
c
r
e
P

60

50

40

30

20

10

0

-10

-20

-30

-40

31 December 2007 

31 December 2008 

31 December 2009 

31 December 2010 

31 December 2011 

31 December 2012

––  Rathbone Brothers Plc – Total shareholder return
––  FTSE All Share – Total shareholder return

1  The City UK, Fund Management 2012 report
2  MDRC, UK high net worth 2013 report
3  Canaccord Adams Wealth Management report, January 2009
4  Source: Private Asset Managers directory 2012

5  Barclays Wealth and St James’s Place Wealth Management (total assets  
under management: £549.8bn and 28.5bn respectively) do not provide  
a breakdown of their discretionary assets under management

6  Combined data for HSBC Global Asset Managers and HSBC Private Bank
7 
*  Private Asset Managers directory estimate

Includes assets under administration

10 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Understanding our strategy

12 
14 

Strategy and key performance indicators
Rathbones at a glance

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012  

11

 
Strategy and key performance indicators

Our strategy

Clients 

To be a leading provider of  
high-quality, personalised investment 
management, trust, tax and pension 
advisory services to private clients, 
charities and trustees.

How we achieve our aims

•	 Focus	on	providing	 

•	 Manage	functions	 

discretionary investment  
management services through  
a direct relationship with an  
investment manager.

•	 Ensure	that	the	price	of	 

our services is fair, sustainable  
transparent and competitive.

•	 Provide	robust	support	to	 

in-house where we have  
scale to ensure that risks  
are controlled and services  
are managed to our  
high standards.

•	 Encourage	regular	 

feedback from our clients  
and act upon it.

investment managers making  
asset allocation and stock  
selection decisions.

•	 Offer	unit	trust	and	multi	asset	
funds tailored to meet private 
client investment needs.

•	 Ensure	our	clients	can	 

•	 Provide	supporting	tax,	trust	

access a range of investments  
across global markets.

and financial planning services.

Shareholders

To provide shareholders with a 
growing stream of dividend income 
and a consistent growth in earnings 
per share and capital return as 
market conditions allow. 

Employees 

To provide staff with an interesting 
and stimulating career environment, 
encourage all staff to share in the 
equity and profits of Rathbones and  
to reward organic growth.

•	 Review	supplier	relationships	
to ensure we secure value  
for money.

•	 Conservatively	manage	 

treasury assets within clear 
risk-based guidelines.

•	 Provide	clear	management	

accountability for operational 
and business risks.

•	 Maintain	optimal	capital	 

and	liquidity	levels,	having	
regard to market conditions, 
regulatory	requirements	 
and growth opportunities.

•	 Provide	training	for 

staff, seeking the highest 
professional and  
personal standards.

•	 Share	ideas	and	best	practice	
throughout the organisation 
through timely consultation  
and communication.

•	 Invest	in	our	people	 

and systems to support  
client service.

•	 Pursue	acquisition	 

opportunities which will  
increase shareholder value  
and fit our culture.

•	 Ensure	revenue	margins	 
remain competitive and  
appropriate to the value of  
the services we offer. 

•	 Manage	operating	cost	 

levels in line with growth  
in the size of the business.

•	 Invest	in	infrastructure	to	 

drive ongoing cost efficiency  
and	service	quality.

•		 Ensure	that	all	remuneration	 
schemes meet regulatory  
requirements	and	 
encourage appropriate  
behaviour.

•	 Benchmark	rewards	to	 

ensure that awards remain  
fair, competitive and aligned  
with shareholder interests.

•	 Aim	for	directors	to	build	up	 
a meaningful shareholding  
over a five year period.

•	 Offer	share-based	incentives	 
to staff across the business.

•	 Recruit	to	ensure	that	new	 
employees fit our culture.

12 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012

Strategy and key performance indicators continued

Principal risks to strategy

Measuring our success

Key performance indicators

Performance and advice

See risk F on page 29

Processing

  See	risk	O	on	page	31	

Regulatory

  See risk G on page 30

Reputational

  See risk H on page 30

Business model

  See risk E on page 29

Credit

  See risk A on page 29 

Pension

  See risk D on page 29 

Business change

  See risk I on page 30

People

  See risk N on page 31

Our	net	organic	growth	rates	and	
number of clients are important 
indicators of how successful we 
are in attracting new clients and 
retaining existing relationships.

The simplicity of our business 
model means that profits, 
earnings per share and  
margins are good indicators  
of success for both investors  
and employees. We aim for  
stable dividend growth (with 
dividend cover typically  
ranging from 1x to 2x earnings 
depending on where we are  
in the economic cycle). Total 
shareholder return for the  
last five financial years is  
shown on page 10.

As a service-based business,  
we recognise that continuity of 
client service often means 
continuity of employees who are 
happy to promote and represent 
the	firm.	One	way	to	measure	 
our success is to look at how 
many people join and leave the 
organisation and how many 
employees hold shares in our 
share incentive plan (SIP).

Net organic growth rates in 
Investment Management funds 
under management %

  2012: 3.0

  2011: 5.4

  2010: 5.3

  2009: 6.7

  2008: 7.4

Total funds under  
management £bn

  2012: 17.98

  2011: 15.85

  2010: 15.63

  2009: 13.10

  2008: 10.46

Unit Trusts funds under  
management £m

  2012: 1,266

  2011: 1,085

  2010: 1,043

  2009: 935

  2008: 1,029

Number of Investment 
Management clients ’000

  2012: 39.5`

  2011: 38.4

  2010: 37.4

  2009: 33.8

  2008: 31.2

Profit before tax £’000

Earnings per share p

  2012: 38,812

  2011: 39,152

  2010: 30,083

  2009: 29,468

  2008: 42,306

  2012: 67.00

  2011: 66.72

  2010: 49.76

  2009: 46.87

  2008: 67.57

Operating margin %

Dividend per share p

  2012: 24.9

  2011: 27.1

  2010: 23.7

  2009: 25.2

  2008: 32.3

  2012: 47.0

  2011: 46.0

  2010: 44.0

  2009: 42.0

  2008: 42.0

Staff costs as a percentage  
of operating expenses %

Average full time  
equivalent employees

  2012: 62.2

  2011: 61.3

  2010: 60.8

  2009: 64.8

  2008: 65.1

Number of shares held by  
SIP participants

  2012: 1,428,214

  2011: 1,394,076

  2010: 1,316,557

  2009: 1,346,948

  2008: 1,290,392

  2012: 789

  2011: 746

  2010: 699

  2009: 681

  2008: 675

Staff turnover %

  2012: 4

  2011: 5

  2010: 6

  2009: 3

  2008: 6

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012  

13

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Rathbones at a glance 
as at 31 December 2012

Key measures 

Market capitalisation at (£m) 
Total assets (£m) 
Total	equity	(£m) 
Basel III Tier 1 ratio (%) 
Profit before tax (£m) 

2012 

596.9 
1,137.7 
229.5 
20.1 
38.8 

2011

461.7 
1,183.8 
190.7 
16.2 
39.2

Investment Management

Unit Trusts

•	 Funds	under	management:	£16.71bn 

•	 Funds	under	management:	£1.27bn 

Service type

Fund

•  Rathbone Income Fund   
•  Rathbone Global  
	 	 Opportunities	Fund	
•	 Rathbone Ethical Bond Fund 
•		Rathbone Recovery Fund 
•		Rathbone Blue Chip  

%

38.2 

15.0 
8.1 
4.7 

Income and Growth Fund 

3.6 
•	 Rathbone Strategic Bond Fund  3.4 
•  Rathbone Active Income  
    Fund for Charities 
•  Rathbone Multi Asset  
    Portfolios 
•		Other	funds	

8.7 
16.6

1.7 

•  Discretionary 
•  Non-discretionary 

•  Private client 
•  Trust and settlements 
•		ISAs 
•		Charities 
•		Pensions including SIPPs 
•		Other	

•		Over	£1million	
•  £500,000 – £1million 
•		£250,000 – £499,999   
•		£50,000 – £249,999 
•	 Up to £50,000 

%

93.7 
6.3

%

44.5 
14.1 
14.0 
12.4 
11.3 
3.7

%

55.2 
17.0 
15.2 
12.1 
0.5

Account type

Account size

Principal trading names 

•	 Rathbone	Investment	Management 
•	 Rathbone	Investment	 

  Management International 

•	 Rathbone	Pension	&	Advisory	Services 
•	 Rathbone	Trust	Company

•	 Rathbone	Unit	Trust	Management

Direct employees

Offices

Head 

Websites

•	 550

•	 12

•	 30

•	 1

•	 Paul	Chavasse	(Investment	Management) 
•	 Ian	Buckley	(Other)

•	 Mike	Webb 

•	 General 
  www.rathbones.com  
•	 Ethical	investment 
  www.rathbonegreenbank.com

•	 www.rutm.com

14 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
Our business performance

16 
22 
27 
32 

Business review
Financial review
Group risk committee report
Corporate responsibility report

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012  

15

 
Business review

As detailed in Rathbones at a glance on page 14, the business 
is managed through two key operating segments, namely 
Investment Management and Unit Trusts.

Investment Management

T r u s t  and tax services
F i n a ncial planning
B a n king services

h

R a t

b o n e  

s

n

e

v

I n

Discre ti o

i n vestment pr
t m e n t Managem
i n v estment man
y
t h i c a l   investment
O ff s h o r e  investm
ent

ent

a

g

e

e

a

m

E

r

n

t

o

c

e

s

s

Client

p

U

o

n

r

i

t

f

t

i

s

o

l

i

e

d

o

s

The lack of sustained momentum in financial markets 
during 2012 meant that conditions for investors continued 
to be challenging. Despite the persistent market headwinds, 
we have continued to attract new clients at a healthy rate, 
both organically and through acquisitions. In total, 25 new 
investment managers and supporting staff joined Rathbones 
in 2012, taking the number of Investment Management 
investment managers to 205 at 31 December 2012 from  
184 at the end of 2011 (see chart 1).

Chart 1. Investment Management – number of clients and 
investment managers

Number of Investment Management clients

  2012: 39,500

  2011: 38,400

  2010: 37,400

  2009: 33,800

  2008: 31,200

Key performance indicators

Number of investment managers

Investment Management performance is largely driven by 
the value of funds under management. Revenue margins 
are expressed as a basis point return, which depends on 
a mix of tiered fee rates, commission volumes and the 
interest margin earned on cash in client portfolios. Funds 
are closely managed by investment managers, who maintain 
relationships that are critical to the retention of client 
accounts.

Year on year changes in the key performance indicators for 
Investment Management are shown in table 1, below:

Table 1. Investment Management – key performance indicators

  2012: 205

  2011: 184

  2010: 170

  2009: 157

  2008: 145

In spite of challenging conditions, the total number of clients 
(or groups of closely related clients) increased from 38,400  
to 39,500 during the year (see chart 1). We expect to 
welcome some 600 clients in early 2013 as a result of our 
purchase of Taylor Young Investment Management Limited’s 
private client base in November 2012.

2012  

2011

Fund flows

Funds under management at 31 December1  

£16.71bn   £14.76bn

Underlying rate of net organic growth  
in Investment Management funds  

  under management1 

Underlying rate of total net growth in  
Investment Management funds  

  under management1 

3.0% 

5.4%

6.2% 

7.5%

Average net operating basis point return2  

85bps 

84bps

Number of Investment Management clients 

39,500 

38,400

Number of investment managers 

205 

184

1  See table 2 
2  See table 5

In total, Investment Management funds under management 
increased by 13.2% to £16.71 billion at 31 December 2012 
from £14.76 billion at the start of the year. This increase is 
analysed below:

Table 2. Investment Management – funds under management

As at 1 January  
Inflows  

– organic1  
–	acquired2  

Outflows1 
Market adjustment3  

As at 31 December  

Net organic new business4  

Underlying rate of net organic growth5 

Underlying rate of total net growth6 

2012 
£bn 

14.76 
2.08  

1.60 
0.48  

 (1.16) 
1.03 

2011 
£bn

14.59 
1.97

 1.66 
0.31

(0.87) 
 (0.93)

16.71 

14.76

0.44 

3.0% 

6.2% 

0.79

5.4%

7.5%

1  Value at the date of transfer in/(out)
2  Value at 31 December
3  Represents the impact of market movements and the relative performance of funds  
  compared to the FTSE APCIMS Balanced Index
4	 Organic	inflows	less	outflows
5  Net organic new business as a % of opening funds under management
6	 Net	organic	new	business	and	acquired	inflows	as	a	%	of	opening	funds	 
  under management

16 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Business review continued

Investment Management continued 

Acquired inflows of £0.48 billion in the year include:

Continued economic uncertainty and equity markets that 
were range bound for most of 2012 adversely impacted on 
underlying net organic growth, measured as funds introduced 
by new or existing clients to existing investment managers, 
which fell to 3.0% of opening funds under management in 
the year (2011: 5.4%).

We continue to see growth across all areas of our business 
though, including referrals by existing clients, which 
remain an important source of new business. Charity funds 
under management continued to grow strongly, reaching a 
milestone of £2.09 billion at 31 December 2012, up 24.4% 
from £1.68 billion at the start of the year. This performance 
was recognised when Rathbones won Investment Manager  
of the Year at the Charity Times Awards in October 2012.

Our relationships with financial intermediaries continue  
to be an increasingly important source of new business, 
although many intermediaries were busy with the Retail 
Distribution Review (RDR) preparation in 2012. At  
31 December 2012, £2.93 billion of Investment Management 
funds under management were linked to independent 
financial advisers (IFAs) and provider panel relationships 
(2011: £2.47 billion).

We announced in October 2012 that we had acquired a 
19.9% holding in Vision Independent Financial Planning 
Limited, along with its sister company, Castle Investment 
Solutions Limited (together, ‘Vision’). Vision is a fast-growing 
independent specialist financial advice network with which 
we had an existing discretionary fund management panel 
relationship. Vision will remain an independent network 
with a focus on selecting the most suitable discretionary 
investment management service for its private clients.  
The Group’s share of Vision’s results is reported in the 
Investment Management segment as other income.

•	 £76	million	from	the	acquisition	of	R.M.	Walkden	&	Co. 

Limited in April 2012;

•	 £51	million	from	Allied	Irish	Bank	(AIB)	Jersey;	and

•	 £51	million	from	our	new	team	to	be	based	in	Lymington.

The impact on funds under management from our recent 
purchase of Taylor Young Investment Management Limited’s 
private client base will be seen in 2013.

Total net organic and acquired growth has added £0.92 
billion to funds under management in 2012 (2011: £1.10 
billion), representing an underlying rate of total net growth in 
funds under management of 6.2% (2011: 7.5%). The FTSE 
100 Index and the FTSE APCIMS Balanced Index rose by 
5.9% and 5.8% respectively over the year, helping to bring 
about a positive market adjustment of £1.03 billion (2011: 
£0.93 billion negative adjustment). Investment performance 
in 2012 was positive overall against the APCIMS Balanced 
Index, whereas performance in the latter part of 2011 was 
less favourable largely due to a bias towards corporate bonds 
versus the relatively high gilt weighting in the APCIMS 
Balanced Index.

Financial performance

Investment Management income is derived from:

•	 a	tiered	scale	of	investment	management	or	advisory	fees,	
which are applied based on the value of clients’ funds 
under management, and a flat fee for each account;

	•	 commissions	which	are	levied	on	transactions	undertaken	

on behalf of clients; and

•	 an	interest	margin	earned	on	the	cash	held	in	 

clients’ portfolios.

Chart 2. Investment Management – funds under management five year growth

14.59

14.76

16.71

12.16

9.43

n
b
£

18

16

14

12

10

8

6

4

2

0

2008 

2009 

2010 

2011 

2012 

––  Funds under management
––  FTSE 100 (£bn)*
––  FTSE APCIMS Balanced (£bn)*

*   FTSE 100 and FTSE APCIMS figures show how funds under management would have changed between 2008 and 2012 if they had tracked each index

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012  

17

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Business review continued

Investment Management continued 

Table 4. Investment Management – average funds under management

Table 3. Investment Management – financial performance

Net investment management fee income2 
Net commission income 
Net interest income3 
Fees from advisory services4 and other income 

Underlying net operating income 
Underlying operating expenses5 

Underlying profit before tax 

Underlying operating margin6 

2012 
£m 

89.6 
37.4 
9.9 
9.8 

20111
£m

80.1 
36.2 
10.0 
8.8

146.7 
(102.1) 

135.1 
(89.7)

44.6 

45.4

30.4% 

33.6%

1  Comparatives restated due to re-presentation of segmental information (see note 3 to the 

consolidated financial statements)

2  Net fee income is stated after deducting fees and commission expenses paid to introducers
3  Interest is presented net of interest expense paid on client accounts
4  Fees from advisory services include income from trust, tax and pensions advisory services
5  See table 6
6  Underlying profit before tax as a % of underlying net operating income

Net fee income increased by 11.9% from £80.1 million 
to £89.6 million in 2012, benefiting from continuing 
growth in funds under management as well as the full year 
impact of increased charges (introduced from the end of 
the first quarter in 2011). For the majority of clients, fees 
are calculated based on the value of funds at our quarterly 
charging dates. Average funds under management on these 
billing dates in 2012 were £15.97 billion, up 8.2% from 
2011 (reflecting market movements, investment performance 
and net new funds).

Rathbones’ Annual Charity 
Symposium 2012

Rathbones’ Annual Charity Symposium 
2012 took place on the afternoon of 
Wednesday 12 September 2012 at 
the British Museum, London. Around 
300 charity trustees and their advisers 
joined Rathbones charity investment 
managers for an afternoon of 
stimulating presentations and debate 
which addressed current financial and 
legislative issues within the sector.

Speakers included James Codrington, 
investment director at Rathbones, 
Mark Spofforth (president of the 
Institute of Chartered Accountants 
for England and Wales) and Laurence 
Dallaglio	OBE.	A	panel	discussion	was	
also held which pitted members of 
Rathbones’ charity team against each 
other in a balloon style debate.

A video and photos from the day are 
available on the Rathbones website 
at: www.rathbones.com/rathbones-
annual-charity-symposium-2012. 

Valuation dates for billing: 
– 5 April 
– 30 June 
– 30 September 
– 31 December 

Average 

Average FTSE 100 level 

2012 
£bn 

2011 
£bn

15.55 
15.50 
16.12 
16.71 

15.97 

5734 

14.98 
15.27 
14.04 
14.76

14.76

5663

Commissions were seasonally strong in the first quarter of 
2012, but suffered from the lack of direction in investment 
markets until the last two months of the year, ending the year 
at £37.4 million (2011: £36.2 million).

Net interest income of £9.9 million in 2012 was consistent 
with 2011 (£10.0 million) as lower income from treasury 
assets, in spite of higher average liquidity, was offset by  
£0.4 million of additional interest on client loans. The above 
factors resulted in a marginal increase in basis point (bps) 
return on average funds under management to 85bps 
from 84bps in 2011, as shown in the table below:

Table 5. Investment Management – revenue margin

Basis point return1 from 
– fee income 
– commission 
– interest 

Basis point return on funds under management  

2012 
bps 

2011 
bps

56 
24 
5 

85 

54 
25 
5

84

1  Underlying net operating income (see table 3) excluding interest on own reserves, fees  

from advisory services and other income, divided by the average funds under management  
on	the	quarterly	billing	dates	(see	table	4)

Fees from advisory services and other income of  
£9.8 million were 11.4% higher than 2011, reflecting the 
impact of new charges and business growth.

Underlying operating expenses in Investment Management 
for 2012 were £102.1 million, compared to £89.7 million  
in 2011, an increase of 13.8%. This is highlighted in  
table 6, below:

Table 6. Investment Management – underlying operating expenses

Staff costs1 
– fixed  
– variable  

Total staff costs 
Other	operating	expenses	

Underlying operating expenses 

2012 
£m 

36.1 
16.8 

52.9 
49.2 

102.1 

2011 
£m

 31.6 
 15.8

47.4 
42.3

89.7

Underlying cost/income ratio2 

69.6% 

66.4%

1  Represents the costs of investment managers and teams directly involved in  

client-facing activities

2  Underlying operating expenses as a % of underlying net operating income (see table 3)

18 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Business review continued

Investment Management continued 

Award-winning

Rathbones was named ‘Best Wealth 
Manager for Alternative Investments’ 
at the Investors Chronicle/FT Wealth 
Management Awards in May 2012. 
The award recognises the breadth 
of our investment expertise, which 
includes alternative as well as 
traditional investment strategies.

Further accolades in 2012 included 
the ‘Investment Manager of the Year’ 
award at the Charity Times Awards in 
October	and	in	November	the	‘Incisive	
Media Gold Standard for Discretionary 
Portfolio Management’ at the Incisive 
Media Gold Standard Awards 2012.

Paul Chavasse, head of investment 
management, said of the Gold 
Standard win: “We are particularly 
pleased to have won an award  
which places such emphasis on 
our values of first class investment 
management	and	high-quality	 
client service. In an industry that  
is increasingly automated and  
models-based, we believe in giving 
clients direct access to the person 
managing their money. The Gold 
Standard underlines our ongoing 
commitment to our clients.” 

Fixed staff costs of £36.1 million increased by 14.2% 
year on year, principally reflecting the addition of revenue 
generating staff and salary inflation. Variable staff costs are 
marginally higher year on year, reflecting positive investment 
performance and a higher year end Rathbone Brothers Plc 
share price.

Other operating expenses of £49.2 million include property, 
depreciation, settlement, IT, finance and other central support 
services costs. The year to year increase of £6.9 million 
(16.3%) reflects higher marketing spend, a busy project 
agenda and planned investment in property and IT.

In addition, other operating expenses include higher 
Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) levies of 
£1.0 million in 2012 (2011: £0.4 million) and £0.8 million  
of legal fees arising from proceedings to confirm insurance 
cover against the insurers on the excess layer of our civil 
liability (professional indemnity) policy. Action was taken to 
protect the Company’s interests as the Company was aware 
that a claim relating to the management of a Jersey trust 
had been filed against a former director of Rathbone Trust 
Company Jersey Limited (owned by Rathbones from March 
2000 until October 2008).

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012  

19

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net inflows of Unit Trusts funds under management in 2012 
were £66 million, compared to £97 million in 2011, with 
the business now reporting positive net sales for the last nine 
consecutive quarters to 31 December 2012. This represents a 
positive development from difficult times in 2008 and 2009.

Chart 3. Unit Trusts – annual net flows

2012: 66

2011: 97

2010: (30)

2009: (234)

2008: (234)

At 31 December 2012, the value of assets managed in each 
fund was as follows:

Table 9. Unit Trusts – fund assets

Rathbone Income Fund 
Rathbone	Global	Opportunities	Fund	
Rathbone Ethical Bond Fund 
Rathbone Recovery Fund 
Rathbone Blue Chip Income and Growth Fund 
Rathbone Strategic Bond Fund 
Rathbone Active Income Fund for Charities 
Rathbone Multi Asset Portfolios 
Other	funds	

2012 
£m 

484 
190 
102 
59 
46 
43 
21 
110 
211 

2011 
£m

453 
136 
79 
62 
60 
15 
– 
100 
180

1,266 

1,085

During 2012, funds performed well with each now boasting  
a strong three year track record, which is so critical to 
securing future sales.

Table 10. Unit Trusts – fund performance

2012/(2011) quartile ranking1 over: 

1 year 

3 years 

5 years

Rathbone Blue Chip Income and  
  Growth Fund 
Rathbone Ethical Bond Fund 
Rathbone	Global	Opportunities	Fund	
Rathbone Income Fund 
Rathbone Recovery Fund2  
Rathbone Strategic Bond Fund3  

1 (3)  
1 (4)  
3	(1)		
2 (2)  
2 (3) 
4 (n/a) 

2 (2)  
1 (1) 
1	(1)	
1 (1) 

2 (3) 
2 (3) 
2	(1) 
3 (3) 
1 (n/a)   n/a (n/a) 
n/a (n/a)

n/a (n/a) 

1  Ranking of retail share classes
2  Performance data for the Rathbone Recovery Fund is not yet available beyond three years  

as the fund was launched on 13 July 2009

3  Performance data for the Rathbone Strategic Bond Fund is not yet available beyond one 

year	as	the	fund	was	launched	on	3	October	2011

Business review continued

Unit Trusts

b o n e  

h

R a t

i n vestment pr

o

c

e

s

s

Client

U

nit Trusts 

Key performance indicators

Unit Trusts performance is largely driven by the value and 
growth of funds managed.

Year on year changes in the key performance indicators for 
Unit Trusts are shown in table 7, below:

Table 7. Unit Trusts – key performance indicators

Funds under management at 31 December1 

£1.27bn 

£1.09bn

2012 

2011

Underlying rate of net growth in Unit Trusts funds 
  under management1 

Profit before tax2 

1  See table 8
2  See table 11

Fund flows

6.4% 

9.6%

£0.6m 

£0.8m

The retail asset management industry saw the depressed 
trend in net retail sales, which began in the second half of 
2011, continue through 2012. Industry concentration in 
a small number of funds and focus on mainstream fixed 
income funds provided a difficult backdrop for the business. 
The uncertain direction of financial markets during the year 
led to a 24.3% drop in industry-wide net retail sales (as 
reported by the Investment Management Association) to 
£13.7 billion, compared to £18.1 billion in 2011. Despite 
these negative trends, Unit Trusts funds under management 
increased by 16.5% year on year to £1.27 billion from 
£1.09 billion, supported both by market movements and net 
growth in funds as shown in table 8, below:

Table 8. Unit Trusts – funds under management

As at 1 January 
Net inflows 

– inflows1 
– outflows1 

Market adjustments2 

As at 31 December 

Underlying rate of net growth3 

1  Valued at the date of transfer in/(out)
2  Impact of market movements and relative performance
3  Net inflows as a % of opening funds under management

2012 
£bn 

1.09 
0.07 

0.27 
(0.20) 

0.11 

1.27 

6.4% 

2011 
£bn

1.04 
0.10

0.24 
(0.14)

(0.05)

1.09

9.6%

20 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Business review continued

Unit Trusts continued 

Table 12. Unit Trusts – underlying operating expenses

On 9 July 2012, we extended our range of funds with the 
launch of the Rathbone Active Income Fund for Charities, 
a specialist fund that provides a tax-efficient investment 
opportunity for charities. By the end of 2012, the fund had 
added £21 million to the value of funds under management. 
During 2012, we created institutional units on all of our 
funds as planned, to ensure RDR compliance. Institutional 
units carry a lower annual management charge (typically 
half that of retail units) and do not allow for any form of 
trail commission to advisers who must now levy their own 
charges directly to investors.

Financial performance

Unit Trusts income is primarily derived from:

Staff costs 
– fixed 
– variable 

Total staff costs 
Other	operating	expenses	

Underlying operating expenses 

2012 
£m 

2011 
£m

2.9 
0.9 

3.8 
4.5 

8.3 

2.5 
1.1

3.6 
3.8

7.4

Underlying cost/income ratio1 

93.3% 

90.2%

1  Underlying operating expenses as a % of net operating income (see table 11)

Fixed staff costs of £2.9 million for year ended 31 December 
2012 were 16.0% higher than the previous year due to salary 
increases and an increase in headcount over the year from an 
average full time equivalent of 29 to 30.

•	 annual	management	charges,	which	are	calculated	on	 

the daily value of funds under management, net of rebates 
and trail commission payable to intermediaries; and

Variable staff costs of £0.9 million were down 18.2% on 
2011 as the impact of spreading higher profit share awards  
in 2007 and 2008 fell out of the segment’s results in 2011.

Other operating expenses have increased by 18.4% to 
£4.5 million, principally as a result of higher third party 
administration costs following the mandatory launch of 
institutional class shares and increased office costs after the 
move of the head office to 1 Curzon Street, London  
in February 2012.

Financial awareness for  
young people

Rathbones has a healthy interest  
in the education sector. 30%  
of charitable funds managed by 
Rathbones are in the educational 
sector and over the years we have 
undertaken various initiatives  
with schools.

We are aware that there is a  
limited focus on financial guidance  
in mainstream education and we feel  
we have a social responsibility to try 
and fill this gap. As part of a long term 
initiative, we are using our in-house 
resource and expertise to run a 
number of financial awareness events 
both in our offices and in schools 
throughout 2012 and 2013.

For more information, visit:  
www.rathbones.com/financialawareness.

•	 net	dealing	profits	which	are	earned	on	the	bid-offer	

spread from sales and redemptions of units and market 
movements on the small stock of units that are held on 
our books overnight.

Table 11. Unit Trusts – financial performance

Initial charges net of discounts  
Annual management charges  
Net dealing profits  
Interest and other income  

Rebates and trail commission payable 

Net operating income 
Underlying operating expenses1 

Profit before tax 

Operating	%	margin2 

1  See table 12
2  Profit before tax divided by net operating income

2012 
£m 

0.5 
15.0 
0.6 
0.2 

16.3 
(7.4) 

8.9 
(8.3) 

0.6 

2011 
£m

0.5 
13.9 
0.5 
0.2

15.1 
(6.9)

8.2 
(7.4)

0.8

6.7% 

9.8%

Annual management charges increased 7.9% to £15.0 
million in 2012, in line with a rise in average funds under 
management. Annual management charges as a percentage 
of average funds under management remained consistent at 
1.3% (2011: 1.3%). Rebates and trail commission payable, 
as a percentage of annual management charges was  
49.3% compared to 49.6% in 2011.

Net dealing profits of £0.6 million were similar to the £0.5 
million in 2011, as the level of gross sales remained broadly 
flat over both years. Net operating income as a percentage  
of average funds under management was consistent at  
0.8% in 2012 and 2011.

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012  

21

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial review

Consolidated financial performance

Underlying operating expenses

Table 13. Extracts from the consolidated statement of  
comprehensive income

Operating	income	

Underlying operating expenses  

Underlying profit before tax1 

Underlying operating margin2 

Profit before tax 

Effective tax rate 

Taxation 

Profit after tax 

Underlying earnings per share 

Earnings per share 

Dividend per share3 

2012 
£m 
(unless stated) 

2011 
£m 
(unless stated)

155.6 

144.5

110.5 

45.1 

97.1

46.2

 29.0% 

32.2%

38.8 

39.2

24.7% 

26.7%

(9.6) 

(10.4)

29.2 

28.7

77.96p 

78.79p

67.00p 

66.72p

47p 

46p

1  Profit before tax excluding amortisation of client relationships, head office relocation costs 

and, in 2011, gains on disposal of financial securities

2  Underlying profit before tax as a % of operating income, excluding gains on disposal of 

financial securities in 2011

3  The total interim and final dividend proposed for the financial year

Operating income

The Group’s operating income has increased 7.7% to  
£155.6 million in 2012, driven by higher fee and commission 
income from steadily growing funds under management. 
Operating income in 2011 included £1.1 million of gains 
on disposal of financial securities which were excluded from 
underlying results (see below).

Chart 4. Underlying operating expenses

Underlying operating expenses have increased 13.8% to 
£110.5 million and reflect a combination of business growth 
and investment as well as some other factors (see chart 4).

Average full time equivalent headcount grew 5.8% to 789 
(2011: 746), which largely reflected new revenue generating 
teams joining us or new roles aimed at business development 
and enhancing investment process. Variable staff costs, 
including variable awards for business support staff, increased 
by 9.3% to £21.1 million, reflecting improved investment 
performance versus the APCIMS Balanced Index (to some 
extent a reversal of the lower performance reported in the  
last quarter of 2011 as a result of a strong gilt market) and 
a higher share price which increased the cost of cash-settled 
share-based awards.

As planned, infrastructure costs increased by £3.3 million 
largely as a result of higher property costs in London and 
Liverpool and IT expenditure. In addition though, underlying 
operating expenses also included £1.0 million of FSCS levies, 
up £0.6 million from 2011, legal expenses, which include 
£0.8 million of legal fees arising from proceedings to confirm 
insurance cover against the insurers on the excess layer  
of our civil liability (professional indemnity) policy, and 
pension service costs. Pension service costs increased  
£1.4 million largely as a result of the impact of lower  
long-dated gilt yields at the start of 2012, which also  
reduced expected investment returns.

m
£

115.0

110.0

105.0

100.0

95.0

90.0

85.0

People 

Infrastructure

2.0

1.5

1.8

1.5

1.9

97.1

2.9

110.5

1.8

2011	
underlying  
expenses 

Inflation	

Client	
facing 

Support	
staff 

Variable	
rewards 

Investment	

Property	

Other	

2012 
underlying 
expenses

22 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial review continued

Consolidated financial performance continued 

Taxation

Underlying profit before tax/operating margin

Segment financial information in the business review is 
presented on an underlying basis, as it is considered to be a 
better reflection of true business performance. Measures such 
as ‘underlying profit before tax’ and ‘underlying earnings per 
share’ have been adopted by research analysts covering the 
Group. Underlying profit before tax decreased 2.4% in the 
year to £45.1 million, from £46.2 million in 2011, as cost 
inflation more than offset growth and positive market effects.

Items of income and expense falling in the categories 
explained below are excluded from underlying results.  
A full reconciliation between underlying profit and profit 
attributable to shareholders is provided in note 12 to the 
consolidated financial statements.

Amortisation of client relationships (note 21) 
Client relationship intangible assets are created in the  
course of acquiring funds under management. The 
amortisation charge associated with these assets 
represents a significant non-cash item. It has, therefore, 
been excluded from underlying profit, which represents 
largely cash-based earnings. Charges for amortisation 
of client relationship intangibles in the year ended 31 
December 2012 were £6.0 million (2011: £5.1 million).

Head office relocation costs (note 8) 
In February 2012, we relocated our head office to  
1 Curzon Street, taking advantage of the opportunity to 
bring London-based employees together, with most now 
sitting on the same floor of a single building. Charges  
in 2012 of £0.3 million (2011: £3.0 million) associated  
with this move were separately highlighted and excluded 
from underlying profit due to their material and non-
recurring nature. Associated operating lease costs of 
£3.3 million per annum are included within underlying 
operating expenses.

Gains on disposal of financial securities (note 6) 
Included within operating income in 2011 was a  
non-recurring gain of £1.1 million from the sale of 
certain financial assets that were previously held in 
nominee accounts and which the passage of time had 
demonstrated that any claims against those assets  
had been exhausted. They were consequently  
recognised following FSA approval. No such gains  
were recognised in 2012.

The consolidated underlying operating margin, which 
is calculated as the ratio of underlying profit before tax 
to underlying operating income, fell to 29.0% in 2012 
compared to 32.2% in 2011, reflecting the year on year 
change in profitability.

The tax charge for 2012 was £9.6 million  
(2011: £10.4 million), and represents an effective tax  
rate of 24.7% (2011: 26.7%).

The effective tax rate has fallen since 2011 primarily due 
to a reduction in the UK corporation tax rate. The effective 
tax rate is slightly higher than the derived UK standard 
rate of corporation tax of 24.5% due to the impact of 
disallowable expenses, which has been largely offset by the 
impact of a small overprovision in 2011. A full reconciliation 
of the income tax expense is provided in note 10 to the 
consolidated financial statements.

The UK Government has proposed that the UK corporation 
tax rate be reduced to 21.0% over the next two years.  
At 31 December 2012, only an element of this reduction, 
taking the UK tax rate to 23.0% in 2013, had been 
substantively enacted.

Earnings per share and dividends

Basic earnings per share for the year ended 31 December 
2012 were 67.00p, up 0.4% on 66.72p in 2011, 
incorporating exceptional income and costs and the reduction 
in the effective tax rate noted above. On an underlying basis, 
earnings per share decreased by 1.1% to 77.96p in 2012  
(see note 12 to the consolidated financial statements).

In light of the results for the year, the Board have  
proposed a final dividend for 2012 of 30p. This results  
in a full year dividend of 47p, an increase of 1p on 2011.  
The proposed dividend is covered 1.4 times by basic  
earnings and 1.7 times by underlying earnings.

London office move

The move of the Rathbones’ head 
office from New Bond Street to  
1 Curzon Street in Mayfair completed 
on 27 February 2012. The new 
London office covers some 44,200 
square	feet	split	over	two	floors,	
representing a 10% increase in 
floor space. The enlarged premises 
accommodate all of Rathbones’ 
London-based employees and offer 
improved facilities for a growing  
client-base, underlying a commitment 
to the highest levels of client service.

Rathbones’ chief executive Andy 
Pomfret said: “Rathbones is a growing 
business which continues to grow,  
both	organically	and	by	acquisition.	
Our	new	offices	will	ensure	we	
can continue to accommodate the 
high number of face-to-face client 
meetings and, for the first time, will 
see Rathbones’ employees based on 
a single floor. The additional space 
will also help meet the needs of the 
continued investment in technology 
and infrastructure which is essential  
in providing operational efficiency. ”

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012  

23

 
 
Financial review continued

Consolidated balance sheet and  
capital resources

Table 14. Extracts from the consolidated balance sheet and components  
of regulatory capital

Capital resources 
– Tier 1 capital ratio1 
–	Total	equity	

Other	resources 
– Total assets 
– Treasury assets2 
– Investment management loan book3 
–	Intangible	assets	from	acquired	growth4 
– Tangible assets and software5 

Liabilities 
– Due to customers6 
– Retirement benefit obligations  

2012 
£m 
(unless stated) 

2011 
£m 
(unless stated)

20.1% 
229.5 

16.2% 
190.7

1,137.7 
896.4 
65.1 
92.8 
16.6 

1,183.8 
974.6 
36.4 
88.8 
14.7

828.4 
2.1 

908.7 
7.3

1  Tier 1 capital as a proportion of total risk weighted assets, calculated on a Basel III basis
2  Balances with central banks, loans and advances to banks and investment securities 

(excluding	available	for	sale	equity	investments)

3  See note 15 to the consolidated financial statements
4		Net	book	value	of	acquired	client	relationships	and	goodwill	(note	21)
5		Net	book	value	of	property,	plant	and	equipment	and	computer	software	(notes	18	and	21)
6  Total amounts of cash in client portfolios held by Rathbone Investment Management as  

a bank (note 23)

The Group’s Pillar III disclosures are published annually on 
our website (www.rathbones.com/investor-relations/results-
and-presentations/pillar-3-disclosures) and provide further 
details about regulatory capital resources and requirements.

As required under FSA rules, we perform an Internal 
Capital Adequacy Assessment Process annually, which 
includes performing a range of stress tests to determine the 
appropriate level of regulatory capital that the Group needs 
to hold. In addition, we monitor a wide range of capital 
and liquidity statistics on a daily, monthly or less frequent 
basis as required. Capital levels are forecast on a monthly 
basis, taking account of proposed dividends and investment 
requirements, to ensure that appropriate buffers are 
maintained. Investment of proprietary funds is controlled  
by our treasury department.

The Group’s Tier 1 capital ratio, calculated on a Basel III 
basis, is much higher than the banking industry norm and 
reflects the low risk nature of the Group’s banking activity 
and the lack of debt financing. The Tier 1 ratio has risen 
to 20.1% from 16.2% at the previous year end mainly due 
to the impact of the successful share placing completed in 
November 2012 (see below).

Regulatory capital

Capital resources

Rathbones is classified as a banking group under the  
Capital Requirements Directive and we are therefore required 
to operate within a wide range of restrictions on capital 
resources and banking exposures that are prescribed by 
the prudential rules of the FSA. At 31 December 2012, the 
Group had regulatory capital resources of £118.4 million 
(2011: £89.8 million), which were calculated as follows:

Table 15. Regulatory capital resources

Share capital and share premium 
Reserves 
Less: 
–	Own	shares	
– Intangible assets1 
–	Other	regulatory	adjustments2 

2012 
£m 

64.5 
170.9 

(5.8) 
(97.4) 
(13.8) 

2011 
£m

36.4 
159.0 

(4.7) 
(92.8) 
(8.1)

Total regulatory capital resources 

118.4 

89.8

1  Net book value of goodwill, client relationship intangibles and software are deducted directly 

from capital resources

2  Including committed pension funding contributions and balances related to the Group’s 

captive insurance company

The consolidated balance sheet remains healthy with total 
equity of £229.5 million at 31 December 2012, up 20.3% 
from £190.7 million at the end of 2011. The business 
remains well capitalised and does not rely on wholesale 
markets to fund its operations. The Group is fully funded  
by equity.

On 7 November 2012, we successfully completed the  
placing of 2,000,000 new ordinary shares at a price of 
£12.35 per share, which raised £24.7 million before 
transaction costs, at a discount of 2.99% to the market price. 
The capital was raised to allow us to take advantage of  
the increase in acquisition opportunities that we expect to 
see in the near future (such acquisitions result in a reduction 
in regulatory capital as intangible assets are immediately 
deducted from regulatory capital resources; see table 15)  
and to expand the loan book.

Total assets

Total assets at 31 December 2012 were £1,137.7 million 
(2011: £1,183.8 million), of which £828.4 million  
(2011: £908.7 million) represents the cash held in banking 
client portfolios.

24 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Financial review continued

Consolidated balance sheet and capital resources continued 

Treasury assets

As a licensed deposit taker, Rathbone Investment 
Management holds the Group’s surplus liquidity on its 
balance sheet together with clients’ cash held on a banking 
basis. Cash in client portfolios of £833.9 million, including 
£5.5 million held in client money accounts, represented 5.0% 
of total investment management funds at 31 December 2012 
compared to 6.2% at the end of 2011.

The treasury department of Rathbone Investment 
Management, reporting through the banking committee  
to the Board, operates in accordance with procedures set  
out in a Board-approved treasury manual and monitors 
exposure to market, credit and liquidity risk as described 
in note 30 to the consolidated financial statements. The 
treasury department invests in a range of securities issued 
by a relatively large number of counterparties. These 
counterparties must be ‘A’ rated or higher by Fitch and  
are regularly reviewed by the banking committee.

Loan book

Loans are provided as a service to investment management 
clients who have short to medium term cash requirements. 
Such loans are normally made on a fully secured basis against 
portfolios held in Rathbones’ nominee name (see note 30 
to the consolidated financial statements) and are usually 
advanced for a maximum of one year. All loans (and any 
extensions to the initial loan period) are subject to approval 
by the banking committee. Our ability to provide such loans 
is a valuable additional service, for example, for clients that 
require bridging finance when moving home and, in the 
current low interest rate climate, the yield on such low-risk 
loans supports our overall interest rate margin.

In 2012 we saw increased demand for client loans. 
Outstanding loans totalled £65.1 million at the end of 2012 
(2011: £36.4 million). This activity is an important part of 
building our relationship with clients.

Intangible assets

Intangible assets arise principally from acquired growth in 
funds under management and are categorised as goodwill 
and client relationships. At 31 December 2012, the total 
carrying value of intangible assets arising from acquired 
growth was £92.8 million (2011: £88.8 million). During the 
year, client relationship intangible assets of £10.0 million 
were capitalised (2011: £5.7 million), including £2.2 million 
from the acquisition of R.M. Walkden & Co. Limited.

Further client relationship intangible assets will be recognised 
in 2013 as a result of clients joining Rathbones following the 
purchase of Taylor Young Investment Management Limited’s 
private client base and AIB’s Jersey-based investment 
management business. No goodwill was acquired during 
2011 or 2012.

