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Rathbones Group
Annual Report 2014

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FY2014 Annual Report · Rathbones Group
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Rathbone Brothers Plc 
Report and accounts 2014

Rathbone Brothers Plc, through its 
subsidiaries, 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 2014, Rathbones 
managed £27.2 billion of client funds,  
of which £24.7 billion were managed  
by Rathbone Investment Management.

Introduction

1 

2 
5 

Highlights of the year

Chairman’s statement 
Chief executive’s statement

Strategic report

8 
10 
11 
16 
18 

Our market 
Our business model 
Our approach 
Strategy and key performance indicators 
Risk management

Our performance

24 
27 
35 
38 
39 

Rathbones’ performance 
Segmental review 
Financial position 
Liquidity and cash flow 
Corporate responsibility report

Governance

50 
53 
55 
59 
60 
61 
75 
78 
79 
80 

Directors 
Directors’ report 
Corporate governance report 
Executive committee report 
Group risk committee report 
Remuneration committee report 
Audit committee report 
Nomination committee report 
Approval of strategic report 
Statement of directors’ responsibilities in respect  
of the report and accounts

Consolidated financial statements

82 

86 
87 
88 
89 
90 

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

144  Company statement of changes in equity 
145  Company balance sheet 
146  Company statement of cash flows 
147  Notes to the company financial statements

Further information

166  Five year record  
167  Corporate information 
168  Our offices

Strategic report as defined by Chapter 4A of the Companies Act 2006

 
 
 
Introduction 

Highlights of the year

Financial highlights

Business highlights

Funds under management 

2014: £27.2bn 
2013: £22.0bn  

Underlying1 operating income 

2014: £200.8m 
2013: £176.4m  

Underlying2 profit before tax 

2014: £61.5m 
2013: £50.5m  

Profit before tax 

2014: £45.7m 
2013: £44.2m 

Underlying operating margin3 

2014: 30.6% 
2013: 28.6%  

Underlying2 earnings per share 

2014: 102.4p 
2013: 86.7p  

Basic earnings per share 

2014: 75.9p 
2013: 76.1p  

See cover artwork

p24

+23.6%

Philip Howell succeeds Andy Pomfret  
as Rathbones’ chief executive.

p24

+13.8%

p25

+21.8%

p25

+3.4%

p25

+7.0%

p26

+18.1%

p26

-0.3%

Acquisition of Jupiter Asset Management 
Limited’s private client and charity 
investment management business.

Acquisition of part of Deutsche  
Asset & Wealth Management’s  
London-based private client investment 
management business.

Placing with existing institutional 
investors of 1,343,000 shares on  
1 April 2014.

Settlement reached in the  
Jersey litigation.

Launch of Rathbones Online, our 
upgraded online valuation portal for 
clients and intermediaries.

Rathbone Investment  
Management attains full Global 
Investment Performance Standards 
(GIPS) accreditation, the highest 
independent indicator of investment 
performance reporting.

Move of our Liverpool-based data  
servers to a remote data centre marks the 
completion of our data centre strategy.

Rathbones won a variety of awards in 
2014 including CityWealth Magic Circle 
Award, CityWealth International Finance 
Centre Award, and six unit trust awards.

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014  

1

Dividends paid and proposed per share 

p28

2014: 52.0p 
2013: 49.0p  

+6.1%

1   Underlying operating income excludes refund of levies for the Financial 

Services Compensation Scheme, gain on disposal of financial securities and 
gain on disposal of pension administration business

2   Underlying profit before tax and underlying earnings per share exclude 
refund of levies for the Financial Services Compensation Scheme,  
gain on disposal of financial securities, gain on disposal of pension 
administration business, charges in relation to client relationships and 
goodwill, contribution to legal settlement and transaction costs (see  
page 25 and note 3 to the financial statements)

3   Underlying profit before tax as a % of underlying operating income

 
 
 
Introduction 

Chairman’s statement

Overview of 2014

2014 was a challenging year for most investment markets, 
which became increasingly volatile in the second half. Despite 
this, Rathbones had another good year and achieved strong 
and broad-based growth. Our total funds under management 
grew by 23.6% over the year to £27.2 billion. We warmly 
welcomed more than 5,000 new clients during the year.

  “ We made two significant acquisitions in 
2014, which added £2.6 billion of funds 
under management, and throughout  
the year we continued to attract 
experienced investment managers.”

We made two significant acquisitions in 2014, which added 
£2.6 billion of funds under management, and throughout 
the year we continued to attract experienced investment 
managers. The net organic growth rate in our investment 
management business was resilient and our unit trust  
business had a particularly strong year. We also reported an 
underlying operating margin of 30% for the year.

The board is recommending a final dividend of 33p per  
share. This brings the total dividend for the year to 52p per 
share, an increase of 6.1% over last year.

“ The development of our strategic 
thinking and processes was a priority 
for 2014.”

We carried out a very successful share placing in April,  
which raised £23.6 million. We also continued to invest in 
the business to ensure that our people and infrastructure can 
support future growth. Important investments completed 
in 2014 were the upgrading of our online portal for clients 
and intermediaries, the development of our finance systems 
and the completion of our data centre outsourcing project. 
We continue to strengthen our investment process and have 
bolstered both our research function and our investment risk 
management framework. 

In accordance with our succession plan, Philip Howell became 
chief executive on 1 March 2014. The handover from Andy 
Pomfret went very smoothly and reflects well on them both. 
Philip has made a strong start as chief executive and has set 
a clear course for the business both internally and externally. 
Also in our plans, James Dean succeeded Oliver Corbett as 
chairman of the audit committee on 3 June 2014 and we are 
already benefiting from his considerable skill and experience.

Strategy 

As I mentioned last year, the development of our strategic 
thinking and processes was a priority for 2014. Since the 
appointment of a new chief executive we have spent 
considerable time developing our strategy for the medium 
term. We have agreed that we will not change or dilute our 
core discretionary investment management model but will 
proactively seek related opportunities for growth. In particular, 
we will provide more services for high net worth clients and 
will widen our distribution capability. This evolutionary 
strategy has been presented to all staff in ‘town hall’ meetings. 
It was also the focus of separate presentations to investment 
analysts and major shareholders. The strategy, presented on 
pages 16 and 17 of this report, provides clarity in articulating 
both what we will do, and what we will not do. Delivery of our 
strategic objectives is a major task and we are fully committed 
to achieving our goals.