Client relationship intangibles are amortised over the 
estimated life of the client relationship, generally over a 
period of 10 to 15 years. When client relationships  
are lost, any related intangible is derecognised in the year.  
The total amortisation charge for client relationships, 
including the impact of lost relationships, in 2012 was  
£6.0 million (2011: £5.1 million).

Goodwill which arises from business combinations is  
not amortised, but is subject to a test for impairment at  
least annually. No goodwill was found to be impaired  
during 2011 or 2012.

Further details on the Group’s intangible assets are provided 
in note 21 to the consolidated financial statements.

Capital expenditure

During 2012, we have continued to invest for future growth 
with capitalised expenditure on our premises and systems 
totalling £6.1 million (2011: £9.0 million). We continue to 
work at improving the efficiency of our systems and our back 
office and investment in new systems continues at a steady 
pace. Although some of this is driven by regulatory change, 
much is driven by our desire to optimise the service that  
our clients receive and to give our investment managers the 
tools they need to manage portfolios more easily.

Capital expenditure on property in 2012 included  
£2.0 million of fit-out and related costs in relation to the 
relocation of our head office in February (2011: £4.8 million) 
and a further £0.3 million of related costs have been charged 
to profit in 2012 (2011: £3.0 million).

In 2013, we expect capital expenditure to remain at  
2012 levels as we continue to invest in our internet portal  
for clients and advisers and open additional offices in  
Lymington and Newcastle.

Defined benefit pension schemes

We operate two defined benefit pension schemes, both of 
which have been closed to new members for several years.

Actuarial valuations of the schemes as at 31 December 2010 
were carried out during 2011 and we have not needed to 
revisit these during 2012.

Continued market volatility in 2012, in particular in relation 
to interest rates and inflation expectations, has meant that 
our pension scheme deficits have also been volatile during  
the year. At 31 December 2012, the combined accounting 
deficit on the two defined benefit schemes had fallen to  
£2.1 million (2011: £7.3 million). This decrease is mainly 
due to continued funding, improved asset returns and higher 
discount rates. Full details of the assumptions underlying  
the accounting valuation and associated sensitivities are 
included in note 26 to the consolidated financial statements.

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012  

25

 
Financial review continued

Consolidated balance sheet and capital resources continued 

Funding valuations, which form the basis of the annual 
contributions that we make into the schemes, are required to 
be more prudent than valuations used for financial reporting, 
which must be based on management’s best estimate of 
the schemes’ position. Regular annual contributions to the 
schemes for ongoing service by scheme members were  
£3.8 million in 2012, based on 22.6% of pensionable 
salaries. From 2013, this will reduce to 14.8% of pensionable 
salaries. In addition, further funding contributions of up 
to £3.1 million per year are payable until 2017 under the 
current agreement. The next funding valuation will be carried 
out on the schemes’ position at 31 December 2013.

Liquidity and cash flow

Table 16. Extracts from the consolidated statement of cash flows

2012 
£m 

Cash	and	cash	equivalents	at	the	end	of	the	year	
230.2 
Net cash (outflows)/inflow from operating activities  (176.8) 
Net	increase	in	cash	and	cash	equivalents	
100.3 

2011 
£m

129.9 
177.3 
50.8

Fee income is largely collected directly from client portfolios 
and expenses, by and large, are predictable; consequently 
Rathbones operates with a modest amount of working 
capital. Larger cash flows are principally generated from 
banking/treasury operations when investment managers 
make asset allocation decisions about the amount of cash to 
be held in client portfolios. As a bank, Rathbones is subject 
to the FSA’s Internal Liquidity Adequacy Assessment regime, 
which requires us to hold a suitable Liquid Asset Buffer to 
ensure that short term liquidity requirements can be met 
under certain stressed scenarios. Liquidity risks are actively 
managed on a daily basis and depend on operational and 
investment transaction activity.

Cash and balances at central banks was £116.0 million at 
31 December 2012, primarily reflecting amounts held in a 
reserve account with the Bank of England, which was opened 
during the year.

Cash and cash equivalents, as defined by accounting 
standards, includes cash, money market funds and banking 
deposits which had an original maturity of less than three 
months (see note 35 to the consolidated financial statements).

Net cash flows from operating activities include the effect  
of a £80.2 million decrease in banking client deposits  
(2011: £143.8 million increase) and a £131.2 million increase 
in the component of treasury assets placed in term deposits 
for more than three months (2011: £8.5 million increase).

Offsetting these outflows was a net inflow of  
£284.9 million from the maturity of certificates of deposit 
and the liquidation of holdings in money market funds 
(2011: £92.9 million net outflows), shown within investing 
activities in the consolidated statement of cash flows.

The most significant non-operating cash flows during the 
year were as follows:

•	 a	net	inflow	of	£24.0	million	from	the	proceeds	of	the	

share placing (2011: £nil);

•	 outflows	relating	to	the	payment	of	dividends	of	 

£20.1 million (2011: £19.5 million);

•	 outflows	relating	to	payments	to	acquire	intangible	assets	

of £7.7 million (2011: £5.8 million); and

•	 £4.0	million	of	capital	expenditure	on	property,	plant	and	
equipment (2011: £6.9 million, including £4.8 million 
paid in relation to the relocation of the head office).

The 2012 Review, which comprises the chairman’s statement, chief executive’s 
statement, strategy and key performance indicators, business review, financial  
review and group risk committee report, has been prepared in line with guidance 
provided by the Accounting Standards Board to provide a balanced picture  
of Rathbones’ business and prospects, without prejudicing the confidential  
nature of commercially sensitive information.

It contains certain forward-looking statements, which are made by the  
directors in good faith based on the information available to them at the time  
of their approval of this annual report. Statements contained within the 2012 
Review should be treated with some caution due to the inherent uncertainties,  
including economic, regulatory and business risk factors, underlying any  
such forward-looking statements. The 2012 Review has been prepared by  
Rathbone Brothers Plc to provide information to its shareholders and should  
not be relied upon for any other purpose.

26 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012

 
 
 
 
 
Group risk committee report

Group risk committee chairman’s statement

The responsibilities of the group risk committee include:

2012 has seen the considerable enhancement of our risk 
management processes. In May 2012 we recruited a senior 
risk analyst and now have a small stand-alone risk team who 
have developed our risk register and, in particular, the 
supporting management information.

•	 advising	the	Board	on	the	Group’s	overall	risk	appetite	
and risk strategy, taking into account the current and 
prospective macroeconomic and financial environment;

•		 overseeing	the	current	risk	exposures	of	the	Group;

In 2013, we expect to see further enhancement to the 
Company’s defined risk appetite with the identification and 
embedding of risk appetite metrics in relation to growth and 
shareholder value, the management of capital and liquidity 
and risk of unexpected loss to earnings. This appetite 
framework will be applied though the use of principles, risk 
tolerances and limits documented within a company risk 
appetite statement and defined for each risk category. Work 
on the quantification of operational risk is also planned.

Committee members

The group risk committee, chaired by Kathryn Matthews, 
comprises two non-executive directors (Oliver Corbett and 
Kathryn Matthews), members of the executive committee, 
the chief executive of Rathbone Unit Trust Management  
and the group heads of HR, compliance, internal audit and 
treasury. Ian Buckley is the executive committee member  
with responsibility for risk management.

Role and responsibilities of the committee

Rathbones has a risk management framework, the key 
objective of which is to identify and manage risk within a 
Board-approved risk appetite. The Board is responsible for 
the Group’s system of risk management and governance 
framework which is designed to manage rather than 
eliminate the risks of failure to achieve business objectives. 
Rathbones believes that the most effective way of achieving 
this is by embedding risk management throughout the 
organisation and the risk framework is designed to ensure 
that all identified risks are owned by management, business 
units and specific committees, all with responsibility for 
identifying, evaluating and managing risk. The system has 
been in place through the period under review and is a 
continuing process supported by independent risk and 
compliance functions.

Committees within the governance framework report 
through the risk management framework to the group risk 
committee, which takes a more holistic view of risk, defining 
risk appetite, identifying trends and correlations and 
providing guidance to other committees and to the Board. 
This approach allows for risk decisions to be taken at the 
most appropriate level and also be subject to robust review 
and challenge.

•		 reviewing	the	risk	assessment	processes;

•		 supporting	the	Board’s	assessment	of	any	proposed	

strategic business change; and

•		 assessing	reports	on	any	material	breaches	of	 
risk tolerances and the adequacy of proposed 
management action.

The full remit of the committee is detailed within its terms  
of reference, which is subject to annual review and approval 
by the Board. The group risk committee meets on a  
quarterly basis.

Risk appetite

Rathbones’ risk appetite is defined as the level of risk the 
Company is prepared to accept, within defined tolerance 
levels, in the pursuit of its strategic objectives. The Board 
recognises that taking risks is a normal part of running a 
business, and that the business will necessarily bear losses 
from financial and operational risks which may manifest 
themselves either as reductions in income or as either 
operating or opportunity costs. The Board is committed to 
mitigating risk as much as possible, but would be prepared  
to accept unexpected losses of up to £10 million in any  
five year period before it materially changes the current 
business model.

Risk register

A risk register is maintained which is considered the principal 
tool for monitoring risks. During 2012 a review was 
conducted of the Company’s risk universe to ensure the 
system of risk management remains fit for purpose to enable 
the identification and evaluation of all material risks facing 
the Group. Risks are classified at different levels. The highest 
level (Level 1) groups risks as either business, financial or 
operational. The next level (Level 2) contains 15 risk 
categories which are listed below. Detailed risks (Level 3) are 
a subset of Level 2 risks and are captured and maintained 
across the Company within business unit risk registers.

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012  

27

 
Group risk committee report continued

Risk scoring

Risk heat map 

The risk heat map illustrates the relative overall positioning 
of our Level 2 risk categories (as described on pages 29 to 31) 
in terms of residual impact and likelihood.

A

I

L

M

H

D

J

N

K

C

B

G

E

F

O

e
r
e
v
e
S

t
c
a
p
m

I

w
o

l

y
r
e
V

Unlikely 

Likelihood 

Almost certain

The risk scoring methodology adopted by Rathbones and 
approved by the group risk committee assesses each risk 
using a 1 – 4 scoring system. Each Level 3 risk is rated by 
assessing both the probability of the risk occurring and its 
impact should it occur. A residual risk score is then derived 
taking into account an assessment of the internal control 
environment or related insurance.

Principal risks and uncertainties

The Board believes that the principal risks and uncertainties 
facing the Group are identified within the information  
below. Our overall risk profile is analysed at the Level 2  
risk category and these are defined below together  
with key factors that mitigate these risks. These are not  
exhaustive listings.

Risk profile

Thirty-three Level 3 risks currently form the basis of the 
Group’s risk register, each of which is classified under one of 
the 15 Level 2 risk categories.

Rathbones’ approach for managing risk is underpinned by 
our understanding of our current risk exposures and how our 
risks change over time.

The full risk register is monitored closely by executive 
management, the group risk committee and the Board.

The risk heat map (opposite) summarises the overall risk 
rating of each Level 2 risk.

The risk profile and ratings for the majority of Level 2 risks 
have remained consistent during 2012. Changes to Level 2 
risks are presented in the table below.

Risk change in 2012 

Description of risk change

Risk  

Credit  

Liquidity		

Pension  

Business change    

Market conditions have  
improved along with the credit  
quality	of	our	counterparties.

Increased	balances	held	with	 
the Bank of England.

Lower scheme deficit.

Significant activity and  
increasing number of projects 
planned for 2013.

28 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012

 
 
 
 
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group risk committee report continued

Financial risks 

Reference 

Level 2 risk 

Impact 

Likelihood 

Definition  

Key mitigators

Residual rating  

A  

Credit  

High 

Very low 

B		

Liquidity		

Low		

Low 

C  

Market  

Low  

Low 

D  

Pension  

Medium  

Low 

Risk associated with one or more 
counterparties failing to fulfil its 
contractual obligations, including stock 
settlement. 

Risk of insufficient financial resources to 
meet obligations as they fall due, or can 
only secure access to such resources at 
excessive cost.

Risk that earnings or capital will be 
adversely affected by changes in the 
level or volatility of interest rates,  
foreign currency exchange rates or 
market prices.

Risk that the obligation to fund any  
deficit arising from defined benefit 
schemes materially affects dividend, 
reserves and capital.

•	 Banking	committee	oversight.
•	 Counterparty	limits	and	credit	reviews.
	•	 Treasury	policy	and	procedures	manual.
	•	 Active	monitoring	of	exposures.
	•	 Annual	Individual	Capital	Adequacy	

Assessment Process.

•	 Banking	committee	oversight.
•	 Daily	reconciliations	and	reporting	 

to senior management.
•	 Cash	flow	forecasting.
	•	 Contingency	funding	plan.
	•	 Annual	Individual	Liquidity	Adequacy	
Assessment (including stress testing).

	•	 Banking	committee	oversight.
	•	 Documented	policies	and	procedures.
	•	 Daily	monitoring	of	interest	rates,	 

exchange rates and maturity mismatch.

	•	 Robust	application	of	policy	and	 

investment limits.

•	 Management	and	trustee	oversight.
	•	 Monthly	valuation	estimates.
	•	 Triennial	independent	actuarial	

valuations.

	•	 Investment	policy	and	oversight.
•	 Monthly	management	information.
	•	 Annual	Individual	Capital	Adequacy 
  Assessment Process.

Further detailed discussion of the Group’s exposures to financial risks is included in note 30 to the consolidated  
financial statements.

Business risks 

Reference 

Level 2 risk 

Impact 

Likelihood 

Definition  

Key mitigators

Residual rating  

E  

F  

Business  
model 

Medium  

Medium 

Risk that the business model does 
not respond in an optimal manner to 
changing market conditions such that 
sustainable growth or market share is 
adversely affected. 

Performance  Medium  
and advice 

Medium 

Risk of inappropriate financial or 
investment	advice,	inadequate	
documentation, unsuitable portfolios or 
inadequate	performance	failing	to	meet	
our clients’ investment and/or other 
objectives or expectations.

	•	 Board	and	executive	oversight.
	•	 Documented	strategy.
	•	 Annual	business	targets,	subject	to	

regular review and challenge.

	•	 Regular	reviews	of	pricing	structure.
	•	 Continued	investment	in	marketing,	 

the investment process and  
service standards.

	•	 Trade	body	participation.

•	 Investment	governance	and	 

structured committee oversight, 
specifically strategic asset  
allocation and stock selection.

	•	 Management	oversight	and	 

active client service, performance 
measurement and attribution analysis.

	•	 Weekly	investment	 

management meetings.

	•	 Monthly	investment	manager	 

peer reviews.

	•	 Consistent	and	competitive	 

remuneration schemes.
•	 Compliance	monitoring.

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012  

29

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group risk committee report continued

Business risks continued 

Residual rating  

Reference 

Level 2 risk 

Impact 

Likelihood 

Definition  

Key mitigators

G  

Regulatory   High  

High 

H  

Reputational   Medium  

Low 

Risk that the introduction of new 
regulation or changes to interpretation 
or enforcement of existing regulation 
materially affects the business model, 
services or operations. 

Risk of reputational damage from 
financial and non-financial events 
or failing to meet stakeholders’ 
expectations.

	•	 Active	involvement	with	representative	

industry bodies.

	•	 Compliance	monitoring	and	oversight	

of regulatory developments.

	•	 Close	contact	with	the	regulators.
	•	 Documented	policy	and	procedures.

	•	 Board	and	executive	oversight	with	 

a strong compliance culture.
•	 Investment	in	staff	training	 

and development.

	•	 Proactive	communications	with	
shareholders/investor relations.
	•	 Investment	process,	management	 

and performance monitoring.

•	 Treating	clients	fairly	culture,	values	

and governance.

	•	 Monitoring	of	media	coverage. 

Operational risks 

Residual rating  

Reference 

Level 2 risk 

Impact 

Likelihood 

Definition  

Key mitigators

I 

J  

K 

Business  
change 

High 

Low 

Risk that the planning or implementation 
of change is ineffective or fails to deliver 
desired outcomes. 

•	 Project	and	IT	committees.
	•	 Dedicated	project	office	function.
	•	 Documented	business	plans	and	 

Business  
continuity 

Medium 

Low 

Risk that an internal or external event 
results in either failure or detriment to 
core business processes or services.

Data integrity   Low 
and security 

Low 

Risk of inappropriate access to, 
disclosure of or integrity of client or 
company sensitive information.

IT strategy.

	•	 Two-stage	assessment,	challenge	 

and approval of project plans.

	•	 Documented	project	and	 

change procedures.

	•	 Group	business	continuity	 

committee oversight.

	•	 Documented	crisis/incident	
management and disaster  
recovery plans.

•	 Regular	disaster	recovery	testing.
	•	 Continuous	monitoring	of	IT	 

systems availability.
•	 Off-site	data	centre.

•	 Data	security	committee	oversight.
•	 Data	protection	policy	and	procedures.
•	 System	access	controls.
•	 Training	and	employee	 
awareness programmes.

•	 Office	and	physical	security	within	 

all locations.

30 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Group risk committee report continued

Operational risks continued 

Residual rating  

Reference 

Level 2 risk 

Impact 

Likelihood 

Definition  

Key mitigators

L  

Legal and  
compliance 

Medium 

Low 

Risk of remediation, censure, fines 
or legal action as a result of a failure 
to identify or inability to comply with 
regulatory	or	legislative	requirements.

M	

Outsourcing	 Medium	

Low 

N 

People 

Low 

Low 

O	

Processing		

Low	

Medium 

Risk of one or more third parties failing 
to provide or perform outsourced 
services to standards expected by the 
Group, impacting the ability to deliver 
core services.

Risk of loss of key staff (or group), 
insufficiently skilled resources and 
inappropriate (individual or group) 
behaviour or actions.

Risk that the design or execution of 
client/financial/settlement transaction 
processes (including dealing activity) 
are	inadequate	or	fail	to	deliver	an	
appropriate level of service and 
protection to client or company assets.

•	 Executive	oversight.
•	 Retained	specialist	legal	advisers.
•	 Compliance	department.
•	 Data	protection	policy	and	 
compliance monitoring.

•	 Documented	policies	and	procedures.
	•	 Training	and	employee	 
awareness programmes.

•	 Executive	oversight.
	•	 Active	relationship	management, 

including regular service  
review meetings.

	•	 Service	level	agreements	and	

monitoring of key performance 
indicators.

•	 Compliance	monitoring.

	•	 Executive	oversight.
	•	 Succession	and	contingency	planning.
	•	 Transparent,	consistent	and	

competitive remuneration schemes.

	•	 Investment	in	staff	training	and 

development.

	•	 Contractual	clauses	with	 

restrictive covenants.

	•	 Authorisation	limits	and	 
management oversight.

	•	 Dealing	limits	and	supporting	 

system controls.

	•	 Active	investment	in	 
automated processes.

	•	 Counter	review/four-eyes	processes.
	•	 Segregation	of	duties.
	•	 Documented	procedures.
	•	 Annual	controls	assessment	

(ISAE3402 report).

Kathryn Matthews 
Chairman of the group risk committee

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012  

31

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate responsibility report

Introduction

Our strategy

I am pleased to introduce the fifth annual corporate 
responsibility report of the social and environmental 
committee (SEC), which I chair. The SEC is responsible for 
ensuring that Rathbones effectively manages its sustainability 
issues. It is formed by members of staff from key functions 
such as facilities, HR, marketing, IT and investment 
management. It meets on a quarterly basis and reports 
directly to the executive committee of the Board.

With regard to environmental, social and governance (ESG) 
matters as they affect our business, the Board believes that 
the SEC has identified and assessed the significant risks to the 
Company’s short and long term value.

2012 was a challenging year for our IT and facilities  
teams with the move of our head office in February and a 
number of other office changes and planned openings.  
I am pleased that our new London office uses approximately 
5% less electricity per square metre than our old London 
offices. However, we are now in a shared office which  
makes energy usage measurement and waste recycling rather 
more challenging.

•	

•	

Rathbones’ corporate responsibility strategy can be 
summarised as follows:

•	

•	

	Environment 
Manage our environmental impact and reduce our carbon 
footprint by the efficient use of resources.

	Clients 
 Maintain and develop the relationships we have with our 
clients, treat them fairly and continue to meet their needs.

•		 	Investments 

Consider corporate responsibility and governance  
issues in the companies in which we invest on behalf of 
our clients.

	Employees 
Motivate and reward appropriately, encouraging their 
development.

	Communities 
Engage in the communities in which we operate.

Despite the growth in our business, our total carbon 
footprint has remained broadly unchanged at 2,362 tonnes 
of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e). I am pleased to report 
that our carbon intensity per employee has fallen by 5.6%  
in 2012 following on from a fall of 4.7% in 2011.

The Company has continued its partnership with 
ClimateCare and offset 2,300 tCO2e in 2012. We will, 
however, continue to strive to reduce our environmental 
impact wherever possible.

Rathbones is committed to act as a good corporate citizen 
and takes its responsibilities as investment manager, employer 
and purchaser seriously. The Company remains a constituent 
company of the FTSE4Good Index Series.

Andy Pomfret 
Chief Executive 
Chairman of the SEC

Environment

As a responsible business, Rathbones believes that 
environmental concerns should be central to our strategy, 
so we take responsibility for, and action to, reduce our 
impact on the environment. We have been calculating our 
greenhouse gas emissions (from buildings and business 
travel), paper use and waste generation for the past five years 
and we continue to use this data to drive reductions.

2013 is going to see a change in corporate reporting. UK 
registered companies are to be required under the Companies 
Act 2006 to calculate and declare their CO2-equivalent 
emissions using an established methodology, including a  
‘CO2 intensity ratio’ – for example, kilograms of CO2 per 
square metre of floor area.

Whilst these requirements will only take effect for next year’s 
reporting period, we are confident that the accuracy and 
transparency of the reporting herein, and for the previous 
four years, more than meets the requirements.

Scope

Our reporting period covers the year to 30 September 
2012 (2011/12) with comparative figures for our previous 
reporting period (2010/11) and baseline year (2007/8).

Building energy use

This year has seen a change in our London operations.  
In February 2012 we moved into a modern new head office 
at 1 Curzon Street. For the previous 12 years we were in  
two adjacent buildings on New Bond Street.

Factors such as this and a warmer winter1 have meant that 
our CO2 from gas and electricity per m2 of floor area has 
dropped by 10% across our offices compared to 2010/112. 

32 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012

Corporate responsibility report continued

Environment continued 

Our new head office uses approximately  
5% less electricity per m2 of floor area than 
our previous offices

These and other factors have resulted in 
our travel CO2 emissions per staff member 
decreasing 18% since 2007/8, although this 
has increased 3% since 2010/11 which is 
due to an overall increase in journeys. For 
example, the distance we travelled on trains 
has gone up 23%. This is largely due to a
number of regional investment managers 
spending an increased amount of their time

Building kgCO2 per m2

  2011/12: 141

  2010/11: 157

  2007/8: 173

We are also using our space more efficiently: our CO2 
emissions from gas and electricity have reduced by 3% per 
employee compared with 2010/11 across our offices.

Tonnes of CO2 from buildings per full time equivalent (FTE) staff member

  2011/12: 2.4

  2010/11: 2.6

  2007/8: 2.9

in the London office, along with the roll out across all offices 
of a major IT project.

Paper

We consider the two key environmental performance 
indicators for us are: 

•	

•	

the	recycled	content	of	our	paper	and	printed	 
material; and

the	total	amount	of	printed	material	we	use	per	£bn	 
funds under management (FUM).

Tens of thousands of A4 sheets equivalent per £bn funds under
management at 31 December

This has contributed to a steady reduction in the total  
CO2 emissions from gas and electricity of 4% since 2007/8 
(the year in which data first became available).

  2011/12: 117

  2010/11: 122

  2007/8: 160

Travel

Business travel accounts for 19% of our carbon footprint  
and we are taking steps to make reductions in this area.  
We have rolled out video conferencing facilities across all our 
offices, and our travel team have been encouraging employees 
to use the most effective way of travelling from a cost and 
CO2 perspective.

Travel kgCO2 per full time equivalent staff member

The overall weight of paper used has gone up 16% since 
2010/11. This is partly due to the development of our 
marketing material, including an improved private client 
magazine, Rathbones Review, which now has a significantly 
increased circulation, and an expanded range of marketing 
material issued to a larger number of potential clients. 

Percentage of the pulp that went into making our paper and printed 
materials that was post-consumer (recycled)

  2011/12: 583

  2010/11: 565

  2007/8: 714

  2011/12: 54

  2010/11: 66

  2007/8: 78

The recycled content of our paper and printed materials  
has decreased from 78% in 2007/8 to 54%. This is linked 
to the increase in marketing materials. The quality of high 
recycled content paper was seen to be too low for our 
marketing purposes. However, we aim to use paper with the 
highest recycled content acceptable, and we always require 
that our paper stocks are covered by a chain of custody 
certificate such as Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), which 
ensures that the wood used to make the paper is obtained 
from sustainably managed forests. 

All printed material issued by Rathbone Greenbank 
Investments uses 100% recycled paper.

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012  

33

1  2011/12 was warmer than 2010/11: there were approximately 10% fewer heating 

degree days (Liverpool and London average)

2  During 2010/11, core IT and communications facilities in our London office were 

outsourced to an offsite data centre. As per the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, electricity 
consumed by the data centre since the relocation has been included under Scope 3 
emissions. However, where we have stated herein a figure that includes electricity use 
we have included the data centre, as we felt that to exclude it would be misleading

 
 
 
Corporate responsibility report continued

Environment continued

Waste and recycling

50 tonnes of furniture was sent for reuse  
when we moved offices in London.

We have achieved an absolute reduction of 
5% in our total tCO2e since 2007/8. At the 
same time, our business has expanded; for 
every billion pounds of FUM, we produce  
131 tCO2e, a 13% reduction since 2010/11 
and a 45% reduction since 2007/8.

Gathering robust waste and recycling data is proving 
challenging. We have had to recognise that we cannot draw 
conclusions from our waste data this year.

All our offices have recycling facilities and we are confident 
that we are recycling a significant proportion of our waste, 
but we are not able to support this with robust data.

One of our objectives for the coming year is to ensure  
(with Carbon Smart’s help) that we put in place protocols to 
capture robust data on our waste management performance. 
These protocols will help to ensure that next year we can 
establish whether we are continuing our previous good 
practice in managing the environmental impact of our  
waste streams.

Carbon footprint

Our carbon footprint of 2,362 tCO2e3 includes 455 tCO2e 
from our staff business travel; this includes air (189 tCO2e), 
cars (140 tCO2e), trains (120 tCO2e) and taxis (6 tCO2e).

•   Electicity 
•   Business travel 
•		 Gas 

Total  

tCO2e

1,625 
455 
282

2,362

Total tCO2e per £bn FUM

  2011/12: 131

  2010/11: 150

  2007/8: 237

We consider FUM to be a key indicator of our business 
activity, so tCO2e per £bn FUM is an important metric for 
how well we are managing our environmental impact.  
Other metrics for 2011/12 include:

•	 15.18	tCO2e per £m operating income: down 8% from 

2010/11 and 19% from 2007/8

•		 3.03	tCO2e per full time equivalent staff member: down  

6% from 2010/11 and 18% from 2007/8

•		 0.17	tCO2e from building energy use per m2 internal floor 
area: down 11% from 2011/12 and 23% since 2007/8

CO2 intensity

Staff (FTE) 
Net internal area (m2) 
Operating	income	(£m)	
Funds under management (£bn) 

*	

tCO2e per: FTE; m2; £m of operating income; £bn funds under management

CO2 intensity*

2011/12 

2010/11 

2007/8 

2011/12 

2010/11 

780 
13,567 
155.6 
17.98 

741 
12,475 
144.5 
15.85 

673 
11,496 
131.8 
10.46 

3.03 
0.17 
15.18 
131 

3.21 
0.19 
16.48 
150 

2007/8

3.69 
0.22 
18.83 
237

3  Throughout this report, we have expressed our carbon footprint in terms of tonnes of 

CO2	equivalent	(tCO2e)	to	accommodate	non-CO2 greenhouse gas emissions

4	 The	Greenhouse	Gas	Protocol	defines	three	scopes	of	CO2e emissions. Scope 1 

consists of all direct operational emissions mainly from fuels combusted at Rathbones’ 
sites (natural gas for heating) and our company cars, Scope 2 covers purchased 
electricity and Scope 3 consists of significant indirect operational emissions, primarily 
from business travel

5  During 2010/11, core IT and communications facilities in our London office were 

outsourced to a data centre. As per the Greenhouse Gas Protocol, electricity consumed 
by the data centre since the  relocation has been included under Scope 3 emissions.  
In	2011/12,	the	amount	of	equipment	installed	and	data	traffic	through	the	data	centre	
increased significantly. However, where we have stated herein a figure that includes 
electricity use we have included the data centre, as we felt that to exclude it would  
be misleading

6  In accordance with reporting standards, the 2010/11 emissions have been recalculated 

using	the	latest	emission	factors.	This	has	resulted	in	a	reduction	of	14	tCO2e

34 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3  Clarify expenses procedures to ensure journey details are 

provided for all flights and rail journeys. 

2011/12 

2010/11 

2007/8

  On track 

282 
– 

282 
1 

293 
17

If we receive an expenses claim that does not detail ‘to’ 
and ‘from’ we send it back and ask for more information.

4 

Improve our waste data quality rating to 3 in 2012.

1,503 

1,628 

1,691

  Not achieved 

Corporate responsibility report continued

Environment continued

Carbon footprint

Scope 14 
Natural gas  
Company cars 

Scope 24 
Electricity 

Scope 3 
Data centre5  
Business travel 

122 
455 

50 
420 

– 
481

Total	tonnes	of	CO2e 

2,362 

2,3816 

2,482

Procedures and calculations used in compiling this data are in 
accordance with the requirements of the following standards: 
the World Resources Institute (WRI) Greenhouse Gas (GHG) 
Protocol (revised version); Defra Guidance on How to Report 
GHG Emissions (September 2009) and ISO 14064 – part 1.

Carbon offsetting

This year we have again taken responsibility for our 
unavoidable business emissions, by purchasing 2,300 tonnes 
of carbon credits through high-quality emission reduction 
projects offered by ClimateCare.

We chose the projects not only for their robust approach  
to emissions reductions but also because each one  
contributes towards the sustainable development of local 
communities, whilst helping to improve incomes, health  
and education opportunities.

The specific projects we have invested in are certified under 
the Voluntary Carbon Standard and the Gold Standard for 
Verified Emissions Reduction7.

Further details are available from the ClimateCare website 
(www.climatecare.org).

Objectives

The objectives we set for 2011/12

1  Ensure our new London office is more energy efficient 

than the previous London offices. 

Achieved  
Approximately 5% less electricity per m2 floor area (gas 
data is less reliable, as we only have cost data from the 
landlord).

2  Encourage the increased use of video conferencing and 

reduce the number of domestic flights. 

  On track 

There is video conferencing in all offices and we have 
made a 5% reduction in the number of domestic flights.

7  The three projects are: Improved Cook Stoves in Cambodia, Wayang Windu geothermal 

in Indonesia and Gyapa Stoves in Ghana

Waste data quality downgraded to 1. Objective carried 
over to next year.

5 

Increase the proportion of clients who receive portfolio 
information in digital format rather than hardcopy. 

  On track 

Approximately 10% of our clients now receive their 
portfolio information solely in digital format, up from 
2% in 2010/11.

Our objectives for 2012/13

1   Continue to grow our business without a corresponding 

increase in our CO2 emissions.

2   Put in place protocols to capture robust data on our 

waste management performance.

3   Include the CO2 from our paper use and waste  

generation in our carbon footprint and start to use this  
to drive reductions.

4   Investigate the opportunities for improving the quality of 
data that we have on our energy use at our head office.

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012  

35

 
 
 
 
Transparency 

Where relevant, we have included appropriate references to 
the accounting and calculation methodologies, assumptions 
and re-calculations performed.

Accuracy

To our knowledge, data is considered accurate within the 
limits of the quality and completeness of the data provided.

Data quality

Carbon Smart has assessed the data quality against the  
WRI GHG Protocol principles. Data from each emission 
source has been rated 1 (poorest) to 5 (best). For this year, 
overall data quality has been reduced to 3.0 from 3.6 in 
2010/11. Contributing factors include:

•	 		Head	office	gas	data	is	derived	from	a	monetary	figure 

provided by the landlord;

•	 	Head	office	electricity	data	is	derived	from	an	overall 

kWh figure provided by the landlord; and

•		 	The	Birmingham,	Exeter	and	Jersey	offices	could	

not provide energy data, so benchmarks were used 
(Birmingham provided electricity data, but not gas).

% 
Carbon 
footprint  
2011/12 

100% 
13% 
64%  
23% 
– 
– 

Data quality rating

2011/12 

2010/11 

2007/8

3.0 
3.0 
3.0 
4.0 
4.0 
1.0 

3.6 
4.0 
4.0 
4.0 
4.0 
2.0 

2.6 
2.0 
3.0 
2.0 
4.0 
2.0

Overall		
Scope 1 
Scope 2 
Scope 3 
Paper 
Waste and recycling 

Ben Murray 
Director

Carbon Smart Limited

19 February 2013

Corporate responsibility report continued

Environment continued

Carbon Smart opinion statement

Carbon Smart’s statement provides Rathbones and its 
stakeholders with a third party assessment of the quality 
and reliability of Rathbones’ carbon footprint data for the 
reporting period 1 October 2011 to 30 September 2012.  
It does not represent an independent third party assurance  
of Rathbones’ management approach to sustainability.

Carbon Smart has been commissioned by Rathbones  
for the fifth consecutive year to calculate Rathbones’  
carbon footprint for all offices for its 2012 corporate 
responsibility report. Through this engagement Carbon 
Smart has assured Rathbones that the reported carbon 
footprint is representative of the business and that the 
data presented is credible and compliant with appropriate 
standards and industry practices. Data has been collected  
and calculated following the ISO 14064 – part 1 standard 
and verified against the WRI GHG Protocol principles  
of completeness, consistency and accuracy.

Carbon Smart’s work has included interviews with key 
Rathbones’ personnel, a review of internal and external 
documentation, interrogation of source data and data 
collection systems including comparison with, and 
appropriate recalculation of, the previous years’ data. 
Carbon Smart has concluded the points listed below.

Relevance

We have ensured the GHG inventory appropriately  
reflects the GHG emissions of the Company and serves the 
decision making needs of users, both internal and external  
to the Company.

Completeness

Rathbones continues to use the financial control  
approach and calculate total direct Scope 1, 2 and major 
Scope 3 emissions. Reported environmental data covers  
all employees and all entities that meet the criteria of being 
subject to control or significant influence of the reporting 
organisation. We recommend that Rathbones continues to 
improve its data collection processes, particularly in the  
area of waste management.

Consistency

In order to ensure comparability, we have used the same 
calculation methodologies and assumptions as previous 
years and changed the emission factors used for the newest 
appropriate releases.

36 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate responsibility report continued

Clients and investments

Responsible investment

Although general investment activities are not covered 
by a formal responsible investment policy, we take into 
account social, environmental and ethical considerations for 
specific mandates throughout the Group, particularly those 
managed by our specialist ethical investment unit, Rathbone 
Greenbank Investments.

As at 31 December 2012, Rathbone Greenbank Investments 
had £525 million of funds under management, representing 
3.1% of funds managed by Investment Management.

Through Rathbone Greenbank Investments and Rathbone 
Unit Trust Management’s Ethical Bond Fund, the Company 
is able to provide investment services tailored to clients’ 
interests in the area of socially responsible or sustainable 
investment. Where appropriate, the Company is also able  
to participate in new share issues offered by companies  
that provide environmentally or socially beneficial products 
or services.

Affiliations

Rathbone Brothers Plc has been a signatory to the  
Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) since 2006 and to its  
Water Disclosure programme since 2010.

The Group also became a signatory to the UN-backed 
Principles for Responsible Investment in September 2009.  
In addition, Rathbone Greenbank Investments is a  
long-standing member of influential groups such as the  
UK Sustainable and Investment Finance association (UKSIF) 
and the Ecumenical Council for Corporate Responsibility, 
as well as being a founding endorser of the Forest Footprint 
Disclosure Project, which will become part of the CDP  
from 2013.

Voting

The Group’s voting activity is coordinated by its corporate 
governance committee. Composed of investment managers 
and representatives of internal teams from across the 
business, the committee maintains Group policy on corporate 
governance, and ensures its application in proxy voting 
through the maintenance of a contract with an external 
corporate governance consultant. Advice and research 
received by the committee supplements the analysis carried 
out by the stock selection and collectives committees as  
part of the investment process.

The committee was established in line with Rathbones’ 
obligations under the Principles for Responsible Investment 
(PRI), and pays heed to the Stewardship Code, set up by  
the Financial Reporting Council. Rathbone Unit Trust 
Management, as an institutional investor, meets its 
obligations as a signatory to the Stewardship Code,  
while Rathbone Investment Management exercises the  
voting rights attached to approximately 90% of the  

UK equity it holds on behalf of its clients. Voting is  
also undertaken on any company if requested by an 
underlying shareholder.

During 2012, the committee oversaw active proxy voting  
at 269 company meetings and on 3,428 resolutions in total. 
Voting on these resolutions include consideration of such 
issues as executive remuneration, auditor independence, 
appointment of directors and non-financial reporting,  
among others.

Engagement

Engagement with companies on ESG matters is mainly 
undertaken by Rathbone Greenbank Investments’ 
ethical research team. This ranges from low-level contact 
with companies on issues relating to ESG disclosure 
to participation in co-filing and voting on shareholder 
resolutions at company AGMs. These activities may  
occur as a result of fundamental analysis of companies’  
ESG reporting or through collaborative efforts initiated  
by interest groups such as UKSIF or the PRI’s  
Engagement Clearinghouse.

FTSE4Good ESG ratings scores for Rathbones

As institutional investors around the world put increasing 
focus on the ESG practices of the companies they invest  
in, ESG risk measures are an increasingly important part  
of the investment process.

The FTSE4Good Index and ratings have been designed to 
measure the performance of companies that meet or exceed 
globally recognised standards.

The Index’s latest semi-annual review in September 2012 
confirmed Rathbone Brothers Plc as a constituent of the 
FTSE4Good Index Series, awarding the Company the 
following ESG ratings.

Overall	ESG	rating	(0	–	5)

  Environment 

3 

Social 
3 

Governance 
4 

Absolute score 
3.4

FTSE4Good ESG ratings also award an overall score  
relative to each company’s super-sector, which, in the case  
of Rathbone Brothers Plc, is Financial Services. An adjusted
score based on the level of risk associated with our super-sector
is calculated and then readjusted relative to our peers. On this 
basis, Rathbones scored 78 out of 100 in this review.

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012  

37

 
	
 
Corporate responsibility report continued

Employees

Our approach

As with all professional services firms, Rathbones’ greatest 
asset is its people. Employee relations, learning and 
development, performance management, remuneration and 
benefits and resourcing are all key objectives sitting at the 
heart of Rathbones human resources (HR) strategy and 
contribute to the continuing success of the business.

Employee relations

Rathbones aims to provide objective and consistent support 
to all staff, underpinned by clear policies and procedures, 
ensuring that we continue to be a fair employer and provide 
a supportive working environment.

Work-life balance 
Rathbones recognises the importance of an appropriate 
work-life balance both to the health and welfare of 
employees and to the business. Holiday entitlements are  
25 days increasing to 30 days after five years’ service. 
Employees are able to buy up to five additional days of leave 
with the agreement of their manager. We also provide time 
off for dependants, parental leave and paternity leave and 
have a childcare voucher scheme in place.

Maternity benefits remain in excess of those required under 
statutory provisions. Career breaks of up to two years are 
also available for those with childcare responsibilities.

Flexible working policies are offered with a high number  
of successful applications, particularly from parents with 
young children. On completion of five years’ service, 
employees have the opportunity to take up to three months’ 
unpaid leave once in every 10 years without any loss  
of service-related benefits such as pension or death in  
service cover.

The uptake and effectiveness of these policies is monitored 
together with other indicators of staff satisfaction levels such 
as average annual sickness rates and staff turnover.

Staff welfare 
Rathbones is committed to providing a safe and healthy 
environment in which its employees can work. With the help 
of external consultants our health and safety policy for the 
UK offices is regularly updated to reflect current legislation 
and best practice. We provide a range of training courses 
for those staff with health and safety responsibilities and a 
steering group comprising representatives from all our offices 
meets twice a year to share knowledge and to ensure that 
health and safety standards are maintained.

During 2012 we committed to the Government’s Health 
at Work initiative, the Workplace Wellbeing Charter. The 
initiative promotes the positive links between health and 
work and aims to help more people with health conditions  
to stay in or return to employment.

Upon completion of a qualifying period, all UK employees 
(and their direct family members) are eligible for private 
medical cover paid for by the Company. All UK staff have 
the opportunity to attend an annual medical examination 
and Rathbones also provides an independent and confidential 
employee assistance programme offering advice on 
employment, personal and legal concerns.

Learning and development

Rathbones ensures that all employees have the opportunity 
to develop the skills, knowledge and behaviours to fulfil 
their current roles effectively and are supported to realise 
their potential.

Our investment in the development of our employees makes 
good business sense and this year has seen the introduction of 
new development programmes along with the continuation 
of our existing successful programmes and a focus on 
regulatory requirements in particular as a result of RDR.  
We expect high standards of performance from all employees 
and therefore take an inclusive approach to development 
that means we encourage employees at all levels to focus on 
enhancing their skills.

RDR – Professionalism 
We successfully obtained Statements of Professional 
Standing (SPS) for all of our employees who give advice on 
investments. This has been the culmination of four years 
work to ensure that they all held appropriate qualifications, 
attended additional ‘gap fill’ training courses and maintained 
their expertise through regular learning sessions. Over that 
period the direct cost of qualifications and ‘gap fill’ was 
£167,000 plus the additional time away from the desk. The 
investment has been high and we continue to support the 
aims of RDR; we are committed to implementing the ongoing 
Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements  
to achieve the maximum benefits for our clients, employees 
and the Company.

We continue to run a number of development programmes at 
different levels; all use a similar ‘learn – do – review’ formula 
that we have found to be successful.

This means that the programmes are run over a period of 
9 – 18 months and comprise modules covering topics that 
are directly relevant to the participant’s role. The feedback 
suggests that participants find it helpful to review how they 
have used the training and to learn from others in similar 
positions.

There have also been two new programmes established in 
2012 at opposite ends of the business; a graduate programme 
for talent new to the business and a leadership programme 
for our senior managers.

38 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012

Corporate responsibility report continued

Employees continued 

Graduate development programme 
This year we created a programme to bring together recent 
graduate level joiners and provide training to help them 
understand the business and their role within it, to enable 
them to translate exam theory into practical day to day 
application back at the desk and to create a supportive 
group. We now have 14 graduates taking part.

Leadership development programme 
This year we started a leadership development programme 
for some of our senior managers. This is the first time we 
have run a programme of this type and it is indicative of 
a growing and increasingly complex organisation where a 
continuous updating of leadership capabilities is crucial.  
To ensure application of learning to the business the 
participants are working together on relevant corporate 
projects, the aim of which is to deliver enhanced service to 
our clients. We are partnering with experienced business 
school tutors to deliver this programme.

Other programmes 
We continue with some of our well-established and successful 
training programmes. Now in its sixth year, the Rathbone 
development programme targets a different audience each 
year. The 2012 group is made up of early career investment 
managers from across the UK. In addition to the stated aims 
of improving skills in developing new business and enhancing 
client relationships, the benefits of the internal relationships 
that are created though this shared experience has long 
lasting advantages.

We continue to run the introduction to management 
course which culminates in the achievement of a nationally 
recognised management qualification awarded by the 
Chartered Management Institute. The team-working for 
results programme also continues; this has been designed 
to provide team members, who are performing well, have 
a track record of achievement and have potential for the 
future, with the skills to work effectively in a team by 
recognising and building on their strengths.

Coaching and mentoring 
Many of the training programmes include individual 
coaching or mentoring to help with applying the learning 
to particular circumstances. Additionally, internal and 
external coaching is made available across the business where 
employees are seeking further skills enhancements; this can 
be a valuable way of helping implementation of personal 
development plans.

IT training 
The team responsible for this activity has grown this year in 
response to the ever increasing development and complexity 
of our IT systems. Given the high investment in our core IT 
systems development it is vital that we assist employees to 
maximise their IT literacy to achieve the greatest efficiencies 
and levels of service.

Training opportunities 
In addition to formal ongoing programmes we support 
employees to gain appropriate qualifications and attend 
external specialist courses. In 2012 our investment in  
training was an average of £707 per head (2011: £589  
per head) and 2.6 days (2011: 2.2 days). The increase is  
due to the newly established programmes, for example,  
graduates and leadership development along with  
supporting executive coaching.

Performance management

We ensure that fair and consistent practices are in place  
to enable managers and employees to work together  
to recognise achievements, address issues and  
agree objectives which will motivate and encourage  
high performance.

In common with most organisations we operate a 
performance appraisal system, the aim of which is to support 
employees to contribute fully to the organisation and to assist 
them to fulfil their potential. During the year, we updated 
our process to include more specific competencies and key 
performance indicators. This has facilitated more discussion 
about individuals’ development and progression.

Remuneration and benefits

Rathbones provides remuneration and financial/non-
financial benefits which attract, retain, motivate and reward 
employees, ensuring that we remain competitive through 
regular review and benchmarking.

Resourcing

We attract, recruit and retain people with the right skills and 
experience who demonstrate high levels of professionalism 
and enthusiasm which impact positively on the business.

Equality and diversity 
Rathbones is an equal opportunities employer and it is  
our policy to ensure that all job applicants and employees  
are treated fairly and on merit regardless of their race, 
gender, marital status, age, disability, religious belief or 
sexual orientation.

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012  

39

 
Corporate responsibility report continued

Communities

Donations and fundraising

During the year, the Group made total charitable  
donations of £206,000, representing 0.53% of Group  
pre-tax profits (2011: £196,000, representing 0.50%  
of Group pre-tax profits).

Employees are encouraged to donate to charity in a tax 
efficient manner through the Give As You Earn (GAYE) 
payroll giving scheme. In 2012, Rathbone employees made 
payments totalling £167,000 (2011: £189,000) through 
this scheme, which is administered by the Charities Aid 
Foundation. The Company matched staff donations of up  
to £200 per month made through GAYE and in 2012 
donated £118,000 (2011: £108,000) to causes chosen by 
employees through this method.

In addition to corporate and payroll giving, for many  
years Rathbones has selected charities by employee ballot 
with funds being raised by a number of events. For 2012 
and 2013, employees voted to support the Claire House 
Hospice for children in the North West and The Oliver 
King Foundation, a Liverpool based charity which raises 
awareness of Sudden Arrhythmic Death Syndrome.  
In 2012, £15,000 was raised for these good causes.

Lacrosse sponsorship

Rathbones is the proud sponsor of 
both the National Schools Lacrosse 
Championships and Lacrosse 
Scotland. 

40 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Governance

42 
45 
49 
53 
61 
63 
64 

Directors
Directors’ report
Corporate governance report
Remuneration report
Audit committee report
Nomination committee report
Statement of directors’ responsibilities in respect  
of the report and accounts

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012  

41

 
Directors

Chairman 

Mark Nicholls

Title: Chairman 
Appointment: 1 December 2010 
Age: 63 
Board committees: Re N 

Mark Nicholls is a lawyer and corporate financier. After 
studying law at Cambridge he took articles at Linklaters 
before joining S G Warburg in 1976. He became a director  
in 1984 and head of investment banking in 1994. In  
1996 he joined Royal Bank of Scotland and became head  
of their private equity group, leaving in 2003 to pursue  
a plural career. He is currently chairman of the West 
Bromwich Building Society and a non-executive director  
of Northern Investors Company PLC. He became chairman 
following the AGM on 11 May 2011 and is considered to  
be independent.

Executive directors 

Andy Pomfret

Title: Chief Executive 
Appointment: 1 August 1999 
Age: 52 
Board committees: E N Ri 

Andy Pomfret qualified as a chartered accountant with  
Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co. (now KPMG). Prior  
to joining Rathbones in July 1999, he spent over 13 years 
with Kleinwort Benson as a corporate financier, venture 
capitalist and latterly finance director of the investment 
management and private banking division. He became  
chief executive in October 2004. He is also a non-executive 
director of Graphite Enterprise Trust plc and a director  
of the Association of Private Client Investment Managers  
& Stockbrokers (APCIMS). He chairs the Group’s executive  
and social and environmental committees.

Ian Buckley

Title: Head of the Trust, Tax and 
Pension Advisory Businesses;
Head of Risk Management
Appointment: 21 December 2001
Age: 62
Board committees: E Ri 

Ian Buckley qualified as a chartered accountant with  
Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co. (now KPMG) in 1975.  
He was chief executive of Smith & Williamson for 10 years 
from 1985 to 1995, and subsequently chief executive of  
EFG Private Bank Limited and Tenon Group Plc. He is 
responsible for marketing and is also chairman of the 
Group’s IT steering committee. He is also a committee 
member of Family Assurance Friendly Society and is on the 
board of Miller Insurance Services LLP. He stepped down 
from the Board at the end of 2012.

Paul Chavasse

Title: Head of Investment
Management 
Appointment: 26 September 2001 
Age: 48 
Board committees: E Ri 

Paul Chavasse started his career working for the institutional 
fund management arm of NatWest, which was later merged 
with Gartmore. After a period in the private client businesses 
of NatWest and Coutts, his final role before joining the 
Group as chief operating officer in 2001 was as head of 
NatWest Portfolio Management in Bristol. He became head 
of investment management on 1 March 2012.

Andrew Morris
Title: Head of Investment Management 
–	Liverpool	and	other	Northern	Offices 
Appointment: 1 November 2000 
Age: 48 
Board committees: None 

Andrew Morris has spent his entire working career at 
Rathbones in private client investment management. He is 
chairman of the Group’s business continuity and training  
and competence committees and manages a large number  
of client portfolios. He stepped down from the Board at  
the end of 2012.

42 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors continued

Executive directors continued 

Richard Smeeton

Title: Head of Investment Management 
– London and Jersey 
Appointment: 1 November 2000 
Age: 48 
Board committees: None 

Richard Smeeton trained with County Bank and joined 
Laurence Keen in 1988 prior to its acquisition by Rathbones 
in 1995. He sits on a number of the Group’s management 
and investment committees and also manages a large number 
of client portfolios. He stepped down from the Board at the 
end of 2012.

Paul Stockton

Title: Finance Director 
Appointment: 24 September 2008 
Age: 47 
Board committees: E Ri 

Paul Stockton qualified as a chartered accountant with  
Price Waterhouse (now PwC) in 1992. In 1999 he joined Old 
Mutual Plc as group financial controller, becoming director 
of finance in 2001 and finance director of Gerrard Limited 
eight months later. Following the sale of Gerrard to Barclays 
in 2003, he left in 2005 and has since worked for Euroclear  
in Brussels and as a division finance director of the Pearl 
Group. He joined Rathbones in August 2008 and is also  
a non-executive director of the Financial Services 
Compensation Scheme.

Board committees

The principal Board committees are 
the executive, audit, remuneration, 
nomination and group risk committees. 
The Board has delegated full authority 
to the executive committee, subject to 
a list of matters which are reserved for 
decision by the full Board. The other 
Board committees have formal terms 
of reference, which are reviewed and 
approved by the Board on an annual 
basis.	These	are	available	on	request	
from the Company’s registered office 
and on the Group website.

E	 Executive	committee

The purpose of the executive 
committee is to monitor every  
aspect of the Group businesses on  
a continuing basis and to analyse and 
plan all business proposals in detail  
for submission to and consideration  
by the Board. The executive committee 
meets	monthly	and	more	frequently	
when	required.

A    Audit committee

Full details of its role are set out in the 
audit committee report on page 61.

Re  Remuneration committee

Full details of its role are set out in the 
remuneration report on page 53.

N   Nomination committee

Full details of its role are set out in  
the nomination committee report on 
page 63.

Ri   Group risk committee

Full details of its role are set out in the 
group risk committee report on page 27.

Commitee membership

Mark Nicholls 

Andy Pomfret 

Ian Buckley 

Paul Chavasse 

Andrew Morris

Richard Smeeton

Paul Stockton 

David Harrel 

Kate Avery 

Caroline Burton 

Oliver	Corbett	

Kathryn Matthews 

 •	 Committee chairman
	•  Committee member

Executive	

Audit	

Remuneration	

Nomination	

Group	risk

•	

•		

•		

•		

•	

•	

•	

•	

•	

•		

•		

•		

•		

•		

•		

•

•		

•

•

•

• 	

•	

•

•

•

• 

• 

•

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012 

43

 
 
 
 
 
 
	
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
Directors continued

Non-executive directors

David Harrel

Title: Senior Independent Director 
Appointment: 1 December 2007 
Age: 64 
Board committees: A Re N 

Intelligence Service until March 2006. She is a non-executive 
director of TR Property Investment Trust Plc, LV Friendly 
Society and Blackrock Smaller Companies Trust plc.  
She stood down as chairman of the remuneration committee 
on 1 November 2012 when, for UK Corporate Governance 
Code purposes, she was no longer considered to be 
independent, having served on the Board for nine years.
She will remain on the audit, nomination and remuneration 
committees until her retirement from the Board at the  
AGM on 14 May 2013.

David Harrel was one of the founding partners of  
S J Berwin LLP in 1982, and was made senior partner 
in 1992. He relinquished this role in 2006 and is now 
a consultant to the firm. David has a variety of other 
appointments. He is non-executive chairman of  
Savile Group Plc, a member of the board of the English 
National Opera and a trustee of the Clore Duffield 
Foundation. He became chairman of the remuneration 
committee with effect from 1 November 2012.

Oliver Corbett

Title: Non-executive Director  
(Independent) 
Appointment: 7 March 2006 
Age: 48 
Board committees: A Re Ri N 

Oliver Corbett is the chief financial officer of LCH.Clearnet 
Group Limited. He is a chartered accountant and worked  
for SG Warburg, Phoenix Securities (later Donaldson Lufkin 
and Jenrette) and Dresdner Kleinwort Wasserstein, where he  
was managing director of investment banking. He was group 
finance director of Novae Group plc from October 2003 to 
November 2012. He is chairman of the audit committee.

Kathryn Matthews

Title: Non-executive Director  
(Independent) 
Appointment: 6 January 2010 
Age: 53 
Board committees: A Re Ri N 

Kathryn Matthews has spent her entire career in investment 
management, most recently as chief investment officer, Asia 
Pacific (ex Japan) for Fidelity International. Prior to that,  
she held senior appointments with William M Mercer, AXA
Investment Managers, Santander Global Advisers and Baring 
Asset Management. She is a non-executive director of Royal 
London, Hermes Fund Managers Limited, Aperam, S.A. 
Fidelity Asian Values Plc, Montanaro UK Smaller Companies 
Investment Trust Plc and J P Morgan Chinese Investment 
Trust Plc. She is chairman of the group risk committee.

Kate Avery

Title: Non-executive Director 
(Independent) 
Appointment: 6 January 2010 
Age: 53 
Board committees: A Re N 

Kate Avery began her career with Barclays Plc, where she 
worked for some 18 years, becoming managing director of 
Barclays Bank Trust Company and Barclays Stockbrokers. 
She subsequently joined Legal and General Group Plc and 
served on its main board for eight years until January 2009, 
latterly as group executive director for wealth management. 
She also served as a non-executive director with Kelda Group 
plc until its sale to an infrastructure fund in 2008. She is 
currently chairman of Openwork Holdings Limited and is a 
non-executive director of the Newcastle Building Society.  
She is standing down from the Board at the AGM on  
14 May 2013.

Caroline Burton

Title: Non-executive Director 
(Independent) 
Appointment: 1 November 2003 
Age: 63 
Board committees: A Re N  

Caroline Burton is a highly experienced figure within 
the asset management industry. She spent 26 years with 
Guardian Royal Exchange Plc, where she was executive 
director in charge of investments from 1990 until 1999. She 
was also a director of The Scottish Metropolitan Property Plc 
until June 2000 and was a member of the service authority 
for the National Crime Squad and National Criminal 

44 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ report

The information contained in the chairman’s statement, chief executive’s statement, Rathbones at a glance, strategy  
and key performance indicators, business review, financial review, group risk committee report, directors’ profiles, corporate 
governance report, audit committee report, nomination committee report, corporate responsibility report and directors’ 
responsibility statement form part of the directors’ report.

Group results and Company dividends

The Rathbone Brothers Plc Group profit after taxation for the year ended 31 December 2012 was £29,216,000  
(2011: £28,706,000).

The directors recommend the payment of a final dividend of 30.0p (2011: 29.0p) on 16 May 2013 to shareholders  
on the register on 26 April 2013. An interim dividend of 17.0p (2011: 17.0p) was paid on 3 October 2012 to shareholders  
on the register on 14 September 2012. This results in total dividends of 47.0p (2011: 46.0p) per ordinary share for the year. 
These dividends amount to £21,220,000 (2011: £20,001,000) – see note 11 to the consolidated financial statements.

A full review of the Group’s business performance is set out in the business review and financial review on pages 16 to 26. 
Information about environmental, employee and social and community issues are set out in the corporate responsibility  
report on pages 32 to 40.

Post balance sheet events

Details of events after the balance sheet date are set out in note 36 to the consolidated financial statements.

Capital structure

The Company’s share capital comprises one class of ordinary shares of 5p each. At 31 December 2012, 45,954,071 shares 
were in issue (2011: 43,561,140). 50,000 shares were held in treasury (2011: 50,000). The shares carry no rights to fixed 
income and each share carries the right to one vote at general meetings. All shares are fully paid. 

The purported purchase of 50,000 shares on 7 December 2012 was not effective (and those shares accordingly were not in 
treasury as at 31 December 2012) as, although the Company had sufficient distributable reserves at the time of the transaction, 
the Company had not filed the requisite interim accounts at Companies House to demonstrate such distributable reserves.

There are no specific restrictions on the size of a shareholding or on the transfer of shares, which are both covered by the 
provisions of the Articles of Association and prevailing legislation.

The Board currently has the authority to allot 14,400,000 shares (approximately one third of the issued share capital at  
12 March 2012). The Board currently has the authority to buy back up to 2,100,000 shares under certain stringent conditions.

Regarding the appointment and replacement of directors, the Company is governed by the Company’s Articles of Association, 
the UK Corporate Governance Code (‘the Code’), the Companies Act 2006 and related legislation. Amendment of the Articles  
of Association requires a special resolution of shareholders.

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012  

45

 
Directors’ report continued

Directors and their interests

The interests of directors and connected persons in the share capital of the Company are shown in table 1. Since 31 December 
2012, I M Buckley (1,303 shares), A T Morris (651 shares), A D Pomfret (1,303 shares), R P Stockton (651 shares) and R I 
Smeeton (1,303 shares) acquired shares under the terms of the Save As You Earn Scheme. Details of directors’ share options 
are shown in table 6 on page 59.

Table 1. Directors’ shareholdings

Chairman 
M P Nicholls 

Executive 
I M Buckley 
P D G Chavasse 
A T Morris 
A D Pomfret 
R I Smeeton 
R P Stockton 

Non-executive 
C R R Avery 
C M Burton 
O	R	P	Corbett	
D T D Harrel 
K A Matthews 

Number of 5p 
ordinary shares at 
1 January 2012  
Beneficial 

Number of 5p 
ordinary shares at 
31 December 2012 
Beneficial

2,146 

3,513

49,622 
70,159 
66,747 
111,115 
134,572 
18,430 

6,335 
4,207 
2,381 
161 
623 

60,276 
81,694 
75,540 
112,171 
137,989 
32,952

6,658 
4,692 
2,833 
529 
1,009

Since the date of this report and 7 March 2013, the last practicable date for inclusion in this report before its publication,  
I M Buckley sold 14,803 shares and R I Smeeton sold 20,609 shares.

Executive directors

The directors with executive responsibilities are Andy Pomfret, Paul Chavasse and Paul Stockton. Ian Buckley,  
Andrew Morris and Richard Smeeton stepped down from the Board at the year end. Their biographies are on pages 42 and 
43. Richard Lanyon retired from the Board at the AGM on 10 May 2012.

Non-executive directors

The directors with non-executive responsibilities are Mark Nicholls, Kate Avery, Caroline Burton, Oliver Corbett,  
David Harrel and Kathryn Matthews. Their biographies are on pages 42 and 44. The senior independent director is David 
Harrel, who is available to shareholders if they have concerns that they would rather not address to the chairman or executive 
directors or which remain unresolved after an approach through the normal channels. The Board considers that all  
non-executive directors are independent.

Retirement and re-appointment of directors

In accordance with provision B.7.1 of the Code, all directors are subject to annual election by shareholders.

Substantial shareholdings

At 19 February 2013, the Company had received notifications in accordance with the Financial Services Authority’s Disclosure 
and Transparency Rule 5.1.2 of the following interests of 3% or more in the voting rights of the Company.

Table 2. Substantial shareholdings at 19 February 2013

Shareholder 

BlackRock Inc.  
Lindsell Train Ltd.  
Massachusetts Financial Services Company 
BlackRock UK Emerging Companies Hedge Fund 

Date of 
notification 

1 February 2013 
2 August 2012 
19 May 2011 
8 January 2013 

Number of  
voting rights 

6,892,241 
4,021,768 
2,254,063 
1,384,853 

% of voting 
rights

15.03% 
9.18% 
5.19% 
3.02%

There were no changes between the date of this report and 7 March 2013.

46 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Directors’ report continued

Political and charitable donations

No contributions were made for political purposes during the year (2011: nil). Details of the Company’s charitable donations 
can be found in the corporate responsibility report on page 40.

Employees

Details of the Company’s employment practices, its policy regarding the employment of disabled persons and its employee 
involvement practices can be found in the corporate responsibility report on pages 38 and 39.

The Company encourages the involvement of its employees in its performance through both a Share Incentive Plan launched  
in 2001 and a Save As You Earn scheme launched in 2009.

Policy on the payment of creditors

Rathbones does not follow a published code or standard on payment practice. Its policy is to fix terms of payment with  
each supplier in accordance with its requirements and financial procedures. Rathbones ensures that suppliers are aware of 
those terms and abides by them subject to the resolution of any disagreement regarding the supply. In the majority of cases,  
the terms agreed with suppliers are for payment within 30 days of their invoice date. Trade creditors of the UK subsidiaries  
at 31 December 2012 represented 24 days of annual purchases (2011: 36 days). The 2011 figure was unusually high due to 
high levels of capital expenditure on the new London office incurred towards the year end.

Financial instruments and risk management

The risk management objectives and policies of the Group are set out in note 30 to the consolidated financial statements.

Indemnification of directors

The Company has granted indemnities, which are uncapped, to all directors and to the company secretary by way of deed. 
Qualifying third party indemnity provisions as defined by Section 234 of the Companies Act 2006 were therefore in place 
throughout 2012 and remain in force at the date of this report.

Share price

The mid-market price of the Company’s shares at 31 December 2012 was £12.99 (2011: £10.60) and the range during the 
year was £10.35 to £13.73 (2011: £9.77 to £12.57).

Auditor

The audit committee reviews the appointment of the external auditor and their relationship with the Group, including 
monitoring the Group’s use of the auditor for non-audit services. Note 7 to the consolidated financial statements sets out 
details of the auditor’s remuneration. Having reviewed the independence and effectiveness of the external auditor, the audit 
committee has recommended to the Board that the existing auditor, KPMG Audit Plc, be reappointed. KPMG Audit Plc have 
indicated their willingness to continue in office and ordinary resolutions reappointing them as auditor and authorising the 
directors to set their remuneration will be proposed at the 2013 AGM.

The directors in office at the date of signing of this report confirm that there is no relevant audit information of which the 
auditor is unaware and that each director has taken all reasonable steps to make him or herself aware of any relevant audit 
information and to establish that the auditor is aware of that information.

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012  

47

 
Directors’ report continued

Going concern

Details of the Group’s business activities, results, cash flows and resources, together with the risks it faces and other  
factors likely to affect its future development, performance and position are set out in the chairman’s statement, chief 
executive’s statement, strategy and key performance indicators, business review, financial review and group risk committee 
report. In addition, notes 30 and 31 to the consolidated financial statements provide further details.

The Company is regulated by the FSA and performs annual capital adequacy assessments which include the modelling of 
certain extreme stress scenarios. The Company publishes Pillar III disclosures annually on its website, which provide detail 
about its regulatory capital resources and requirements. During the year, and as at 31 December 2012, the Group has had  
no external borrowings and is fully equity financed.

In 2012, the Group has continued to generate organic growth in client funds under management despite challenging market 
conditions and this is expected to continue. The directors believe that the Company is well placed to manage its business risks 
successfully despite the continuing uncertain economic and political outlook.

As the directors have a reasonable expectation that the Company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence 
for the foreseeable future, they continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the annual financial 
statements. In forming their view, the directors have considered the Company’s prospects for a period exceeding 12 months 
from the date the financial statements are approved.

Annual General Meeting

The 2013 AGM will be held on Tuesday 14 May 2013 at 12.00 noon at 1 Curzon Street, London W1J 5FB. Full details of all 
resolutions and explanatory notes are set out in the separate notice of the meeting.

Special business

The resolutions proposed include an ordinary resolution to give the directors the authority to allot up to 15.1 million shares 
(with an aggregate nominal amount of up to £755,000). The Board is also seeking to renew, by special resolution, the existing 
authorities to waive pre-emption rights and to make market purchases of ordinary shares under certain stringent conditions 
(both subject to limits). The annual special resolution seeking the authority to convene a general meeting (other than the 
AGM) with not less than 14 days’ notice is also proposed.

A resolution will also be proposed regarding the payment of the interim dividend. Distributions made by a company must not 
exceed the distributable profits as reported in the last set of ‘relevant accounts’ of the company. In addition, Section 831 of the 
Companies Act 2006 imposes an additional requirement on a public company which may only make a distribution if its net 
assets are not less than the aggregate of its called up share capital and undistributable reserves and the distribution does not 
reduce the amount of those assets to less than that aggregate.

At the date of the payment of the interim dividend on 7 October 2012, the relevant accounts were the 2011 annual accounts. 
Following the payment of the 2011 final dividend and when taking into account treasury shares and other own shares held 
in employee benefit trusts (which reduce the amount distributable under the test in Section 831), the 2012 interim dividend 
exceeded the value of the Company’s net assets less the aggregate of its called up share capital and undistributable reserves (as 
stated in the 2011 annual report and accounts). 

This technical non-compliance with the terms of the Companies Act 2006 could, in theory, result in a right for the Company 
to claim for repayment of the relevant dividends from shareholders who received those dividend payments and/or from the 
directors who approved the payments. In order to put the shareholders and directors into the position in which they were 
always intended to be, the Company proposes to release and waive any such claims. A resolution will be put to shareholders at 
the AGM to approve such release and waiver and to protect current and former directors and shareholders against any claim 
in connection with the 7 October 2012 interim dividend payment. 

It is anticipated that all directors will be at the AGM and available to answer questions.

By Order of the Board

Richard Loader 
Company Secretary

19 February 2013

Registered office: 1 Curzon Street, London W1J 5FB

48 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012

Corporate governance report

In relation to compliance with the UK Corporate Governance Code, this report together with the directors’ report states the 
position at 19 February 2013.

The UK Corporate Governance Code compliance statement

The UK Corporate Governance Code (‘the Code’) was issued in June 2010 by the Financial Reporting Council (FRC).
Explanations of how the Code principles and supporting principles have been applied are set out in the Governance sections  
of the report and accounts.

The directors believe the Company was in compliance with the Code throughout the year with the following exception:

Composition of the Board (Provision B.1.2)

During 2012, the Company was not in compliance with the Code requirement that at least half the Board, excluding the 
chairman, should be independent non-executive directors. However, following the Board changes made at the year end there 
are now a majority of independent non-executive directors on the Board.

Board meetings

The Board meets a minimum of seven times per annum with one meeting devoted entirely to strategic issues. Some Board 
meetings are preceded by Board dinners which allow for broader discussions. In months where no formal Board meeting is 
scheduled, an informal meeting of the non-executive directors and the chairman and chief executive is generally held. The  
non-executive directors also have informal meetings without the chairman or chief executive present.

Board membership

The Board currently consists of a non-executive chairman, three executive directors and five other non-executive directors. 
The roles of the chairman, Mark Nicholls, and the chief executive, Andy Pomfret, are separated and are clearly defined in 
writing and agreed by the Board. The chairman’s role includes setting a Board agenda which is primarily focused on strategy, 
performance, value creation and accountability and ensuring that issues relevant to these areas are reserved for Board decision. 
The chief executive is the most senior executive director on the Board, with responsibility for proposing strategy to the Board, 
and for delivering the strategy as agreed.

The Board considers that all of the non-executive directors are independent. Caroline Burton was appointed to the Board  
on 1 November 2003. Provision B.1.1 of the Code notes that board service of over nine years is a factor that a board should 
consider when assessing the independence of a director. Whilst still considered to be independent, Caroline stood down as 
chairman of the remuneration committee on 1 November 2012 and will retire from the Board at the AGM on 14 May 2013. 
Kate Avery is also standing down from the Board at the AGM.

The non-executive directors participate fully with their executive colleagues in Board meetings and have access to any 
information they need to perform their duties. They bring an independent judgement to bear on Group policies and strategies 
as well as management actions and performance, including resourcing and standards of conduct. The senior independent 
director is David Harrel, who is available to shareholders if they have concerns that they would rather not address to the 
chairman or executive directors or which remain unresolved after an approach through the normal channels.

The Board has a formal schedule of matters reserved for its attention, which covers key areas of the Group’s business. These 
include determination of the Group’s aims and the strategy to be adopted in achieving those aims, reviews of budgets and 
financial statements, company acquisitions and disposals, major capital expenditure and the review of decisions taken by  
the boards of subsidiary companies.

Board performance

The Board undertakes an annual review of its operation and performance. In 2012 this was carried out based on an internal 
questionnaire, developed and executed with assistance from Lintstock Limited, a London-based corporate advisory firm.  
On completion of the review process, Lintstock produced a report highlighting the key issues raised. In the review there was 
a consensus that the Board was working better than in the previous year. It was not felt that the Board lacked any specific 
area of non-executive expertise but that we should recruit a second person with appropriate financial expertise to support the 
chairman of the audit committee. It was agreed that there should be more discussion of strategic matters at Board meetings 
and Board papers should reflect better a strategic context. Other actions arising from the review included the arrangement of 
regular discussions with the management layer below Board level and improvements to Board papers to ensure that the key 
issues were highlighted.

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012  
Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012  

49
49

 
 
Corporate governance report continued

Board performance continued

Directors

Individual appraisal of each director’s performance is undertaken by the chief executive (in respect of the executive directors’ 
executive roles) and the chairman (for all directors in respect of their contribution to the Board). This involves meetings with 
each director on a one to one basis. The non-executive directors, led by the senior independent director, carry out an appraisal 
of the performance of the chairman.

Board training

Rathbones is committed to the training and development of all staff to ensure professional standards are maintained 
and enhanced. All directors are required to dedicate a certain number of hours to their own development. Training and 
development include activities to keep up to date with Rathbones’ specific issues and industry, market and regulatory changes.

New directors are involved in a thorough induction process designed to enable them to become quickly familiar with the 
business. This includes meeting staff in a number of key business areas, attendance at important internal meetings and 
demonstrations of systems and key business processes.

Board committees

The principal Board committees are the executive, audit, remuneration, nomination and group risk committees. The Board 
has delegated full authority to the executive committee, subject to a list of matters which are reserved for decision by the full 
Board. The other Board committees have formal terms of reference, which are reviewed and approved by the Board on an 
annual basis. These are available on request from the Company’s registered office and on the Group website.

Executive committee

The executive committee is chaired by the chief executive, Andy Pomfret, and comprises Ian Buckley, Paul Chavasse and Paul 
Stockton together with the chief operating officer, Andrew Butcher. The purpose of the executive committee is to monitor every 
aspect of the Group businesses on a continuing basis and to analyse and plan all business proposals in detail for submission to 
and consideration by the Board. It meets monthly and more frequently when required.

Audit committee

Current members of the audit committee are Oliver Corbett (chairman), Kate Avery, Caroline Burton, David Harrel and 
Kathryn Matthews. Details of its work are set out in the audit committee report.

Group risk committee

Current members of the group risk committee are Kathryn Matthews (chairman), Ian Buckley, Paul Chavasse, Oliver Corbett, 
Richard Lanyon, Andy Pomfret and Paul Stockton together with the chief operating officer, chief executive of Rathbone Unit 
Trust Management, heads of compliance, internal audit, HR and treasury. Full details of its role are set out in the group risk 
committee report.

Remuneration committee

Current members of the remuneration committee are David Harrel (chairman), Kate Avery, Caroline Burton, Oliver Corbett, 
Kathryn Matthews and Mark Nicholls. Full details of its role are set out in the remuneration report.

Nomination committee

Current members of the nomination committee are Mark Nicholls (chairman), Kate Avery, Caroline Burton, Oliver Corbett, 
David Harrel, Kathryn Matthews and Andy Pomfret. Full details of its role are set out in the nomination committee report.

50 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012

Corporate governance report continued

Conflicts of interest

A director has a duty under the Companies Act 2006 (‘the Act’) to avoid a situation where he has, or can have, a direct or 
indirect interest that conflicts or possibly may conflict with the Company’s interests. The Act allows the Board to authorise a 
director’s conflict or potential conflict of interest where the Articles of Association contain a provision to this effect and also 
allows the Articles of Association to contain other provisions for dealing with directors’ conflicts of interest to avoid a breach 
of duty. Shareholders approved the necessary changes to the Company’s Articles of Association at the AGM on 7 May 2008.

There are safeguards which apply when directors decide whether to authorise a conflict or potential conflict. Only  
independent directors (those who have no interest in the matter being considered) are able to take the relevant decision and, 
in taking the decision, the directors must act in a way which they consider, in good faith, will be most likely to promote the 
Company’s success. The directors are also able to impose limits or conditions when giving authorisation.

A register of actual or potential conflicts notified and authorised is maintained and reviewed regularly by the Board.

Other Board issues

The Company has appropriate insurance cover in place in respect of legal action against its directors. Any director has 
access to the advice and services of the company secretary and may seek independent professional advice, if necessary, at 
the Company’s expense. The company secretary is responsible to the Board for ensuring Board procedures are followed and 
compliance with rules and regulations applicable to the Company. Any removal or appointment of the company secretary  
is decided by the Board.

Table 1. Board meeting and committee attendance in 2012

C R R Avery 
I M Buckley 
C M Burton 
P D G Chavasse 
O	R	P	Corbett	
D T D Harrel 
R P Lanyon 
K A Matthews 
A T Morris 
M P Nicholls 
A D Pomfret 
R I Smeeton 
R P Stockton 

1  Scheduled bi-monthly meeting
2  Scheduled monthly meeting

Plc Board1 

Executive	
committee2 

Audit	
committee 

Remuneration	
committee 

Nomination	
committee 

Group	risk 
committee

6/7 
7/7 
7/7 
6/7 
6/7	
7/7 
2/2 
7/7 
7/7 
7/7 
7/7 
6/7 
7/7 

12/12 

10/12 

3/4 

12/12 

12/12 

5/7 

6/7 

7/7	
7/7 

7/7 

7/7 

7/7 

7/7	
6/7 

6/7 

7/7 

1/2 

2/2 

2/2	
2/2 

2/2 

2/2 
1/2  

4/4 

4/4 
4/4 

3/4 
4/4 

4/4 

3/4

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012  

51

 
	
		
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Corporate governance report continued

Shareholder relations

The Company is committed to ensuring that there is effective communication with all shareholders. All regulatory news 
announcements, press releases and financial reports are available on the Group website. Following the publication of the 
interim and full year results, presentations are given to major shareholders, investment managers, analysts and employees.  
The presentation packs used and any webcasts are also on the Group website. Meetings with major shareholders provide an 
opportunity to discuss governance and strategy issues and to introduce other directors including non-executive directors. 
Feedback from these meetings is reported to the Board. All shareholders have the opportunity to meet non-executive directors 
at the AGM. At least 20 business days’ notice of the AGM is given to allow time for proper consideration of the resolutions  
by shareholders. Separate resolutions are proposed for each substantially separate issue.

Every effort is made to ensure that all directors, and in particular committee chairmen, are at the meeting. The Board 
welcomes questions and comments from shareholders.

Votes are taken on a show of hands (unless a poll is requested) and full details of proxy voting figures are reported at the 
meeting and on the Group website.

Going concern

The Company’s business activities, risks and uncertainties, financial performance in 2012 and the financial position at  
31 December 2012 are summarised in the business and financial review on pages 16 to 26 and group risk committee report on 
pages 27 to 31. Note 30 to the consolidated financial statements summarises how the Group manages its financial risk.

Regulation

Rathbone Investment Management Limited, Rathbone Unit Trust Management Limited and Rathbone Pension & Advisory 
Services Limited are all authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA).

Rathbone Investment Management Limited is registered as an investment adviser with the US Securities and Exchange 
Commission.

Rathbone Investment Management International Limited is regulated by the Jersey Financial Services Commission.

The Board together with the executive committee and the audit committee have implemented systems and procedures to ensure 
adherence to the statutes and regulations relevant to each of the Group companies.

Model code

The Company has its own internal dealing rules which extend the FSA Listing Rules Model Code provisions to all employees.

52 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012

Remuneration report

The Board presents the remuneration report for the year ended 31 December 2012.

Remuneration committee chairman’s statement

The 2012 AGM season was marked by a few high-profile cases of shareholder unhappiness at a perceived disconnect in some 
companies between pay and performance, which was branded the ‘shareholder spring’ in the media. I am pleased to report 
that our 2011 remuneration report was well received by shareholders in May 2012 with 99.7% approval.

2012 was a year of little change to remuneration at main Board level. The committee has however continued to review the 
structure of directors’ remuneration packages, and in particular, the Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) where the identification 
of suitable performance targets remains a challenge. Rathbones has few listed peers, which makes peer comparison difficult, 
whilst its performance is closely linked to stock market performance, which is a factor management are unable to influence.

During 2012, the committee reviewed changes to the new business incentive arrangements which reward investment managers 
for the introduction of new clients. Awards are deferred, linked to revenue earned and are subject to clawback in certain 
circumstances (for example, if a client account is closed within three years).

The Board considers that the Company’s remuneration arrangements are consistent with the risk profile of the business.

David Harrel 
Chairman of the remuneration committee

Remuneration committee

The Board has delegated the determination of executive director remuneration to the remuneration committee (‘the 
committee’). The current members of the committee are the independent non-executive directors David Harrel (chairman), 
Kate Avery, Caroline Burton, Oliver Corbett and Kathryn Matthews. Mark Nicholls was considered to be independent on  
his appointment as Company chairman and is also a member of the committee. Caroline Burton chaired the committee until  
1 November 2012.

The chief executive attends meetings at the invitation of the committee. Neither the chairman nor chief executive is present 
when their own remuneration is discussed. The committee met on seven occasions in 2012 (2011: six). Details of attendance  
at meetings are shown on page 51.

Remuneration policy for executive directors

The overall aim of the remuneration policy is to support our longer term business objectives and promote behaviours which 
support value creation for shareholders, whilst at the same time providing a competitive remuneration package which is 
sufficient to attract and retain directors of the quality needed to manage and develop the Company successfully. Total reward 
is designed to include a balance of fixed and variable pay with a high level of deferral. External data is used to validate rather 
than to benchmark total reward.

The current remuneration package for an executive director has four main elements: basic salary and benefits, profit share, 
equity incentives and pension. The various elements are designed to:

•		 	align	the	interests	of	the	directors	with	shareholders	in	generating	long	term	shareholder	value.	Achieved	through	

participation in: 
–   an LTIP with a relative total shareholder return performance condition; and  
–   profit share deferrals invested in Rathbone Brothers Plc shares.

•		 	align	remuneration	practices	with	effective	risk	management.	Achieved	by	the	use	of:

 –   profit share based on profit before tax rather than an income or contribution based bonus; and 
–   deferred awards (LTIP and partial deferral of profit share).

The committee also ensures that up-to-date, best practice contracts are adopted. The committee is satisfied that the incentive 
structure does not increase environmental, social and governance risks by inadvertently encouraging irresponsible behaviour.

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012  
Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012  

53
53

 
 
 
Remuneration report continued

The elements of remuneration packages are summarised below.

Total executive director reward for 2012

Table 1. Directors’ remuneration (audited information)

Payments in
  lieu of pension 
Salary or fee1  contributions 
£’000 

£’000 

Profit sharing 

Cash 
£’000 

Deferred 
shares2 
£’000 

Benefits3 
£’000 

2012 
total 
£’000 

2011 

2012 
pension 
total  contributions4 
£’000 

£’000 

Chairman 
M P Nicholls 

Executive 
A D Pomfret (Chief Executive) 
I M Buckley 
P D G Chavasse 
R P Lanyon 
A T Morris   
R I Smeeton 
R P Stockton 

Non-executive 
C R R Avery 
C M Burton  
O	R	P	Corbett	
D T D Harrel 
K A Matthews 
Former chairman 

Total 

120 

340 
206 
221 
91 
203 
228 
233 

40 
48 
50 
52 
48 
– 

1,880 

– 

–  
– 
– 
9 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

9 

– 

86 
53 
79 
42 
56 
74 
80 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

172  
105 
157 
83 
112 
148 
159 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

2 

4 
4 
4 
2 
4 
4 
4  

3 
3 
3 
3 
3 
– 

122 

99 

602 
368 
461 
227 
375 
454 
476 

43 
51 
53 
55 
51 
– 

640 
364 
 457 
567 
345 
508 
445 

41 
48 
49 
48 
41 
62 

– 

39 
24 
– 
– 
– 
– 
22 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

2011
pension 
contributions4 

£’000

–

38 
23 
– 
– 
– 
– 
22

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
–

470 

936 

43 

3,338 

3,714 

85 

83

1  Reviewed annually on 1 January. P D G Chavasse’s paid salary reflects a short sabbatical taken during the year. His full year salary was £249,000 
2	 This	is	the	cash	equivalent	of	deferred	share	awards	at	the	date	of	the	award.	Deferred	share	awards	vest	after	three	years 
3  Benefits include medical insurance and the value of SIP free shares and matching shares 
4  During the year, retirement benefits accrued under money purchase schemes in relation to three directors (2011: three)

Basic salary and benefits

An executive director’s basic salary is determined by the committee. Any change is implemented on 1 January of each year 
or when an individual changes position or responsibility. In deciding appropriate levels, the committee considers salaries 
throughout the Group as a whole and the information obtained on comparable companies in the financial sector as provided 
by the advisers to the committee. The views of the chairman and chief executive are also taken into consideration when 
considering the salaries of other directors.

Salaries were increased by 3.0% on 1 January 2012 in line with the increase given to most employees. The only exception was 
Richard Lanyon whose salary was unchanged in view of his retirement from the Board on 10 May 2012. Following the Board 
restructuring on 1 January 2013, the salaries of the executive directors (Andy Pomfret, Paul Chavasse and Paul Stockton) were 
increased by 2.5%.

In addition Rathbones provides a range of benefits including life, private medical and permanent health insurance.

54 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Remuneration report continued

Profit share

The current profit sharing scheme was introduced on 1 January 2010. Awards to all executive directors are made from a pool 
of profits of 3% – 5% of Group profit before tax with an expectation that in a normal year the percentage is around 4%. The 
percentage for 2012 was 4% (2011: 4%). An additional profit share payment of £61,000 was made to Richard Smeeton in 
2011 as a result of his giving up legacy entitlements.

The committee has the discretion to adjust the calculation of Group profit before tax for the purposes of the profit share to 
ensure that it appropriately reflects underlying business performance. No adjustments were made in 2012 or 2011.

Awards to individual directors are determined by the committee following recommendations by the chief executive and 
chairman, having due regard of the performance of the director, the results of the business for which the director has 
responsibility (where relevant) and market data where this is available. Awards are capped at 200% of basic salary.

Awards are made in both cash (one third) and deferred shares (two thirds) with interim, on account awards payable during the 
financial year, and final awards made shortly after the announcement of the Group’s results for the year. The proportion paid 
in cash may be increased at the request of the participant but this will cause the overall award to be reduced such that the total 
will be reduced by a maximum of one third if 100% of the award is taken in cash. No executive directors chose to increase the 
cash element of the award in 2012 or 2011.

No performance criteria are attached to the deferred share awards. The committee’s view is that share price movements 
reflect the performance of the business and therefore further performance conditions are not necessary. Half of deferred share 
awards will lapse if a director is a ‘bad leaver’. Deferred shares attract the monetary equivalent of declared dividends over the 
deferral period from the end of the financial year of the award. Awards vest on the third anniversary of the financial year end 
at which point a nil paid option will be granted over the deferred share award (including a further number of additional shares 
representing the value of dividends received and reinvested in relation to vested shares). This option may be exercised within 
seven years of grant.

The final deferred share award for 2011 was made on 20 March 2012. An interim deferred share award for 2012 was made 
on 25 September 2012. Awards were also made following dividend payments in May and October. The final award for 2012 
will be made following the announcement of the 2012 results on 20 February 2013.