“ The delivery of our strategic objectives 
is a major task and we are fully 
committed to achieving our goals.”

2 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

Introduction Chairman’s statement

Governance, the board and 
senior management

Good culture and ethics are the best guardians of sound 
corporate governance and of course we continue to respond  
to ever-changing governance codes and standards. The board 
is well aware of the importance of setting the right ‘tone from 
the top’, and thereby ensuring that not only our clients but  
all our stakeholders benefit from a long-standing ethical 
culture. This culture must be nurtured.

  “ We continue to believe that the 

most significant risks to our business 
are operational risks that arise from  
the growth in our business and  
regulatory risks that may arise from 
continual changes to rules and  
standards in our sector.”

It is important to maintain and develop good relations with 
all our regulators and this is a high priority for our senior 
management. Increasing attention has been paid by the 
Financial Conduct Authority to ‘conduct risk’ and conflicts 
of interest in relation to the outcomes for clients. The long-
standing culture of Rathbones in putting the interests of our 
clients first is our best protection here, but we will remain 
vigilant. A new board conflicts of interest committee has been 
established, chaired by James Dean. 

As reported on page 26, in July we announced that we had 
entered into an agreement to settle legal proceedings in 
Jersey involving a former director and employee of a former 
subsidiary and in respect of our legal proceedings against 
certain of our insurers. Although our case was strong (and 
indeed judgement was given subsequently in our favour 
by the Court of Appeal in the insurance proceedings), the 
continuing costs and uncertainty of litigation, together with 
the management time taken, led the board to conclude that 
this settlement was in the best interest of shareholders.

During the year, in addition to regulatory matters, the board 
spent considerable time discussing strategy, risk management, 
potential acquisitions and the resolution of the Jersey legal 
proceedings referred to below. The discussions in the board 
meetings were robust, thorough and constructive. A third party 
board effectiveness review was carried out towards the end  
of the year by an independent assessor, which confirmed that 
the board was effective and working well. The review suggested 
some further refinements, albeit there were no surprises in 
these suggestions. We will be working on the recommendations 
made during the current year. 

I mentioned in last year’s report that we were intending  
to appoint an additional female non-executive director by 
2015. I am delighted to report that on 21 January 2015 Sarah 
Gentleman was appointed as a non-executive director. Sarah 
has had a career embracing both technology and financial 
services and I am sure she will make a significant contribution.

Philip Howell outlines in his report how the growth in  
our business has necessitated strengthening our senior 
management team in the areas of risk, strategy and organisation 
development. We have made some strong appointments and 
are now well placed for further growth. 

Risk and litigation

The report of the chairman of the risk committee, Kathryn 
Matthews, is set out on page 60. We have made good progress 
in developing a risk management framework and we look 
forward to the arrival of a chief risk officer, whom we expect 
to join us in March 2015. We continue to believe that the most 
significant risks to our business are operational risks that  
arise from the growth in our business and regulatory risks  
that may arise from continual changes to rules and standards 
in our sector.

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014  

3

Introduction Chairman’s statement

Remuneration 

Outlook

The report from the chairman of the remuneration committee, 
David Harrel, is set out on pages 62 to 67. It includes our  
new remuneration policy, which shareholders are asked to 
approve at the Annual General Meeting (AGM). This is 
intended to ensure that the executive directors’ remuneration 
is aligned both to our strategy and to the interests of 
Rathbones’ shareholders. During the year we appointed  
New Bridge Street to advise the remuneration committee.  
The new and simplified remuneration policy described  
on pages 61 to 65 complies fully with the latest financial 
services regulations on deferral, clawback and malus.

  “ The new and simplified remuneration 
scheme complies fully with the latest 
financial services regulations on deferral, 
clawback and malus.”

  “ I look forward to seeing the full benefit 
of our 2014 acquisitions in 2015, and 
working with our board in the coming 
years to develop and grow the business.”

Rathbones looks forward to future growth opportunities  
in the sector, but remains aware of the possible adverse market 
effects that current political and economic uncertainty  
may have, both in this country and overseas. I look forward 
to seeing the full benefit of our 2014 acquisitions in 2015, and 
working with our board in the coming years to develop and 
grow the business.  

Mark Nicholls  
Chairman

18 February 2015

Employees

The high calibre of our employees makes Rathbones a very 
enjoyable place to work, and a quality firm to do business with. 
Our employees have worked hard in a year of considerable 
change, to secure the very smooth integration of two 
significant new businesses. 

Shareholders

The successful share placing in April 2014, which was carried 
out at no discount to the prevailing market price, was evidence 
of the strong relationship we have developed with our 
shareholder base. We are fortunate to have several engaged 
institutional shareholders with a significant investment in the 
company. We have, and will continue to maintain, a regular and 
constructive dialogue with them. 

4 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

 
Introduction  

Chief Executive’s statement

  “ A lot of hard work went into making our 
2014 acquisitions a success, proving that 
we have the capability not only to attract 
new teams and clients, but also to make 
their journey to Rathbones as smooth 
and efficient as possible.”

£89.2 million at the end of 2013. Underlying operating 
expenses of £139.3 million grew very much in line with the 
growth in the business.

Underlying profit before tax was £61.5 million, up 21.8% on 
the £50.5 million earned last year, representing an underlying 
operating margin of 30.6%, which is consistent with our intent 
to deliver an underlying operating margin of around 30% 
throughout the economic cycle (2013: 28.6%). Underlying 
earnings per share of 102.4p were up 18.1% on the 86.7p 
earned in 2013 and also reflect the impact of the successful 
placing of 1,343,000 shares at no discount on 1 April 2014.

Profit before tax of £45.7 million was marginally up on the 
£44.2 million reported last year and reflects a number of one-
off items, the most significant being the cost of the settlement 
of legal proceedings involving a former director and employee 
of a former subsidiary Rathbone Trust Company Jersey 
Limited and the realisation of gains from sales of equity 
securities. We welcome the £1.0 million Financial Services 
Compensation Scheme levy refund received in December 
for costs of Keydata claims. A full list of items excluded from 
underlying results is shown on pages 25 and 26.

Our consolidated Common Equity Tier 1 ratio at 31 December 
2014 (including verified profits for the year) stood at 17.7%, 
as compared to 21.0% at 31 December 2013. This reflects the 
cost of the Jupiter Asset Management and Deutsche Asset & 
Wealth Management transactions which completed during 
the year, offset by the impact of the placing in April 2014. 