Table 2. Profit share – deferred share awards in 2012 (audited information)

Date of award   
Market price at award date 

I M Buckley 
P D G Chavasse 
R P Lanyon 
A T Morris   
A D Pomfret 
R I Smeeton 
R P Stockton 

Total 

Opening 
balance 

15,536 
17,801 
33,896 
14,155 
31,174 
35,083 
17,204 

2011 
final award 

20/03/12 
£12.61 

Dividend 

17/05/12 
£12.08 

2012 
interim award 

25/09/12 
£13.185 

Dividend 

03/10/12
£13.05

4,321 
7,409 
7,004 
3,965 
8,056 
5,149 
6,739 

476 
605 
981 
435 
941 
965 
574 

4,110 
5,077 
6,327 
3,667 
7,858 
5,682 
5,480 

264 
336 
545 
241 
523 
536 
319 

Closing 
balance

24,707 
31,228 
48,753 
22,463 
48,552 
47,415 
30,316

164,849 

42,643 

4,977 

38,201 

2,764 

253,434

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012  

55

 
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Remuneration report continued

Equity incentives

Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP)

Executive directors are awarded rights to acquire ordinary shares at the start of a three year plan cycle. Awards are limited to 
75% of salary other than in exceptional circumstances when the committee considers that a 100% limit would be appropriate. 
At the end of each plan cycle, the Company’s performance is assessed against the performance targets for that cycle. The extent 
to which the targets have been achieved determines the actual number of shares (if any) attributable to each participant.

A new LTIP was approved by shareholders at the AGM on 11 May 2011 and came into effect for the 2011/13 plan cycle.

The performance conditions for the earlier plan cycles are as follows:

Performance targets

2009/11 and 2010/12 plan cycles

Table 3. LTIP performance targets (2009/11 and 2010/12 plan cycles) 

% of award

a  Total Shareholder Return (TSR) over the plan cycle 
b  Earnings per Share (EPS) growth over the plan cycle 

a  TSR

TSR	ranking	relative	to	the	constituents	of	the	FTSE	All	Share	Index		

Below the 50th percentile  
Between the 50th and 75th percentiles 
At or above the 75th percentile 

b	 EPS

EPS	growth	over	the	plan	cycle		

Less than 15% 
15% 
Over	15%	but	less	than	37.5%	
37.5% or over 

2011/13 and future plan cycles

50% 
50%

Vesting	of	award	(TSR	element)

0% 
Straight line increase 
100%

Vesting	of	award	(EPS	element)

0% 
25% 
Straight	line	increase 
100%

A combination of two performance targets will continue to be used. Whilst the EPS performance target will continue 
unchanged, changes to the TSR performance target were approved as detailed below in table 4.

Table 4. LTIP TSR performance target (2011/13 and future plan cycles)

TSR over the plan cycle (50%)

Rathbone	Brothers	Plc	Total	Return	Index	(TRI)	relative	to	the	FTSE	All	Share	TRI		

Below the percentage change in the FTSE All Share TRI 
Equal	to	the	percentage	change	in	the	FTSE	All	Share	TRI	
Greater than the percentage change in the FTSE All Share TRI by 0.1% to 9.9% 
Equal	to	or	greater	than	the	percentage	change	in	the	FTSE	All	Share	TRI	plus	10%		

Vesting	of	award	(TSR	element)

0% 
25% 
Straight line increase 
100%

As mentioned earlier in this report, the LTIP performance targets are under review. Whilst they have limitations, the current 
combination of EPS and TSR are commonly used and ensure not only a focus on a key financial driver (via EPS), but also 
alignment of shareholder interests (via TSR), reflecting both the change in the share price and dividends, assuming that they 
are reinvested.

If a participant ceases to be employed for ‘good leaver’ reasons, the award shall normally continue in effect and vest on the 
original date set for vesting, but with the award based on the performance during the plan cycle as a whole, reduced pro rata 
to reflect the fact that the participant was not an executive director for the whole plan cycle. In all other circumstances, any 
provisional award would lapse on cessation of employment.

Vesting of historic awards

2009/11 plan cycle

The TSR for the three year period was 46.2%, which ranked the Company at the 40th percentile relative to the constituents  
of the FTSE All Share Index. Basic EPS decreased from 67.02p in 2008 to 66.72p in 2011. No awards were therefore made 
from either element of the plan.

56 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012

 
Remuneration report continued

Equity incentives continued

2010/12 plan cycle

The TSR for the three year period was 84.0%, which ranked the Company at the 80th percentile relative to the constituents  
of the FTSE All Share Index resulting in an award of 100% of the TSR element of the plan. Continuing basic EPS increased 
from 46.87p in 2009 to 67.00p in 2012, an increase of 43.0%, resulting in awards of 100% of the EPS element of the plan. 
The market value of the Rathbone Brothers Plc shares at the date of the awards was £8.23 compared with a market value  
at 31 December 2012 of £12.99.

2011/13 and 2012/14 plan cycles

Details of the awards for the 2011/13 and 2012/14 plan cycles are set out in table 5. The market value of Rathbone  
Brothers Plc shares at the date of awards for the 2011/13 plan was £10.825 and for the 2012/14 plan was £12.61.

Were the maximum possible awards to be made in shares to current and former directors as shown in table 5, 214,683 
ordinary shares (2011: 257,231) would be awarded, representing 0.5% (2011: 0.6%) of the issued share capital at  
31 December 2012, excluding shares held in treasury. In practice, awards under the LTIP are intended to be satisfied using 
market purchased shares. Expected actual awards are difficult to predict with any accuracy.

Table 5. LTIP awards of ordinary shares (audited information)

I M Buckley 

P D G Chavasse 

R P Lanyon 

A T Morris   

A D Pomfret 

R I Smeeton 

R P Stockton  

Total  

Plan cycle 

At	1	January	
2012 

Granted	in	
2012 

Vested	in	
2012 

At  
Lapsed	in	 31	December 
2012

2012 

  2010/12 
  2011/13 
  2012/14 

  2010/12 
  2011/13 
  2012/14 

  2010/12 
  2011/13 
  2012/14 

  2010/12 
  2011/13 
  2012/14 

  2010/12 
  2011/13 
  2012/14 

  2010/12 
  2011/13 
  2012/14  

  2010/12  
  2011/13  
  2012/14  

16,904 
13,856 
– 

21,187 
16,766 
– 

21,187 
16,766 
– 

16,585 
13,648 
– 

28,933 
22,863 
– 

19,365  
15,311  
– 

18,909  
14,951  
– 

– 
– 
12,252 

– 
– 
14,825 

– 
– 
14,393 

– 
– 
12,073 

– 
– 
20,222 

– 
– 
13,536  

– 
– 
13,221  

(16,904) 
– 
– 

(21,187) 
– 
– 

(16,479) 
– 
– 

(16,585) 
– 
– 

(28,933) 
– 
– 

(19,365) 
– 
– 

(18,909)  

– 
– 

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 

(4,708) 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 

–  
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 

– 
13,856 
12,252

– 
16,766 
14,825

– 
16,766 
14,393

– 
13,648 
12,073

– 
22,863 
20,222

– 
15,311 
13,536

– 
14,951 
13,221

  2010/12  
  2011/13  
  2012/14  

143,070  
114,161 

– 
–  
–   100,522 

 (138,362)  
–  
–  

(4,708)  
–  
–  

– 
114,161 
100,522

Share Incentive Plan (SIP) and Save As You Earn (SAYE)

All directors are entitled to take part in the SIP on the same terms as all other employees. This allows all employees to 
purchase shares in the Company and currently these are matched on a one-for-one basis by the Company. Performance-related 
SIP shares are also offered to employees if there is year on year EPS growth over the rate of inflation. SIP shares are included  
in the table of directors’ share interests on page 46.

Executive directors may also participate in the Rathbones SAYE scheme on the same terms as all other employees. Details 
of grants to directors are shown in table 6. It is anticipated that a further grant will be made in March 2013 following the 
announcement of the 2012 results.

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012  

57

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Remuneration report continued

Equity incentives continued 

Table 6. The Rathbones SAYE scheme (audited information)

Grant date 

23/12/09 
23/12/09 
23/12/09 
23/12/09 
29/03/11 
23/12/09 
23/12/09 
23/12/09 
29/03/11 

At	
1	January		
2012 

Granted	in	
2012 

Exercised	in		
2012 

At	
Lapsed	in		 31	December		
2012 

2012 

Earliest	
exercise		
date 

Latest	
exercise	
date 

Exercise 
price	
pence

1,303 
1,303 
1,303 
651 
483 
1,303 
1,303 
651 
483 

8,783 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
–  
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

1,303  01/02/13  01/08/13 
1,303  01/02/13  01/08/13 
1,303  01/02/13  01/08/13 
651  01/02/13  01/08/13 
483  01/05/14  01/11/14 
1,303  01/02/13  01/08/13 
1,303  01/02/13  01/08/13 
651  01/02/13  01/08/13 
483  01/05/14  01/11/14 

8,783

696 
696 
696 
696 
934 
696 
696 
696 
934

I M Buckley 
P D G Chavasse 
R P Lanyon 
A T Morris   
A T Morris   
A D Pomfret 
R I Smeeton 
R P Stockton 
R P Stockton 

Total 

Dilution

Not more than 10% of the issued ordinary share capital of the Company (adjusted for bonus and rights issues) will be issued 
for all LTIP and share incentive schemes operated by the Company in any rolling 10 year period. While it remains best practice 
to do so, treasury shares will be treated as newly issued shares for the purposes of dilution calculations. The Company satisfies 
the various equity-based schemes it operates using a combination of market purchased, newly issued and treasury shares.

Total shareholder return (TSR)

Chart 1 shows the Company’s TSR against the FTSE All Share Index. TSR is calculated assuming that dividends are reinvested 
on receipt. The FTSE All Share Index has been selected as a comparator as it is a suitably broad market index and has been 
used as a performance comparator for LTIP plan cycles since 2005/07.

Chart 1. Total Shareholder Return (TSR) over the last five financial years

e
g
a
t
n
e
c
r
e
P

60

50

40

30

20

10

0

-10

-20

-30

-40

31 December 2007 

31 December 2008 

31 December 2009 

31 December 2010 

31 December 2011 

31 December 2012

––  Rathbone Brothers Plc – Total shareholder return
––  FTSE All Share – Total shareholder return

Pension arrangements

UK employees who joined Rathbones prior to 1 April 2002 were offered membership of a defined benefit scheme, the 
Rathbone 1987 Pension Scheme, with a normal retirement age of 60. Prior to 1 April 2006, the accrual rate was 1/60th for 
each year of membership. With effect from 1 April 2006, employees were given the choice of either remaining on a 1/60th 
accrual rate (but increasing their contribution rate from 5% to 6.5% at 1 April 2006 and to 8% from 1 January 2008)  
or switching to a 1/70th accrual rate for future pensionable service (but continuing to contribute at 5%). With effect from  
1 July 2009, future service benefits are based on career average revalued earnings (CARE) with a normal retirement age  
of 65 rather than 60.

Details of the Company’s contributions are set out in note 26 to the consolidated financial statements.

Since 1 April 2002, new employees have been offered membership of a Group defined contribution plan, established  
with Scottish Widows. In the case of certain directors and senior staff, the Group contributes to their personal  
pension arrangements.

58 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012

 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Remuneration report continued

Pension arrangements continued

Paul Chavasse, Andrew Morris and Richard Smeeton are members of the Rathbone 1987 Pension Scheme. Richard 
Lanyon transferred out of this scheme on 15 March 2011 and has since been paid 10% of salary in lieu of pension scheme 
contributions. Ian Buckley, Richard Lanyon, Andy Pomfret and Paul Stockton participate in the scheme for death in service 
benefits only. 

Richard Smeeton is also a member of the Laurence Keen Retirement Benefits Scheme for service prior to 1 October 1999.  
Ian Buckley and Andy Pomfret have arrangements under self-invested personal pension schemes whilst Paul Stockton is a 
member of the Group defined contribution plan.

The changes in pension entitlements arising in the year, required to be disclosed by the UK Listing Authority, are shown in 
table 7. There have been no changes in the terms of directors’ pension entitlements during the year. There are no unfunded 
pension promises or similar arrangements for directors. The increases in transfer values are mainly due to changed 
assumptions for inflation, post-retirement discount rates and future mortality.

Table 7. Directors’ accrued benefits under defined benefit schemes (audited information)

Age at  
31/12/12 

Years of 
service at  
31/12/12 

48 
48 
48 

12 
24 
24 

Accrued 
benefit at 
31/12/121 
£ 

46,702 
76,873 
88,570 

Increase in 
accrued 
benefits 
excluding 

inflation2  

£ 

3,879 
3,780 
3,190 

  Transfer value  
Increase in 
of increase 
in accrued 
accrued 
benefits  benefits less 
including 
 directors’ 
inflation3   contributions  
£ 

£ 

Transfer 
value of 
accrued 
benefits at 
31/12/12  
£ 

Transfer 
Increase 
value 
in transfer 
of accrued 
value less 
benefits at 
directors’
31/12/11   contributions4
£

£ 

5,167 
5,977 
5,758 

702,659 
705,399 
38,649 
59,718  1,544,731  1,562,614 
36,490  1,518,673  1,559,473 

(17,201) 
(34,123) 
(59,008)

P D G Chavasse 
A T Morris   
R I Smeeton  

During 2012, three directors (2011: four) accrued benefits under defined benefit schemes

1  The pension entitlement shown above for the three participating directors is that which would be paid annually on retirement at age 60 or 65 based on service to 31 December 2012 

(or normal retirement date, if earlier)

2  The additional pension earned in the year excluding UK inflation (RPI)
3  The additional pension earned in the year including UK inflation (RPI)
4  A 0.3% increase in the discount rate used to calculate the transfer value of accrued benefits has either resulted in a modest fall or very small increase in transfer values in 2012, depending on  

the length of pensionable service. The ‘Increase in transfer value less directors’ contributions’ figures are therefore negative

There is no undertaking or expectation for any other pension benefit to be arranged for any director by the Company.

Service contracts for executive directors

The Company has service contracts with its executive directors which were reviewed and modernised in 2011. Following his 
appointment as head of investment management, Paul Chavasse’s notice period was increased from 6 to 12 months. It is 
Company policy that such contracts should not normally contain notice periods of more than 12 months. Details of the notice 
periods in the contracts of employment of executive directors serving during the year are as shown in table 8.

Table 8. Executive directors’ service contracts

Executive	Director	

I	M	Buckley	
P D G Chavasse 
A	T	Morris			
A	D	Pomfret	
R I Smeeton 
R	P	Stockton	

Date	of	contract	

24	October	2011	
15 November 2011 
26	October	2011	
13	October	2011	
9 December 2011 
14	October	2011	

Notice	period

6	months 
12 months 
6	months 
12	months 
6 months 
6	months

There are no provisions within the contracts to provide automatic payments in excess of payment in lieu of notice upon 
termination by the Company and no pre-determined compensation package exists in the event of termination of employment.

Payment in lieu of notice would include basic salary, pension contributions and benefits. There are no provisions for the 
payment of liquidated damages or any statements in respect of the duty of mitigation. Compensation payments will be 
determined on a case by case basis in the light of current market practice. Compensation will include loss of salary and other 
contractual benefits but mitigation will be applied where appropriate. In the event of entering into a termination agreement, 
the Board will take steps to impose a legal obligation on the director to mitigate any loss incurred. There are no clauses in 
contracts amending employment terms and conditions on a change of control. Executive directors’ contracts of service, which 
include details of remuneration, will be available for inspection at the AGM.

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012  

59

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
	
 
 
 
 
 
	
	
	
	
	
Remuneration report continued

Shareholdings

New executive directors are encouraged to build up and maintain a shareholding at least equivalent to the value of one year’s 
basic salary within five years of taking up their appointment.

External appointments

Executive directors are encouraged to take on external appointments as non-executive directors, but are discouraged 
from holding more than one other position in a quoted company given the time commitment. Prior approval of any new 
appointment is required by the Board with fees generally being payable to the Company.

An exception is Ian Buckley. Following his appointment as a committee member of the Family Assurance Friendly Society on 
14 December 2009, he retains the fee paid of £32,000 per annum (2011: £30,000). Following his appointment to the board  
of Miller Insurance Services LLP on 1 May 2012, he retains the fee payable of £50,000 per annum.

Advisers to the remuneration committee

The remuneration committee has appointed Deloitte LLP (‘Deloitte’) as advisers to the committee. Deloitte attend at least  
one committee meeting per annum and advise on best practice and latest developments in senior executive remuneration.  
The committee is confident that their advice is objective and independent and they operate in line with the executive 
remuneration consulting voluntary code of conduct.

Deloitte also provides occasional ad hoc advice to the Company, particularly on share scheme issues. The appointment is 
reviewed annually. The committee is also assisted by the HR department and by the company secretary.

Non-executive directors

Non-executive directors do not have contracts of employment but, as with all other directors, are now required to stand for  
re-election annually in accordance with the UK Corporate Governance Code. The effectiveness of the non-executive directors 
is subject to an annual assessment. The executive directors are responsible for determining the fees of the non-executive 
directors, who do not receive pension or other benefits from the Group and do not participate in any Group incentive scheme, 
other than the SIP.

Non-executive directors’ fees

Fees were increased with effect from 1 January 2012 as shown in table 9. No change was made on 1 January 2013.

Table 9. Non-executive directors’ fees

Basic fee 
Additional fees 
–  Chairman of the audit committee 
–  Chairman of the remuneration committee 
–  Chairman of the group risk committee 
–  Senior independent director 

2012  

£40,000 

£10,000 
£10,000 
£10,000 
£10,000 

2011

£38,000

£8,000 
£7,000 
– 
£8,000

The chairman, Mark Nicholls, received a fee at the rate of £60,000 per annum prior to his appointment as chairman on  
11 May 2011. From that date his fee has been paid at the rate of £120,000 per annum.

Annual General Meeting

The committee considers that, taken together, these various remuneration components help to align the interests of directors 
with those of shareholders and conform to the principles laid down in the UK Corporate Governance Code published in  
June 2010. The Board will move at the AGM an ordinary resolution seeking approval of the directors’ remuneration report  
for 2012. The Notice of Annual General Meeting has been circulated separately.

Approved by the Board on 19 February 2013 and signed on its behalf by

David Harrel 
Chairman of the remuneration committee

60 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012

 
 
Audit committee report

Audit committee chairman’s statement

2012 was a busy year for the audit committee in spite of relatively modest changes to the financial reporting regime.  
In addition to its regular activities, the committee considered the judgement areas referred to below, reviewed the accounting 
implications of the head office move, approved a revised policy on non-audit services provided by the auditors and reviewed  
Group recharges between legal entities. Internal audit reported its findings to the committee across a wide range of topics  
on a regular basis. In addition, the committee undertook detailed and specific training on reporting and regulatory matters, 
and reviewed auditor rotation.

Areas of particular focus in 2013 will include the key regulatory capital and liquidity reports, a review of acquisitions made  
in 2012, the impact on capital and reserves of any future acquisitions and the efficacy of the external audit process.

Committee members

The current members of the audit committee are the independent non-executive directors Oliver Corbett (chairman),  
Kate Avery, Caroline Burton, David Harrel and Kathryn Matthews.

The Board is satisfied that at least one member of the committee has recent and relevant financial experience. The  
chairman is a chartered accountant whilst other members have extensive experience of financial matters and of the financial 
services industry.

The committee met on seven occasions in 2012 (2011: seven). Details of attendance by members are set out on page 51.

Role and responsibilities of the committee

These are set out in the terms of reference of the committee, which are reviewed annually.

Financial reporting

The committee regularly considers:

•	 	significant	financial	reporting	issues	and	judgements	made	in	connection	with	the	parent	company	and	consolidated	

financial statements;

•		 	the	appropriateness	of	accounting	policies	and	bases;

•		 	narrative	statements	and	disclosures	to	ensure	that	they	are	reasonable	and	consistent	with	the	reported	results;	and

•		 	regulatory	financial	reporting.

Key judgement areas considered in 2012 included the carrying value of the Jersey loan notes received on the sale of the 
Group’s Jersey trust operation in 2008, the valuation of goodwill and intangible assets, provisions and the valuation of defined 
benefit pension obligations.

Internal controls and risk management systems

The review of the effectiveness of the Group’s internal financial controls is achieved primarily by the assessment of the work 
of the Group internal audit department, reports produced by the compliance functions, the half year and annual financial 
statements, the scope and findings of the annual external audit and periodic reviews of identified risks and mitigating controls 
undertaken by senior management.

A separate group risk committee report considers risk management issues (see page 27).

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012  
Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012  

61
61

 
 
Audit committee report continued

Internal audit

The Group internal audit department reviews Group operations on a continuing basis. The frequency of reviews is determined 
by an internal risk-based audit programme which is approved by the audit committee. This ensures that whilst the focus is 
on higher risk areas, all parts of the business are covered over a three year cycle. Regular updates are given to the committee 
on the findings of internal audit reviews, the status of scheduled work and on the follow up of reviews to ensure that agreed 
recommendations are acted upon promptly. The committee sees all reviews containing a high risk-related recommendation and 
a sample of other reviews.

The internal audit department will also undertake occasional ad hoc reviews at the request of management or the committee. 
The committee also regularly reviews the resources and authority of the internal audit department.

External audit

The committee is responsible for reviewing external audit arrangements and for any recommendation to the Board regarding 
change of audit firm. This review includes consideration of the external auditor’s period in office, their compensation and the 
scope, quality and cost-effectiveness of their work. The last audit services contract tender process was undertaken in June 
2009, which led to the appointment of KPMG as auditors. The committee plan to undertake an audit services contract tender 
process again before the tenth anniversary of their appointment.

The committee reviews the independence and the nature of non-audit services supplied by the auditor and non-audit fee 
levels relative to the audit fee. Prior approval by the committee is required where the fee for an individual non-audit service is 
expected to exceed £25,000. Fees for non-audit services paid to the auditor should not, in aggregate, exceed 50% of the audit 
fee in any year without the prior written approval of the committee.

Non-audit fees payable to the auditor in 2012 were £65,000. This represents 13.1% of the fees for assurance services of 
£497,000, which includes the audit of regulatory returns and of the interim statement (2011: £114,000, 23.2% of £491,000).

The committee recognises that, given their knowledge of the business, there are often advantages in using the auditor to 
provide certain non-audit services.

The committee is satisfied that the independence of the auditor has not been impaired by providing these services. Details 
of the auditor’s fees are shown in note 7 to the consolidated financial statements. The committee also reviews the audit 
engagement letters each year and has discussions with the auditor with no management present.

Regarding the year end audit, presentations were received from the auditor on audit progress, findings and recommendations 
and any adjusted and unadjusted errors.

Confidential reporting policy

The committee annually reviews the Group’s Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998 confidential reporting policy and approves 
any changes to the document. It also receives details of any reports made.

Other

On invitation, the finance and other executive directors, compliance officers, senior finance and internal audit staff and the 
external auditor attend meetings to assist the committee to fulfil its duties. The committee can access independent professional 
advice if it considers it necessary. The committee performs an annual review of its performance and this is also reviewed by  
the Board.

Oliver Corbett 
Chairman of the audit committee

62 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012

Nomination committee report

Committee members

The current members of the nomination committee are Mark Nicholls (chairman), Kate Avery, Caroline Burton, Oliver 
Corbett, David Harrel, Kathryn Matthews and Andy Pomfret.

The committee met formally on two occasions in 2012 (2011: one). Details of attendance by members are set out on page 51. 
It also had informal discussions on a number of other occasions during the year.

Role of the committee

The committee considers and makes recommendations to the Board for the appointment of directors; the Board as a whole 
decides upon any such appointment. During the year, the remit of the committee was widened to cover issues such as 
appraisals, training and director development.

An external search consultancy and/or open advertising are generally used when recruiting new non-executive directors and 
may often be used when recruiting executive directors. When considering possible candidates, the committee evaluates the 
skills, knowledge and experience of the candidates and, in the case of non-executive appointments, their other commitments.

The committee is mindful of the benefits of a diverse Board with a broad range of skills and experience and this has been 
reflected in recent Board appointments.

During 2012, the committee focused on the Board effectiveness review process, the proposed reduction in Board size and 
succession planning.

With regard to the Board effectiveness review, it was agreed that an independent third party be used to oversee the process  
and, having interviewed a number of candidates, it was agreed to re-appoint Lintstock with a wider brief.

With regard to the reduction in size of the Board, it was agreed that the Board should ensure it had more exposure to a  
broader range of attendees who would be asked to attend and speak on specific topics. It was also agreed that non-executive 
directors should have more interaction with senior executives and that a programme of lunches and informal meetings  
would be arranged.

With regard to succession planning it was agreed that we needed to formalise both short term (emergency) and long term 
succession plans for executives in management roles and for non-executives. This would reinforce and supplement the 
current process whereby the Board is regularly exposed to senior management below Board level during visits to other 
offices, attendance at internal meetings and presentations by senior managers to the Board. Regarding non-executive director 
succession, the committee will be looking to recruit in 2013 following the retirement from the Board of Kate Avery and 
Caroline Burton at the 2013 AGM. In particular, the committee are mindful of the need to ensure that the audit committee 
includes members with accounting and/or auditing experience. It will be looking to recruit a suitably qualified accountant  
to provide support for the current chairman of the committee and to potentially succeed him as audit committee chairman in 
due course.

In accordance with the UK Corporate Governance Code, all directors are required to seek election by the members at the 
AGM following their appointment, and re-election every year thereafter. A non-executive director is not appointed for a fixed 
term but would not normally serve as a director for more than nine years.

The committee is mindful of the UK Corporate Governance Code requirement that any term beyond six years for a  
non-executive director should be subject to particularly vigorous review and should take into account the need for progressive 
refreshing of the Board.

Mark Nicholls 
Chairman of the nomination committee

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012  
Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012  

63
63

 
 
Statement of directors’ responsibilities in respect 
of the report and accounts

The directors are responsible for preparing the annual report and the consolidated and parent company financial statements 
in accordance with applicable law and regulations. 

Company law requires the directors to prepare consolidated and parent company financial statements for each financial year. 
Under that law they are required to prepare the consolidated financial statements in accordance with International Financial 
Reporting Standards (IFRSs), as adopted by the EU and applicable law and have elected to prepare the parent company 
financial statements on the same basis. 

Under company law the directors must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and 
fair view of the state of affairs of the Group and parent company and of their profit or loss for that period. In preparing each 
of the consolidated and parent company financial statements, the directors are required to: 

•	

select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently; 

•	 make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; 

•	

state whether they have been prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the EU; and 

•	 prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Group and the 

parent company will continue in business. 

The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the parent 
company’s transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the parent company and 
enable them to ensure that its financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They have general responsibility for 
taking such steps as are reasonably open to them to safeguard the assets of the Group and to prevent and detect fraud and 
other irregularities. 

Under applicable law and regulations, the directors are also responsible for preparing a directors’ report, directors’ 
remuneration report and corporate governance report that complies with that law and those regulations. 

The directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the 
Group website. Legislation in the UK governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from 
legislation in other jurisdictions.

Disclosure of information to the auditor

The directors who held office at the date of approval of this directors’ report confirm that, so far as they are each aware, there 
is no relevant audit information of which the Company’s auditors are unaware; and each director has taken all the steps that 
he or she ought to have taken as a director to make him or herself aware of any relevant audit information and to establish 
that the Company’s auditor is aware of that information.

Statement as a result of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules of the Financial 
Services Authority

We confirm that to the best of our knowledge:

•	

•	

the financial statements, prepared in accordance with the applicable set of accounting standards, give a true and fair view 
of the assets, liabilities, financial position and profit of the parent company and its undertakings included in the 
consolidation taken as a whole; and

the directors’ report, together with the information provided in the business review, financial review and group risk 
committee report, includes a fair view of the development and performance of the business and the position of the issuer 
and the undertakings included in the consolidation taken as a whole, together with a description of the principal risks and 
uncertainties that they face.

By Order of the Board

A D Pomfret  
Chief Executive

19 February 2013

64 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012

Consolidated Financial Statements

66 

Independent auditor’s report to the members of  

Rathbone Brothers Plc
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
Consolidated statement of changes in equity
Consolidated balance sheet
Consolidated statement of cash flows
Notes to the consolidated financial statements

68 
69 
70 
71 
72 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012  

65

 
Independent auditor’s report to the members of 
Rathbone Brothers Plc

We have audited the financial statements of Rathbone Brothers Plc for the year ended 31 December 2012 set out on pages 68 
to 141. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and International 
Financial Reporting Standards (IFRSs) as adopted by the EU and, as regards the parent company financial statements, as 
applied in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006. 

This report is made solely to the Company’s members, as a body, in accordance with Chapter 3 of Part 16 of the Companies 
Act 2006. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the Company’s members those matters we are 
required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not 
accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Company and the Company’s members, as a body, for our audit 
work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed. 

Respective responsibilities of directors and auditor

As explained more fully in the directors’ responsibilities statement set out on page 64, the directors are responsible for the 
preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. Our responsibility is to audit, 
and express an opinion on, the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and International Standards on Auditing 
(UK and Ireland). Those standards require us to comply with the Auditing Practices Board’s Ethical Standards for Auditors. 

Scope of the audit of the financial statements

A description of the scope of an audit of financial statements is provided on the Financial Reporting Council’s  
website at www.frc.org.uk/auditscopeukprivate.

Opinion on financial statements

In our opinion:

•	

•	

•	

•	

the financial statements give a true and fair view of the state of the Group’s and of the parent company’s affairs as at 
31 December 2012 and of the Group’s profit for the year then ended; 

the consolidated financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the EU; 

the parent company financial statements have been properly prepared in accordance with IFRSs as adopted by the EU and 
as applied in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 2006; and 

the financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and, as 
regards the consolidated financial statements, Article 4 of the IAS Regulation. 

Opinion on other matters prescribed by the Companies Act 2006

In our opinion:

•	

•	

the part of the directors’ remuneration report to be audited has been properly prepared in accordance with the Companies 
Act 2006; and 

the information given in the directors’ report for the financial year for which the financial statements are prepared is 
consistent with the financial statements.

66 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012

Independent auditor’s report to the members of Rathbone Brothers Plc continued

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

We have nothing to report in respect of the following: 

Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, in our opinion: 

•	 adequate accounting records have not been kept by the parent company, or returns adequate for our audit have not been 

received from branches not visited by us; or 

•	

the parent company financial statements and the part of the directors’ remuneration report to be audited are not in 
agreement with the accounting records and returns; or 

•	 certain disclosures of directors’ remuneration specified by law are not made; and 

•	 we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.

Under the Listing Rules we are required to review: 

•	

•	

the directors’ statement, set out on page 48, in relation to going concern; 

the part of the corporate governance report on page 49 relating to the Company’s compliance with the nine provisions of 
the UK Corporate Governance Code specified for our review; and

•	 certain elements of the report to shareholders by the Board on directors’ remuneration.

I Cummings (Senior Statutory Auditor) 
for and on behalf of KPMG Audit Plc, Statutory Auditor

Chartered Accountants 
15 Canada Square, London E14 5GL

19 February 2013

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012  

67

 
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
for the year ended 31 December 2012

Interest and similar income
Interest expense and similar charges

Net interest income

Fee and commission income
Fee and commission expense

Net fee and commission income

Dividend income
Net trading income
Gains on disposal of financial securities
Other operating income
Share of profit of associates

Operating income

Amortisation of acquired client relationships
Head office relocation costs
Other operating expenses

Operating expenses

Profit before tax 
Taxation

Profit after tax 

Profit for the period attributable to equity holders of the Company

Other comprehensive income:
Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss
Net actuarial gain/(loss) on retirement benefit obligations
Deferred tax relating to net actuarial gain/(loss) on retirement benefit obligations
Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss
Net gain/(loss) from changes in fair value of available for sale 

 investment securities

Deferred tax relating to revaluation of available for sale investment securities

Other comprehensive income net of tax 

Total comprehensive income for the year net of tax  
attributable to equity holders of the Company

Dividends paid and proposed for the year per ordinary share 
Dividends paid and proposed for the year 
Earnings per share for the period attributable to equity holders of the Company:
–   basic
–   diluted

Note

4

5

6

6

6

6

20

7

8

7

10

26

19

16

19

11

12

2012 
£’000

11,162 
(1,258)

9,904 

152,154 
(8,756)

143,398 

110 
562 
– 
1,586 
21 

155,581 

(6,025)
(300)
(110,444)

(116,769)

38,812 
(9,596)

29,216 

29,216 

660 
(399)

923 
(154)

1,030 

30,246 

47.00p
21,220 

67.00p
66.41p

2011 
£’000

11,259 
(1,238)

10,021 

141,484 
(10,029)

131,455 

98 
480 
1,095 
1,303 
– 

144,452 

(5,134)
(3,028)
(97,138)

(105,300)

39,152 
(10,446)

28,706 

28,706 

(6,383)
1,477 

(134)
94 

(4,946)

23,760 

46.00p
20,001 

66.72p
65.90p

The accompanying notes form an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

68 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012

 
 
Consolidated statement of changes in equity
for the year ended 31 December 2012

At 1 January 2011
Profit for the year

Net actuarial loss on retirement 

benefit obligations

Revaluation of available for sale 

investment securities

Deferred tax relating to components 
of other comprehensive income

Other comprehensive income net of tax
Dividends paid
Issue of share capital
Share-based payments:
–  value of employee services
–  cost of own shares acquired
–  cost of own shares vesting
– 

tax on share-based payments

At 1 January 2012
Profit for the year

Net actuarial gain on retirement 

benefit obligations

Revaluation of available for sale 

investment securities

Deferred tax relating to components 
of other comprehensive income

Other comprehensive income net of tax
Dividends paid
Issue of share capital
Share-based payments:
–  value of employee services
–  cost of own shares acquired
–  cost of own shares vesting
– 

tax on share-based payments

Note

Share 
capital 
£’000

Share 
premium 
£’000

Merger 
reserve 
£’000

Available 
for sale 
reserve 
£’000

2,169 

32,488 

31,835 

2,219 

Own 
shares 
£’000

Retained 
earnings 
£’000

Total 
equity 
£’000

(2,899) 119,562  185,374 
28,706 
28,706 

26

16

19

11

27

28

28

19

26

16

19

11

27

28

28

19

(134)

94 

(40)

– 

9 

– 

– 

1,728 

2,178 

34,216 

31,835 

2,179 

(6,383)

(6,383)

(134)

1,477 

1,571 

– 

(4,906)
(19,491)

(4,946)
(19,491)
1,737 

(2,955)
1,125 

1,989 

(1,125)
239 

1,989 
(2,955)
– 
239 

(4,729) 124,974  190,653 
29,216 
29,216 

923 

(154)

– 

– 

– 

769 

– 

120 

27,944 

660 

660 

923 

(399)

(553)

261 
(20,074)

1,030 
(20,074)
28,064 

(1,630)
515 

2,129 

(515)
105 

2,129 
(1,630)
– 
105 

At 31 December 2012

2,298 

62,160 

31,835 

2,948 

(5,844) 136,096  229,493 

The accompanying notes form an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012  

69

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated balance sheet
as at 31 December 2012

Assets
Cash and balances with central banks
Settlement balances
Loans and advances to banks
Loans and advances to customers
Investment securities:
–  available for sale
–  held to maturity
Prepayments, accrued income and other assets
Property, plant and equipment
Net deferred tax asset
Investment in associates 
Intangible assets

Total assets

Liabilities
Deposits by banks
Settlement balances
Due to customers
Accruals, deferred income, provisions and other liabilities
Current tax liabilities
Retirement benefit obligations

Total liabilities

Equity
Share capital
Share premium
Merger reserve
Available for sale reserve
Own shares
Retained earnings

Total equity

Total liabilities and equity

Note

13

14

15

16

16

17

18

19

20

21

22

23

24

26

27

27

28

2012 
£’000

116,003 
12,606 
169,795 
71,711 

55,749 
559,025 
40,279 
11,950 
1,930 
1,237 
97,423 

2011 
£’000

4 
13,443 
65,008 
47,787 

68,563 
843,983 
38,413 
10,660 
3,134 
– 
92,844 

1,137,708 

1,183,839

518 
18,592 
828,443 
55,004 
3,528 
2,130 

908,215 

2,298 
62,160 
31,835 
2,948 
(5,844)
136,096 

229,493 

513 
22,196 
908,656 
50,924 
3,557 
7,340 

993,186 

2,178 
34,216 
31,835 
2,179 
(4,729)
124,974 

190,653 

1,137,708 

1,183,839

The financial statements were approved by the Board of directors and authorised for issue on 19 February 2013 and were 
signed on its behalf by:

A D Pomfret 
Chief Executive 

R P Stockton 
Finance Director

Company registered number: 01000403

The accompanying notes form an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

70 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012

  
  
Consolidated statement of cash flows
for the year ended 31 December 2012

Cash flows from operating activities
Profit before tax
Share of profit of associates
Net interest income
Net impairment charges/(recoveries) on impaired loans and advances
Net charge for provisions
Profit on disposal of property, plant and equipment
Depreciation and amortisation
Defined benefit pension scheme charges 
Defined benefit pension contributions paid
Share-based payment charges
Interest paid
Interest received

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
–  net increase in loans and advances to banks and customers
–  net decrease in settlement balance debtors
–  net increase in prepayments, accrued income and other assets
–  net (decrease)/increase in amounts due to customers and deposits by banks
–  net decrease in settlement balance creditors
–  net (decrease)/increase in accruals, deferred income, provisions  

and other liabilities

Cash (used in)/generated from operations
Tax paid

Net cash (outflow)/inflow from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of equity-accounted associate
Acquisition of subsidiaries, net of cash received
Purchase of property, plant, equipment and intangible assets
Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment
Purchase of investment securities
Proceeds from sale and redemption of investment securities

Net cash generated from/(used in) investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities
Purchase of shares for share-based schemes
Issue of ordinary shares
Dividends paid

Net cash generated from/(used in) financing activities

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year

Note

20

15

25

26

26

9

20

16

16

35

11

35

The accompanying notes form an integral part of the consolidated financial statements.

2012 
£’000

38,812 
(21)
(9,904)
801 
290 
(9)
10,237 
2,859 
(7,409)
3,232 
(1,272)
12,523 

50,139 

(131,154)
837 
(3,209)
(80,208)
(3,604)

(742)

(167,941)
(8,885)

(176,826)

(1,216)
(1,244)
(11,690)
42 
(1,353,137)
1,638,004 

2011 
£’000

39,152 
– 
(10,021)
(1)
2,465 
(17)
8,997 
1,484 
(7,170)
2,604 
(1,282)
10,359 

46,570 

(8,523)
4,726 
(1,133)
143,841 
(1,516)

3,725 

187,690 
(10,345)

177,345 

– 
– 
(12,976)
41 
(1,565,418)
1,472,520 

270,759 

(105,833)

– 
26,434 
(20,074)

6,360 

100,293 
129,872 

230,165 

(2,259)
1,041 
(19,491)

(20,709)

50,803 
79,069 

129,872 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012  

71

 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements

1  

Principal accounting policies

Rathbone Brothers Plc (‘the Company’) is a public company incorporated and domiciled in England and Wales under the 
Companies Act 2006.

1.1 

Developments in reporting standards and interpretations 

Standards affecting the reported results or the financial position
In the current year, there have been no new or revised standards and interpretations that have been adopted and which have 
had a significant impact on the amounts reported in these financial statements.

Standards not affecting the reported results or the financial position
The following new and revised standards and interpretations have been adopted in the current year. Their adoption has not 
had any significant impact on the amounts reported in these financial statements but may impact the accounting for future 
transactions and arrangements:

•	 amendments to IAS 1 ‘Presentation of items in other comprehensive income’ (this amendment has been adopted earlier 

than its mandatory date);

•	 amendments to IFRS 7 ‘Financial instruments: Disclosures’. 

New standards and interpretations
A number of new standards and amendments to standards and interpretations are effective for annual periods beginning after 
1 January 2012 and have not been applied in preparing these consolidated financial statements. None of these is expected to 
have a significant effect on the consolidated financial statements of the Group except for IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’, which 
is not expected to become mandatory for periods commencing before 1 January 2015, and IAS 19 ‘Employee Benefits’, which 
is mandatory for periods that commenced on or after 1 January 2013.

IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’ could change the classification and measurement of financial assets. The Group does not plan to 
adopt this standard early and the extent of the impact has not been determined. IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’ has not yet 
been adopted by the EU.

IAS 19 ‘Employee Benefits’ is mandatory for the Group’s consolidated financial statements for the year ending 31 December 
2013. The amendments to IAS 19, if applied for the year ended 31 December 2012, would reduce profit after tax by 
approximately £230,000 and reduce the actuarial gain in other comprehensive income by the same amount. There would be no 
effect on total comprehensive income or total equity.

1.2   Basis of consolidation

The consolidated financial statements incorporate the financial statements of the Company and entities controlled by the 
Company (its subsidiaries and special purpose entities), together ‘the Group’, made up to 31 December each year.

Subsidiaries are all entities in which the Company has a controlling interest, generally accompanying a shareholding of more 
than one half of the voting rights. The existence and effect of potential voting rights that are currently exercisable or 
convertible are considered when assessing whether an entity is a subsidiary of the Company. Special purpose entities are 
consolidated where the substance of the Group’s relationship with the entity indicates control by the Group.

Subsidiaries and special purpose entities are fully consolidated from the date on which control is obtained and deconsolidated 
from the date that control ceases; their results are included in the consolidated financial statements up to the date that  
control ceases. 

Intercompany transactions and balances between Group companies are eliminated on consolidation.

Associates are companies over which the Group has significant influence, either by holding 20% or more of the voting rights of 
the associate and/or through other means (note 1.4).

For associates with non-coterminous year ends, financial statements are drawn up to 31 December for the purposes of  
equity accounting. 

72 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

1   Principal accounting policies continued

1.3   Business combinations

Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method. The consideration for each acquisition is measured at 
the aggregate of the fair values (at the date of exchange) of assets given, liabilities incurred or assumed and equity instruments 
issued by the Group in exchange for control of the acquiree. Acquisition-related costs are recognised in profit or loss  
as incurred.

Where applicable, the consideration for the acquisition includes any asset or liability resulting from a contingent consideration 
arrangement, measured at its acquisition date fair value. Subsequent changes in such fair values are adjusted against the cost  
of acquisition where they arise within 12 months of the acquisition date. Later changes in the fair value of contingent 
consideration are charged to profit or loss or other comprehensive income, except for obligations that are classified as equity, 
which are not remeasured.

The acquiree’s identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities are recognised at their fair value at the acquisition date, 
except for deferred tax assets or liabilities, and liabilities or assets related to employee benefit arrangements which are 
measured in accordance with applicable accounting policies described in this note.

1.4  

Investments in associates

Investments in associates are accounted for under the equity method and are recognised initially at cost. The consolidated 
financial statements include the Group’s share of the profit or loss and other comprehensive income of the associates from the 
date that significant influence commences until the date that significant influence ceases.

1.5   Basis of preparation

The consolidated and Company financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting 
Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the EU. The Company financial statements are presented on pages 122 to 141. 

The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, except for certain financial instruments that are 
measured at fair value (notes 1.13 and 1.17). The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below and, unless otherwise 
stated, have been applied consistently to all periods presented in the consolidated financial statements.

1.6   Going concern

The directors have, at the time of approving the financial statements, a reasonable expectation that the Company and the 
Group have adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus they continue to adopt the 
going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements. Further detail is contained in the directors’ report on 
page 48.

1.7  

Foreign currencies

The Company’s functional and presentational currency is sterling. The Group’s presentational currency is sterling.

Transactions in currencies other than the relevant Group entity’s functional currency are recorded at the rates of exchange 
prevailing on the dates of the transactions. At each balance sheet date, monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in 
foreign currencies are retranslated at the rates prevailing on the balance sheet date. Gains and losses arising on retranslation 
are included in profit or loss for the period.

1.8  

Income

Net interest income
Interest income or expense from interest-bearing financial instruments, except those classified as held for trading, is calculated 
using the effective interest method and recognised within net interest income. Dividends received from money market funds are 
included in net interest income when received.

The effective interest method is the method of calculating the amortised cost of a financial asset or liability (or group of assets 
and liabilities) and of allocating the interest income or interest expense over the relevant period. The effective interest rate is 
the rate that exactly discounts the expected future cash payments or receipts through the expected life of the financial 
instrument, or when appropriate, a shorter period, to the net carrying amount of the instrument. The application of the 
method has the effect of recognising income (or expense) receivable (or payable) on the instrument evenly in proportion to the 
amount outstanding over the period to maturity or repayment. In calculating effective interest, the Group estimates cash flows 
considering all contractual terms of the financial instrument but excluding future credit losses.

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012  

73

 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

1   Principal accounting policies continued

Net fee and commission income
Portfolio or asset management fees, trail commissions receivable or payable and fees from advisory services are recognised on 
a continuous basis over the period that the related service is provided.

Commission charges for executing transactions on behalf of clients are recognised when the transaction is dealt. 

Initial charges receivable from the sale of unit holdings in the Group’s collective investment schemes and related rebates are 
recognised at the point of sale.

Dividend income
Dividend income from final dividends on equity securities is accounted for on the date the security becomes ex-dividend. 
Interim dividends are recognised when received.

1.9   Operating leases

Lease agreements which do not transfer substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership of the leased assets to the 
Group are classified as operating leases. Payments made under operating leases are recognised in profit or loss on a straight 
line basis over the term of the lease. The impact of any lease incentives is spread over the term of the lease.

1.10   Share-based payments

The Group engages in cash-settled and equity-settled share-based payment transactions in respect of services received from its 
employees. 

Equity-settled awards
For equity-settled share-based payments, the fair value of the award is measured by reference to the fair value of the shares or 
share options granted on the grant date. The cost of the employee services received in respect of the shares or share options 
granted is recognised in profit or loss over the vesting period, with a corresponding credit to equity.

The fair value of the awards or options granted is determined using a binomial pricing model, which takes into account the 
current share price, the risk-free interest rate, the expected volatility of the Company’s share price over the life of the option or 
award, any applicable exercise price and other relevant factors. Only those vesting conditions that include terms related to 
market conditions are taken into account in estimating fair value. Non-market vesting conditions are taken into account by 
adjusting the number of shares or share options included in the measurement of the cost of employee services so that 
ultimately, the amount recognised in profit or loss reflects the number of vested shares or share options, with a corresponding 
adjustment to equity. Where vesting conditions are related to market conditions, the charges for the services received are 
recognised regardless of whether or not the market-related vesting condition is met, provided that any non-market vesting 
conditions are also met. Shares purchased and issued are charged directly to equity.

Cash-settled awards
For cash-settled share-based payments, a liability is recognised for the services received to the balance sheet date, measured at 
the fair value of the liability. At each subsequent balance sheet date and at the date on which the liability is settled, the fair 
value of the liability is remeasured with any changes in fair value recognised in profit or loss.

1.11   Taxation

Current tax
Current tax is the expected tax payable or receivable on net taxable income for the year. Current tax is calculated using tax 
rates enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date, together with any adjustment to tax payable or receivable in 
respect of previous years.

74 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

1   Principal accounting policies continued

Deferred tax
Deferred tax is accounted for using the balance sheet liability method in respect of temporary differences using tax rates (and 
laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the balance sheet date and are expected to apply when the liability is 
settled or when the asset is realised. Deferred tax liabilities are recognised for all temporary differences and deferred tax assets 
are recognised to the extent that it is probable that taxable profits will be available against which deductible temporary 
differences may be utilised, except where the temporary difference arises:

•	

•	

•	

from the initial recognition of goodwill; 

from the initial recognition of other assets and liabilities in a transaction, which affects neither the tax profit nor the 
accounting profit, other than in a business combination; or

in relation to investments in subsidiaries and associates, where the Group is able to control the reversal of the temporary 
difference and it is the Group’s intention not to reverse the temporary difference in the foreseeable future.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when they relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority and the 
Group intends to settle its current tax assets and liabilities on a net basis.

1.12   Cash and cash equivalents

Cash comprises cash in hand.

Cash equivalents comprise money market funds which are realisable on demand and loans and advances to banks with a 
maturity of less than three months from the date of acquisition.

For the purposes of the consolidated statement of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents consist of cash and cash equivalents as 
defined above, net of outstanding bank overdrafts.

1.13   Financial assets

Initial recognition 
Financial assets are initially recognised at fair value.

Classification and subsequent valuation
Financial assets are classified in the following categories:

•	 At fair value through profit or loss

 Financial instruments are classified in this category if they are held for trading, or if they are designated in this category by 
the Group. Financial assets held at fair value through profit or loss are carried at fair value, with gains and losses arising 
from changes in fair value taken directly to profit or loss.

 Derivatives are categorised as held for trading. Fair values of derivatives are determined using valuation techniques, 
including discounted cash flow models and option pricing models as appropriate. All derivatives are included in assets 
when their fair value is positive, and liabilities when their fair value is negative, unless the Company has the legal ability 
and intention to settle net.

•	 Loans and receivables

 Loans and receivables are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments that are not quoted in an 
active market. They arise when the Group provides money, goods or services to a debtor or purchases a loan or other 
debtor with no intention of trading the receivable. Loans and receivables are measured at amortised cost using the effective 
interest method (note 1.8), less any impairment.

 If the fair value of the loan on initial recognition is lower than the amount advanced, the shortfall is charged to profit  
or loss.

•	 Held to maturity

 Held to maturity investments are non-derivative financial assets with fixed or determinable payments and fixed maturities 
(other than those that meet the definition of loans and receivables or that the Group has classified as available for sale or 
fair value through profit or loss) that the Group has the positive intention and ability to hold to maturity. Held to maturity 
investments are measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method (note 1.8), less any impairment.

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012  

75

 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

1   Principal accounting policies continued

•	

 Available for sale
 Available for sale financial assets are non-derivative financial assets that are either designated in this category or not 
classified in any of the other categories. Available for sale investments are those intended to be held for an indefinite  
period of time, and which may be sold in response to needs for liquidity or changes in interest rates, exchange rates  
or equity prices. 

 Available for sale financial assets are subsequently carried at fair value. Gains and losses arising from changes in the fair 
value of available for sale financial assets are recognised in other comprehensive income and presented in the available for 
sale reserve in equity. When the financial asset is sold, derecognised or impaired, the cumulative gain or loss previously 
recognised in equity is recycled to profit or loss.

Trade date accounting
Financial assets, excluding loans and receivables, are recognised on trade date, being the date on which the Group commits to 
purchase the asset. Loans and receivables are recognised when cash is advanced to the borrowers.

Financial assets are derecognised when the rights to receive cash flows have expired or the Group has transferred substantially 
all the risks and rewards of ownership.

Fair value measurement
The fair values of quoted financial instruments in active markets are based on current bid prices. If an active market for a 
financial asset does not exist, the Group establishes fair value by using valuation techniques. These include the use of recent 
arm’s length transactions, discounted cash flow analysis, option pricing models and other valuation techniques commonly used 
by market participants.

Impairment of financial assets
•	 Financial assets carried at amortised cost

 If there is objective evidence that a financial asset carried at amortised cost, or a group of such financial assets, has suffered 
an impairment loss, the recoverable amount of the asset, or group of assets, is estimated in order to determine the extent of 
the impairment loss. The Group measures the amount of the impairment loss as the difference between the carrying 
amount of the asset, or group of assets, and the present value of estimated future cash flows from the asset, or group of 
assets, discounted at the effective interest rate of the asset, or group of assets, at initial recognition. The present value of 
estimated future cash flows excludes future credit losses that have not been incurred. Any impairment loss is recognised in 
profit or loss.

 All impairment losses are reviewed at least at each reporting date. If subsequently the amount of the loss decreases as a 
result of a new event, the relevant element of the outstanding impairment loss is reversed through profit or loss.

 Interest on impaired financial assets is recognised at the original effective interest rate applied to the carrying amount as 
reduced by an allowance for impairment.

•	 Financial assets carried at fair value

 When a decline in the fair value of a financial asset classified as available for sale has been recognised in other 
comprehensive income and there is objective evidence that the asset is impaired, the cumulative loss is removed from equity 
and recognised in profit or loss. The loss is measured as the difference between the amortised cost of the financial asset and 
its current fair value. Impairment losses on available for sale equity instruments are not reversed through profit or loss, but 
those on available for sale debt instruments are reversed, if there is an increase in fair value that is objectively related to a 
subsequent event.

1.14 Property, plant and equipment

All property, plant and equipment is stated at historical cost, which includes directly attributable acquisition costs, less 
accumulated depreciation and impairment losses. Depreciation is charged so as to write off the cost of assets to their estimated 
residual value over their estimated useful lives, using the straight line method, on the following bases:

•	

leasehold property: 

over the lease term

•	 plant, equipment and computer hardware: 

over three to 10 years

The assets’ residual lives are reviewed, and adjusted if appropriate, at each balance sheet date. Gains and losses on disposals 
are determined by comparing proceeds with the carrying amount and these are included in profit or loss.

76 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

1   Principal accounting policies continued

1.15  

Intangible assets

Goodwill
Goodwill arises through business combinations and represents the excess of the cost of acquisition over the Group’s interest in 
the fair value of the identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities of a business at the date of acquisition. 

Goodwill is recognised as an asset and is allocated to groups of cash generating units. Cash generating units are identified as 
the smallest identifiable group of assets that generates cash inflows that are largely independent of the cash inflows from other 
assets or groups of assets.

On disposal of a subsidiary the attributed amount of goodwill that has not been subject to impairment is included in the 
determination of the profit or loss on disposal.

Goodwill arising on acquisitions before 1 January 2004, being the date of the Group’s transition to IFRS, has been retained at 
the previous UK GAAP carrying amounts and is tested for impairment annually.

Client relationships
Individually purchased client relationships are initially recognised at cost. Client relationships acquired as part of a business 
combination are initially recognised at fair value. Client relationships are subsequently carried at cost less accumulated 
amortisation, which is calculated using the straight line method over their estimated useful lives (normally 10 to 15 years,  
but not more than 15 years). 

When client relationships are lost, the full amount of unamortised cost is recognised immediately in profit or loss and the 
intangible asset is derecognised.

Computer software and software development costs
Costs incurred to acquire and bring to use computer software licences are capitalised and amortised through profit or loss over 
their expected useful lives (three to four years).

Costs that are directly associated with the production of identifiable and unique software products controlled by the Group are 
recognised as intangible assets when the Group is expected to benefit from future use of the software and the costs are reliably 
measurable. Other costs of producing software are charged to profit or loss as incurred. Computer software development costs 
recognised as assets are amortised using the straight line method over their useful lives (not exceeding four years). 

1.16  

Impairment of goodwill and intangible assets

At each balance sheet date the Group reviews the carrying amounts of its intangible assets to determine whether there is any 
indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset 
is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any). Where the asset does not generate cash flows that 
are independent from other assets, the Group estimates the recoverable amount of the cash generating unit to which the asset 
belongs. The recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value-in-use. In assessing value-in-use, the 
estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market 
assessments of the time value of money. 

Goodwill is tested for impairment at least annually. For the purposes of impairment testing, goodwill is allocated to the 
Group’s cash generating units. The carrying amount of each cash generating unit is compared to its value-in-use, calculated 
using a discounted cash flow method. If the recoverable amount of the cash generating unit is less than the carrying amount of 
the unit, the impairment loss is allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of the unit and then to the other assets of the unit 
pro-rata on the basis of the carrying amount of each asset in the unit.

Client relationship intangibles are tested for impairment on a portfolio basis by comparing the fair value of funds under 
management for each acquired portfolio of clients with their associated amortised value.

If the recoverable amount of any asset other than client relationships or goodwill is estimated to be less than its carrying 
amount, the carrying amount of the asset is reduced to its recoverable amount.

Any impairment loss is recognised immediately in profit or loss.

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012  

77

 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

1 Principal accounting policies continued

1.17 Financial liabilities 

Financial liabilities are initially recognised at fair value and classified as fair value through profit or loss (if designated as such 
or if held for trading) or at amortised cost.

The Group has not designated any liabilities as fair value through profit or loss and holds no liabilities as held for trading. 

Deposits and borrowings
After initial recognition, deposits and borrowings are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest rate 
method through net interest income (note 1.8). Amortised cost is calculated by taking into account any issue costs and any 
discounts or premiums on settlement. 

1.18 Provisions and contingent liabilities

Provisions are recognised when the Group has a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a result of a past event and it is 
probable that an outflow of economic benefits that can be reliably estimated will occur. Provisions are measured at the present 
value of the expenditures expected to be required to settle the obligation, discounted using a pre-tax rate that reflects current 
market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the obligation. The increase in the provision due to the 
passage of time is recognised as an interest expense.

Contingent liabilities are possible obligations that depend on the outcome of uncertain future events or those present 
obligations where the outflows of resources are uncertain or cannot be measured reliably. Contingent liabilities are not 
recognised in the financial statements but are disclosed unless the likelihood of crystallisation is judged to be remote.

1.19 Retirement benefit obligations

The cost of providing benefits under defined benefit plans is determined using the projected unit credit method, with actuarial 
valuations being carried out at each balance sheet date. Actuarial gains and losses are recognised in full in the period in which 
they occur in other comprehensive income. 

Past service cost is recognised immediately to the extent that the associated changes to benefits are already vested. Where 
changes to benefits do not vest immediately, past service cost is amortised on a straight line basis over the average vesting 
period until the amended benefits become vested.

The amount recognised in the balance sheet represents the present value of the defined benefit obligations reduced by the fair 
value of plan assets. Any asset resulting from this calculation is limited to the present value of available refunds and reductions 
in future contributions to the plan.

The amount recognised in the balance sheet for death in service benefits represents the present value of the estimated 
obligation, reduced by the extent to which any future liabilities will be met by insurance policies.

Contributions to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are charged to profit or loss as an expense as they fall due.

1.20 Segmental reporting

The Group determines and presents operating segments based on the information that is provided internally to the executive 
committee, which is the Group’s chief operating decision maker. Operating segments are organised around the services 
provided to clients; a description of the services provided by each segment is given in our services on page 9. No operating 
segments have been aggregated in the Group’s financial statements. 

Transactions between operating segments are reported within the income or expenses for those segments; intra-segment 
income and expenditure is eliminated at Group level. Indirect costs are allocated between segments in proportion to the 
principal cost driver for each category of indirect costs that is generated by each segment.

1.21 Fiduciary activities

The Group commonly acts as trustee and in other fiduciary capacities that result in the holding or placing of assets on behalf 
of individuals, trusts, retirement benefit plans and other institutions. Such assets and income arising thereon are excluded from 
these financial statements, as they are not assets of the Group. Largely as a result of cash and settlement processing, the Group 
holds money on behalf of some clients in accordance with the Client Money Rules of the Financial Services Authority (FSA) or 
the Jersey Financial Services Commission, as applicable. Such monies and the corresponding amounts due to clients are not 
shown on the face of the balance sheet as the Group is not beneficially entitled to them.

78 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

1   Principal accounting policies continued

1.22 Financial guarantees

The Group provides a limited number of financial guarantees, which are backed by assets in clients’ portfolios. Financial 
guarantees are initially recognised in the balance sheet at fair value. Guarantees are subsequently measured at the higher of the 
best estimate of any amount to be paid to settle the guarantee and the amount initially recognised less cumulative amortisation, 
which is recognised over the life of the guarantee.

2  

Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation and uncertainty 

The Group makes estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial 
year. Estimates and judgements are continually evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors, including 
expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. 

2.1 Loan notes (note 15)

The Group holds loan notes (‘Notes’) with a nominal value of £5,000,000 issued by the acquirer of the Group’s Jersey trust 
operations in 2008. The Notes are repayable on the occurrence of certain events, principally the refinancing of the operations 
disposed of.

The carrying value of the Notes, net of provision for impairment, was £2,821,000 at 31 December 2012. The impairment has 
been calculated using a discounted cash flow model based on the estimated repayment date of the Notes, using a discount rate 
equal to the initial effective interest rate of the loan. Changing the estimated repayment date of the Notes by one year would 
result in an increase or decrease in their carrying value, net of provision for impairment, of approximately £230,000. A 1% 
increase/decrease in the assumed rate at which interest accrues under the loan would increase/decrease the net carrying value, 
net of provision for impairment, by approximately £110,000, with a consequent equal change in profit before tax.

2.2 Client relationship intangibles (note 21)

The Group makes estimates as to the expected duration of client relationships to determine the period over which related 
intangible assets are amortised. The amortisation period is estimated with reference to historical data on account closure rates 
and expectations for the future. During the year client relationship intangible assets were amortised over a 10 to 15 year 
period. Amortisation of £6,025,000 was charged during the year. A reduction in the average amortisation period of one year 
would increase the amortisation charge by approximately £516,000. At 31 December 2012, the carrying value of client 
relationship intangibles was £45,548,000.

In determining whether a client relationship is lost, the Group considers factors such as the level of funds withdrawn and the 
existence of other retained family relationships.

2.3 Retirement benefit obligations (note 26)

The Group makes estimates about a range of long term trends and market conditions to determine the value of the deficit on 
its retirement benefit schemes, based on the Group’s expectations of the future and advice taken from qualified actuaries. Long 
term forecasts and estimates are necessarily highly judgemental and subject to risk that actual events may be significantly 
different to those forecast. If actual events deviate from the assumptions made by the Group then the reported surplus or 
deficit in respect of retirement benefit obligations may be materially different. 

The principal assumptions underlying the reported deficit of £2,130,000, the history of experience adjustments and 
information on the sensitivity of the retirement benefit obligations to changes in underlying estimates is set out in note 26.

2.4 Financial Services Compensation Scheme levies (note 32)

The arrangements put in place by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) to protect depositors and investors 
from loss in the event of failure of financial institutions has resulted in significant levies on the industry in recent years. The 
financial impact of unexpected FSCS levies are largely out of the Group’s control as they result from other industry failures.

There is significant uncertainty over the level of future FSCS levies as they depend on the ultimate cost to the FSCS of industry 
failures. The Group contributes to the deposit class, investment fund management class and investment intermediation levy 
classes and accrues levy costs for future levy years when the obligation arises.

The FSCS announced in its November outlook statement that it expected to face a total deficit on the investment fund 
management and investment intermediation sub-classes of £36,000,000 as a result of tariff data resubmissions. This amount is 
in addition to a potential £25,000,000 levy on the investment intermediation sub-classes arising from the failures of Pritchard 
Stockbrokers, Worldspreads and MF Global. A final announcement concerning the levy on deposit takers on the unrecoverable 
cost of five major depositor failures is expected in early 2013. 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012  

79

 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

2   Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation and uncertainty continued

Levies of £1,022,000 have been included within administrative expenses in 2012 (2011: £425,000). It is only possible for the 
Group to estimate its share of these losses until invoices are received.

In July 2012, the FSA issued a consultation paper following its preliminary review of the funding arrangements for the FSCS. 
Feedback on the consultation paper was published on 18 January 2013 but a further consultation was launched at that time 
into the cross-subsidy arrangements between levy paying classes within the scheme. The result of this review may have a 
potentially significant impact on the Group’s future share of levies raised.

3  

Segmental information

For management purposes the Group is currently organised into two operating segments: Investment Management and Unit 
Trusts. The products and services from which each reportable segment derives its revenues are described in our services on  
page 9. Complementary services, as described in our services, are reported within the Investment Management segment. These 
segments are the basis on which the Group reports its performance to the executive committee, which is the Group’s chief 
operating decision maker. Certain items of income are presented within different categories of operating income in the financial 
statements compared to the presentation for internal reporting. Staff costs for internal reporting purposes include only those 
staff directly involved in the provision of the services from which each segment’s revenue is generated. The cost of staff 
providing support services is included in indirect expenses.

The presentation of underlying operating income has been amended to show net interest income separately from other income. 
Other income is now presented together with fees from advisory services. This change follows a change in presentation in the 
information provided to the executive committee and facilitates easier analysis of the Group’s revenue margin on funds under 
management. Comparatives have been re-presented accordingly.

31 December 2012

Net investment management fee income
Net commission income
Net interest income
Fees from advisory services and other income

Underlying operating income

Staff costs – fixed
Staff costs – variable

Total staff costs
Other direct expenses
Allocation of indirect expenses

Underlying operating expenses

Underlying profit before tax
Amortisation of client relationships (note 21)

Segment profit before tax
Head office relocation costs (unallocated) (note 8)

Profit before tax attributable to equity holders of the Company
Taxation (note 10)

Profit for the year attributable to equity holders of the Company

Segment total assets
Unallocated assets

Total assets

Investment 
Management 
£’000

89,607 
37,403 
9,904 
9,766 

146,680 

(36,116)
(16,774)

(52,890)
(16,052)
(33,171)

(102,113)

44,567 
(6,025)

38,542 

Unit Trusts 
£’000

8,160 
– 
– 
741 

8,901 

(2,877)
(913)

(3,790)
(2,189)
(2,352)

(8,331)

570 
– 

570 

Investment 
Management 
£’000

1,102,144 

Unit Trusts 
£’000

19,837 

Total 
£’000

97,767 
37,403 
9,904 
10,507 

155,581 

(38,993)
(17,687)

(56,680)
(18,241)
(35,523)

(110,444)

45,137 
(6,025)

39,112 
(300)

38,812 
(9,596)

29,216 

Total  
£’000

1,121,981 
15,727 

1,137,708

80 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012

 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

3   Segmental information continued

31 December 2011 (re-presented)

Net investment management fee income
Net commission income
Net interest income
Fees from advisory services and other income

Underlying operating income

Staff costs – fixed
Staff costs – variable

Total staff costs
Other direct expenses
Allocation of indirect expenses

Underlying operating expenses

Underlying profit before tax
Gains on disposal of financial securities (note 6)
Amortisation of client relationships (note 21)

Segment profit before tax
Head office relocation costs (unallocated) (note 8)

Profit before tax attributable to equity holders of the Company
Taxation (note 10)

Profit for the year attributable to equity holders of the Company

Segment total assets
Unallocated assets

Total assets

Investment 
Management 
£’000

80,086 
36,170 
10,021 
8,832 

135,109 

(31,649)
(15,770)

(47,419)
(13,284)
(29,013)

(89,716)

45,393 
1,095 
(5,134)

41,354 

Investment 
Management 
£’000

1,154,085 

The following table reconciles underlying operating income to operating income:

Underlying operating income
Gains on disposal of financial securities (note 6)

Operating income

Unit Trusts 
£’000

7,562 
– 
– 
686 

8,248 

(2,503)
(1,071)

(3,574)
(1,828)
(2,020)

(7,422)

826 
– 
– 

826 

Unit Trusts 
£’000

16,428 

2012 
£’000

155,581 
– 

155,581 

Total 
£’000

87,648 
36,170 
10,021 
9,518 

143,357 

(34,152)
(16,841)

(50,993)
(15,112)
(31,033)

(97,138)

46,219 
1,095 
(5,134)

42,180 
(3,028)

39,152 
(10,446)

28,706 

Total 
£’000

1,170,513 
13,326 

1,183,839 

2011 
£’000

143,357 
1,095 

144,452 

Included within Investment Management net fee and commission income is £1,797,000 (2011: £1,547,000) of fee and 
commission income receivable from Unit Trusts. Intersegment sales are charged at prevailing market prices.

Centrally incurred indirect expenses are allocated to operating segments on the basis of the cost drivers that generate the 
expenditure; principally the headcount of staff directly involved in providing those services from which the segment earns 
revenues, the value of funds under management and the segment’s total revenue.

Geographic analysis

The following table presents underlying operating income analysed by the geographical location of the Group entity providing 
the service:

United Kingdom
Jersey

Underlying operating income

2012 
£’000

150,822 
4,759 

155,581 

2011 
£’000

139,128 
4,229 

143,357 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012  

81

 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

3   Segmental information continued

The following is an analysis of the carrying amount of non-current assets analysed by the geographical area in which the assets 
are located:

United Kingdom
Jersey

Major clients

2012 
£’000

107,603 
1,770 

109,373 

The Group is not reliant on any one client or group of connected clients for generation of revenues.

4  

Net interest income

Interest income
Cash and balances with central banks
Held to maturity investment securities
Available for sale investment securities
Loans and advances to banks 
Loans and advances to customers

Interest expense
Banks and customers

Net interest income

5 

Net fee and commission income

Fee and commission income
Investment Management
Unit Trusts

Fee and commission expense
Investment Management
Unit Trusts

Net fee and commission income

2012 
£’000

107 
7,783 
490 
1,286 
1,496 

11,162 

(1,258)

9,904 

2012 
£’000

136,590 
15,564 

152,154 

(3,149)
(5,607)

(8,756)

143,398 

2011 
£’000

102,641 
863 

103,504 

2011 
£’000

– 
9,016 
309 
881 
1,053 

11,259 

(1,238)

10,021 

2011 
£’000

126,980 
14,504 

141,484 

(4,634)
(5,395)

(10,029)

131,455 

6  

Dividend, net trading and other operating income

Dividend income 

Dividend income comprises income from available for sale equity securities of £110,000 (2011: £98,000). 

Net trading income

Net trading income of £562,000 (2011: £480,000) comprises unit trust net dealing profits. 

Gains on disposal of financial securities

In 2011, a one-off gain of £1,095,000 was recognised in relation to certain long stock positions held by firms acquired by the 
Group in the 1990s. All claims against these holdings were considered to be exhausted and they were recognised in the 
Group’s financial statements following regulatory approval.

82 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

6   Dividend, net trading and other operating income continued

Other operating income

Other operating income of £1,586,000 (2011: £1,303,000) comprises rental income from sub-leases on certain properties 
leased by  Group companies and sundry income. 

7  

Operating expenses

Staff costs (note 9)
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment (note 18)
Amortisation of internally generated intangible assets included in operating expenses (note 21)
Amortisation of purchased software (note 21)
Auditor's remuneration (see below)
Net impairment charges/(recoveries) on impaired loans and advances (note 15)
Operating lease rentals
Other

Other operating expenses
Amortisation of client relationship intangible assets (note 21)
Head office relocation costs (note 8)

Total operating expenses

A more detailed analysis of auditor’s remuneration is provided below:

Fees payable to the Company’s auditor for the audit of the Company’s  

annual financial statements

Fees payable to the Company’s auditor and their associates for  

other services to the Group:

–  audit of the Company’s subsidiaries pursuant to legislation
–  audit-related assurance services
tax compliance services
– 
– 
tax advisory services
–  other assurance services

2012 
£’000

72,610 
2,720 
401 
1,091 
562 
801 
6,294 
25,965 

110,444 
6,025 
300 

116,769 

2012 
£’000

88 

236 
173 
42 
–
23 

562 

2011 
£’000

64,503 
2,384 
357 
1,122 
605 
(1)
7,366 
20,802 

97,138 
5,134 
3,028 

105,300 

2011 
£’000

87 

236 
168 
34 
5 
75 

605 

Of the above, audit-related services for the year totalled £497,000 (2011: £491,000).

Fees for audit-related assurance services include £75,000 for the audit of the Group’s regulatory returns and review of the 
interim statement (2011: £71,000). 

8  

Head office relocation costs

Rathbones completed the move of its head office premises to 1 Curzon Street, London W1J 5FB, on 27 February 2012. 
Charges of £300,000 relating to the move have been recognised during the year ended 31 December 2012 (2011: £3,028,000).

In addition to the above costs charged to profit or loss, a further £2,023,000 (2011: £4,815,000) of costs for fitting out the 
new London premises have been capitalised during the year (note 18).

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012  

83

 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

9  

Staff costs

Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Share-based payments
Pension costs (note 26):

–  defined benefit schemes
–  defined contribution schemes

The average number of employees, on a full time equivalent basis, during the year was as follows:

investment management services

Investment Management:
– 
–  advisory services
Unit Trusts
Shared services

10 

Income tax expense

Current tax:
–  charge for the year 
–  adjustments in respect of prior years
Deferred tax (note 19):
–  charge for the year 
–  adjustments in respect of prior years

2012 
£’000

57,250 
7,024 
3,232 

2,859 
2,245 

5,104 

72,610 

2012

483 
67 
30 
209 

789 

2012 
£’000

9,218 
(378)

718 
38 

9,596 

2011 
£’000

52,554 
6,090 
2,604 

1,484 
1,771 

3,255 

64,503 

2011

467 
66 
29 
184 

746 

2011 
£’000

9,766 
(470)

1,219 
(69)

10,446 

The tax charge on profit for the year is higher (2011: higher) than the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 24.5% 
(2011: 26.5%). The differences are explained below:

Tax on profit from ordinary activities at the standard rate of 24.5% (2011: 26.5%)
Effects of:
–  disallowable expenses
share-based payments
– 
tax on overseas earnings
– 
–  overprovision for tax in previous years
–  other
Effect of change in corporation tax rate on deferred tax

2012 
£’000

9,508 

747 
(146)
(258)
(340)
80 
5 

9,596 

2011 
£’000

10,373 

513 
(15)
81 
(539)
(24)
57 

10,446 

84 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

11   Dividends

Amounts recognised as distributions to equity holders in the year:
–  final dividend for the year ended 31 December 2011 of 29.0p 

– 

(2010: 28.0p) per share
interim dividend for the year ended 31 December 2012 of 17.0p 
(2011: 17.0p) per share

Dividends paid in the year of 46.0p (2011: 45.0p) per share

Proposed final dividend for the year ended 31 December  
2012 of 30.0p (2011: final dividend of 29.0p) per share

2012 
£’000

2011 
£’000

12,640

7,434 

20,074 

12,123

7,368 

19,491 

13,786 

12,633 

An interim dividend of 17.0p per share was paid on 3 October 2012 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 
14 September 2012 (2011: 17.0p).

A final dividend declared of 30.0p per share is payable on 16 May 2013 to shareholders on the register at the close of  
business on 26 April 2013. The final dividend is subject to approval by shareholders at the AGM on 14 May 2013 and has  
not been included as a liability in these financial statements.

12  

Earnings per share

Earnings used to calculate earnings per share on the bases reported in these financial statements were:

Underlying profit attributable to shareholders
Gains on disposal of financial securities (note 6)
Amortisation of client relationships (note 21)
Head office relocation costs (note 8)

2012 
Pre-tax 
£’000

45,137 
– 
(6,025)
(300)

2012 
Taxation 
£’000

(11,145)
– 
1,476 
73 

2012 
Post-tax 
£’000

33,992 
– 
(4,549)
(227)

2011 
Pre-tax 
£’000

46,219 
1,095 
(5,134)
(3,028)

2011 
Taxation 
£’000

(12,318)
(290)
1,360 
802 

2011 
Post-tax 
£’000

33,901 
805 
(3,774)
(2,226)

Profit attributable to shareholders

38,812 

(9,596)

29,216 

39,152 

(10,446)

28,706 

Basic earnings per share has been calculated by dividing profit attributable to shareholders by the weighted average number of 
shares in issue throughout the period of 43,604,542 (2011: 43,027,127).

Diluted earnings per share is the basic earnings per share, adjusted for the effect of contingently issuable shares under the Long 
Term Incentive Plan, employee share options remaining capable of exercise and any dilutive shares to be issued under the Share 
Incentive Plan, weighted for the relevant period (see table below):

Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the period – basic
Effect of ordinary share options/Save As You Earn
Effect of dilutive shares issuable under the Share Incentive Plan
Effect of contingently issuable ordinary shares under the Long Term Incentive Plan

Diluted ordinary shares

Underlying earnings per share for the year attributable to equity holders of the Company:
–  basic
–  diluted

2012

43,604,542 
122,257 
5,589 
258,180 

43,990,568 

2011

43,027,127 
201,651
98,654
235,027

43,562,459 

2012

2011

77.96p
77.27p

78.79p
77.82p

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012  

85

 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

13   Cash and balances with central banks

Cash in hand 
Balances with central banks

2012 
£’000

3 
116,000 

116,003 

2011 
£’000

4 
– 

4 

Balances with central banks are interest-bearing and repayable on demand. The fair value of balances with central banks is not 
materially different to their carrying amount.

14  

Loans and advances to banks

Repayable:
–  on demand or at short notice
–  3 months or less excluding on demand or at short notice
–  1 year or less but over 3 months
–  5 years or less but over 1 year

Amounts include loans with:
– 
variable interest rates
–  fixed interest rates
–  non-interest-bearing

2012 
£’000

52,614 
51,060 
65,902 
219 

169,795 

52,831 
116,637 
327 

169,795 

2011 
£’000

33,254 
31,004 
750 
– 

65,008 

33,102 
31,754 
152 

65,008 

The fair value of loans and advances to banks is not materially different to their carrying amount. Fair value has been 
calculated as the discounted amount of estimated future cash flows expected to be received using current market rates.

Loans and advances to banks included in cash and cash equivalents at 31 December 2012 were £62,611,000 (note 35) (2011: 
£64,258,000).

The Group’s exposure to credit risk arising from loans and advances to banks is described in note 30.

15  

Loans and advances to customers

Overdrafts
Investment management loan book
Trust and pension debtors
Other debtors

2012 
£’000

2,939 
65,067 
884 
2,821 

71,711 

2011 
£’000

4,887 
36,434 
742 
5,724 

47,787 

86 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012

 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

15   Loans and advances to customers continued

The fair value of loans and advances to customers is not materially different to their carrying amount. Fair value has been 
calculated as the discounted amount of estimated future cash flows expected to be received using current market rates. Debtors 
arising from the trust and pensions businesses are non-interest-bearing.

Repayable:
–  on demand or at short notice
–  3 months or less excluding on demand or at short notice
–  1 year or less but over 3 months
–  5 years or less but over 1 year
–  greater than 5 years
With no fixed maturity date
Less: allowance for losses on loans and advances (see below)

Amounts include loans with:
variable interest rates
– 
–  non-interest-bearing

2012 
£’000

2,959 
20,730 
40,894 
4,026 
386 
3,581 
(865)

71,711 

70,785 
926 

71,711 

2011 
£’000

7,844 
11,443 
25,342 
– 
– 
3,268 
(110)

47,787 

46,550 
1,237 

47,787 

Included within other debtors are loan notes (‘Notes’) that were issued by the acquirer of the Group’s Jersey trust operations in 
2008. The Notes are unsecured and have no fixed maturity, being repayable on the occurrence of certain events, principally the 
refinancing of the Jersey trust operations by its existing owner. The Notes are carried at amortised cost, less provision for 
impairment.

In light of the prevailing economic conditions, at 31 December 2012, the Group revised their estimate of the likely timing of 
repayment of the Notes, which reduced the estimated present value of future cash flows from the Notes due to the impact of 
discounting. In accordance with IAS 36, the carrying value of the Notes was written down to £2,821,000 (being the estimated 
present value of future cash flows), resulting in an impairment loss of £760,000 in the year.

At 31 December 2011, loans and advances to customers repayable within three months included a Swiss franc denominated 
loan to the acquirer of the Group’s former Switzerland-based trust operations with a nominal value equivalent to £406,000. 
The loan did not bear interest and the final instalment was repaid on 10 February 2012. 

Allowance for losses on loans and advances to customers

At 1 January
Amounts written off
Amounts recovered 
Charge to profit or loss

At 31 December

2012
Trust and
 pension
debtors
£’000

110 
(46)
– 
41 

105 

2012 
Other 
debtors 
£’000

– 
– 
– 
760 

760 

2011
Trust and
 pension
debtors
£’000

143 
(32)
(6)
5 

110 

2012 
Total 
£’000

110 
(46)
– 
801 

865 

2011 
Other 
debtors 
£’000

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

2011 
Total 
£’000

143 
(32)
(6)
5 

110 

No banking loans and advances to customers were impaired as at 31 December 2012 (2011: none impaired). 

The Group’s exposure to credit risk arising from loans and advances to customers is described in note 30.

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012  

87

 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

16 

Investment securities

Available for sale securities

Equity securities – at fair value:
– 
listed
–  unlisted
Money market funds – at fair value:
–  unlisted

Held to maturity securities

Debt securities – at amortised cost:
–  unlisted

Maturity of debt securities

Due within 1 year
Due after more than 1 year

2012 
£’000

3,584 
614 

51,551 

55,749 

2012 
£’000

559,025 

559,025 

2012 
£’000

559,025 
– 

559,025 

2011 
£’000

2,384 
569 

65,610 

68,563 

2011 
£’000

843,983 

843,983 

2011 
£’000

833,983 
10,000 

843,983 

Available for sale securities include money market funds and direct holdings in equity securities. Equity securities do not bear 
interest. The Group continues to hold 300,000 shares in London Stock Exchange Group Plc. Money market funds, which 
declare daily dividends that are in the nature of interest at a variable rate and which are realisable on demand, have been 
included within cash equivalents (note 35).

Debt securities comprise bank and building society certificates of deposit, which have fixed coupons, and in 2011 the Group 
also held UK treasury bills.

The fair value of debt securities at 31 December 2012 was £561,768,000 (2011: £848,096,000). Fair value for held to 
maturity assets is based on market bid prices.

The Group has not reclassified any financial asset between being measured ‘at amortised cost’ and being measured ‘at fair 
value through profit or loss’ during the year (2011: none reclassified).

The change in the Group’s holdings of investment securities in the year is summarised below:

At 1 January 2011
Additions
Disposals (sales and redemption)
Loss from changes in fair value

At 1 January 2012
Additions
Disposals (sales and redemption)
Gain from changes in fair value

At 31 December 2012

Available  
for sale 
£’000

42,587 
455,110 
(429,000)
(134)

68,563 
619,425 
(633,162)
923 

55,749 

Held to 
maturity
£’000

751,085 
1,565,418 
(1,472,520)
– 

843,983 
1,353,046 
(1,638,004)
– 

559,025 

Total 
£’000

793,672 
2,020,528 
(1,901,520)
(134)

912,546 
1,972,471 
(2,271,166)
923 

614,774 

Included within additions to available for sale securities is £91,000 (2011: £nil) of financial instruments that are not classified 
as cash and cash equivalents.

88 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

17  

Prepayments, accrued income and other assets

Trust work in progress
Derivative financial instruments (note 20)
Prepayments and other assets
Accrued income

2012 
£’000

995 
784 
9,943 
28,557 

40,279 

2011 
£’000

961 
– 
8,952 
28,500 

38,413 

Included within prepayments and other assets is an investment property which is carried at fair value. The Group’s interest in 
the investment property was acquired on 1 June 2012 and was initially recognised in the balance sheet at cost of £733,000. As 
at 31 December 2012, the fair value of the investment property was £752,000 (2011: £nil).

18 

Property, plant and equipment

Cost
At 1 January 2011
Additions
Disposals

At 1 January 2012
Additions
Acquisitions through business combinations
Disposals

At 31 December 2012

Depreciation
At 1 January 2011
Charge for the year
Disposals

At 1 January 2012

Charge for the year
Disposals

At 31 December 2012

Carrying amount at 31 December 2012

Carrying amount at 31 December 2011

Carrying amount at 1 January 2011

Short term 
leasehold 
improvement 
£’000

Plant and 
equipment 
£’000

7,807 
5,189 
– 

12,996 
1,719 
– 
(3,449)

11,266 

4,329 
906 
– 

5,235 

1,013 
(3,449)

2,799 

8,467 

7,761 

3,478 

11,772 
1,736 
(1,076)

12,432 
2,316 
8 
(3,169)

11,587 

9,107 
1,478 
(1,052)

9,533 

1,707 
(3,136)

8,104 

3,483 

2,899 

2,665 

Total 
£’000

19,579 
6,925 
(1,076)

25,428 
4,035 
8 
(6,618)

22,853 

13,436 
2,384 
(1,052)

14,768 

2,720 
(6,585)

10,903 

11,950 

10,660 

6,143 

Short term leasehold improvements and plant and equipment include additions totalling £1,448,000 (2011: £4,483,000) and 
£575,000 (2011: £332,000) respectively, in relation to the relocation of our head office to 1 Curzon Street, London W1J 5FB.

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012  

89

 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

19   Net deferred tax asset

Deferred income taxes are calculated on all temporary differences under the liability method using an effective tax rate  
of 23.0% (2011: 25.0%).

The UK Government has proposed that the UK corporation tax rate be reduced to 21.0% over the next two years.  
At 31 December 2012 only an element of this reduction, taking the UK tax rate to 23.0% in 2013, had been substantively 
enacted. Consequently deferred tax assets and liabilities are calculated at 23.0%.

The movement on the deferred tax account is as follows:

As at 1 January 2011
Recognised in profit or loss in respect of:
–  current year
–  prior year
–  change in rate

Total

Recognised in other comprehensive income 

in respect of:
–  current year
–  prior year
–  change in rate

Total

Recognised in equity in respect of:
–  current year
–  prior year
–  change in rate

Total

Deferred
capital
allowances
£’000

Pensions
£’000

Share-based
payments
£’000

Staff-
 related
 costs
£’000

Other
provisions
£’000

Available
for sale
securities
£’000

Intangible
assets
£’000

Total
£’000

738 

2,306 

919 

(527)

72 

(820)

(214)

2,474 

88 
(73)
(55)

(40)

– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 

(1,758)
– 
47 

(1,711)

1,691 
– 
(214)

1,477 

– 
– 
– 

– 

29 
13 
(58)

(16)

– 
– 
– 

– 

377 
(106)
(32)

239 

506 
129 
(3)

632 

(71)
– 
(1)

(72)

– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

–

35 
– 
59 

94 

– 
– 
– 

– 

44 
– 
13 

57 

(1,162)
69 
(57)

(1,150)

– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 

1,726 
– 
(155)

1,571 

377 
(106)
(32)

239 

(726)

(157)

3,134 

As at 31 December 2011

698 

2,072 

1,142 

105 

Deferred tax assets
Deferred tax liabilities

As at 31 December 2011

Deferred
capital
allowances
£’000

698 
– 

698 

Pensions
£’000

2,072 
– 

Share-based
payments
£’000

1,142 
– 

2,072 

1,142 

Staff-
 related
 costs
£’000

105 
– 

105 

Other
provisions
£’000

– 
– 

– 

Available
for sale
securities
£’000

– 
(726)

(726)

Intangible
assets
£’000

– 
(157)

(157)

Total
£’000

4,017 
(883)

3,134 

90 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012

 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

19   Net deferred tax asset continued

As at 1 January 2012
Recognised in profit or loss in respect of:
–  current year
–  prior year
–  change in rate

Total

Recognised in other comprehensive income 

in respect of:
–  current year
–  prior year
–  change in rate

Total

Recognised in equity in respect of:
–  current year
–  prior year
–  change in rate

Total

Deferred
capital
allowances
£’000

Pensions
£’000

Share-based
payments
£’000

Staff-
 related
 costs
£’000

Other
provisions
£’000

Available
for sale
securities
£’000

Intangible
assets
£’000

Total
£’000

698 

2,072 

1,142 

105 

126 
(37)
(61)

(1,347)
– 
163 

28 

(1,184)

– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 

(162)
– 
(237)

(399)

– 
– 
– 

– 

372 
– 
(99)

273 

– 
– 
– 

– 

157 
(20)
(32)

105 

116 
(1)
(19)

96 

– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 

– 

(726)

(157)

3,134 

– 
– 
– 

– 

(226)
– 
72 

(154)

– 
– 
– 

– 

20 
– 
11 

31 

– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 

(713)
(38)
(5)

(756)

(388)
– 
(165)

(553)

157 
(20)
(32)

105 

(880)

(126)

1,930 

As at 31 December 2012

726 

489 

1,520 

201 

Deferred tax assets
Deferred tax liabilities

As at 31 December 2012

Deferred
capital
allowances
£’000

726 
– 

726 

Pensions
£’000

Share-based
payments
£’000

489 
– 

489 

1,520 
– 

1,520 

Staff-
 related
 costs
£’000

201 
– 

201 

Other
provisions
£’000

Available
for sale
securities
£’000

Intangible
assets
£’000

– 
– 

– 

– 
(880)

(880)

– 
(126)

(126)

Total
£’000

2,936 
(1,006)

1,930 

The impact of calculating deferred tax at 21.0% would be to reduce the net deferred tax asset to £1,758,000 at 31 December 2012.