Our consolidated leverage ratio (including verified profits  
for the year) at 31 December 2014 was 7.5% compared with 
11.5% at 31 December 2013; this fall was due to growth in the 
balance sheet and the increase in intangible assets which  
have reduced Common Equity Tier 1 capital.

Key events in 2014

A lot of hard work went into making our 2014 acquisitions 
a success, proving that we have the capability not only to 
attract new teams and clients, but also to make their journey 
to Rathbones as smooth and efficient as possible. Once again, 
staff from across the business worked tirelessly to ensure that 
the transfer of client accounts was seamless. More details on 
the specifics of our 2014 acquisitions can be found on page 28. 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014  

5

Having taken over as chief executive on 1 March 2014, this is 
my first report and I am very pleased to start with what has 
been a particularly busy and successful year for Rathbones.

2014 financial performance 

Aside from a degree of volatility in the last quarter of 2014, 
financial markets were reasonably stable during the year.  
The FTSE 100 Index ended the year in broadly the same 
place it started and interest rates did not move from historical 
lows. Notwithstanding this backdrop, we continued to grow 
organically, which, together with a number of significant 
acquisitions and a strong performance in our unit trust 
business, increased our total funds under management by 
23.6% to £27.2 billion at 31 December 2014 from £22.0 billion  
a year ago. 

The purchase of part of Deutsche Asset & Wealth 
Management’s London-based private client investment 
management business was completed in June, adding  
£0.6 billion of funds under management, and the acquisition 
of Jupiter Asset Management’s  private client and charity 
investment management business added a further £2.0 billion 
in September. We continue to be successful in attracting 
investment managers to Rathbones, with both individuals 
and their clients settling in well. Total new acquired business 
in Rathbone Investment Management for 2014 was up 
substantially to £3.2 billion from £0.6 billion in 2013.

In addition, Rathbone Investment Management posted a net 
organic growth rate of 4.0% (2013: 5.4%), which is a resilient 
performance albeit below our 5% target. Our unit trust business 
continues to gain momentum, with £2.5 billion of funds  
under management at 31 December 2014 (2013: £1.8 billion).  
It attracted some £554 million of net funds in 2014, an increase 
of 69.4% on the £327 million reported last year. 

This growth is only partially reflected in the 13.8% increase 
in our underlying operating income to £200.8 million from 
£176.4 million in 2013, due to the timing of acquisitions.  
Net interest income of £9.2 million increased by 7.0% on the  
£8.6 million in 2013, largely reflecting higher cash balances in 
the year. Our client loan book grew 9.2% to £97.4 million from

 
Introduction Chief Executive’s statement

Key events in 2014 

  “ We remain committed to ensuring that 
clients receive a quality experience at 
Rathbones, and this has been clearly 
demonstrated by the positive client 
survey feedback we received this year.” 

We remain committed to ensuring that clients receive a 
quality experience at Rathbones, and this has been clearly 
demonstrated by the positive client survey feedback  
we received this year. Highlights of this are reported on  
page 30. We also made improvements to our online client 
and advisor portal and other client communications that 
were well received, as were the key client events we held at 
the Royal Academy, Imperial War Museum and our annual 
charity symposium at the Saatchi Gallery. We gratefully 
received a number of investment awards in 2014, including a 
Gold Standard award for discretionary portfolio management 
by Incisive Media, CityWealth Magic Circle’s award for 
charity investment manager of the year, six separate awards 
for Rathbone Unit Trust Management and the CityWealth 
International Financial Centre Award for the Investment 
Management Company of the Year, Channel Islands, awarded 
to Rathbone Investment Management International. 

In 2014, we combined the intermediary distribution teams 
in our investment management and unit trust businesses. 
This will allow us to provide the relationship and service 
structure that larger intermediaries and IFA networks demand. 
We continue to hold a 19.9% interest in Vision Independent 
Financial Planning Limited. Our relationship with Vision 
continues to bear fruit and we will consider whether to 
exercise our option to acquire the remaining 80.1% of the 
company in 2015.

As we grow, we continue to invest in our infrastructure, 
spending some £4.6 million in capital expenditure in 2014 
compared to £4.5 million in 2013. In addition to upgrading our 
front office workflow, online portal and finance systems, in 
May 2014 we successfully completed our planned data centre 
move in the North West, which was the last stage of  
a programme to materially upgrade the resilience and 
flexibility of our IT systems.

Full time equivalent headcount in Rathbones has grown  
from 833 at the start of the year to 880 at the end. This increase 
is a result of adding a mix of investment management teams 
and support roles, but also a select number of senior roles 
that we believe are necessary to manage future growth. In the 
second half of 2014 for example, we added a head of strategy 
and organisational development and strengthened our 
research and investment risk teams. We expect a chief  
risk officer to join us in March 2015.

As I reported in July, we were pleased to have closed off the 
long-running legal proceedings, which avoided the prospect 
of several more years of very substantial legal expenses and 
allowed our senior management team to apply its full focus  
to executing our strategic plan. 

Key initiatives for 2015

We launched our strategy in November through a series of 
‘town hall’ presentations to all Rathbones staff, an analyst 
dinner and an investor day. All these events were well attended 
and we were encouraged by the positive feedback.

Our strategy recognises that we are building on a successful 
track record and sets out a package of incremental initiatives 
that will drive growth in the medium term. These initiatives 
aspire to a net organic growth rate of 5% on average across the 
cycle in our core private client and charity businesses. This will 
be supplemented by the establishment of a Rathbones Private 
Office serving clients at the higher end of the wealth spectrum 
towards the end of 2015. We will also continue to enhance our 
distribution capability to position us more favourably with 
the professional intermediary market and plan to continue to 
grow our unit trust business. More detail on our strategy can be 
found on pages 16 and 17.

We have a strong culture within Rathbones that we will 
continue to nurture. Our management approach reaffirms our 
commitment to retaining our individualism and independence 
whilst making sure that our people are well informed and 
focused on delivering quality service. We also intend to 
launch a new Rathbones brand identity in 2015 that reflects 
the progressive company that Rathbones has become. This is 
highlighted on page 32.

Outlook

We will continue to invest in both people and infrastructure, 
working within the financial disciplines required to  
deliver a 30% underlying operating margin throughout  
the economic cycle.