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012  

91

 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

20 

Investment in associates and related derivatives

On 5 October 2012, the Group purchased 19.9% of the ordinary share capital of Vision Independent Financial Planning 
Limited and Castle Investment Solutions Limited, as well as certain options over the equity instruments of those companies, 
for a total consideration of £2,000,000. The total consideration was constituted as follows:

Investment in associates
Fair value of associated derivative contracts (note 17)

Investment in associates

2012 
£’000

1,216 
784 

2,000 

2011 
£’000

– 
– 

– 

Although the Group holds less than 20% of the equity shares of both companies, it exercises significant influence by virtue of 
its contractual right to appoint one director to the board of directors of both companies.

The movements in the Group’s investment in associates are as follows:

At 1 January
Additions
Share of profit

At 31 December

2012 
£’000

– 
1,216 
21 

1,237 

2011 
£’000

– 
– 
– 

– 

The results of the associates, and their aggregated assets and liabilities as at 31 December 2012, are as follows:

Name

Vision Independent Financial Planning Limited
Castle Investment Solutions Limited

Country of incorporation

England and Wales
England and Wales

Group’s share of profit

Derivative financial instruments

Assets
£’000

Liabilities
£’000

Revenues
£’000

Profit
£’000

% interest
held

227 
175 

402 

69 
7 

76 

167 
55 

222 

19.9 
19.9 

51 
52 

103 

21 

As part of the transaction to acquire these holdings, the Group has also entered into certain option contracts over the equity 
instruments of these companies. Under these contracts the Group has the right to acquire the remaining 80.1% of the share 
capital of both associates for a variable exercise price in the third quarter of 2015. 

If the Group does not exercise its right to acquire the associates’ remaining share capital, the founders of the associates have 
the right to re-purchase the Group’s stakes in the associates for £2,000,000 in the fourth quarter of 2015.

The Group also has the right to sell its entire holdings in the associates to the founders for consideration of £1 at any time 
until 29 February 2016.

The option contracts were initially recognised at their fair value of £784,000. At 31 December 2012, the fair value of the 
option contracts remained at £784,000. The fair value of the option contracts is calculated using a probability weighted 
expected return model (note 30).

92 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

21 

Intangible assets

Goodwill
Other intangible assets

Goodwill

2012 
£’000

47,241 
50,182 

97,423 

2011 
£’000

47,241 
45,603 

92,844 

The cost and carrying value of goodwill as at 31 December 2012 was £47,241,000 (2011: £47,241,000). No impairment was 
recognised during the year.

Goodwill acquired in a business combination is allocated, at acquisition, to the cash generating units (CGUs) that are expected 
to benefit from that business combination. The carrying amount of goodwill has been allocated as follows:

Investment management
Trust and tax

2012 
£’000

45,287 
1,954 

47,241 

2011 
£’000

45,287 
1,954 

47,241 

The recoverable amounts of goodwill allocated to the CGUs are determined from value-in-use calculations. The Group 
prepares cash flow forecasts derived from the most recent financial budgets approved by the Board, covering the forthcoming 
year. The key assumptions underlying the budgets are that organic growth rates, revenue margins and profit margins will be  
in line with recent historical rates and equity markets will be flat for the forthcoming year. Budgets are extrapolated for up to  
10 years based on a medium to long term growth rate of 3% for the investment management CGU and 2% for the trust and 
tax CGU based on the Group’s expectation of future industry growth rates. A 10 year extrapolation period is chosen based  
on a prudent assessment by the Group of the likely duration of client relationships. The Group estimates discount rates using 
pre-tax rates that reflect current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the CGUs. The growth 
rates are based on industry growth forecasts.  

The pre-tax rate used to discount the forecast cash flows is 10% for investment management and 12% for trust and tax  
(2011: 10% and 12% respectively), based on a risk-adjusted weighted average cost of capital. The Group judges that these 
discount rates appropriately reflect the markets in which the CGUs operate and, in particular, the relatively small size of the 
trust and tax CGU.

Sensitivity analysis of the key assumptions did not result in any scenarios which would have resulted in an impairment loss.

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012  

93

 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

21 

Intangible assets continued

Other intangible assets

Cost
At 1 January 2011
Internally developed in the year
Purchased in the year
Disposals

At 1 January 2012
Internally developed in the year
Purchased in the year
Acquired through business combinations
Disposals

At 31 December 2012

Amortisation
At 1 January 2011
Charge for the year
Disposals

At 1 January 2012
Charge for the year
Disposals

At 31 December 2012

Carrying amount at 31 December 2012

Carrying amount at 31 December 2011

Carrying amount at 1 January 2011

Client
relationships
£’000

Software
development
costs
£’000

49,713 
– 
5,692 
(1,072)

54,333 
– 
7,873 
2,154 
(1,536)

62,824 

8,725 
5,134 
(1,072)

12,787 
6,025 
(1,536)

17,276 

45,548 

41,546 

40,988 

2,520 
340 
– 
– 

2,860 
345 
– 
– 
– 

3,205 

1,780 
357 
– 

2,137 
401 
– 

2,538 

667 

723 

740 

Purchased
software
£’000

12,468 
– 
1,723 
– 

14,191 
– 
1,727 
– 
(959)

14,959 

9,735 
1,122 
– 

10,857 
1,091 
(956)

10,992 

3,967 

3,334 

2,733 

Total
£’000

64,701 
340 
7,415 
(1,072)

71,384 
345 
9,600 
2,154 
(2,495)

80,988 

20,240 
6,613 
(1,072)

25,781 
7,517 
(2,492)

30,806 

50,182 

45,603 

44,461 

Purchases of client relationships relate to payments made to investment managers and third parties for the introduction of 
client relationships. Client relationships acquired through business combinations during the year relate to the acquisition  
of R.M. Walkden & Co. Limited (note 33).

Client relationship intangibles in relation to the purchase of Taylor Young Investment Management Limited’s private client 
base will not be recognised until 2013, when the Group starts to earn revenues on the funds under management transferred.

Purchased software with a cost of £8,964,000 (2011: £8,881,000) has been fully amortised but is still in use.

22  Deposits by banks

On 31 December 2012, deposits by banks included overnight cash book overdraft balances of £518,000 (2011: £513,000).

The fair value of deposits by banks was not materially different to their carrying value. Fair value has been calculated as the 
discounted amount of estimated future cash flows expected to be paid using current market rates.

94 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

23  Due to customers

Repayable:
–  on demand or at short notice
–  3 months or less excluding on demand or at short notice
–  1 year or less but over 3 months

variable interest rates

Amounts include:
– 
–  fixed interest rates
–  non-interest-bearing

2012 
£’000

793,526 
34,347 
570 

828,443 

792,860 
25,841 
9,742 

828,443 

2011 
£’000

866,427 
41,879 
350 

908,656 

862,285 
40,437 
5,934 

908,656 

The fair value of amounts due to customers was not materially different to their carrying value. The estimated fair value  
of deposits with no stated maturity, which include non-interest-bearing deposits, is the amount repayable on demand. The 
estimated fair value of fixed interest-bearing deposits is based on discounted cash flows using interest rates for new debts  
with similar remaining maturity. 

 24  Accruals, deferred income, provisions and other liabilities

Creditors
Accruals and deferred income
Other provisions (note 25)

25  Other provisions

At 1 January 2011

Charged to profit or loss
Unused amount credited to profit or loss

Net charge to profit or loss 
Other movements
Utilised/paid during the period

At 1 January 2012

Charged to profit or loss
Unused amount credited to profit or loss

Net (credit)/charge to profit or loss 
Other movements
Utilised/paid during the period

At 31 December 2012

Payable within 1 year
Payable after 1 year

2012 
£’000

19,135 
24,660 
11,209 

55,004 

Deferred, variable 
costs to acquire client 
relationship intangibles 
£’000

Legal and  

compensation
£’000

Property-related
and other
£’000

5,092 

– 
– 

– 
5,692 
(3,988)

6,796 

– 
– 

– 
9,497 
(6,126)

10,167 

622 

1,245 
(10)

1,235 
– 
(191)

1,666 

300 
(598)

(298)
– 
(1,152)

216 

476 

1,636 
(406)

1,230 
– 
(159)

1,547 

1,070 
(482)

588 
– 
(1,309)

826 

Deferred, variable 
costs to acquire client 
relationship intangibles 
£’000

5,752 
4,415 

10,167 

Legal and  

compensation
£’000

Property-related
and other
£’000

216 
– 

216 

40 
786 

826 

2011 
£’000

13,128 
27,787 
10,009 

50,924 

Total
£’000

6,190 

2,881 
(416)

2,465 
5,692 
(4,338)

10,009 

1,370 
(1,080)

290 
9,497 
(8,587)

11,209 

Total
£’000

6,008 
5,201 

11,209 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012  

95

 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

25  Other provisions continued

Other movements in provisions relate to deferred payments to investment managers and third parties for the introduction  
of client relationships, which have been capitalised, and include £1,081,000 (2011: £nil) in relation to deferred consideration 
payable following the acquisition of R.M. Walkden & Co. Limited (note 33).

During the ordinary course of business the Group may be subject to complaints as well as threatened and actual legal 
proceedings (which may include lawsuits brought on behalf of clients or other third parties) both in the UK and overseas.  
Any such material matters are periodically reassessed, with the assistance of external professional advisers where appropriate, 
to determine the likelihood of the Group incurring a liability. In those instances where it is concluded that it is more likely than 
not that a payment will be made, a provision is established to the Group’s best estimate of the amount required to settle the 
obligation at the relevant balance sheet date. The timing of settlement of provisions for client compensation or litigation is 
dependent, in part, on the duration of negotiations with third parties.

Property-related and other provisions include £797,000 in relation to dilapidation provisions expected to arise on leasehold 
premises held by the Group (2011: £950,000). Dilapidation provisions are calculated using a discounted cash flow model; 
during the year, the impact of discounting has increased the provisions by £51,000. 

Provisions payable after one year are expected to be settled within two years of the balance sheet date, except for property-
related provisions of £786,000, which are expected to be settled within 24 years of the balance sheet date, which corresponds 
to the longest lease for which a dilapidations provision is being held.

26 

Long term employee benefits

The Group operates a defined contribution group personal pension scheme and contributes to various other personal pension 
arrangements for certain directors and employees. The total of contributions made to this scheme during the year was 
£2,223,000 (2011: £1,750,000). The Group also operates a defined contribution scheme for overseas employees, for which  
the total contributions were £22,000 (2011: £21,000).

The Group operates two defined benefit pension schemes; the Rathbone 1987 Scheme and the Laurence Keen Scheme. The 
schemes are currently both clients of Rathbone Investment Management, with investments managed on a discretionary basis, 
in accordance with the statements of investment principles agreed by the trustees. Scheme assets are held separately from those 
of the Group.

The trustees of the schemes are required to act in the best interest of the schemes’ beneficiaries. The appointment of trustees is 
determined by the schemes’ trust documentation and legislation. The Group has a policy that one third of all trustees should 
be nominated by members of the schemes.

The Laurence Keen Scheme was closed to new entrants and future accrual with effect from 30 September 1999. Past service 
benefits continue to be calculated by reference to final pensionable salaries. From 1 October 1999, all the active members of 
the Laurence Keen Scheme were included under the Rathbone 1987 Scheme for accrual of retirement benefits for further 
service. The Rathbone 1987 Scheme was closed to new entrants with effect from 31 March 2002. 

The Group provides death in service benefits to all employees through the Rathbone 1987 Scheme. Third party insurance is 
purchased for the benefits where possible and £614,000 of related insurance premiums were expensed to profit or loss in the 
year (2011: £539,000). The estimated present value of the uninsured death in service benefits is included in long term 
employee benefits liabilities.

The schemes are valued by independent actuaries at least every three years using the projected unit credit method, which  
looks at the value of benefits accruing over the years following the valuation date, based on projected salary to the date of 
termination of services, discounted to a present value using a rate that reflects the characteristics of the liability. The valuations 
are updated at each balance sheet date in between full valuations. The latest full actuarial valuations were carried out as at  
the following dates:

Rathbone 1987 Scheme
Laurence Keen Scheme

31 December 2010
31 December 2010

96 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

26  Long term employee benefits continued

The assumptions used by the actuaries, to estimate the schemes’ liabilities, are the best estimates chosen from a range of 
possible actuarial assumptions. Due to the timescale covered by the liability, these assumptions may not necessarily be borne 
out in practice. The principal actuarial assumptions used, which reflect the different membership profiles of the schemes, were:

2012
Laurence Keen
Scheme %

2011
Laurence Keen
Scheme %

2012
Rathbone 1987
Scheme %

2011
Rathbone 1987
Scheme %

Rate of increase in salaries
Rate of increase of pensions in payment
Rate of increase of deferred pensions
Discount rate
Expected return on scheme assets
Inflation*

*  Inflation assumptions are based on the Retail Prices Index 

4.00
3.40
3.00
4.50
4.50
3.00

4.10
3.40
3.10
4.70
4.60
3.10

4.00
3.00
3.00
4.50
4.80
3.00

4.10
3.10
3.10
4.70
5.00
3.10

The assumed duration of the liabilities for the Laurence Keen Scheme is 18 years (2011: 18 years) and the assumed duration 
for the Rathbone 1987 Scheme is 24 years (2011: 24 years). The overall expected return on scheme assets is a weighted 
average of the returns expected on each class of asset held by the scheme, as disclosed below. 

The normal retirement age for members of the Laurence Keen Scheme is 65 (60 for certain former directors). The normal 
retirement age for members of the Rathbone 1987 Scheme is 60 for service prior to 1 July 2009 and 65 thereafter, following 
the introduction of pension benefits based on Career Average Revalued Earnings (CARE) from that date. The assumed life 
expectancy for the membership of both schemes is based on the S1NA actuarial tables. The assumed life expectations on 
retirement were:

Retiring today:

Retiring in 20 years: 

– aged 60
– aged 65
– aged 60
– aged 65

2012
Males

28.8
24.0
31.3
26.3

2012
Females

30.9
26.0
33.0
28.0

2011
Males

28.7
23.8
31.2
26.1

The amount included in the balance sheet arising from the Group’s obligations in respect of the schemes is as follows:

Present value of defined benefit obligations
Fair value of scheme assets

2012
Laurence 
Keen
Scheme
£’000

2012
Rathbone
1987 Scheme
£’000

2012
Total
£’000

(14,077)
14,492 

(114,740)
112,195 

(128,817)
126,687 

2011
Laurence 
Keen
Scheme
£’000

2011
Rathbone
1987 Scheme
£’000

(13,421)
12,902 

(103,113)
96,292 

(116,534)
109,194 

Total surplus/(deficit)

415 

(2,545)

(2,130)

(519)

(6,821)

(7,340)

The amounts recognised in profit or loss, within operating expenses, are as follows: 

Current service cost
Interest cost
Expected return on scheme assets

2012
Laurence 
Keen
Scheme
£’000

2012
Rathbone
1987 Scheme
£’000

– 
622 
(603)

2,950 
4,915 
(5,025)

2012
Total
£’000

2,950 
5,537 
(5,628)

2011
Laurence 
Keen
Scheme
£’000

2011
Rathbone
1987 Scheme
£’000

– 
642 
(718)

2,479 
4,843 
(5,762)

2011
Total
£’000

2,479 
5,485 
(6,480)

19 

2,840 

2,859 

(76)

1,560 

1,484 

Actuarial gains and losses have been reported in other comprehensive income. The actual return on scheme assets was a rise in 
value of £1,185,000 (2011: £500,000 rise) for the Laurence Keen Scheme and a rise in value of £9,294,000 (2011: £8,844,000 
rise) for the Rathbone 1987 Scheme.

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012  

97

2011
Females

30.8
25.9
32.9
27.9

2011
Total
£’000

 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

26  Long term employee benefits continued

The cumulative actuarial gains and losses reported in other comprehensive income since the adoption of IFRS is as follows:

At 1 January
Net actuarial gains/(losses) recognised in the year

2012
Laurence 
Keen
Scheme
£’000

2012
Rathbone
1987 Scheme
£’000

2012
Total
£’000

(1,733)
180 

(15,609)
480 

(17,342)
660 

2011
Laurence 
Keen
Scheme
£’000

(472)
(1,261)

2011
Rathbone
1987 Scheme
£’000

2011
Total
£’000

(10,487)
(5,122)

(10,959)
(6,383)

At 31 December

(1,553)

(15,129)

(16,682)

(1,733)

(15,609)

(17,342)

Movements in the present value of defined benefit obligations were as follows:

At 1 January
Service cost (employer’s part)
Interest cost
Contributions from members
Actuarial loss
Benefits paid

At 31 December

2012
Laurence 
Keen
Scheme
£’000

13,421 
–
622 
– 
402 
(368)

2012
Rathbone
1987 Scheme
£’000

103,113 
2,950 
4,915 
1,321 
3,789 
(1,348)

2012
Total
£’000

116,534 
2,950 
5,537 
1,321 
4,191 
(1,716)

2011
Laurence 
Keen
Scheme
£’000

12,041 
– 
642 
– 
1,043 
(305)

2011
Rathbone
1987 Scheme
£’000

89,312 
2,479 
4,843 
1,283 
8,204 
(3,008)

2011
Total
£’000

101,353 
2,479 
5,485 
1,283 
9,247 
(3,313)

14,077 

114,740 

128,817 

13,421 

103,113 

116,534 

Movements in the fair value of scheme assets were as follows: 

At 1 January
Expected return on scheme assets
Actuarial gain
Contributions from the sponsoring companies
Contributions from scheme members
Benefits paid

2012
Laurence 
Keen
Scheme
£’000

12,902 
603 
582 
773 
– 
(368)

2012
Rathbone
1987 Scheme
£’000

96,292 
5,025 
4,269 
6,636 
1,321 
(1,348)

2012
Total
£’000

109,194 
5,628 
4,851 
7,409 
1,321 
(1,716)

2011
Laurence 
Keen
Scheme
£’000

11,951 
718 
(218)
756 
– 
(305)

2011
Rathbone
1987 Scheme
£’000

82,759 
5,762 
3,082 
6,414 
1,283 
(3,008)

2011
Total
£’000

94,710 
6,480 
2,864 
7,170 
1,283 
(3,313)

At 31 December

14,492 

112,195 

126,687 

12,902 

96,292 

109,194 

The analysis of the scheme assets, measured at bid prices, and expected rates of return on those assets at the balance sheet date 
was as follows: 

Laurence Keen Scheme

Equity instruments 
Debt instruments
Cash

At 31 December

Rathbone 1987 Scheme

Equity instruments 
Debt instruments
Interest rate swap funds
Cash

At 31 December

31/12/12
Expected
return
%

31/12/11
Expected
return
%

5.95 
3.19 
0.50 

6.05 
3.40 
0.50 

2012
Fair
value
£’000

7,246 
6,991 
255 

2011
Fair
value
£’000

6,198 
6,208 
496 

2012
Current
allocation
%

2011
Current
allocation
%

50 
48 
2 

48 
48 
4 

14,492 

12,902 

31/12/12
Expected
return
%

31/12/11
Expected
return
%

5.95 
3.12 
2.70 
0.50 

6.05 
3.25 
2.80 
0.50 

2012
Fair
value
£’000

70,787 
31,551 
6,636 
3,221 

2011
Fair
value
£’000

2012
Current
allocation
%

2011
Current
allocation
%

63,504 
21,791 
8,707 
2,290 

63 
28 
6 
3 

66 
23 
9 
2 

112,195 

96,292 

98 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

26  Long term employee benefits continued

At 31 December 2012 the Rathbone 1987 Scheme held 291 shares (2011: 335) with a nominal value of £6,828,000 (2011: 
£8,417,000) in an interest rate swap fund. During the year, the trustees switched the fund’s holdings into inflation-linked 
interest rate swaps. The swaps are long-dated and their duration is intended to broadly align with the duration of the  
scheme’s liabilities.

The expected return on equities is assumed to be 3.25% above the return on long-dated gilts (2011: 3.25% above). The 
expected rate of return on debt instruments is based on long term yields at the start of the year. Cash has been assumed to 
generate a similar return to the Bank of England base rate.

The statements of investment principles set by the trustees require that the assets of the schemes are invested in a balanced 
portfolio in the following asset classes and proportions:

UK equities
Overseas equities
Fixed interest stocks
Cash deposits

Laurence Keen
Scheme

35% – 55%
0% – 20%
45% – 65%*
45% – 65%*

Rathbone 1987 Scheme

43% – 57%
21% – 35%
14% – 28%
0% – 8%

*   The total allocation of assets in the Laurence Keen Scheme to fixed interest stocks and cash deposits is expressed as a combined percentage of the two asset 

classes in the statement of investment principles

In the Rathbone 1987 Scheme, not more than 80% of the assets may be held in equities. A maximum of 5% of UK equities 
may be invested in companies outside the FTSE 350 and not more than 5% of the total portfolio can be invested in hedge 
funds. The trustees have initiated a programme of reducing the equity exposure of the portfolio over the next 10 years as the 
scheme matures by switching a proportion of the scheme’s assets into fixed income and index-linked securities on the 
occurrence of a series of time-based and/or market-based trigger events. At 31 December 2012, £19,657,000 (2011: 
£17,277,000) of the scheme’s assets had been switched under the programme.

In the Laurence Keen Scheme, not more than 55% of the assets may be held in equities. A maximum of 15% of UK equities 
may be invested in companies outside the FTSE 350 and not more than 15% of the assets may be held in alternative assets.

The sensitivities regarding the principal assumptions used to measure the total of the two schemes’ liabilities are set out below:

0.5% increase in:
–  discount rate
– 
– 
1 year increase to longevity at 60

rate of inflation
rate of salary growth

The history of experience adjustments is as follows:

Laurence Keen Scheme

Present value of defined benefit obligations 
Fair value of scheme assets

Surplus/(deficit) in the scheme 

Experience adjustments on scheme liabilities:
–  amount
–  percentage of scheme liabilities

Experience adjustments on scheme assets:
–  amount
–  percentage of scheme assets

Combined impact on schemes’ liabilities

(Decrease)/increase
£’000

(Decrease)/increase
%

(14,813)
10,390
4,504 
3,740 

2012
£’000

2011
£’000

2010
£’000

2009
£’000

(14,077)
14,492 

(13,421)
12,902 

(12,041)
11,951 

(11,086)
10,299 

(11.5)
8.1 
3.5 
2.9

2008
£’000

(9,750)
8,760 

415 

(519)

(90)

(787)

(990)

– 
– 

582 
4%

474 
4%

(218)
(2%)

– 
– 

575 
5%

395 
4%

940 
9%

(248)
(3%)

(1,715)
(20%)

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012  

99

 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

26  Long term employee benefits continued

Rathbone 1987 Scheme

Present value of defined benefit obligations 
Fair value of scheme assets

Deficit in the scheme 

Experience adjustments on scheme liabilities:
–  amount
–  percentage of scheme liabilities

Experience adjustments on scheme assets:
–  amount
–  percentage of scheme assets

2012
£’000

2011
£’000

2010
£’000

2009
£’000

2008
£’000

(114,740)
112,195 

(103,113)
96,292 

(89,312)
82,759 

(75,581)
66,955 

(55,284)
50,551 

(2,545)

(6,821)

(6,553)

(8,626)

(4,733)

– 
– 

4,338 
4%

(635)
(1%)

305 
– 

2,937 
5%

4,269 
4%

3,082 
3%

4,099 
5%

6,314 
9%

(10,677)
(21%)

The total regular contributions made by the Group to the Rathbone 1987 Scheme during the year were £3,762,000 (2011: 
£3,664,000) based on 22.6% of pensionable salaries (2011: 22.6%). Additional lump sum contributions of £2,874,000 were 
paid in 2012 (2011: £2,750,000). From 2013, the Group’s regular contributions will fall to 14.8% of pensionable salaries and 
the Group has committed to make additional annual contributions to the scheme of £1,750,000 in 2013 and £2,750,000 per 
annum thereafter until 30 June 2017. With effect from 31 March 2002 the Rathbone 1987 Scheme was closed to new entrants 
and, consequently, the current pension cost will increase as the members of the scheme approach retirement.

The total contributions made by the Group to the Laurence Keen Scheme during the year were £756,000 (2011: £756,000). 
Additional lump sum contributions of £17,000 were paid in 2012 (2011: £nil). Annual contributions of £756,000 will 
continue to be made to the Laurence Keen Scheme until April 2013. Thereafter, annual contributions of £336,000 will be 
made until December 2017. As the scheme was closed to new entrants with effect from 1 October 1999, the current pension 
cost will increase as the members of the scheme approach retirement.

27 

Share capital and share premium

The following movements in share capital occurred during the year:

At 1 January 2011
Shares issued:
– 
– 
–  on exercise of options

to Share Incentive Plan
to Save As You Earn scheme

At 1 January 2012
Shares issued:
–  on placing
– 
– 
–  on exercise of options

to Share Incentive Plan
to Save As You Earn scheme

At 31 December 2012

Number of shares

43,376,790 

147,229 
1,288 
35,833 

43,561,140 

2,000,000 
204,079 
1,160 
187,692 

45,954,071 

Exercise/
issue price
pence

Share 
capital
£’000

Share 
premium
£’000

Total
£’000

2,169 

32,488 

34,657 

890.0 – 1,117.0
696.0
415.0 – 852.0

7 
– 
2 

1,451 
9 
268 

1,458 
9 
270 

1,235.0
1,150.0 – 1,351.0
696.0
415.0 – 1,172.0

2,178 

34,216 

36,394 

100 
10 
– 
10 

23,856 
2,564 
8 
1,516 

23,956 
2,574 
8 
1,526 

2,298 

62,160 

64,458 

The total number of issued and fully paid up ordinary shares at 31 December 2012 was 45,954,071 (2011: 43,561,140) with  
a par value of 5p per share. 

The holders of ordinary shares are entitled to receive dividends as declared from time to time, and are entitled to one vote  
per share at meetings of the Company. The ordinary shareholders are entitled to any residual assets on the winding up of  
the Company.

On 6 November 2012, the Company issued two million ordinary shares by way of a placing for cash consideration which 
raised £23,956,000, net of £744,000 transaction costs.

100 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

28  Own shares

The following movements in own shares occurred during the year:

At 1 January 2011
Acquired in the year
Released on vesting

At 1 January 2012
Acquired in the year
Released on vesting

At 31 December 2012

Number of 
shares

310,285 
285,728 
(120,559)

475,454 
126,764 
(71,371)

530,847 

£’000

2,899 
2,955 
(1,125)

4,729 
1,630 
(515)

5,844 

Own shares represent the cost of the Company’s own shares, either purchased in the market or issued by the Company, that 
are held by the Company or in an employee benefit trust to satisfy future awards under the Group’s share-based payment 
schemes (note 29). The number of own shares held as treasury shares by the Company at 31 December 2012 was 50,000 
(2011: 50,000). In addition, 106,604 shares were held in the Employee Benefit Trust at 31 December 2012 (2011: 106,604) 
and a further 374,243 (2011: 318,850) shares were held by the trustees of the Share Incentive Plan but are not yet 
unconditionally gifted to employees.

29 

Share-based payments

Share Incentive Plan

The Group operates a Share Incentive Plan (SIP), which is available to all employees. Employees can contribute up to £125 per 
month to acquire partnership shares which are purchased or allotted twice a year at the end of six-month accumulation 
periods. The Group currently matches employee contributions on a one-for-one basis to acquire matching shares.

The Group also provides performance-related free shares, with eligible employees receiving shares valued at the rate of £100 
per 1% real increase in EPS up to a maximum of £3,000 per annum.

For UK employees, SIP dividends are reinvested and used to purchase dividend shares (up to £1,500 in any tax year), whilst 
for Jersey employees dividends are paid in cash.

As at 31 December 2012, the trustees of the SIP held 1,428,214 (2011: 1,394,076) ordinary shares of 5p each in Rathbone 
Brothers Plc with a total market value of £18,553,000 (2011: £14,777,000). No dividends on these shares have been waived. 
Of the total number of shares held by the trustees, 366,596 (2011: 310,426) have been conditionally gifted to employees and 
7,647 (2011: 8,424) remain unallocated.

Long Term Incentive Plan

Details of the general terms of this plan are set out in the remuneration report on page 56. The total shareholder return-based 
performance criteria have been treated as market-based vesting conditions. 

Historically, the Group has settled substantially all of the LTIP awards in cash as an alternative to shares. As a consequence of 
this, the Group treats awards under the LTIP as cash-settled rather than equity-settled. At the year end, a liability of 
£2,278,000 (2011: £1,175,000) has been recognised for the estimated fair value of future awards.

At 31 December 2012, the trustees held 106,604 (2011: 106,604) ordinary shares of 5p each in Rathbone Brothers Plc with  
a total market value of £1,385,000 (2011: £1,130,000). Dividends on these shares have been waived by the trustees.

Executive profit share

Details of the terms of the executive profit share scheme are set out in the remuneration report on page 55. Shares for plan 
awards, all of which are yet to vest, will be provided by market purchase or treasury shares.

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012  

101

 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

29  Share-based payments continued

Savings-related share option or Save As You Earn (SAYE) plan

Under the SAYE plan, employees can contribute up to £250 per month to acquire shares at the end of a three or five year 
savings period. Further information on the scheme is given in the remuneration report on pages 57 to 58.

Options with an aggregate estimated fair value of £180,000, determined using a binomial valuation model including expected 
dividends, were granted on 29 March 2012 to directors and staff under the SAYE plan. The inputs into the binomial model for 
options granted during 2012, as at the date of issue, were as follows:

Share price (pence)
Exercise price (pence)
Expected volatility
Risk-free rate
Expected dividend yield

2012

1,276 
984 
33%
0.6%
3.7%

2011

1,196 
934 
32%
2.4%
3.7% 

The number of share options outstanding for the SAYE plan at the end of the year, the period in which they were granted and 
the date on which they may be exercised are given below:

Year of grant

2009
2011
2012

At 31 December

Share option scheme

Exercise 
price 
pence

696.0 
934.0 
984.0 

Exercise 
period

2012 
Number  
of share 
options

2011 
Number  
of share 
options

2013
2014 and 2016
2015 and 2017

174,253 
50,332 
52,549 

179,151 
54,053 
– 

277,134 

233,204 

Under the share option scheme approved by shareholders in 2000, certain employees hold options to subscribe for shares in 
the Company at prices ranging from 743.5p to 1,172p. Options are conditional on the employee completing three years’ 
service (the vesting period) and are exercisable three years from grant date. The options have a contractual option term of 
seven years from the date they become exercisable. The Group has no legal or constructive obligation to repurchase or settle 
the options in cash.

The number of share options outstanding for the share option scheme at the end of the year, the periods in which they were 
granted and the periods in which they may be exercised, dependent on certain earnings per share targets being met, are  
given below:

Year of grant

2002
2003
2004
2005
2006*
2006*

At 31 December

Exercise 
price 
pence

810.0 
415.0 
743.5 
852.0 
1,172.0 
1,116.0 

Exercise 
period

2005 – 2012
2006 – 2013
2007 – 2014
2008 – 2015
2009 – 2016
2009 – 2016

2012 
Number  
of share 
options

– 
– 
13,440 
44,309 
12,341 
10,000 

2011 
Number  
of share 
options

64,851 
1,500 
59,698 
116,187 
– 
– 

80,090 

242,236 

*   In 2012, the Group decided to exclude the impact of the loss on the disposal of the Jersey operations, recognised in 2008, from the earnings per share growth criteria 

calculation. This exclusion rendered the options exercisable in 2012.

102 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

29  Share-based payments continued

Movements in the number of share options outstanding for both the SAYE plan and the share option scheme were as follows:

At 1 January
Granted in the year
Forfeited in the year
Exercised in the year
Other*

At 31 December

*  See footnote to the table above.

2012
Number
of share
options

475,440 
53,089 
(9,533)
(188,852)
27,080 

357,224 

2012
Weighted average
exercise price
pence

 782.0 
 984.0 
 882.0 
 812.0 
 1,151.0 

 821.0 

2011
Number
of share
options

648,807 
54,964 
(35,833)
(192,498)
– 

475,440 

2011
Weighted average
exercise price
pence

802.0
934.0
753.0
900.0
– 

782.0

The weighted average share price at the dates of exercise for share options exercised during the year was £12.60 (2011: 
£11.91). The options outstanding at 31 December 2012 had a weighted average contractual life of 1.7 years (2011: 2.1 years).  
Options exercisable at 31 December 2012 had a weighted average exercise price of £8.21 (2011: £7.82).

The Group recognised total expenses of £3,232,000 in relation to share-based payment transactions in 2012 (2011: 
£2,604,000).

30 

Financial risk management

The Group has identified the financial, business and operational risks arising from its activities and has established policies  
and procedures to manage these items in accordance with its risk appetite, as described in the group risk committee report on 
pages 27 to 31. 

The Group categorises its financial risks into the following primary areas: 

(i)   

credit risk (which includes counterparty default risk);

(ii)   

liquidity risk; 

(iii)  

 market risk (which includes fair value interest rate risk, cash flow interest rate risk, foreign exchange risk and price 
risk); and

(iv)  

pension risk.

The Group’s exposures to pension risk are set out in note 26.

The Group’s financial risk management policies are designed to identify and analyse the financial risks that the Group faces, to 
set appropriate risk tolerances, limits and controls and to monitor the financial risks and adherence to limits by means of 
reliable and up-to-date information systems. The Group regularly reviews its financial risk management policies and systems to 
reflect changes in the business, counterparties, markets and the range of financial instruments that it utilises.

The treasury department, reporting through the banking committee, has principal responsibility for monitoring exposure to 
credit risk, liquidity risk and market risk. Procedures and delegated authorities are documented in a Group treasury manual 
and policy documents prescribe the management and monitoring of each type of risk. The primary objective of the Group’s 
treasury policy is to manage short term liquidity requirements whilst maintaining an appropriate level of exposure to other 
financial risks in accordance with the Group’s risk appetite.

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012  

103

 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

30  Financial risk management continued

Eurozone credit crisis

Following the escalation of the eurozone credit crisis in 2011, the second half of 2012 saw concerted action within Europe to 
address the crisis. This reduced volatility in the credit markets towards the end of the year. 

The banking committee has continued to be vigilant during the year in assessing the risks of exposure to the eurozone and the 
exposures that had been placed with Spanish and Italian counterparties was reduced to zero in the first half of 2012.

In response to the ongoing issues within the eurozone, the analysis of geographical concentration of credit exposures has been 
amended to show separately the total exposure to counterparties based in the UK, the eurozone and the rest of the world. 
Comparatives have been re-presented accordingly.

The Group’s treasury portfolio remains well diversified and includes £276,500,000 of certificates of deposit and holdings in 
money market funds issued or managed by a number of banks based in the eurozone (2011: £444,500,000). At 31 December 
2012, the Group had no direct exposure to eurozone sovereign entities (2011: none). The controls around the treasury 
portfolio are set out below. 

(i)  

Credit risk

The Group takes on exposure to credit risk, which is the risk that a counterparty will be unable to pay amounts in full when 
due, through its banking, treasury, trust and pensions advisory activities. The principal source of credit risk arises from placing 
funds in the money market and holding interest-bearing securities. The Group also has exposure to credit risk through its loan 
book, guarantees given on clients’ behalf and loans made to the acquirers of the Group’s Jersey operations in 2008 (note 15).

It is the Group’s policy to place funds generated internally and from deposits by clients with a range of high-quality financial 
institutions, including the Bank of England. Investments are spread to avoid excessive exposure to any individual counterparty. 
Loans made to clients are secured against clients’ assets that are held and managed by Group companies.

Exposure to credit risk is managed through setting appropriate ratings requirements and lending limits. Limits are reviewed 
regularly, taking into account the ability of borrowers and potential borrowers to meet repayment obligations. 

The Group categorises its exposures based on the long term ratings awarded to counterparties by Fitch Ratings Ltd. (‘Fitch’) 
or Moody’s Corporation (‘Moody’s’). Each exposure is assessed individually, both at inception and in ongoing monitoring. In 
addition to formal external ratings, the banking committee also utilises market intelligence information to assist its ongoing 
monitoring.

The Group’s financial assets are categorised as follows: 

Cash and balances with central banks
The Group has exposure to central banks through its deposits held with the Bank of England.

Settlement balances
Settlement risk arises in any situation where a payment in cash or transfer of a security is made in the expectation of a 
corresponding delivery of a security or receipt of cash. The majority of transactions are carried out on a delivery versus 
payment basis, which results in securities and cash being exchanged within a very close timeframe. Settlement balances outside 
standard terms are monitored on a daily basis.

The Investment Management and Unit Trusts businesses have exposure to market counterparties in the settlement of trades. 
Settlement balances arising in the Investment Management segment are primarily in relation to client trades and risk of 
non-settlement is borne by clients.

104 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012

Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

30  Financial risk management continued

(i)  Credit risk continued

Loans and advances to banks and debt and other securities
The Group has exposures to a wide range of financial institutions through its treasury portfolio, which includes bank deposits, 
certificates of deposit and money market funds. These exposures principally arise from the placement of clients’ cash, where it 
is held under a banking relationship, and the Group’s own reserves.

The Group’s policy requires that all such exposures are only taken with counterparties that have been awarded a minimum 
long term rating of A by Fitch or equivalent rating by Moody’s. Counterparty limits are also in place to limit exposure to an 
individual counterparty or connected group of counterparties. Counterparty exposures are monitored on a daily basis by the 
treasury department and reviewed by the banking committee on a monthly basis, or more frequently when necessary. The 
banking committee may suspend dealing in a particular counterparty, or liquidate specific holdings, in the light of adverse 
market information. 

Loans and advances to customers
The Group provides loans to clients through its investment management operations (the investment management loan book). 
The Group is also exposed to credit risk on trade debtors arising from the trust, tax and pensions advisory businesses (trust 
and pension debtors).

(a)  Overdrafts

 Overdrafts on clients’ investment management accounts arise from time to time due to short term timing differences 
between the purchase and sale of assets on a client’s behalf. Overdrafts are actively monitored and reported to the banking 
committee on a monthly basis.

(b)  Investment management loan book

 Loans are provided as a service to investment management clients who are generally asset rich but have short to medium 
term cash requirements. Such loans are normally made on a fully secured basis against portfolios held in Rathbones’ 
nominee name. Extensions to the initial loan period may be granted subject to credit criteria.

 The banking committee reviews all loans on a monthly basis and approves all loan extensions. Where possible, repayment 
plans are established with clients before loans become overdue or uncovered.

 At 31 December 2012, the total lending exposure limit for the investment management loan book was £85,000,000 (2011: 
£60,000,000), of which £65,067,000 had been advanced (2011: £36,434,000) and a further £3,002,000 had been 
committed (2011: £6,925,000).

(c)  Trust and pension debtors

 Trust and pension debtors relate to fees which have been invoiced but not yet settled by clients. The collection and ageing 
of trust and pension debtors are reviewed on a monthly basis by the management committees of the Group’s trust and 
pension advisory companies. Impairment provisions are made for any debts which are considered to be doubtful for 
collection.

(d)  Other debtors

 Other loans and advances to customers are principally constituted by loans made to the acquirers of the Group’s Jersey 
trust operations in 2008 (note 15). Such debts do not usually arise within the course of the Group’s day to day operations 
and therefore they are not subject to formalised standard lending criteria.

Derivative financial instruments
At 31 December 2012, the only derivative financial instruments held by the Group were the option contracts over shares in the 
Group’s associates (note 20). These options expose the Group to credit risk from the potential for non-delivery by the associate 
companies’ founders, who are private individuals.

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012  

105

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

30  Financial risk management continued

(i)  Credit risk continued

Impairment and provisioning policies
Impairment provisions are recognised for financial reporting purposes only for losses that have been incurred at the balance 
sheet date, based on objective evidence of impairment.

All credit exposures are reviewed individually, at least annually, or more regularly when individual circumstances require. 
Impairment allowances on credit exposures are determined by an evaluation of the incurred loss at the balance sheet date on a 
case by case basis. The assessment considers, where applicable, the value of any collateral held, any changes to the external 
credit rating and the anticipated receipts for each individual exposure. 

Impairment provisions for credit risk, which relate solely to trust and pension debtors and other debtors, are set out in note 15.

Maximum exposure to credit risk

investment management loan book
trust and pension debtors

Credit risk relating to on-balance sheet exposures:
Cash and balances with central banks
Settlement balances
Loans and advances to banks
Loans and advances to customers:
–  overdrafts
– 
– 
–  other debtors
Debt securities:
–  unlisted debt securities and money market funds
Derivative financial instruments
Other financial assets
Credit risk relating to off-balance sheet exposures:
Loan commitments
Financial guarantees

2012 
£’000

116,000 
12,606 
169,795 

2,939 
65,067 
989 
5,000 

610,576 
784 
31,140 

3,002 
578 

2011
£’000

– 
13,443 
65,008 

4,887 
36,434 
852 
7,463 

909,593 
– 
31,155 

6,925 
578 

1,018,476 

1,076,338

The above table represents the gross credit risk exposure to the Group at 31 December 2012 and 2011, without taking 
account of any collateral held or other credit enhancements attached. For on-balance sheet assets, the exposures set out above 
are based on gross carrying amounts. 

23.9% of the total maximum exposure is derived from loans and advances to banks and customers (2011: 10.7%) and 59.9% 
represents investments in debt securities (2011: 84.5%). 

Cash and balances with central banks
All cash and balances with central banks were neither past due nor impaired. The credit quality of these balances is analysed 
below by reference to the long term credit rating awarded by Fitch, or equivalent rating by Moody’s as at the balance sheet date.

AAA

Settlement balances
Settlement balances are summarised as follows:

Neither past due nor impaired
Past due but not impaired < 90 days
Past due but not impaired > 90 days

Carrying value

2012 
£’000

116,000 

2012 
£’000

9,424 
3,166 
16 

12,606 

2011
£’000

–

2011
£’000

11,812 
1,615 
16 

13,443 

106 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012

 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

30  Financial risk management continued

(i)  Credit risk continued

Loans and advances
Loans and advances are summarised as follows:

Neither past due nor impaired
Past due but not impaired
Impaired (see (c) below)

Gross carrying value
Less: allowance for impairment (note 15)

Net carrying value

2012
Loans and
advances
to banks
£’000

169,795 
– 
– 

169,795 
– 

169,795 

2012
Loans and
advances
to customers
£’000

68,409 
471 
3,696 

72,576 
(865)

71,711 

2011
Loans and
advances
to banks
£’000

65,008 
– 
– 

65,008 
– 

65,008 

2011
Loans and
advances
to customers
£’000

47,255 
504 
138 

47,897 
(110)

47,787 

No loans and advances have been renegotiated (2011: none).

(a)  Neither past due nor impaired

 The credit quality of loans and advances to banks that were neither past due nor impaired at 31 December 2012 is 
analysed below by reference to the long term credit rating awarded by Fitch, or equivalent rating by Moody’s as at the 
balance sheet date:

AA+ to AA-
A+ to A
Other*

*   Cash held within the Employee Benefit Trust

2012 
£’000

41,590 
127,803 
402 

169,795 

2011
£’000

21,007 
44,001 
– 

65,008 

  The credit quality of loans and advances to customers that were neither past due nor impaired at 31 December 2012, 
which are all externally unrated, is analysed below between those loans that are subject to standard lending criteria, which 
are described on page 105, and, where applicable, those loans for which there are no standard lending criteria. All loans 
initially made subject to standard lending criteria remained within those criteria at 31 December 2012 (2011: all loans).  
An exposure is reported as past due when the contractual due date for settlement has passed and the balance has not been 
repaid, except in the case of trust and pension debtors, where a normal settlement period of up to 30 days is expected.

At 31 December 2012

Standard lending criteria

At 31 December 2011

Standard lending criteria

Not subject to standard lending criteria

Investment
management
loan book
£’000

Trust and
pension
debtors
£’000

Overdrafts
£’000

2,939 

65,067 

2,939 

65,067 

403 

403 

Investment
management
loan book
£’000

Trust and
pension
debtors
£’000

Overdrafts
£’000

Total
loans and
advances to
customers
£’000

68,409 

68,409 

Total
loans and
advances to
customers
£’000

Other
debtors
£’000

– 

– 

Other
debtors
£’000

4,887 

36,434 

– 

– 

4,887 

36,434 

210 

– 

210 

– 

41,531 

5,724 

5,724 

5,724 

47,255 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012  

107

 
 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

30  Financial risk management continued

(i)  Credit risk continued

(b)  Past due but not impaired

 Loans and advances that are past due are assessed for impairment and provided against where objective evidence of 
impairment exists. Trust and pension debtors may be outstanding for some time before collection, but this is not 
necessarily an indication that the debt will not ultimately be collected. At 31 December 2012 and 2011, no overdrafts, 
loans and other debtors were past due but not impaired. The gross amounts of trust and pension debtors that were past 
due but not impaired were: 

At 31 December

<90 days overdue
90-180 days overdue
180-270 days overdue
270-365 days overdue
>365 days overdue

(c)  Impaired
  Allowance has been made for individually impaired loans and advances to customers, as set out below:

Movement in impairment provision during the year

At 1 January 2012
Amounts written off
Charge to profit or loss

At 31 December 2012

Gross carrying value of impaired loans and advances to customers

As at 31 December 2012

As at 31 December 2011

Investment
management
loan book
£’000

Trust and
pension
debtors
£’000

Overdrafts
£’000

– 
– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

110 
(46)
41 

105 

115 

138 

2012 
£’000

156 
181 
43 
53 
38 

471 

2011 
£’000

162 
202 
52 
59 
29 

504 

Total
loans and
advances to
customers
£’000

110 
(46)
801 

865 

Other
debtors
£’000

– 
– 
760 

760 

3,581 

3,696 

– 

138 

  There were no other impaired credit exposures at 31 December 2012 (2011: £nil).

 During the year, an impairment of £760,000 has been recognised on the loan notes issued by the vendor of the Jersey trust 
business due to a change in the expected timing of repayment, as discussed in note 15.

Debt securities
The table below presents an analysis of debt securities by rating agency designation, as at 31 December 2012, based on Fitch 
or Moody’s long term rating designation.

AAA
AA+ to AA-
A+ to A-

2012
Government
securities
£’000

– 
– 
– 

– 

2012
Money
market
 funds
£’000

51,551 
– 
– 

2012
Certificates
of deposit
£’000

– 
149,025 
410,000 

2012
Total
£’000

2011
Government
securities
£’000

2011
Money
market
 funds
£’000

51,551 
149,025 
410,000 

86,983 
– 
– 

65,610 
– 
– 

2011
Certificates
of deposit
£’000

– 
258,000 
499,000 

2011
Total
£’000

152,593 
258,000 
499,000 

51,551 

559,025 

610,576 

86,983 

65,610 

757,000 

909,593 

108 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012

 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

30  Financial risk management continued

(i)  Credit risk continued

Concentration of credit risk 
 The Group has counterparty credit risk within its treasury assets in that exposure is to a number of similar credit institutions. 
The banking committee actively monitors counterparties and may reduce risk by either suspending dealing or liquidating 
investments in the light of adverse market information, for example in anticipation of or in response to any formal Fitch or 
Moody’s rating downgrade. This may happen in relation to specific banks or banks within a particular country or sector.

(a)  Geographical sectors

 The following table analyses the Group’s credit exposures, at their carrying amounts, by geographical region as at the 
balance sheet date. In this analysis, exposures are categorised based on the country of domicile of the counterparty.

At 31 December 2012

Cash and balances with central banks
Settlement balances
Loans and advances to banks
Loans and advances to customers:
–  overdrafts
– 
– 
–  other debtors
Debt securities:
–  unlisted debt securities and money market funds
Derivative financial instruments
Other financial assets

investment management loan book
trust and pension debtors

At 31 December 2011 (re-presented)

Settlement balances
Loans and advances to banks
Loans and advances to customers:
–  overdrafts
– 
– 
–  other debtors
Debt securities:
–  unlisted debt securities and money market funds
Other financial assets

investment management loan book
trust and pension debtors

United
Kingdom
£’000

116,000 
11,704 
169,795 

2,471 
62,890 
884 
– 

Eurozone
£’000

Rest of
the World
£’000

Total
£’000

– 
20 
– 

37 
487 
– 
– 

– 
882 
– 

116,000 
12,606 
169,795 

431 
1,690 
– 
2,821 

2,939 
65,067 
884 
2,821 

199,076 
784 
28,512 

276,500 
– 
1,577 

135,000 
– 
1,013 

610,576 
784 
31,102 

592,116 

278,621 

141,837  1,012,574 

United
Kingdom
£’000

12,479 
65,008 

4,310 
34,758 
742 
2,050 

Eurozone
£’000

Rest of
the World
£’000

Total
£’000

162 
– 

21 
556 
– 
– 

802 
– 

13,443 
65,008 

556 
1,120 
– 
3,674 

4,887 
36,434 
742 
5,724 

317,093 
28,800 

444,500 
1,764 

148,000 
591 

909,593 
31,155 

465,240 

447,003 

154,743  1,066,986 

 Materially all eurozone exposures at 31 December 2012 were to counterparties based in the Netherlands, France, Finland, 
Germany and Ireland.

 As described on page 104, the comparative figures in the above table have been re-presented to group separately exposures 
to counterparties based in the eurozone.

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012  

109

 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

30  Financial risk management continued

(i)  Credit risk continued

(b)  Industry sectors

 The Group’s credit exposures at the balance sheet date, analysed by the primary industry sectors in which our counterparties 
operate, were:

At 31 December 2012

Cash and balances with central banks
Settlement balances
Loans and advances to banks
Loans and advances to customers:
–  overdrafts
– 
– 
–  other debtors
Debt securities:
–  unlisted debt securities and money market funds
Derivative financial instruments
Other financial assets

investment management loan book
trust and pension debtors

At 31 December 2011

Settlement balances
Loans and advances to banks
Loans and advances to customers:
–  overdrafts
– 
– 
–  other debtors
Debt securities:
–  unlisted debt securities and money market funds
Other financial assets

investment management loan book
trust and pension debtors

Public
sector
£’000

Financial
institutions
£’000

Clients
 and other
corporates
£’000

Total
£’000

116,000 
–  
–  

–  
12,606 
169,795 

–  
–  
–  

116,000 
12,606 
169,795 

–  
–  
–  
–  

–  
–  
–  

–  
–  
–  
–  

2,939 
65,067 
884 
2,821 

2,939 
65,067 
884 
2,821 

610,576 
–  
2,894 

–  
784 
28,208 

610,576 
784 
31,102 

116,000 

795,871 

100,703 

1,012,574 

Public
sector
£’000

– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

Financial
institutions
£’000

13,443 
65,008 

Clients
 and other
corporates
£’000

Total
£’000

– 
– 

13,443 
65,008 

– 
– 
– 
– 

4,887 
36,434 
742 
5,724 

4,887 
36,434 
742 
5,724 

86,983 
– 

822,610 
5,580 

– 
25,575 

909,593 
31,155 

86,983 

906,641 

73,362  1,066,986 

(ii)   

Liquidity risk

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group will encounter difficulty in meeting obligations associated with financial liabilities that 
are settled by delivering cash or another financial asset. 

The primary objective of the Group’s treasury policy is to manage short to medium term liquidity requirements. In addition to 
setting the treasury policy, Rathbone Investment Management (‘the Bank’) performs an annual assessment of liquidity 
adequacy in accordance with the regulatory requirements of the FSA (our ‘Individual Liquidity Adequacy Assessment’). The 
Bank faces two principal risks, namely that a significant proportion of client funds are withdrawn over a short period of time 
(retail funding risk) and the risk that marketable assets may not be capable of being realised in the time and at the value 
required (marketable assets risk).

Retail funding risks are monitored by daily cash mismatch analyses and Basel Committee ratios using expected cash and asset 
maturity profiles and regular forecasting work. This is supported by stress tests which cover firm-specific idiosyncratic 
scenarios and/or the effects of unforeseen market wide stresses. Marketable assets risk is primarily managed by holding cash 
and marketable instruments that are realisable at short notice. The Group operates strict criteria to ensure that investments are 
liquid and placed with high-quality counterparties. A minimum liquid assets buffer (to be held in eligible liquid assets) is set by 
the Board at least annually in addition to an amount being prescribed by the FSA.

The Group does not rely on external funding to finance its activities.

110 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012

 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

30  Financial risk management continued

(ii)  Liquidity risk continued

Non-derivative cash flows
The table below presents the undiscounted cash flows receivable and payable by the Group under non-derivative financial 
assets and liabilities analysed by the remaining contractual maturities at the balance sheet date.

At 31 December 2012

Cash flows arising from financial assets
Cash and balances with central banks
Settlement balances
Loans and advances to banks
Loans and advances to customers
Debt securities and money market funds
Other financial assets

On
demand
£’000

Not more
than
3 months
£’000

116,003 
– 
52,614 
2,959 
49,074 
940 

45 
12,606 
51,307 
20,730 
306,031 
26,805 

After 3
months 
but not
more than
1 year
£’000

– 
– 
66,269 
41,664 
257,010 
300 

After 1
year but
not more
than
5 years
£’000

– 
– 
219 
4,166 
– 
237 

Cash flows arising from financial assets

221,590 

417,524 

365,243 

4,622 

After 5
years
£’000

No fixed
maturity
date
£’000

Total
£’000

– 
– 
– 
386 
– 
7 

393 

– 
– 
– 
5,255 
– 
– 

116,048 
12,606 
170,409 
75,160 
612,115 
28,289 

5,255  1,014,627 

Cash flows arising from financial liabilities
Deposits by banks
Settlement balances
Due to customers
Other financial liabilities

518 
– 
793,527 
1,651 

– 
18,592 
34,363 
21,938 

– 
– 
573 
5,464 

– 
– 
– 
14,558 

– 
– 
– 
1,883 

Cash flows arising from financial liabilities

795,696 

74,893 

6,037 

14,558 

1,883 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

518 
18,592 
828,463 
45,494 

893,067 

Net liquidity gap

(574,106)

342,631 

359,206 

(9,936)

(1,490)

5,255 

121,560 

Cumulative net liquidity gap

(574,106)

(231,475)

127,731 

117,795 

116,305 

121,560 

At 31 December 2011

Cash flows arising from financial assets
Cash and balances with central banks
Settlement balances
Loans and advances to banks
Loans and advances to customers
Debt securities and money market funds
Other financial assets

On
demand
£’000

Not more
than
3 months
£’000

After  
3 months 
but not
more than
1 year
£’000

After  

1 year but
not more
than
5 years
£’000

After  

5 years
£’000

4 
– 
33,254 
4,944 
65,653 
825 

– 
13,443 
31,078 
12,244 
484,863 
26,056 

– 
– 
771 
27,865 
355,457 
9 

– 
– 
– 
– 
10,602 
50 

Cash flows arising from financial assets

104,680 

567,684 

384,102 

10,652 

Cash flows arising from financial liabilities
Deposits by banks
Settlement balances
Due to customers
Other financial liabilities

513 
– 
866,431 
969 

– 
22,196 
41,897 
27,109 

– 
– 
351 
94 

– 
– 
– 
10,119 

Cash flows arising from financial liabilities

867,913 

91,202 

445 

10,119 

Net liquidity gap

(763,233)

476,482 

383,657 

533 

No fixed
maturity
date
£’000

– 
– 
– 
5,203 
– 
– 

Total
£’000

4 
13,443 
65,103 
50,256 
916,575 
26,940 

5,203  1,072,321 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

513 
22,196 
908,679 
38,291 

969,679 

5,203 

102,642 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

– 

Cumulative net liquidity gap

(763,233)

(286,751)

96,906 

97,439 

97,439 

102,642 

Liabilities which do not have a contractual maturity date are categorised as ‘on demand’. Included within the amounts due to 
customers on demand are balances which historical experience shows are unlikely to be called in the short term. A prudent 
level of highly liquid assets is retained to cover reasonably foreseeable short term changes in client deposits. All debt securities 
are readily marketable and can be realised through disposals. 

The Group holds £4,198,000 of equity investments (2011: £2,953,000) which are subject to liquidity risk but are not included 
in the table above. These assets are held as available for sale securities and have no fixed maturity date; cash flows arise from 
receipt of dividends or through sale of the assets.

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012  

111

 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

30  Financial risk management continued

(ii)  Liquidity risk continued

Derivative cash flows
The Group’s exposure to derivative financial instruments is limited to option contracts over the equity instruments of its 
associates. These contracts do not create an obligation for the Group to deliver cash or a financial asset and therefore they are 
not included in the liquidity tables (note 20).

Off-balance sheet items 
Cash flows arising from the Group’s off-balance sheet financial liabilities (note 32) are summarised in the table below.

The contractual value of the Group’s commitments to extend credit to clients and maximum potential value of financial 
guarantees are analysed by the duration of the commitment. Future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating 
leases are reported by their contractual payment dates. Capital commitments are summarised by the earliest expected date  
of payment.

At 31 December 2012

Loan commitments
Financial guarantees
Operating lease commitments
Capital commitments

Total off-balance sheet items

At 31 December 2011

Loan commitments
Financial guarantees
Operating lease commitments
Capital commitments

Total off-balance sheet items

Total liquidity requirement

At 31 December 2012

Cash flows arising from financial liabilities
Total off-balance sheet items

At 31 December 2011

Cash flows arising from financial liabilities
Total off-balance sheet items

Not more
than
3 months
£’000

3,002 
– 
1,369 
470 

After 
3 months 
but not
more than
1 year
£’000

– 
– 
4,188 
– 

After 
1 year but
not more
than
5 years
£’000

– 
578 
21,401 
– 

After
5 years
£’000

– 
– 
28,852 
– 

Total
£’000

3,002 
578 
55,810 
470 

4,841 

4,188 

21,979 

28,852 

59,860 

Not more
than
3 months
£’000

6,925 
– 
1,171 
2,223 

After 
3 months 
but not
more than
1 year
£’000

– 
– 
1,855 
– 

After 
1 year but
not more
than
5 years
£’000

– 
578 
20,981 
– 

After
5 years
£’000

– 
– 
34,448 
– 

Total
£’000

6,925 
578 
58,455 
2,223 

10,319 

1,855 

21,559 

34,448 

68,181 

On
demand
£’000

795,696 
– 

Not more
than
3 months
£’000

74,893 
4,841 

After 
3 months 
but not
more than
1 year
£’000

6,037 
4,188 

After 
1 year but
not more
than
5 years
£’000

14,558 
21,979 

After
5 years
£’000

Total
£’000

1,883 
28,852 

893,067 
59,860 

795,696 

79,734 

10,225 

36,537 

30,735 

952,927 

On
demand
£’000

867,913 
– 

Not more
than
3 months
£’000

91,202 
10,319 

After 
3 months 
but not
more than
1 year
£’000

445 
1,855 

After 
1 year but
not more
than
5 years
£’000

10,119 
21,559 

After
5 years
£’000

Total
£’000

– 
34,448 

969,679 
68,181 

867,913 

101,521 

2,300 

31,678 

34,448  1,037,860 

112 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012

 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

30  Financial risk management continued

(iii)   Market risk

Interest rate risk
Cash flow interest rate risk is the risk that the future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in 
market interest rates. Fair value interest rate risk is the risk that the value of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of 
changes in market interest rates.

The Group’s principal exposure to cash flow interest rate risk arises from the mismatch between the repricing of its financial 
assets and liabilities. In particular, customer accounts and loan balances are repriced very shortly after changes in base rates, 
whereas the yield on the Group’s interest-bearing assets is correlated to the future expectation of base rates and varies 
depending on the maturity profile of the Group’s treasury portfolio. The average maturity mismatch is controlled by the 
banking committee, which generally lengthens the mismatch when the yield curve is expected to rise and shortens it when the 
yield curve is expected to fall.

The table below shows the consolidated repricing profile of the Group’s financial assets and liabilities, stated at their carrying 
amounts, categorised by the earlier of contractual repricing or maturity dates.

At 31 December 2012

Assets
Cash and balances with central banks
Settlement balances
Loans and advances to banks
Loans and advances to customers
Investment securities:
–  equity securities
–  debt securities and money market funds
Derivative financial instruments
Other financial assets

Total financial assets

Liabilities
Deposits by banks
Settlement balances
Due to customers
Other financial liabilities

Total financial liabilities

Interest rate repricing gap

After 
3 months 
but not
more than
6 months
£’000

After
6 months 
but not 
more than
1 year
£’000

After 
1 year but
not more
than
5 years
£’000

After
5 years
£’000

Not more
than
3 months
£’000

116,000 
– 
103,709 
70,785 

– 
355,576 
– 
– 

– 
– 
65,759 
– 

– 
175,000 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
80,000 
– 
– 

646,070 

240,759 

80,000 

518 
– 
818,131 
– 

818,649 

– 
– 
570 
– 

570 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

(172,579)

240,189 

80,000 

Non-
interest-
bearing
£’000

3 
12,606 
327 
926 

4,198 
– 
784 
31,102 

Total
£’000

116,003 
12,606 
169,795 
71,711 

4,198 
610,576 
784 
31,102 

49,946  1,016,775 

– 
18,592 
9,742 
38,633 

518 
18,592 
828,443 
38,633 

66,967 

886,186 

(17,021)

130,589 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

– 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012  

113

 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

30  Financial risk management continued

(iii)  Market risk continued

At 31 December 2011

Assets
Cash and balances with central banks
Settlement balances
Loans and advances to banks
Loans and advances to customers
Investment securities:
–  equity securities
–  debt securities and money market funds
Other financial assets

Total financial assets

Liabilities
Deposits by banks
Settlement balances
Due to customers
Other financial liabilities

Total financial liabilities

Interest rate repricing gap

After 
3 months 
but not
more than
1 year
£’000

After
6 months 
but not 
more than
6 months
£’000

After 
1 year but
not more
than
5 years
£’000

After
5 years
£’000

Non-
interest-
bearing
£’000

Total
£’000

Not more
than
3 months
£’000

– 
– 
64,091 
46,586 

– 
– 
750 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
551,750 
– 

– 
289,843 
– 

– 
58,000 
– 

– 
10,000 
– 

662,427 

290,593 

58,000 

10,000 

513 
– 
902,372 
134 

903,019 

– 
– 
350 
– 

350 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

(240,592)

290,243 

58,000 

10,000 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

– 

4 
13,443 
167 
1,201 

4 
13,443 
65,008 
47,787 

2,953 
– 
31,155 

2,953 
909,593 
31,155 

48,923  1,069,943 

– 
22,196 
5,934 
31,580 

513 
22,196 
908,656 
31,714 

59,710 

963,079 

(10,787)

106,864 

The banking committee has set an overall pre-tax interest rate exposure limit of £5,000,000 (2011: £5,000,000) for the total 
potential profit or loss resulting from an unexpected immediate and sustained 2% movement in sterling interest rates for the 
Bank, the principal operating subsidiary. The potential total profit or loss is calculated on the basis of the average number of 
days to repricing of the interest-bearing liabilities compared with the period to repricing on a corresponding amount of 
interest-bearing assets.

At 31 December 2012, the Bank had £792.2 million (2011: £876.2 million) of sterling interest-bearing liabilities averaging two 
days (2011: two days) to repricing, which were matched by sterling assets averaging 51 days (2011: 65 days) to repricing, 
creating an exposure of 49 days (2011: 63 days). The total potential impact on profit after tax and equity was £2,126,000 
(2011: £2,211,000) at the balance sheet date for a 2% decrease or increase in interest rates. The Group held no forward rate 
agreements at 31 December 2012 (2011: none). 

Foreign exchange risk
The Group is exposed to translational foreign exchange risk as it undertakes transactions in foreign currencies and is therefore 
exposed to foreign exchange rate fluctuations. The Group monitors its currency exposures that arise in the ordinary course of 
business on a daily basis and significant exposures are managed through the use of spot contracts, from time to time, so as to 
reduce any currency exposure to a minimal amount. The Group has no structural foreign currency exposure.

114 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012

 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

30  Financial risk management continued

(iii)  Market risk continued

The Group does not have any material exposure to transactional foreign exchange risk. The table below summarises the 
Group’s exposure to foreign currency translational risk at 31 December 2012. Included in the table are the Group’s financial 
assets and liabilities, at carrying amounts, categorised by currency.

At 31 December 2012

Assets
Cash and balances at central banks
Settlement balances
Loans and advances to banks
Loans and advances to customers
Investment securities:
–  equity securities
–  debt securities and money market funds
Derivative financial instruments
Other financial assets

Total financial assets

Liabilities
Deposits by banks
Settlement balances
Due to customers
Other financial liabilities

Total financial liabilities

Net on-balance sheet position

Loan commitments

At 31 December 2011

Assets
Cash and balances at central banks
Settlement balances
Loans and advances to banks
Loans and advances to customers
Investment securities:
–  equity securities
–  debt securities and money market funds
Other financial assets

Total financial assets

Liabilities
Deposits by banks
Settlement balances
Due to customers
Other financial liabilities

Total financial liabilities

Net on-balance sheet position

Loan commitments

Sterling
£’000

US dollar
£’000

Euro
£’000

Other
£’000

Total
£’000

116,003 
11,999 
133,163 
70,263 

3,589 
610,576 
784 
30,909 

– 
397 
25,177 
709 

– 
– 
– 
193 

– 
91 
5,568 
692 

609 
– 
– 
– 

– 
119 
5,887 
47 

– 
– 
– 
– 

116,003 
12,606 
169,795 
71,711 

4,198 
610,576 
784 
31,102 

977,286 

26,476 

6,960 

6,053  1,016,775 

479 
16,000 
793,332 
38,633 

– 
1,607 
23,978 
– 

– 
768 
5,468 
– 

39 
217 
5,665 
– 

518 
18,592 
828,443 
38,633 

848,444 

25,585 

6,236 

5,921 

886,186 

128,842 

3,002 

Sterling
£’000

4 
12,070 
44,225 
45,543 

2,389 
909,593 
31,089 

891 

– 

US dollar
£’000

– 
331 
12,967 
901 

– 
– 
66 

724 

– 

Euro
£’000

– 
879 
3,805 
928 

564 
– 
– 

132 

130,589 

– 

3,002 

Other
£’000

Total
£’000

– 
163 
4,011 
415 

4 
13,443 
65,008 
47,787 

– 
– 
– 

2,953 
909,593 
31,155 

1,044,913 

14,265 

6,176 

4,589  1,069,943 

285 
21,103 
883,631 
31,688 

– 
807 
15,266 
26 

– 
– 
5,494 
– 

228 
286 
4,265 
– 

513 
22,196 
908,656 
31,714 

936,707 

16,099 

5,494 

4,779 

963,079 

108,206 

(1,834)

682 

(190)

106,864 

6,925 

– 

– 

– 

6,925 

A 10% weakening of the US dollar against sterling, occurring on 31 December 2012, would have reduced equity and profit 
after tax by £67,000 (2011: increased by £135,000). A 10% weakening of the euro against sterling, occurring on 31 December 
2012, would have reduced equity and profit after tax by £55,000 (2011: reduced by £50,000). A 10% strengthening of the US 
dollar or euro would have had an equal and opposite effect. This analysis assumes that all other variables, in particular other 
exchange rates, remain constant.

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012  

115

 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

30  Financial risk management continued

(iii)  Market risk continued

Price risk
Price risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in 
market prices (other than those arising from interest rate risk or foreign exchange risk). The Group is exposed to price risk 
through its holdings of equity investment securities, which are reported at their fair value (note 16). 

At 31 December 2012, the fair value of equity securities recognised on the balance sheet was £4,198,000 (2011: £2,953,000). 
A 10% fall in global equity markets would, in isolation, result in a pre-tax impact on net assets of £420,000 (2011: £295,000); 
there would be no impact on profit after tax. A 10% rise in global markets would have had an equal and opposite effect.

Fair values

The fair values of the Group’s financial assets and liabilities are not materially different from their carrying values, with the 
exception of held to maturity investment securities (note 16). 

The table below analyses financial instruments measured at fair value into a fair value hierarchy based on the valuation 
technique used to determine the fair value.

•	 Level 1: quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

•	 Level 2: inputs other than quoted prices included within level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly 

or indirectly.

•	 Level 3: inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data.

At 31 December 2012

Assets
Available for sale securities:
–  equity securities
–  money market funds
Derivative financial instruments

Total financial assets

At 31 December 2011

Assets
Available for sale securities:
–  equity securities
–  money market funds

Total financial assets

Level 1
£’000

Level 2
£’000

Level 3
£’000

Total
£’000

3,584 
– 
– 

– 
51,551 
– 

614 
– 
784 

4,198 
51,551 
784 

3,584 

51,551 

1,398 

56,533 

Level 1
£’000

Level 2
£’000

Level 3
£’000

Total
£’000

2,384 
– 

– 
65,610 

569 
– 

2,953 
65,610 

2,384 

65,610 

569 

68,563 

There have been no transfers between levels during the year. The fair value of listed equity securities is their quoted price. 
Money market funds are demand securities and changes to estimates of interest rates will not affect their fair value. The fair 
value of money market funds is their daily redemption value.

Level 3 financial instruments
Available for sale equity securities
The fair value of unlisted equity securities is calculated by reference to net asset values with a liquidity discount applied.  

A 5 percentage point increase in the liquidity discount applied to the calculation of the fair value of the unlisted equity 
securities would, in isolation, result in a decrease in fair value of £41,000 (2011: £38,000). A 5 percentage point decrease 
would have an equal and opposite effect.

Derivative financial instruments
The fair value of the option contracts is calculated using a probability weighted expected return model, based on potential 
valuation outcomes under a range of business growth forecast scenarios. The key assumptions underlying the forecast growth 
in profitability of the associates in the model are the growth of funds under management, revenue margins and the discount 
rate used to calculate the present value of the cash flows. The key assumptions are flexed in each scenario to generate a 
potential valuation for the options. The probability of each scenario occurring is estimated, based on the Group’s judgement in 
light of the economic conditions prevailing at the time. The fair value of the options is calculated as the weighted average of 
the valuations derived under each scenario, taking account of the associated probabilities of occurrence. 

116 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012

 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

30  Financial risk management continued

Fair values continued

 The sensitivities regarding the key assumptions are set out below:

Increase in 
the assumption
£’000

Impact on fair value of:

Decrease in 
the assumption
£’000

10% increase/decrease in the fees and commission charged to Vision clients
5 percentage point increase/decrease in the share of fees and commission  

paid away to IFAs

10% increase/decrease in the rate of growth in funds under management
1 percentage point increase/decrease in the discount rate

512 

(507)

281 
(118)

Changes in the fair values of financial instruments categorised as level 3 within the fair value hierarchy were as follows: 

At 1 January
Total gains and losses recognised in other 

comprehensive income

Acquired during the year (note 20)

At 31 December

31 

Capital management

2012
Available for
sale equity
securities
£’000

2012
Derivative
financial
instruments
£’000

569 

45 
– 

614 

– 

– 
784 

784 

2011
Available for 
sale equity
securities
£’000

2011
Derivative
financial
instruments
£’000

2012
Total
£’000

569 

45 
784 

574 

(5)
– 

1,398 

569 

– 

– 
– 

– 

(512)

506 

(280)
130

2011
Total
£’000

574 

(5)
– 

569 

Rathbone Brothers Plc’s capital is defined for accounting purposes as total equity. As at 31 December 2012 this totalled 
£229,493,000 (2011: £190,653,000). From time to time, the Group runs small overnight overdraft balances as part of 
working capital. The Group has no other external borrowings at 31 December 2012 (2011: £nil).

The Group’s objectives when managing capital are to: 

•	

safeguard the Group’s ability to continue as a going concern so that it can continue to provide returns for shareholders and 
benefits for other stakeholders; 

•	 maintain a strong capital base to be able to support the development of the business when required;

•	 optimise the distribution of capital across Group companies reflecting the requirements of each business;

•	

strive to make capital freely transferable across the Group where possible; and

•	 comply with regulatory requirements at all times.

Rathbones is classified under the Capital Requirements Directive (CRD) as a banking group and performs an Internal Capital 
Adequacy Assessment Process (ICAAP), which is presented to the FSA on an annual basis. Regulatory capital resources for 
ICAAP purposes are calculated in accordance with CRD rules. These require certain adjustments to and certain deductions 
from accounting capital, the latter largely in respect of intangible assets. The ICAAP compares regulatory capital resources 
against regulatory capital requirements derived using the CRD’s Pillar I and Pillar II methodology. The Group has adopted the 
standardised approach to calculating its Pillar I credit risk component and the basic indicator approach to calculating its 
operational risk component. Capital management policy and practices are applied at both Group and entity level.

At 31 December 2012 the Group’s regulatory capital resources, including retained earnings for 2012, were £118,378,000 
(2011: £89,770,000). Resources increased during 2012 following the share placing on 6 November 2012 (note 27).

In addition to a variety of stress tests performed as part of the ICAAP process, and daily reporting in respect of treasury 
activity, capital levels are monitored and forecasted on a monthly basis to ensure that dividends and investment requirements 
are appropriately managed and appropriate buffers are kept against adverse business conditions. 

Regulatory capital requirements have been met throughout the financial years ended 31 December 2011 and 2012.

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012  

117

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

32 

Contingent liabilities and commitments

(a)   Indemnities are provided in the normal course of business to a number of directors and employees who provide tax  
and trust advisory services in connection with them acting as trustees/directors of client companies and providing  
other services.

 A claim relating to the management of a Jersey trust has been filed against a former employee (and director) of Rathbone 
Trust Company Jersey Limited. Rathbone Trust Company Jersey Limited was a subsidiary of the Company from March 
2000 until October 2008. Although the Board believe this claim will be unsuccessful, a possible obligation may exist which 
is contingent on whether the claim (or any parts of it) is upheld. 

 The Group has sought to confirm the position of the Company’s civil liability (professional indemnity) insurers in relation 
to the claim. Based on information currently available, the Company’s primary layer insurer has confirmed cover (including 
its share of the excess layer) subject to policy terms and conditions and unless the proceedings referred to below rule there 
is no liability. The remaining excess insurers have to date refused to confirm cover. On 25 July 2012, the Company issued 
proceedings to confirm insurance cover against the excess insurers.

 Due to the complexity of the claim, the number of parties involved and the impact of insurance cover available to the 
trustees, it is not practicable to estimate reliably the value of any possible obligation for the Company.

 The Board considers that it is unlikely that a material liability to the Group will arise from this claim, and accordingly no 
provision has been made.

(b)  Capital expenditure authorised and contracted for at 31 December 2012 but not provided in the financial statements 

amounted to £470,000 (2011: £2,223,000).

(c)  The contractual amounts of the Group’s commitments to extend credit to its clients are as follows:

Guarantees
Undrawn commitments to lend of 1 year or less

  The fair value of the guarantees is £nil (2011: £nil).

2012 
£’000

578 
3,002 

3,580 

2011 
£’000

578 
6,925 

7,503 

(d)  The Group leases various offices and other assets under non-cancellable operating lease agreements. The leases have 

varying terms and renewal rights. The Company’s agreement to lease space at 1 Curzon Street, London, under which total 
payments over the lease term at 31 December 2012 were £34,616,000, provides for an upward only reset to market rents 
in 2018.

Payments under non-cancellable operating leases

No later than 1 year
Later than 1 year and no later than 5 years
Later than 5 years

2012 
£’000

5,557 
21,401 
28,852 

55,810 

2011 
£’000

3,026 
20,981 
34,448 

58,455 

(e)   In addition to the Financial Services Compensation Scheme levies accrued in the year further levy charges may be incurred 

in future years, although the ultimate cost remains uncertain. Further information is given in note 2.

118 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012

 
 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

33 

Business combinations

On 5 April 2012, the Group acquired the entire share capital of R.M. Walkden & Co. Limited; an investment management 
company, which also offers tax advisory services. At 31 December 2012, the acquisition had added £75,562,000 to the 
Group’s funds under management. In addition to a cash consideration of £1,842,000, which was paid during the year,  
a deferred consideration of £1,081,000 is payable based on the value of funds under management retained by the Group  
at 31 October 2012; this is due to be paid on 5 April 2013.

The acquired business’ net assets at the acquisition date were as follows:

Carrying amounts
£’000

Fair value adjustments
£’000

Recognised values
£’000

Loans and advances to banks
Loans and advances to customers
Prepayments, accrued income and other assets
Property, plant and equipment
Intangible assets
Accruals, deferred income and other liabilities
Current tax liabilities

Total net assets acquired

Total consideration

598 
213 
38 
8 
– 
(73)
(15)

769 

– 
– 
– 
– 
2,154 
– 
– 

2,154 

598 
213 
38 
8 
2,154 
(73)
(15)

2,923 

2,923 

Included within the consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the year ended 31 December 2012 is operating 
income of £231,000 and a loss before tax of £505,000 relating to the acquired business, after taking account of redundancy 
costs of £214,000, as the acquired business’ trade was transferred to a fellow subsidiary following acquisition. If the business 
had been acquired on 1 January 2012, the consolidated results would have included operating income of £471,000 and a loss 
before tax of £527,000.

The fair value of acquired receivables is equal to the contractual amounts receivable, all of which are expected to be collected.

Acquisition-related costs totalling £123,000 for legal and professional advice and stamp duty have been recognised in other 
operating expenses in the period (2011: £nil).

34 

Related party transactions

The remuneration of the key management personnel of the Group, who are defined as the Company’s directors and other 
members of senior management who are responsible for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the Group, is set 
out below. Further information about the remuneration of individual directors is provided in the audited part of the directors’ 
remuneration report on pages 53 to 60.

Short term employee benefits
Post-employment benefits
Other long term benefits
Share-based payments

2012 
£’000

8,013 
777 
438 
2,122 

11,350 

2011 
£’000

6,029 
321 
964 
1,828 

9,142 

Dividends totalling £418,000 were paid in the year (2011: £399,000) in respect of ordinary shares held by key management 
personnel and their close family members.

At 31 December 2012, the Group had provided interest-free season ticket loans of £6,000 (2011: £8,000) to key management 
personnel.

At 31 December 2012, key management personnel and their close family members had gross outstanding deposits of 
£1,112,000 (2011: £1,040,000) and gross outstanding banking loans of £559,000 (2011: £1,685,000), all of which (2011: all) 
were made on normal business terms. A number of the Group’s key management personnel and their close family members 
make use of the services provided by companies within the Group. Charges for such services are made at various staff rates.

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012  

119

 
 
 
Notes to the consolidated financial statements continued

34  Related party transactions continued

The Group’s transactions with the pension schemes are described in note 26. At 31 December 2012, no amounts were due 
from the schemes (2011: £10,000).

The Group managed 19 unit trusts and OEICs during 2012 (2011: 18 unit trusts and OEICs). Total annual management 
charges of £16,110,000 (2011: £14,451,000) were earned, calculated on the bases published in the individual fund 
prospectuses, which also state the terms and conditions of the management contract with the Group. Annual management fees 
owed to the Group as at 31 December 2012 totalled £1,172,000 (2011: £1,208,000).

All amounts outstanding with related parties are unsecured and will be settled in cash. No guarantees have been given or 
received. No provisions have been made for doubtful debts in respect of the amounts owed by related parties.

35 

Consolidated statement of cash flows

For the purposes of the consolidated statement of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents comprise the following balances with 
less than three months until maturity from the date of acquisition:

Cash and balances at central banks (note 13)
Loans and advances to banks (note 14)
Available for sale investment securities (note 16)

2012 
£’000

116,003 
62,611 
51,551 

230,165 

Available for sale investment securities are amounts invested in money market funds which are realisable on demand.

Cash flows arising from issue of ordinary shares comprise:

Share capital issued (note 27)
Share premium on shares issued (note 27)
Shares issued in relation to share-based schemes for which 

no cash consideration was received

2012 
£’000

120 
27,944 

(1,630)

26,434 

2011 
£’000

4 
64,258 
65,610 

129,872 

2011 
£’000

9 
1,728 

(696)

1,041 

36 

Events after the balance sheet date

There have been no material events occurring between the balance sheet date and the date of signing this report.

120 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012

 
Company financial statements

122 
123 
124 
125 

Company statement of changes in equity
Company balance sheet 
Company statement of cash flows
Notes to the Company financial statements

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012  

121

 
Company statement of changes in equity
for the year ended 31 December 2012

At 1 January 2011
Profit for the year

Net actuarial loss on retirement benefit obligations
Revaluation of available for sale investment securities
Deferred tax relating to components of other  

comprehensive income

Other comprehensive income net of tax
Dividends paid
Issue of share capital
Share-based payments:
–  value of employee services
–  cost of own shares acquired
–  cost of own shares vesting
– 

tax on share-based payments

At 1 January 2012
Profit for the year

Net actuarial gain on retirement benefit obligations
Revaluation of available for sale investment securities
Deferred tax relating to components of other  

comprehensive income 

Other comprehensive income net of tax
Dividends paid
Issue of share capital
Share-based payments:
–  value of employee services
–  cost of own shares acquired
–  cost of own shares vesting
– 

tax on share-based payments

Note

Share 
capital 
£’000

Share 
premium 
£’000

Available 
for sale 
reserve 
£’000

Own 
shares 
£’000

Retained 
earnings 
£’000

Total 
equity 
£’000

2,169 

32,488 

2,219 

(2,899)

(134)

94

30,785 
15,027 

64,762 
15,027 

(6,383)

(6,383)
(134)

1,477

1,571

– 

9 

– 

(40)

1,728 

– 

(4,906)
(19,491)

(4,946)
(19,491)
1,737 

(2,955)
1,125 

2,178 

34,216 

2,179 

(4,729)

923 

(154)

– 

– 

769 

– 

120 

27,944 

1,989 

(1,125)
239 

1,989 
(2,955)
– 
239 

22,518 
30,921 

56,362 
30,921 

660 

660 
923 

(399)

(553)

261 
(20,074)

1,030 
(20,074)
28,064 

(1,630)
515 

2,129 

(515)
105 

2,129 
(1,630)
– 
105 

48

16

45

11

49

49

49

45

48

16

45

11

49

49

49

45

At 31 December 2012

2,298 

62,160 

2,948 

(5,844)

35,345 

96,907 

The accompanying notes form an integral part of the Company financial statements.

122 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012

 
 
Company balance sheet
as at 31 December 2012

Non-current assets
Investment in subsidiaries
Investment in associates
Other investments
Trade and other receivables
Deferred tax 

Current assets
Trade and other receivables
Current tax asset
Cash and cash equivalents

Total assets

Current liabilities
Trade and other payables 
Provisions for liabilities and charges

Net current assets

Non-current liabilities
Employee benefits

Total liabilities

Net assets

Equity
Share capital
Share premium
Available for sale reserve
Own shares
Retained earnings

Equity shareholders' funds

Note

2012 
£’000

2011 
£’000 
(restated – note 37)

41

42

43

44

45

44

46

47

48

49

49

49

62,608 
1,216 
4,198 
3,605 
1,129 

72,756 

70,088 
308 
1,430 

71,826 

144,582 

(36,533)
(9,012)

(45,545)

26,281 

(2,130)

(47,675)

96,907 

2,298
62,160 
2,948 
(5,844)
35,345 

96,907 

37,975 
–   
2,953 
3,268 
2,488 

46,684 

50,718 
991 
1,158 

52,867 

99,551 

(28,175)
(7,674)

(35,849)

17,018 

(7,340)

(43,189)

56,362 

2,178 
34,216 
2,179 
(4,729)
22,518 

56,362 

The financial statements were approved by the Board of directors and authorised for issue on 19 February 2013 and were 
signed on its behalf by: 

A D Pomfret 
Chief Executive 

R P Stockton 
Finance Director

Company registered number: 01000403

The accompanying notes form an integral part of the Company financial statements.