In 2015, the heightened geopolitical and economic risks we 
face will almost certainly result in greater market volatility. 

Notwithstanding this challenging environment, we will 
continue to focus on delivering organic growth whilst 
remaining alert to sensible acquisition opportunities. There is 
strong momentum in the business to maintain our position 
as one of the leading providers of investment management 
services in the UK wealth market. 

Philip Howell 
Chief Executive

18 February 2015

6 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

 
Strategic report

Our market 
8 
10  Our business model 
11  Our approach 
16 
18 

Strategy and key performance indicators 
Risk management

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014  

7

 
  
 
Strategic report 

Our market

Market size

It is estimated that by the end of 2014 the UK asset management industry managed  
a total of £6.8 trillion, an increase of 9% on the £6.2 trillion managed at the end of 
20131. The Rathbone group principally operates within the sectors of this market that 
service private, retail and charity clients. Together these sectors  account for some  
£2.7 trillion of assets under management.

£598bn

£638bn

£999bn 

£1,832bn

UK asset  
management  
industry 
£6,193bn1

Private clients
•  There are 527,000 UK HNW 

individuals with investible assets  
of >£650,0004

•  Rathbone Investment  

Management has 46,000  
clients for whom we manage  
£24.7 billion, equating to around  
a 4% market share

£1,098bn 

•  Over 50% of the money we 

£1,029bn

Private clients 
Retail clients 
Institutional clients – other2 
Institutional clients  
– insurance companies  
Institutional clients  
– corporate pension funds 
Alternative funds3

manage is in client relationships  
of >£1 million.

Retail clients
•  Approximately 12 million  

people in the UK have investible 
assets of >£30,0005

•  Rathbone Unit Trust Management 
has £2.5 billion of funds under 
management, equating to around  
a 0.25% market share.

Institutional clients – other2
•  The top 48 charity fund  

managers look after about £55.5  
billion6 of funds between them 

•  Rathbone Investment  

Management looks after  
£3.3 billion of charity-related  
funds and we are ranked sixth.

1  The City UK Fund Management 2014 report
2 
3 
4  Capgemini 2014 World Wealth Report: a HNW individual is defined as 

Includes charities, sovereign wealth funds, local authorities and companies
Includes hedge funds, property funds and private equity funds

having >US$1m of investible assets

5  Aviva Key Customer Trends 2014: The High Net Worth Market report
6  Charity Finance, November 2014 (this information is not based on an 

exhaustive list of charity fund managers)

7  PAM 2014, value of funds under management at 31 December 2013

Within the overall UK asset management industry the wealth 
management sector, focused on retail and private clients, 
remains highly fragmented with a constellation of firms of 
differing scales offering a variety of wealth management 
solutions. There are currently more than 180 registered wealth 
management firms in the UK, ranging from the UK operations 
of large multi-national banking groups and private banks, to 
holistic wealth managers, investment management businesses, 
boutique investment businesses, traditional stock broking 
firms and online share dealing platforms. There are, however, 
relatively few companies of significant scale; Rathbones was 
one of fewer than 207 UK-based businesses with over £15 
billion of funds under management at the end of 2013, and this 
trend continued in 2014 despite a number of large corporate 
acquisitions. In a rapidly changing market it is likely that the 
industry will see further consolidation over the coming years. 

Market services

The service offering to clients can differ significantly, reflecting 
different business models, variations in investment styles and 
company cultures. For example: 

• 

the extensive use of in-house investment products within 
client portfolios versus an open architecture approach to 
investment selection

•  a prescriptive model-based approach to portfolio 
construction versus a more tailored solution

•  a general financial advice led sales model versus a more 

investment led solution, or

• 

the use of an execution-only dealing platform versus a full 
service relationship with an investment house. 

Value of funds under management7 £bn 

s
m
r
fi
f
o
r
e
b
m
u
N

100

80

60

40

20

0

84

48

35

18

16

8

13

12

  >15.0  >10.0  >5.0 
–10.0 

–15.0 

>1.0  >0.75  >0.50  >0.25  <0.25 
–0.75 
–5.0 

–0.50

–1.0 

There are three common but very different investment  
service offerings available to UK wealth management clients, 
each appealing to a different type of client and their  
particular needs.

Discretionary

Under a discretionary service mandate, the client gives  
their investment manager total discretion over all investment 
decisions in respect of their portfolio.

Advisory

An advisory service may involve the client generating all 
their own investment ideas but discussing these with their 
investment manager prior to instructing the latter to deal. 
Alternatively the investment manager may be responsible for 
generating the investment ideas for a client’s portfolio but 

8 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report Our market

Market services Advisory

is obliged to discuss these with the client and gain approval 
before dealing. The latter is often referred to as an advisory 
managed service.

Execution-only

An execution-only service, also referred to as a self-directed 
service, will involve the client taking complete responsibility  
for their own investment decisions, relying on information  
made available to them via a share dealing platform or the 
media to make decisions.

Discretionary and advisory investment solutions are either 
tailored to a particular client’s needs or structured according  
to a central model, and involve the selection, to a varying  
degree, of ‘in-house’ funds. 

Opportunities and trends

Wealth management 

The private client sector of the UK asset management  
industry grew by some 16% in 2014 to account for 10% of the 
total industry funds under management1. There is continuing 
evidence of demand from wealthy investors for high-quality 
wealth management solutions that are appropriate to  
their particular requirements. We are also seeing a trend  
towards a more ‘involved’ client base that will increasingly 
demand more value for money and access to information to 
assess performance.

At the same time UK-based individuals will increasingly need 
to take greater responsibility for funding their own retirement 
and care costs, which may be supplemented by savings and 
investments outside their pension. At the same time, however, 
the overall outlook for the UK is one of low wealth generation 
over the next few years. On balance, a combination of these 
factors should present opportunities to increase our market 
share amongst clients looking for a quality investment led 
service provided by a firm with which they can establish a  
long term relationship.

It is reported that a third1 of the total funds under management 
in the UK came from overseas clients, indicating that the UK 
(and London in particular) is a leading global location for the 
management of funds for foreign clients. The UK would appear 
well positioned to continue to capture a growing share of the 
global wealth market, and within this we see some opportunities 
for our wealth management service offering to attract a greater 
proportion of the international non-domiciled population. 

Advice gap

The recent withdrawal of big banks from the advice and 
financial planning sector of the wealth management market, 
combined with a growing trend of increasingly high minimum 
thresholds for investment management services, has resulted  
in some interesting growth opportunities as affected clients  

(and in some instances their advisors) seek to find an alternative 
home. The recent development of new platform offerings aimed 
at self-directed investors is a good example. Similarly, larger 
groups have moved towards a ‘vertically integrated’ business 
model, seeking to marry their wealth management and advice 
capabilities. More generally we expect investment management 
firms to continue to benefit from increased intermediary 
referrals for specific investment services. We also expect clients 
that are no longer tied to the in-house product-based solutions 
(that have been historically part of a more holistic bank financial 
planning offering) to be looking for alternative service providers.

Pensions

The trend away from defined benefit schemes has persisted 
and we continue to see growth not only in defined contribution 
pension schemes but also individual personal savings. The latter 
in particular is an opportunity for investment management 
firms who provide self invested personal pensions (SIPPs). 
Recent changes to the UK pension system announced in the 
2014 Budget, along with proposed further changes regarding the 
taxation of inherited pensions, support the trend toward a more 
flexible approach to retirement planning. This is likely to present 
opportunities for client relationships to be retained for longer.

Regulation

The regulatory change agenda remains busy for the  
industry, with a focus on the conduct risks and culture of 
financial services firms to ensure that their services continue  
to be suitable for clients. 

In particular this year, the Financial Conduct Authority’s  
(FCA) increased focus on price transparency within the UK has 
led to some interesting debates regarding the ‘unbundling’ of 
research costs from fees (driven by European regulators), the 
use of in-house products within investment portfolios and the 
identification and management of conflicts of interest. The 
outcome of the unbundling debate remains unclear and we 
continue to monitor the situation; however, any impact will 
only affect Rathbone Unit Trust Management as Rathbone 
Investment Management already pays directly for research. 

Systems

Recent comments from the FCA indicate that in general the 
wealth management sector needs to invest further in long term 
system development in order to ensure systems remain reliable 
and keep pace with technological advancements and client 
demands. Stable IT and operations platforms that can handle 
significant volumes will continue to play an important role in 
determining a competitive advantage and securing scale 
benefits in the market. 

Corporate acquisitions

The UK market remains fragmented and will continue to 
undergo significant change. This is expected to present 
acquisition opportunities. Such opportunities may be in the 
form of corporate acquisitions of companies or blocks of clients, 
or via the recruitment of individual investment managers. 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014  

9

 
Strategic report 

Our business model

Our vision is to be the UK’s leading independently-owned provider of wealth 
management services to private clients, charities, professional intermediaries  
and trustees by building trusted relationships with our clients and delivering 
outstanding client service, value for money and investment excellence. 

We are building on our successful business model to provide bespoke investment 
solutions delivered by high-quality professionals to a wider and more diverse  
client base. 

•  A well founded brand
•  Skilled employees 
•  Reliable systems and infrastructure
•  Accredited performance reporting
•  Clear shareholder communication

Investment and advisory services

Leading brand 
and reputation

•  An individual client relationship
•  A collaborative investment process
•  Focused distribution
•  Proprietary operations and IT

Independent 
ownership

•  Focus on a personal discretionary  
investment management service

•  An independent but complementary 

unit trust business 

•  A core offering that is supported by:

–  Financial planning advice
–  Banking and loan services
–  UK trust, legal, estate and  

tax advice

–  Multi asset funds

Strong corporate structure

•  Personal service and integrity 
•  Staff shareholding 
•  Low staff turnover 
•  Commitment to training and 

development

•  Careful selection of new  

recruitment opportunities 

•  Proactive management of conduct  

and investment risks

Growth and value creation

•  Listed on the London  

Stock Exchange

•  Market capitalisation of 

approximately £1 billion at  
31 December 2014

•  16.1% staff-related shareholding
•  Highest standards of corporate 

governance

•  A track record of consistent net organic growth
•  Successful acquisitions that fit our culture
•  Proactive cost management 
•  Value-based remuneration
•  Underlying operating margins of around 30% throughout  

the economic cycle

•  Stable dividend growth

How we deliver

An individual client relationship

A collaborative investment process

Focused distribution 

Proprietary operations and IT 

•  Private clients know the  

investment professional that 
manages their money

•  Long and trusted relationships with 

our clients and intermediaries
•  Online services supplement core 

client relationships

•  No bias towards in-house funds  

or services

•  A bespoke approach to portfolio 
construction supported by an 
influential central process
•  Respect for each manager’s 

professional skills and experience 

•  Firm wide processes pool 

intellectual capital 

•  Strategic asset allocation  
and coverage of core and 
diversifying investments
•  A whole of market approach

•  Direct client referral
•  Focus on UK financial advisors  

•  A dedicated in-house custody and 

settlement platform 

and intermediaries 

•  No data reconciliation between 

•  Unit trusts marketed directly  

multiple databases

to intermediaries and via 
investment platforms

•  ‘Front office’ tools to help deliver a 

personal service efficiently 

•  Outsourced unit trust operations 
•  A developing digital platform 
•  GIPS accredited performance 

measurement systems

10 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

Strategic report  

Our approach

Investment and advisory services

Size of client relationship by value of funds under management

The Rathbone group provides investment solutions to  
clients with £1,000 to upwards of £100 million to invest. 
Through Rathbone Investment Management, we provide 
wealth management solutions largely to private clients, 
charities and trustees. Through Rathbone Unit Trust 
Management, we provide unit trust and multi asset fund 
products, sold through intermediaries, to the retail sector. 
We also provide UK trust, legal and tax services to higher net 
worth individuals and families. 

Our investment services and products meet the specific 
requirements of clients and their advisors, sometimes through 
tax wrapped products such as individual savings accounts 
(ISAs) or self invested personal pensions (SIPPs). Over the 
course of 2014 we have aligned the business to improve our 
focus on each of our key business channels: private clients, 
charities and specialist services, private office, unit trusts, 
multi asset funds and loan services. 

Private clients

Investment portfolios for private clients include a mixture 
of main, ISA, trust and pension accounts. Our clients’ 
requirements vary both in relation to the size of their portfolio 
and as a result of their individual needs. We specialise in 
providing a high quality service that is relevant to clients 
(and their advisors) looking for a discretionary investment 
management service. A direct relationship, combined 
with a discretionary and bespoke approach to investment 
management allows us to deliver a quality service which is 
tailored to each client’s needs and that responds to changes in 
investment conditions and their circumstances. 