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012  

123

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
  
Company statement of cash flows
for the year ended 31 December 2012

Cash flows from operating activities
Profit before tax

Interest and dividends received

Finance costs

Impairment charges

Net charge for provisions

Defined benefit pension scheme charges 

Defined benefit pension scheme contributions paid

Share-based payment charges

Interest paid

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:

–  net decrease in trade debtors

–  net increase in prepayments, accrued income and other assets

–  net increase in accruals, deferred income, provisions and other liabilities

Cash (used in)/generated from operations
Tax received

Net cash (outflow)/inflow from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities
Interest received

Intercompany dividends received

Other dividends received

Purchase of equity-accounted associate

Liquidation of subsidiary, net of cash transferred

Investment in subsidiaries

Purchase of other investment

Net cash generated from investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities
Purchase of shares for share-based payments

Issue of ordinary shares

Repayments of borrowings

Dividends paid

Net cash generated from/(used in) financing activities

Net (decrease)/increase in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the year

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year

Note

44

47

48

48

49

42

41

41

16

35

11

54

2012 
£’000

2011 
£’000 
(restated – note 37)

31,264 
(30,595)
– 
760 
473 
2,859 
(7,409)
3,232 
– 

584 

93 
(21,341)
8,119 

(12,545)
1,258 

(11,287)

485 
30,000 
110 
(1,216)
917 
(25,550)
(91)

4,655 

–   
26,434 
– 
(20,074)

6,360 

(272)
1,158 

886 

14,430 
(16,770)
10 
– 
1,196 
1,484 
(7,170)
2,604 
(20)

(4,236)

158 
(2,377)
12,429 

5,974 
1,802 

7,776 

672 
16,000 
98 
– 
– 
– 
– 

16,770 

(2,259)
1,041 
(3,089)
(19,491)

(23,798)

748 
410 

1,158 

The accompanying notes form an integral part of the Company financial statements.

124 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012

Notes to the Company financial statements

37 

Significant accounting policies

Statement of compliance

The individual financial statements of the Company are presented as required by the Companies Act 2006 and have been 
prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), as adopted by the EU.

On publishing the parent company financial statements here together with the Group financial statements, the Company is 
taking advantage of the exemption in Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 not to present its individual statement of 
comprehensive income and related notes that form a part of these approved financial statements.

Changes in accounting policies and disclosures

Intercompany balances and provisions
The Group makes payments to new investment managers for the introduction of clients to the Company’s operating 
subsidiaries. The cost of these payments is recharged to the Company’s subsidiaries and, historically, the related provisions 
were recognised in the accounts of the subsidiaries. The underlying obligation to make these payments follows the employment 
contracts, which are with the Company. Consequently, in these financial statements the presentation of provisions for earn-out 
payments has been amended to show the legal obligation and the related recoverable amounts from subsidiaries. This has 
resulted in both an increase in the amounts owed by Group undertakings and an increase in provisions for liabilities and 
charges at 31 December 2011 of £6,478,000 (2010: £3,305,000).

Developments in reporting standards and interpretations

Developments in reporting standards and interpretations are set out in note 1 to the consolidated financial statements.

Principal accounting policies

The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis, except for the revaluation of certain financial 
instruments. The principal accounting policies adopted are as set out below:

Investments in subsidiaries and associates
Investments in subsidiaries and associates are stated at cost less, where appropriate, provision for impairment.

Management charges
Intra-Group management charges arise in relation to staff costs and other administrative expenses that are initially borne by 
the Company and then recharged to other Group companies, when incurred.

Accounting policies in relation to impairment, interest income, dividend income, operating leases, borrowings, foreign 
currency, retirement benefit obligations, taxation, cash and cash equivalents and share-based payments are set out in note 1 to 
the consolidated financial statements.

38 

Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation and uncertainty

The critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation and uncertainty arise from the Company’s defined  
benefit pension schemes and loan notes issued by former subsidiaries. These are described in note 2 to the consolidated 
financial statements.

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012  

125

 
Notes to the Company financial statements continued

39 

Profit for the year

As permitted by Section 408 of the Companies Act 2006 the Company has elected not to present its own statement of 
comprehensive income for the year. Rathbone Brothers Plc reported a profit after tax for the financial year ended 31 December 
2012 of £30,921,000 (2011: £15,027,000).

Auditor’s remuneration for audit and other services to the Company are set out in note 7 to the consolidated financial statements.

The average number of employees, on a full time equivalent basis, during the year was as follows:

investment management services

Investment Management:
– 
–  advisory services
Unit Trusts
Shared services

40  Dividends

2012

469 
67 
30 
209 

775 

2011

455 
66 
29 
184 

734 

Details of the Company’s dividends paid and proposed for approval at the AGM are set out in note 11 to the consolidated 
financial statements.

41 

Investment in subsidiaries

At 1 January and 31 December 2011
Additions
Realised on liquidation

At 31 December 2012

Equities

Equities
£’000

22,725 
24,050 
(917)

45,858 

Subordinated 
loans to 
Group 
undertakings
£’000

15,250 
1,500 
– 

16,750 

Total 
£’000

37,975 
25,550 
(917)

62,608 

During the year, the Company acquired a further 325,000 ordinary shares of Rathbone Investment Management for a cash 
consideration of £24,050,000.

A resolution was passed on 18 November 2011 to commence a members’ voluntary liquidation of Neilson Cobbold Holdings Plc. 
This process was completed on 17 October 2012.

At 31 December 2012 the principal subsidiary undertakings were as follows:

Subsidiary undertaking

Country of incorporation  

Activity and operation

Rathbone Investment Management Limited 

England & Wales 

Investment management and  

Rathbone Investment Management International Limited*
Rathbone Trust Company Limited
Rathbone Unit Trust Management Limited*
Rathbone Pension & Advisory Services Limited
R.M. Walkden & Co. Limited*

*  Held by subsidiary undertaking

Jersey
England & Wales
England & Wales
England & Wales
England & Wales

banking services
Investment management
Trust and tax services
Unit trust management
Pension advisory services
Investment management

The Company owns, directly or indirectly, 100% of the ordinary share capital of all subsidiaries. A full list of the Company’s 
subsidiaries will be included in the Company’s annual return to Companies House.

126 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012

 
Notes to the Company financial statements continued

41 

Investment in subsidiaries continued

Subordinated loans to Group undertakings

The amounts subject to subordinated loan agreements are shown below:

Counterparty

Repayment date

Rathbone Investment Management Limited
Rathbone Pension & Advisory  
Services Limited
Rathbone Investment Management  

Not less than 5 years written notice

Not less than 2 years written notice
Not less than 2 years written notice but subject to approval by  

International Limited

the Jersey Financial Services Commission

2012 
£’000

15,000 

250 

1,500 

16,750 

2011 
£’000

15,000 

250 

–   

15,250 

The fair value of the subordinated loans is not materially different to their carrying amount.

All subordinated loans accrue interest at the Bank of England base rate plus 2.5% to a maximum of 5.0%.

The Group has not had any defaults of principal, interest or other breaches with respect to its subordinated loans during the period.

42 

Investment in associates and related derivatives 

On 5 October 2012, the Company purchased 19.9% of the ordinary share capital of Vision Independent Financial Planning 
Limited and Castle Investment Solutions Limited, as well as certain options over the equity instruments of those companies, 
for a total consideration of £2,000,000. The total consideration was constituted as follows:

Investment in associates
Fair value of associated derivative contracts (note 44)

2012 
£’000

1,216 
784 

2,000 

As part of the transaction to acquire these holdings, the Company has also entered into certain option contracts over the 
equity instruments of these companies, as described in note 20. The options are carried at fair value of £784,000 at  
31 December 2012 (note 44).

43  Other investments

Available for sale securities

Equity securities – at fair value:
– 
listed
–  unlisted

2012 
£’000

3,584 
614 

4,198 

2011 
£’000

– 
– 

– 

2011 
£’000

2,384 
569 

2,953 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012  

127

 
 
 
Notes to the Company financial statements continued

44 

Trade and other receivables

Loan notes
Derivative financial instruments (note 42)
Prepayments and other receivables
Amounts owed by Group undertakings

Current 
Non-current

2012 
£’000

2,821 
784 
4,563 
65,525 

73,693 

70,088 
3,605 

73,693 

2011 
£’000 
(restated – 
note 37)

3,674 
–   

2,407
47,905 

53,986 

50,718
3,268 

53,986 

2010 
£’000 
(restated – 
note 37)

3,832 
–   

603
47,332 

51,767 

48,229 
3,538 

51,767 

Loan notes were issued by the acquirer of the Group’s Jersey trust operations in 2008 (‘the Notes’). The Notes are unsecured 
and have no fixed maturity, being repayable on the occurrence of certain events, principally the refinancing of the Jersey trust 
operations by its existing owner. The Notes are carried at amortised cost, less provision for impairment.

In light of the prevailing economic conditions, at 31 December 2012, the Company revised its estimate of the likely timing of 
repayment of the Notes, which reduced the estimated present value of future cash flows from the Notes due to the impact of 
discounting. In accordance with IAS 36, the carrying value of the Notes was written down to £2,821,000 (being the estimated 
present value of future cash flows), resulting in an impairment loss of £760,000 in the year.

In 2010 and 2011, loans and advances to customers repayable within three months included a Swiss franc denominated loan 
to the acquirer of the Group’s former Switzerland-based trust operations with a nominal value equivalent to £406,000 at  
31 December 2011 and £565,000 at 31 December 2010. The loan did not bear interest and the final instalment was received 
on 10 February 2012.

Allowance for losses on loan notes

At 1 January
Charge to profit or loss

At 31 December

2012 
£’000

– 
760 

760 

2011 
£’000

– 
– 

– 

128 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012

 
Notes to the Company financial statements continued

45  Deferred tax 

Deferred income taxes are calculated on all temporary differences under the liability method using an effective tax rate of 
23.0% (2011: 25.0%).

The UK Government has proposed that the UK corporation tax rate be reduced to 21.0% over the next two years.  
At 31 December 2012 only an element of this reduction, taking the UK tax rate to 23.0% in 2013, had been substantively 
enacted. Consequently deferred tax assets and liabilities are calculated at 23.0%.

The movement on the deferred tax account is as follows:

As at 1 January 2011
Recognised in profit or loss in respect of: 
–  current year
–  prior year
–  change in rate

Total

Recognised in other comprehensive income  

in respect of:
–  current year
–  prior year
–  change in rate

Total

Recognised in equity in respect of:
–  current year
–  prior year
–  change in rate

Total

As at 31 December 2011

Deferred tax assets
Deferred tax liabilities

As at 31 December 2011

Pensions
£’000

2,306 

(1,758)
– 
47 

(1,711)

1,691 
– 
(214)

1,477 

– 
– 
–

– 

2,072 

Pensions
£’000

2,072 
– 

2,072 

Share-based
payments
£’000

919 

29 
13 
(58)

(16)

– 
– 
– 

– 

377 
(106)
(32)

239 

1,142 

Share-based
payments
£’000

1,142 
– 

1,142 

Available
for sale
securities
£’000

(820)

– 
– 
– 

– 

35 
– 
59 

94 

– 
– 
– 

– 

(726)

Available
for sale
securities
£’000

– 
(726)

(726)

Total
£’000

2,405 

(1,729)
13 
(11)

(1,727)

1,726 
– 
(155)

1,571 

377 
(106)
(32)

239 

2,488 

Total
£’000

3,214 
(726)

2,488 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012  

129

 
 
Notes to the Company financial statements continued

45   Deferred tax continued

As at 1 January 2012
Recognised in profit or loss in respect of: 
–  current year
–  prior year
–  change in rate

Total

Recognised in other comprehensive  

income in respect of:

–  current year
–  prior year
–  change in rate

Total

Recognised in equity in respect of:
–  current year
–  prior year
–  change in rate

Total

Pensions
£’000

2,072 

(1,347)
– 
163 

(1,184)

(162)
– 
(237)

(399)

– 
– 
– 

– 

Share-based
payments
£’000

1,142 

372 
– 
(99)

273 

– 
– 
– 

– 

157 
(20)
(32)

105 

Available
for sale
securities
£’000

(726)

– 
– 
– 

– 

(226)
– 
72 

(154)

– 
– 
– 

– 

Total
£’000

2,488 

(975)
– 
64 

(911)

(388)
– 
(165)

(553)

157 
(20)
(32)

105 

As at 31 December 2012

489 

1,520 

(880)

1,129 

Deferred tax assets
Deferred tax liabilities

As at 31 December 2012

Pensions
£’000

489 
– 

489 

Share-based
payments
£’000

1,520 
– 

1,520 

Available
for sale
securities
£’000

– 
(880)

(880)

The impact of calculating deferred tax at 21.0% would be to reduce the net deferred tax asset to £1,031,000 at  
31 December 2012.

46 

Trade and other payables

Accruals, deferred income and other creditors
Amounts owed to Group undertakings
Other taxes and social security costs

2012 
£’000

31,931 

1,189 
3,413 

36,533 

The fair value of trade and other payables is not materially different to their carrying amount. 

All amounts owed to Group undertakings are repayable on demand and non-interest-bearing.

Total
£’000

2,009 
(880)

1,129 

2011 
£’000

25,611 
58 
2,506 

28,175 

130 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012

 
Notes to the Company financial statements continued

47 

Provisions for liabilities and charges

Deferred, variable 
costs to acquire client 
relationship intangibles 
£’000

As at 1 January 2011 (restated – note 37)

Charged to profit or loss
Unused amount credited to profit or loss

Net charge to profit or loss
Other movements
Utilised/paid during the period

As at 31 December 2011 (restated – note 37)

Charged to profit or loss

Unused amount credited to profit or loss

Net charge to profit or loss
Other movements
Utilised/paid during the period

As at 31 December 2012

Payable within 1 year

Payable after 1 year

3,305 

– 
– 

– 
6,315 
(3,142)

6,478 

– 

– 

– 
6,877 
(5,117)

8,238 

3,923 
4,315 

8,238 

Property-
related
and other
£’000

– 

1,576 
(380)

1,196 
– 
– 

1,196 

774

(301)

473
– 
(895)

774 

– 
774 

774 

Total
£’000

3,305 

1,576 
(380)

1,196 
6,315 
(3,142)

7,674 

774 

(301)

473 
6,877 
(6,012)

9,012 

3,923 
5,089 

9,012 

Other movements in provisions relate to deferred payments to investment managers and third parties for the introduction of 
client relationships, which have been capitalised.

Property-related and other provisions include £774,000 in relation to dilapidations provisions expected to arise on leasehold 
premises held by the Company (2011: £920,000). Dilapidation provisions are calculated using a discounted cash flow model; 
during the year, the impact of discounting has increased the provisions by £50,000.

Provisions payable after 1 year are expected to be settled within 2 years of the balance sheet date, except for property-related 
provisions of £774,000. These are expected to be settled within 24 years of the balance sheet date, which corresponds to the 
longest lease for which a dilapidations provision is being held.

48 

Employee benefits

Details of the defined benefit pension schemes operated by the Company are provided in note 26 to the consolidated  
financial statements.

49 

Share capital, own shares and share-based payments

Details of the share capital of the Company and ordinary shares held by the Company together with changes thereto are 
provided in notes 27 and 28 to the consolidated financial statements. Details of options on the Company’s shares and share-
based payments are set out in note 29 to the consolidated financial statements.

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012  

131

 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Company financial statements continued

50 

Financial instruments

The Company’s risk management policies and procedures are integrated with the wider Rathbone Group’s risk management 
process. The Rathbone Group has identified the risks arising from all of its activities, including those of the Company, and has 
established policies and procedures to manage these items in accordance with its risk appetite. The Company categorises its 
financial risks into the following primary areas:

(i) 

credit risk;

(ii) 

liquidity risk; 

(iii)  market risk (which includes fair value interest rate risk, cash flow interest rate risk, foreign exchange risk and price risk); and

(iv) 

pension risk.

The Company’s exposures to pension risk are set out in note 48.

The sections below outline the Group risk appetite, as applicable to the Company, and explain how the Company defines and 
manages each category of financial risk.

The Company’s financial risk management policies are designed to identify and analyse the financial risks that the Company 
faces, to set appropriate risk tolerances, limits and controls and to monitor the financial risks and adherence to limits by means 
of reliable and up-to-date information systems. The Company regularly reviews its financial risk management policies and 
systems to reflect changes in the business and the wider industry.

The Company’s overall strategy and policies for monitoring and management of financial risk are set by the Board of directors (‘the 
Board’). The Board has embedded risk management within the business through the executive committee and senior management.

(i) 

Credit risk

The Company takes on exposure to credit risk, which is the risk that a counterparty will be unable to pay amounts in full 
when due, through its trading activities. The principal sources of credit risk arise from depositing funds with banks and 
through providing long term and working capital financing for subsidiaries. The Company also took on credit exposure 
through the provision of loans as part of the disposal of its subsidiaries in Jersey in 2008.

The Company places surplus funds with its banking subsidiary, which operates under the Group’s credit risk management 
policies. Group policy requires that funds are placed with a range of high-quality financial institutions. Investments are spread 
to avoid excessive exposure to any individual counterparty.

For the purposes of financial reporting the Company categorises its exposures based on the long term ratings awarded to 
counterparties by Fitch Ratings Ltd. (‘Fitch’) or Moody’s Corporation (‘Moody’s’).

The Company’s financial assets are categorised as follows:

Trade and other receivables
Trade and other receivables relate to amounts placed with subsidiaries and loans provided to subsidiaries and former 
subsidiaries. The collection and ageing of trade and other receivables are reviewed on a periodic basis by management. 
Impairment provisions are made for any debts which are considered to be doubtful for collection.

Trade and other receivables includes derivative financial instruments which relate to option contracts over shares in the 
Company’s associates (note 42). These options expose the Company to credit risk from the potential for non-delivery by the 
associate companies’ founders, who are private individuals.

Cash and cash equivalents (balances at banks)
The Company has exposure to financial institutions through its bank deposits (reported within cash equivalents).

132 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012

Notes to the Company financial statements continued

50  Financial instruments continued

(i)  Credit risk continued

Impairment and provisioning policies
Impairment provisions are recognised for financial reporting purposes only for losses that have been incurred at the balance 
sheet date, based on objective evidence of impairment.

All credit exposures are reviewed individually, at least annually or more regularly when individual circumstances require.
Impairment allowances on credit exposures are determined by an evaluation of the incurred loss at the balance sheet date on  
a case by case basis. 

Impairment provisions for credit risk, which relate solely to loan notes, are set out in note 44. No other impairment losses 
arose during the year (2011: none).

Maximum exposure to credit risk

loan notes

Trade and other receivables:
– 
–  amounts owed by Group undertakings
–  derivative financial instruments
–  other financial assets
Balances at banks 

2012 
£’000

5,000 
82,275 
784 
972 
1,430 

90,461 

2011 
£’000 
(restated – 
note 37)

5,413 
63,155 
– 
82 
1,158 

69,808 

The above table represents the gross credit risk exposure of the Company at 31 December 2012 and 2011, without taking 
account of any collateral held or other credit enhancements attached.

Loan notes and derivative financial instruments are not subject to standard lending criteria. All other trade and other 
receivables are within normal terms and conditions of lending at the balance sheet date (2011: all within normal terms and 
conditions of lending).

The terms attached to loan notes are set out in note 44. Amounts owed to Group undertakings do not have specific repayment 
dates and are paid down periodically as trading requires.

Trade and other receivables
Trade and other receivables are summarised as follows:

Neither past due nor impaired
Impaired 

Gross carrying value
Less: allowance for impairment (note 44)

Net carrying value

2012 
£’000

83,993 
3,581 

87,574 
(760)

86,814 

2011 
£’000

66,911 
– 

66,911 
– 

66,911 

Balances at banks
All balances at banks were neither past due nor impaired. The credit quality of these balances is analysed below by reference 
to the long term credit rating awarded by Fitch, or equivalent rating by Moody’s as at the balance sheet date.

A+ to A
Other*

*  Cash held within the Employee Benefit Trust

2012 
£’000

1,028 
402 

1,430 

2011 
£’000

1,158 
– 

1,158 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012  

133

 
 
Notes to the Company financial statements continued

50  Financial instruments continued

(i)  Credit risk continued

Concentration of credit risk
The Company has counterparty credit risk within its balances at banks in that the principal exposure is to its banking 
subsidiary. The Board sets and monitors the Group policy for the management of Group funds, which include the placement of 
funds with a range of high-quality financial institutions.

(a)  Geographical sectors

 The following table analyses the Company’s credit exposures, at their carrying amounts, by geographical region as at the 
balance sheet date. In this analysis, exposures are categorised based on the country of domicile of the counterparty.

At 31 December 2012

loan notes

Trade and other receivables:
– 
–  amounts owed by Group undertakings
–  derivative financial instruments
–  other financial assets
Balances at banks 

At 31 December 2011 (restated – note 37)

loan notes

Trade and other receivables:
– 
–  amounts owed by Group undertakings
–  other financial assets
Balances at banks 

United 
Kingdom 
£’000 

– 
82,275 
784 
564 
1,430 

85,053 

United 
Kingdom 
£’000 

– 
63,027 
16 
1,158 

64,201 

Rest of 
the World 
£’000 

2,821 
– 
– 
370 
– 

3,191 

Rest of 
the World 
£’000 

3,674 
128 
66 
– 

3,868 

(b) Industry sectors

 The Company’s credit exposures at the balance sheet date, analysed by the primary industry sectors in which our 
counterparties operate, were:

At 31 December 2012

loan notes

Trade and other receivables:
– 
–  amounts owed by Group undertakings
–  derivative financial instruments
–  other financial assets
Balances at banks 

At 31 December 2011 (restated – note 37)

loan notes

Trade and other receivables:
– 
–  amounts owed by Group undertakings
–  other financial assets
Balances at banks 

Financial 
institutions 
£’000 

– 
62,291 
– 
– 
1,430 

63,721 

Financial 
institutions 
£’000 

– 
48,168 
– 
1,158 

49,326 

Other 
corporates 
£’000 

2,821 
19,984 
784 
934 
– 

24,523 

Other  

corporates
£’000 

3,674 
14,987 
82 
– 

18,743 

Total
£’000

2,821 
82,275 
784 
934 
1,430 

88,244 

Total
£’000

3,674 
63,155 
82 
1,158 

68,069 

Total
£’000

2,821 
82,275 
784 
934 
1,430 

88,244 

Total
£’000

3,674 
63,155 
82 
1,158 

68,069 

134 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012

 
 
 
 
 
 
Notes to the Company financial statements continued

50  Financial instruments continued

(ii) 

Liquidity risk

Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company will encounter difficulty in meeting obligations associated with financial liabilities 
that are settled by delivering cash or another financial asset. The Company places its funds in short term or demand facilities 
with financial institutions to ensure liquidity. The Company has no bank loans (2011: £nil) and does not rely on external 
funding for its activities.

Non-derivative cash flows
The table below presents the undiscounted cash flows receivable and payable by the Company on its non-derivative financial 
assets and liabilities by remaining contractual maturities at the balance sheet date.

On 
demand 
£’000 

Not more 
than 
3 months 
£’000

After 3 
months  
but not 
more than 
1 year 
£’000 

After 1 
year but 
not more 
than 
5 years 
£’000 

After 
5 years 
£’000 

No fixed 
maturity 
date 
£’000

Total
£’000

– 
65,525 
– 
887 

66,412 

– 
123 
428 
182 

733 

– 
377 
300 
143 

– 
17,595 
237 
219 

820 

18,051 

–
– 
7 
– 

7 

5,255 
– 
– 
– 

5,255 
83,620 
972 
1,431 

5,255 

91,278 

At 31 December 2012

loan notes

Cash flows arising from financial assets
Trade and other receivables:
– 
–  amounts owed by Group undertakings
–  other financial assets
Balances at banks 

Cash flows arising from financial assets

Cash flows arising from financial liabilities
Trade and other payables:
–  amounts owed to Group undertakings
–  other financial liabilities

Cash flows arising from financial liabilities

1,332 

16,827 

3,769 

14,382 

1,870 

1,189 
143 

– 
16,827 

– 
3,769 

– 
14,382 

– 
1,870 

– 
– 

– 

1,189 
36,991 

38,180 

Net liquidity gap

65,080 

(16,094)

(2,949)

3,669 

(1,863)

5,255 

53,098 

Cumulative net liquidity gap

65,080 

48,986 

46,037 

49,706 

47,843 

53,098 

On 
demand 
£’000 

Not more 
than 
3 months 
£’000

After 3 
months  
but not 
more than 
1 year 
£’000 

After 1 
year but 
not more 
than 
5 years 
£’000 

After 
5 years 
£’000 

No fixed 
maturity 
date 
£’000

Total
£’000

At 31 December 2011 (restated – note 37)

loan notes

Cash flows arising from financial assets
Trade and other receivables:
– 
–  amounts owed by Group undertakings
–  other financial assets
Balances at banks 

– 
45,855 
– 
1,158 

413 
129 
35 
– 

–
2,441 
1 
– 

– 
17,081 
46 
– 

Cash flows arising from financial assets

47,013 

577 

2,442 

17,127 

Cash flows arising from financial liabilities
Trade and other payables:
–  amounts owed to Group undertakings
–  other financial liabilities

58 
134 

– 
13,997 

– 
167 

– 
14,784 

Cash flows arising from financial liabilities

192 

13,997 

167 

14,784 

Net liquidity gap

46,821 

(13,420)

2,275 

2,343 

– 
– 
– 
–

– 

– 
– 

– 

– 

5,203 
– 
– 
– 

5,616 
65,506 
82 
1,158 

5,203 

72,362 

– 
– 

– 

58 
29,082 

29,140 

5,203 

43,222 

Cumulative net liquidity gap

46,821 

33,401 

35,676 

38,019 

38,019 

43,222 

Included within trade and other payables disclosed above are balances that are repayable on demand or that do not have  
a contractual maturity date, which historical experience shows are unlikely to be called in the short term.

The Company holds £4,198,000 of equity investments (2011: £2,953,000), which are subject to liquidity risk but are not 
included in the table above. These assets are held as available for sale securities and have no fixed maturity date; cash flows 
arise from receipt of dividends or through sale of the assets.

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012  

135

 
Notes to the Company financial statements continued

50  Financial instruments continued
(ii)  Liquidity risk continued

Derivative cash flows
The Company’s exposure to derivative financial instruments is limited to option contracts over the equity instruments of its 
associates. These contracts do not create an obligation for the Company to deliver cash or a financial asset and therefore they 
are not included in the liquidity tables.

Off-balance sheet items
Cash flows arising from the Company’s off-balance sheet financial liabilities arise solely from operating leases (note 52) and 
are summarised in the table below. Future minimum lease payments under non-cancellable operating leases are reported by 
their contractual payment dates.

Operating lease commitments

At 31 December 2012
At 31 December 2011

Total liquidity requirement 

At 31 December 2012

Cash flows arising from financial liabilities
Total off-balance sheet items

At 31 December 2011 (restated – note 37)

Cash flows arising from financial liabilities
Total off-balance sheet items

Not more 
than 
3 months 
£’000  

1,352 
1,140 

On 
demand 
£’000

1,332 
– 

Not more 
than 
3 months 
£’000  

16,827 
1,352 

After 3 
months  
but not 
more than 
1 year 
£’000  

4,136 
1,772 

After 3 
months  
but not 
more than 
1 year 
£’000  

3,769 
4,136 

After 1 
year but 
not more 
than 
5 years 
£’000  

21,362 
20,871 

After 1 
year but 
not more 
than 
5 years 
£’000  

14,382 
21,362 

After 
5 years 
£’000 

Total
£’000

28,853 
34,448 

55,703 
58,231 

After 
5 years 
£’000 

1,870 
28,853 

Total
£’000

38,180 
55,703 

1,332 

18,179 

7,905 

35,744 

30,723 

93,883 

On 
demand 
£’000

192 
– 

Not more 
than 
3 months 
£’000  

13,997 
1,140 

After 3 
months  
but not 
more than 
1 year 
£’000  

167 
1,772 

After 1 
year but 
not more 
than 
5 years 
£’000  

14,784 
20,871 

After 
5 years 
£’000 

Total
£’000

– 
34,448 

29,140 
58,231 

192 

15,137 

1,939 

35,655 

34,448 

87,371 

136 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012

 
 
 
Notes to the Company financial statements continued

50  Financial instruments continued

(iii)  Market risk

Interest rate risk
Cash flow interest rate risk is the risk that the future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in 
market interest rates. Fair value interest rate risk is the risk that the value of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of 
changes in market interest rates.

The Company’s principal exposure to cash flow interest rate risk arises from the mismatch between the repricing of its 
financial assets and liabilities. 

The table below shows the repricing profile of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities, stated at their carrying amounts, 
categorised by the earlier of contractual repricing or maturity dates.

At 31 December 2012

loan notes

Assets
Other investments
Trade and other receivables:
– 
–  amounts owed by Group undertakings
–  derivative financial instruments
–  other financial assets
Balances at banks 

Total financial assets

Liabilities
Trade and other payables:
–  amounts owed to Group undertakings
–  other financial liabilities

Total financial liabilities

Interest rate repricing gap

At 31 December 2011 (restated – note 37)

Assets

loan notes

Other investments
Trade and other receivables:
– 
–  amounts owed by Group undertakings
–  other financial assets
Balances at banks 

Total financial assets

Liabilities

Trade and other payables:
–  amounts owed to Group undertakings
–  other financial liabilities

Total financial liabilities

Interest rate repricing gap

Not more
than
3 months
£’000 

– 

2,821 
16,750 
–
– 
1,282 

20,853 

– 
– 

– 

20,853 

Not more
than
3 months
£’000 

– 

3,268 
17,300 
– 
1,018 

21,586 

– 
134 

134 

21,452 

Non-
interest-
bearing
£’000 

4,198 

– 
65,525 
784 
934 
148 

71,589 

1,189 
30,164 

31,353 

40,236 

Non-
interest-
bearing
£’000 

2,953 

406 
45,855 
82 
140 

49,436 

58 
24,132 

24,190 

25,246 

Total 
£’000

4,198 

2,821 
82,275 
784 
934 
1,430 

92,442 

1,189 
30,164 

31,353 

61,089 

Total 
£’000

2,953 

3,674 
63,155 
82 
1,158 

71,022 

58 
24,266 

24,324 

46,698 

A 1% parallel increase/decrease in the sterling yield curve would result in an increase/decrease in profit after tax and equity of 
£86,000 (2011: £73,000).

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012  

137

 
Notes to the Company financial statements continued

50  Financial instruments continued

(iii)  Market risk continued

Foreign exchange risk
The Company does not have any material exposure to transactional foreign exchange risk. The table below summarises  
the Company’s exposure to foreign currency translational risk at 31 December 2012. Included in the table are the Company’s 
financial assets and liabilities, at carrying amounts, categorised by currency.

At 31 December 2012

loan notes

Assets
Other investments
Trade and other receivables:
– 
–  amounts owed by Group undertakings
–  derivative financial instruments
–  other financial assets
Balances at banks 

Total financial assets

Liabilities
Trade and other payables:
–  amounts owed to Group undertakings
–  other financial liabilities

Total financial liabilities

Net on-balance sheet position

At 31 December 2011 (restated – note 37) 

Assets

loan notes

Other investments
Trade and other receivables:
– 
–  amounts owed by Group undertakings
–  other financial assets
Balances at banks 

Total financial assets

Liabilities

Trade and other payables:
–  amounts owed to Group undertakings
–  other financial liabilities

Total financial liabilities

Net on-balance sheet position

Sterling 
£’000  

US dollar 
£’000

Euro 
£’000 

Other 
£’000

Total 
£’000

3,589 

– 

609 

2,821 
82,275 
784 
741 
1,430 

91,640 

1,189 
30,164 

31,353 

– 
– 
– 
193 
– 

193 

– 
– 

– 

60,287 

193 

Sterling 
£’000  

US dollar 
£’000

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

609 

– 
– 

– 

609 

Euro 
£’000 

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
– 

– 

– 

Other 
£’000

4,198 

2,821 
82,275 
784 
934 
1,430 

92,442 

1,189 
30,164 

31,353 

61,089 

Total 
£’000

2,389 

– 

564 

– 

2,953 

3,268 
63,155 
16 
1,158 

69,986 

58 
24,266 

24,324 

– 
– 
66 
– 

66 

– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

406 
– 
– 
– 

3,674 
63,155 
82 
1,158 

564 

406 

71,022 

– 
– 

– 

– 
– 

– 

58 
24,266 

24,324 

45,662 

66 

564 

406 

46,698 

A 10% weakening of the US dollar or euro against sterling, occurring on 31 December 2012, would have reduced equity and 
profit after tax by £15,000 or £46,000 respectively (2011: £5,000 or £41,000 respectively). A 10% strengthening of the US 
dollar or euro would have had an equal and opposite effect. This analysis assumes that all other variables, in particular other 
exchange rates, remain constant.

138 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012

 
Notes to the Company financial statements continued

50  Financial instruments continued

(iii)  Market risk continued

Price risk
Price risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of a financial instrument will fluctuate because of changes in 
market prices (other than those arising from interest rate risk or foreign exchange risk). The Company is exposed to price risk 
through its holdings of equity investment securities, which are reported at their fair value (note 43).

At 31 December 2012, the fair value of equity securities recognised on the balance sheet was £4,198,000 (2011: £2,953,000). 
A 10% fall in global equity markets would, in isolation, result in a pre-tax impact on net assets of £420,000 (2011: £295,000); 
there would be no impact on profit after tax. A 10% rise in global markets would have had an equal and opposite effect.

Fair values

The fair values of the Company’s financial assets and liabilities are not materially different from their carrying values, with the 
exception of equity investments in subsidiaries which are carried at historical cost (note 41).

The table below analyses financial instruments measured at fair value into a fair value hierarchy based on the valuation 
technique used to determine the fair value.

•	

•	

 Level 1: quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities.

 Level 2: inputs other than quoted prices included within level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly 
or indirectly.

•	

 Level 3: inputs for the asset or liability that are not based on observable market data.

At 31 December 2012

Available for sale equity securities
Derivative financial instruments

Total financial assets

At 31 December 2011

Available for sale equity securities

Total financial assets

Level 1 
£’000 

3,584 
– 

3,584 

Level 1 
£’000 

2,384 

2,384 

Level 2 
£’000  

– 
– 

– 

Level 2 
£’000  

– 

– 

Level 3 
£’000 

614 
784 

1,398 

Level 3 
£’000 

569 

569 

Total 
£’000

4,198 
784 

4,982 

Total 
£’000

2,953 

2,953 

There have been no transfers between levels during the year (2011: none).

Details of the methods and assumptions used to determine the fair values of the financial assets in the above table, along with 
how reasonably possible changes to the assumptions affect these fair values, are provided in note 30 to the consolidated 
financial statements.

Level 3 financial instruments
Changes in the fair values of financial instruments categorised as level 3 within the fair value hierarchy were as follows:

At 1 January
Total gains and losses recognised in other comprehensive  

income

Acquired during the year (note 42)

At 31 December

2012
Available for
sale equity
securities
£’000

2012
Derivative
financial
instruments
£’000

569 

45 
– 

614 

– 

– 
784 

784 

2011
Available for 
sale equity
securities
£’000 

2011
Derivative
financial
instruments
£’000

2012
Total
£’000  

569 

45 
784 

574 

(5)
– 

1,398 

569 

2011
Total
£’000 

574 

(5)
–

569 

– 

– 
– 

– 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012  

139

 
 
 
Notes to the Company financial statements continued

51 

Capital management

The Company’s objectives when managing capital are to:

•	

safeguard the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern so that it can continue to provide returns for shareholders 
and benefits for other stakeholders; and

•	 maintain a strong capital base to support the development of its business.

For monitoring purposes, the Company defines capital as equity shareholders’ funds. The Company monitors the level of 
distributable reserves on a monthly basis and compares this to forecast dividends. Capital is distributed to the Company from 
operating subsidiaries on a timely basis to ensure sufficient capital is maintained. The Board of directors considers the level of 
capital held in relation to forecast performance, dividend payments and wider plans for the business, although formal 
quantitative targets are not set. The Company’s total capital at 31 December 2012, together with movements during the year 
then ended, is set out in the Company statement of changes in equity. 

On 6 November 2012, the Company issued two million ordinary shares by way of a placing for cash consideration which 
raised £23,956,000, net of £744,000 transaction costs (note 27).

There were no changes in the Company’s approach to capital management during the year.

52 

Contingent liabilities and commitments 

(a)   Indemnities are provided in the normal course of business to a number of directors and employees who provide tax and trust 

advisory services in connection with them acting as trustees/directors of client companies and providing other services. 

 A claim relating to the management of a Jersey trust has been filed against a former employee (and director) of Rathbone 
Trust Company Jersey Limited. Rathbone Trust Company Jersey Limited was a subsidiary of the Company from March 
2000 until October 2008. Although the Board believe this claim will be unsuccessful, a possible obligation may exist which 
is contingent on whether the claim (or any parts of it) is upheld. 

 The Group has sought to confirm the position of the Company’s civil liability (professional indemnity) insurers in relation 
to the claim. Based on information currently available, the Company’s primary layer insurer has confirmed cover (including 
its share of the excess layer) subject to policy terms and conditions and unless the proceedings referred to below rule there 
is no liability. The remaining excess insurers have to date refused to confirm cover. On 25 July 2012, the Company issued 
proceedings to confirm insurance cover against the excess insurers.

 Due to the complexity of the claim, the number of parties involved and the impact of insurance cover available to the 
trustees, it is not practicable to estimate reliably the value of any possible obligation for the Company.

 The Board considers that it is unlikely that a material liability to Rathbones will arise from this claim, and accordingly no 
provision has been made.

(b)  The Company leases various offices and other assets under non-cancellable operating lease agreements. The leases have 

varying terms and renewal rights. The Company’s agreement to lease space at 1 Curzon Street, London, under which total 
payments over the lease term at 31 December 2012 were £34,616,000, provides for an upward only reset to market rents 
in 2018.

Payments under non-cancellable operating leases

No later than 1 year
Later than 1 year and no later than 5 years
Later than 5 years

2012 
£’000

5,488 

21,362 
28,853 

55,703 

2011 
£’000

2,912 
20,871 
34,448 

58,231 

140 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012

 
 
 
 
Notes to the Company financial statements continued

53 

Related party transactions

(i) 

Transactions with key management personnel

The remuneration of the key management personnel of the Company, who are defined as the Company’s directors and other 
members of senior management who are responsible for planning, directing and controlling the activities of the Company, is 
set out below.

Short term employee benefits
Post-employment benefits
Other long term benefits
Share-based payments

2012 
£’000

1,626 

114 
17 
859 

2,616 

2011 
£’000

1,566 
85 
22 
730 

2,403 

Dividends totalling £418,000 were paid in the year (2011: £399,000) in respect of ordinary shares held by key management 
personnel and their close family members.

All amounts outstanding with related parties are unsecured and will be settled in cash. No guarantees have been given or 
received. No provisions have been made for doubtful debts in respect of the amounts owed by related parties.

(ii) 

Other related party transactions

During the year, the Company entered into the following transactions with fellow subsidiaries:

Interest
Charges for management services

2012 
Receivable 
£’000

460 
78,332 

2012 
Payable 
£’000 

2011 
Receivable 
£’000

2011 
Payable 
£’000 

– 
230 

527 
73,826 

78,792 

230 

74,353 

– 
– 

– 

The Company’s balances with fellow Group companies at 31 December 2012 are set out in notes 41, 44 and 46.

The Company’s transactions with the pension schemes are described in note 48. At 31 December 2012, no amounts were due 
from the schemes (2011: £10,000).

All transactions and outstanding balances with fellow Group companies are priced on an arm’s length basis and are to be 
settled in cash. None of the balances are secured and no provisions have been made for doubtful debts for any amounts due 
from fellow Group companies.

54 

Cash and cash equivalents

For the purposes of the Company statement of cash flows, cash and cash equivalents comprise the following balances with less 
than three months until maturity from the date of acquisition:

Cash at bank

2012 
£’000

 886 

2011 
£’000

 1,158 

55 

Events after the balance sheet date

There have been no material events occurring between the balance sheet date and the date of signing this report.

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012  

141

 
Further information

Five year record
Corporate information

143 
143 
144  Our offices

142 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012

Five year record and corporate information

2012
£’000

2011
£’000

2010
£’000

2009
£’000

2008
£’000

Operating income
Underlying profit before tax
Profit before tax
Tax
Profit after tax
Equity dividends paid and proposed

Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

Dividends per ordinary share

Equity shareholders' funds

155,581 144,452 127,184 116,757 131,166
45,020
38,503
42,306
30,083
(13,421)
(8,531)
28,885
21,552
17,984
19,067

46,219
39,152
(10,446)
28,706
20,001

32,446
29,468
(9,271)
20,197
18,159

45,137
38,812
(9,596)
29,216
21,220

67.00p

66.72p

49.76p

46.87p

67.57p

66.41p

65.90p

49.35p

46.85p

67.02p

47.0p

46.0p

44.0p

42.0p

42.0p

 229,493   190,653   185,374   182,489   184,631 

Total funds under management

£17.98bn £15.85bn £15.63bn £13.10bn £10.46bn

Company Secretary and registered office 

Registrars and transfer office 

R E Loader FCA 
Rathbone Brothers Plc 
1 Curzon Street 
London  
W1J 5FB

Company No. 01000403 
www.rathbones.com 
richard.loader@rathbones.com

Equiniti  
Aspect House 
Spencer Road 
Lancing 
West Sussex  
BN99 6DA

www.equiniti.com 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012  

143

 
Our offices

Head office

1 Curzon Street 
London 
W1J 5FB 
Tel +44 (0)20 7399 0000

Investment Management offices

1 Curzon Street 
London 
W1J 5FB 
Tel +44 (0)20 7399 0000

1 Albert Street 
Aberdeen 
AB25 1XX 
Tel +44 (0)1224 218 180

Temple Point 
1 Temple Row 
Birmingham 
B2 5LG 
Tel +44 (0)121 233 2626

10 Queen Square 
Bristol 
BS1 4NT 
Tel +44 (0)117 929 1919

North Wing, City House 
126 – 130 Hills Road 
Cambridge 
CB2 1RE 
Tel +44 (0)1223 229 229

1 Northgate 
Chichester 
West Sussex 
PO19 1AT 
Tel +44 (0)1243 775 373

28 St Andrew Square 
Edinburgh 
EH2 1AF 
Tel +44 (0)131 550 1350

The Senate 
Southernhay Gardens 
Exeter 
EX1 1UG 
Tel +44 (0)1392 201 000

15 Esplanade 
St Helier 
Jersey 
JE1 2RB 
Channel Islands 
Tel +44 (0)1534 740 500

The Stables 
Levens Hall 
Kendal 
Cumbria 
LA8 0PB 
Tel +44 (0)1539 561 457

Port of Liverpool Building 
Pier Head 
Liverpool 
L3 1NW 
Tel +44 (0)151 236 6666 

48 High Street  
Lymington  
SO41 9ZQ  
Tel +44 (0)1590 647 657

Earl Grey House  
78 – 85 Grey Street  
Newcastle upon Tyne  
NE1 6EF 
Tel +44 (0)191 255 1440 

Fiennes House 
32 Southgate Street 
Winchester 
Hampshire 
SO23 9EH 
Tel +44 (0)1962 857 000

Unit Trusts office

1 Curzon Street 
London 
W1J 5FB 
Tel +44 (0)20 7399 0000

144 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2012

It is important to us that all materials used in the production of this document 
are environmentally sustainable. The paper is FSC certified and contains 50% 
recycled fibre and 50% virgin fibre from sustainable sources. Once you have 
finished with this report please recycle it.

Designed and produced by Linnett Webb Jenkins.

Rathbone Brothers Plc
1 Curzon Street 
London W1J 5FB

Tel +44 (0)20 7399 0000

www.rathbones.com