Client account type by value of funds under management

Private clients 
ISAs 
Trusts and settlements 
Pensions (including SIPPs) 
Charities 
Other

40.3%

8.1%

13.1%

11.2%

12.8%

14.5%

Discretionary investment management will remain the 
core client proposition within our investment management 
business; however, we recognise that certain clients may 
wish to take a more active role in the management of their 
investments. We therefore expect to see some growing 
demand for advisory or advisory managed portfolios, although 
this is likely to remain a relatively small proportion of our 
overall business. Whilst we do operate a small number of 
execution-only accounts, these are generally linked to a 
discretionary client account and we do not offer this ‘dealing’ 
service as a stand alone proposition. 

>£10 million 
>£5 million 
>£1 million 
>£500,000 
>£250,000 
<£250,000

9.8%

17.7%

14.1%

17.6%

8.2%

32.6%

Our average private client portfolio is £479,000 and over  
half of the money we manage is in client relationships of 
greater than £1 million. We offer our discretionary service 
to clients with investible assets of £100,000 upwards and 
understand that many of the smaller client accounts that we 
manage are often linked to a much larger client relationship. 
We consider it is important to provide a flexible approach to 
managing these full service discretionary portfolios that aligns 
with the client’s wishes, rather than ‘forcing’ them into a  
model-based portfolio solution.

We also run the Rathbone Unitised Portfolio Service, which 
represents an investment opportunity for clients with fewer 
investible assets (£25,000 or more) who are still looking for 
a discretionary investment management service but do not 
require a bespoke approach to portfolio construction. This 
solution uses the Rathbone Multi Asset Portfolio funds (see 
page 12) as building blocks and offers an attractive proposition 
for intermediaries requiring a service for smaller investors.

Rathbone Pension & Advisory Services is our independent 
chartered financial planning business, providing ‘whole of 
market’ advice to our clients on financial planning options 
including retirement and inheritance tax planning, as well as 
offering advice on the Rathbone SIPP. In the last few years 
there has been increased demand from many of our clients 
for a more rounded wealth management solution. We have 
therefore recently decided to embed the Rathbone Pension 
& Advisory Services team within Rathbone Investment 
Management to better support our investment teams. Our 
proposition will remain largely investment focused, with 
advisory and financial planning services complementing  
our core investment management service, rather than 
becoming our primary service. 

Many of our clients already receive financial planning  
advice elsewhere and we will actively continue to work 
alongside these advisors for the benefit of our mutual  
clients. In December 2014 we completed the sale of our  
small SIPP administration business to Curtis Banks.

Charity and specialist services

At the start of 2014 we formed a new charity and specialist 
services division within our investment management business 
to improve our service to and provide a focal point 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014  

11

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report Our approach

Investment and advisory services Charity and specialist services

Unit trust funds

for charities, friendly societies and mutual associations,  
livery companies, unions, pension funds and specialist ethical 
mandate clients.

We currently manage £3.3 billion for the 1,145 clients of our 
charity business and we estimate that this equates to a circa 
6% market share by value of funds under management. Larger 
charity clients share many similarities with private clients but 
require a quasi-institutional investment service. Our specialist 
charity team, located in both our London and Liverpool offices, 
has the experience and skills needed to support mid-tier and 
large charities. This team is also able to support the private 
client investment managers who often manage smaller  
(sub-£1 million) charity accounts, generally linked to their 
existing clients. We have been particularly successful in 
attracting charities with a particular bias towards education, 
religion and the disadvantaged and disabled. We intend to 
continue to focus attention on these areas of the charity 
market. In 2014 we recruited a new head of charities in 
London, in order to support the growth of the team and enable 
the head of the division to focus on its development. 

Rathbone Greenbank Investments is a leader amongst  
our wealth management peers as a specialist ethical  
and sustainable investment service provider. Rathbone 
Greenbank Investments manages £0.7 billion for private 
clients, charities and trusts which wish to reflect their social, 
ethical and environmental values through their investment 
choices, either via a bespoke investment portfolio or the 
careful selection of managed funds which meet their 
individual criteria. 

Private office

The Rathbone Private Office, which was launched in October 
2014, will be led by Andrew Clark, who joined us as part of the 
Jupiter transaction and has much experience in this sector. 
Although the Private Office is in its early stages, our aim is to 
combine many of the key business capabilities we already 
offer to clients through our trust, tax, family office support and 
banking services. In May 2014 we acquired the law firm Rooper 
& Whately, adding further depth to the range of advisory 
services provided through Rathbone Trust Company and 
resulting in it becoming regulated by the Solicitors Regulation 
Authority (SRA). 

We currently manage around £1 billion for clients with 
portfolios worth £10 million and above, many of whom are also 
clients of our trust business. There is significant opportunity to 
expand our existing reach within the ‘Super High Net Worth’ 
(SHNW) segment of the market (£10 million – £100 million), 
which appears to have been poorly served by international 
and UK private banks, and multi-family offices, and therefore 
needs a credible alternative. We will add services to our SHNW 
proposition over time, recruiting experienced personnel to 
help drive growth in this segment of the market and entering 
into selective partnerships, to provide certain specific ‘banking’ 
services which will be expected by a SHNW client base. 

Our independent unit trust business, Rathbone Unit Trust 
Management, is a boutique asset manager providing a focused 
range of unit trusts designed to service and support the retail 
client market. At the end of December 2014 we managed  
£2.5 billion in collective funds. This is a highly competitive 
sector, serviced by similar sized boutique firms as well as large 
multi-nationals. Our market share is 0.25% of total available 
funds under management.

Our unit trusts are predominantly designed to support the 
financial advice market and as such are distributed in the 
UK principally through financial intermediaries and third 
party platforms. Within the retail client sector investment 
performance is a critical factor in determining whether 
to invest in a fund. We have a clearly defined investment 
philosophy and process for each fund, and take a long term 
perspective in the way we manage money. Our positive three 
and five year fund performance record has proved beneficial 
in attracting inflows from intermediaries looking to invest 
on behalf of their clients and to a lesser extent individuals 
managing their money on a self-directed basis via an 
investment platform. 

As at 31 December 2014 only 1.4% of Rathbone Investment 
Management’s funds under management were held in our 
retail unit trust funds. We do not actively promote cross 
ownership of our unit trust funds within our investment 
management portfolios. 

We take a boutique approach to our fund management 
business, specialising in areas where we believe we add real 
value and which play to the talent and experience of our fund 
managers. We focus on creating and incubating products 
which not only complement our existing fund range, but 
importantly will also ensure that we have credible products 
with recognised track records.

Multi asset funds

The Rathbone multi asset funds provide a useful investment 
solution for clients with smaller investment portfolios (from 
£1,000 to invest) and are the building blocks for the collective 
investment management solution for smaller private clients 
delivered via the Rathbone Unitised Portfolio Service. These 
funds are also available to external investors and their advisors. 
There are currently three multi asset strategies: strategic 
growth, enhanced growth and total return, which have been 
designed as a core holding for advisers seeking to generate a 
level of return within defined levels of risk volatility. 

Loan services

As a licensed deposit taker we are able to offer our clients a 
range of banking services, including currency and payment 
services, and fixed interest term deposits. We also offer loans  
to our existing clients secured against their investment 
portfolios and in some cases other assets. These additional 
services are valued by our clients and are an important point  
of differentiation amongst many of our peers. 

12 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

Strategic report Our approach

Leading brand and reputation

Rathbones is recognised and respected within the financial 
services industry. We have built a reputation amongst our 
clients and peers for professionalism, reliability, efficiency 
and trustworthiness: attributes borne out in a client survey 
that we conducted earlier this year. Importantly the survey 
also highlighted that our clients felt that they were treated 
as individuals and valued as clients. Further information 
regarding the results of our client survey is available in the  
case study on page 30.

We continue to attract new clients looking for a personal and 
professional service; many are referred by our existing clients, 
with whom we have built long-standing relationships, in some 
instances spanning several generations. 

Over the course of 2014 we have reviewed our brand and in 
2015 we will launch a new brand based on the core business 
principles identified as part of the review. The new brand will 
support our strategic growth plans for our different business 
divisions and highlight the progressive, forward looking and 
innovative nature of Rathbones. Further information regarding 
our brand review is available in the case study on page 32.  
Our refreshed brand will convey four key attributes, which are 
at the heart of our business culture, support our successful 
business model and are relevant for all our stakeholders: 
individual, independent, informed and quality. 

Independent ownership

Our independent ownership is important to the way we run 
our business. Unlike investment houses owned by a larger 
parent we are able to invest in the group as is most appropriate 
to meet our clients’ needs. We do not compete for resource 
with other business divisions, nor face pressure to invest in 
in-house products or adopt ‘house’ systems, procedures and 
strategy. Instead we have been able to set a strategy which 
complements our focus on the segments of the UK asset 
management market that we serve and develop the common 
platform which is key to our successful business model and 
supports our service offering.

In recent years, the UK wealth management market has been 
subject to significant regulation, merger and acquisition 
activity and corporate change. Throughout this period, we 
have remained stable, allowing us to focus our attention on 
constantly improving our client service and increasing the 
scalability of the business. This stability has supported our 
growth, both organic and through acquisition.

A strong culture

Our independent ownership and staff shareholding is an 
important part of our business culture. Across the business 

we try to act with integrity and with a sense of personal 
responsibility, putting our clients first, in order to deliver 
the right result. Nearly all employees are shareholders in 
the company and as such are directly incentivised by, and 
motivated to ensure, the positive performance of the group 
and its continuing long term success. We all draw confidence 
for the future from our financial stability and FTSE 250  
status, but still value the personal relationship we have with 
our clients.

We are careful to ensure that new recruits share our client 
service ethos and investment philosophy. Our commitment to 
a bespoke approach to investment management is becoming 
rarer in the wealth management market and has attracted 
many new clients, and indeed investment professionals. 

Continuity of service, across all business areas, is important 
to our clients and this is best achieved by employing quality 
individuals who are motivated to strive for the highest client 
service standards. Turnover amongst our employees remains 
low; 2% amongst investment teams in 2014 and 4% in total 
across all areas of the group. This has not only ensured high 
levels of continuity for our clients and their advisers but 
has also resulted in a substantial pool of knowledge and 
experience within the business. 

Career development is important to us and we strive to provide 
a high-quality learning and development experience for all 
our employees, to ensure they are well informed and to help 
them achieve both their professional and personal potential. 
In recent years we have paid greater attention to leadership 
development and we expect this will continue over the course 
of 2015. We will continue to place emphasis on leadership and 
management skills development and will provide mentoring 
where appropriate, as well as ensuring that continuing 
professional development training remains relevant. We will 
be developing clearer career structures for all our employees, 
which will help both in terms of transparency and motivation. 
We will also refine our remuneration structures as appropriate.

We are an equal opportunities employer. We do not have a 
human rights policy because we do not consider this would be 
relevant to our business.

Our remuneration model closely aligns the interests of our key 
stakeholders, helping us to continue to create ongoing value 
for our clients, shareholders and employees: not just in the 
short term but over the longer term too.

We aspire to meet, if not exceed, regulatory requirements and 
see our regulators, the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA), 
FCA and SRA, as important stakeholders. We recognise the role 
that these regulators play in setting the wider industry agenda 
and we are keen to ensure that we continue to retain a strong 
focus on meeting the needs and expectations of our clients in 
all that we do. 

At the end of 2014 we held a series of meetings with all 
our employees to share with them our strategic vision for 
Rathbones. In 2015 we will continue to increase the level 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014  

13

 
Strategic report Our approach

A strong culture 

of ‘corporate conversation’ within the business in order to 
positively engage with all employees. 

How we deliver

As employee, technology and regulatory costs increase, it 
remains important to ensure that we maintain our client 
relationships, retain our skilled resources and develop our 
business. We will do this by building upon the common platform 
of service approach and processes that support the business.

An individual client relationship

We treat our clients as individuals. As our approach to 
investment management is focused on understanding our 
clients’ specific needs and delivering a personal service, our 
clients have direct access to their own investment manager, 
rather than a relationship manager. As a result, client portfolios 
are structured individually to reflect each client’s unique 
needs, objectives, attitude to risk and capacity for loss: 
providing a bespoke solution rather than the one-size-fits-
all approach. We encourage a regular dialogue between our 
investment managers and their clients, allowing any changes 
in client circumstances or sentiment to be reflected in their 
portfolio in a timely and informed manner.

A collaborative investment process

Our investment philosophy is built upon the notion of 
‘investment autonomy with accountability’, supported 
and enhanced by a non-prescriptive but influential central 
investment process. This ensures that when constructing an 
investment portfolio an investment manager can draw on 
in-house expertise to support the asset allocation and security 
selection choices they believe will best suit a client’s individual 
needs. Our investment managers are encouraged to use their 
experience and intellect to construct the portfolio. 

Investment managers contribute to the central investment 
process which pools the significant intellectual capital of 
Rathbones. Of our 249 investment professionals around 
70 are actively involved in the daily running of our central 
investment process, the associated committees and research 
output, with many more contributing on a more ad hoc basis 
in terms of the dissemination of ideas and research.

We have expanded and strengthened our central research 
function with the hire of analysts to provide greater coverage 
of European and North American equities, fixed income and 
collective securities in 2014. We will continue to develop 
our in-house research capability to provide further breadth 
and depth to our current UK coverage and have commenced 
selective international coverage. We continue to refine our  
risk monitoring and measurement systems.

The performance of all investment managers is measured and 
monitored on a risk-adjusted basis over one, three and five 
year periods, including performance against benchmarks and 

an assessment of portfolio volatility. This balanced approach 
combined with easily accessible and reliable attribution 
analysis seeks to ensure that all clients receive the same high 
standard of care.

In the second half of 2014 of we recruited a head of investment 
process and risk, who will further strengthen our investment 
risk management capability and develop our risk assessment 
and quality assurance processes. In June 2014 we announced 
that we had achieved the Global Investment Performance 
Standards (GIPS) accreditation for our performance 
measurement systems. This has added further credibility to  
the data and systems that support our investment teams.

Focused distribution 

Referrals from existing clients continue to be an important  
part of our business. Over the last few years we have sought  
to improve our intermediary offering, working hard to  
develop further our relationships with financial advisors  
and to improve the quality of service for this important sector 
of the market. 

In 2014 we revised our distribution strategy to address  
certain capacity issues experienced by investment managers 
and meet the expectations of the intermediary market. We 
combined our existing unit trust sales team and investment 
management business development team to create a single 
distribution team. We can now better support growth in 
the intermediated and ‘business-to-business’ channels, 
by harnessing our resources to provide the one point 
of call service larger intermediary groups demand. Our 
single distribution team will provide UK financial advisers 
with a consistent, professional point of contact for all 
their outsourcing needs as well as infrastructure support. 
Following the acquisition of Jupiter’s private client and 
charity investment management business, we now also 
have the capability to widen our distribution to focus on the 
intermediaries who service the non-domiciled private client 
market. Many of the changes to our distribution strategy were 
made towards the end of 2014 and as such we expect to see 
momentum start to build in our intermediary initiatives  
in the second half of 2015. We will be monitoring the growth  
and development of this area carefully. 

In 2012 we announced the acquisition of a 19.9% holding in 
Vision Independent Financial Planning Limited and its sister 
company, Castle Investment Solutions Limited. Vision  
remains a contributor to our overall distribution strategy 
and we are assessing whether we will exercise our option to 
acquire the remaining 80.1% of the business. This decision  
will be made in 2015. 

Proprietary operations and IT

Over many years we have built a strong in-house operations 
and IT department, predominantly centred in our Liverpool 
office, in order to service our investment management and 
financial advisory businesses. By retaining the majority of 
these functions in-house, rather than outsourcing them, we are 
able to control quality and service standards, as well as 

14 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

Strategic report Our approach

How we deliver Proprietary operations and IT

ensuring that our responses to business change are more 
flexible. Where we cannot achieve service differentiation  
or economies of scale we have outsourced, for example in the 
case of the operations functions of our unit trust business.

Consistent incremental investment in our operations and IT 
infrastructure has resulted in the development of a robust, 
reliable and responsive operating platform, onto which 
bespoke industry leading front office modules have been built. 
Crucially all our systems (both front and back office) are fully 
integrated, with a central consolidated database ensuring 
data integrity across all the modular ‘bolt-on’ programmes. 
Our core system can support significant further growth in 
funds under management. Our recent acquisitions provided a 
useful opportunity to successfully ‘stress test’ our systems and 
client ‘on-boarding’ processes. In 2015 we will be improving 
our collective security settlement process and focusing on 
streamlining and speeding up our client take-on processes in 
order to make this as efficient as possible.

During 2013 we launched our purpose built Asset Allocation 
Modelling (AAM) module of our front office system, the 
Rathbone Investment Desk. This was an investment manager- 
driven enhancement that allows greater interaction between 
client portfolio management tools and the output of our 
central investment process, as well as providing a number of 
risk management benefits. Other benefits include significant 
time savings for our investment managers, allowing portfolio 
rebalancing, modelling and straight through processing of 
trades at the touch of a button. At the end of 2014, nearly 
one third of all trades were performed through AAM. Our 
AAM system also provides the functionality to help secure a 
consistent performance outcome across investment portfolios  
structured according to a particular investment strategy, 
regardless of which office or investment manager is running 
the portfolio. This should be particularly attractive to the 
intermediary market.

Other systems developments in 2014 included a significant 
software upgrade to our document management system, 
improving its functionality and building upon its relationship 
management capability. We also successfully launched 
an enhanced version of our online service for our clients, 
providing access to a range of portfolio information. We now 
have 22,000 clients with online access to this information. 

Growth and value creation

Our vision is to be the leading independently-owned provider 
of wealth management services to private clients, charities, 
professional intermediaries and trustees by building trusted 
relationships with our clients and delivering outstanding client 
service, value for money and investment excellence for clients 
who want long term results. By delivering growth and value 
creation for our existing clients, and attracting new clients  
to join us, we ultimately generate value for our shareholders 
and employees.

Over the last five years we have grown funds under 
management by an average of 16% per annum. As market 
conditions allow, our aim through a combination of organic 
and purchased growth, supplemented by incremental 
initiatives, is to be a group with £40 billion of funds under 
management by the end of 2018. 

We anticipate that organic growth will be achieved through  
a combination of growth from existing client referrals, a more 
focused approach to intermediary marketing, and careful 
investment in our unit trust business. We strive to achieve 
5% net organic growth per annum across the economic cycle 
within our investment management business.

Our organic growth has been supplemented by carefully 
selected purchased growth. In 2014 we successfully completed 
the purchase of part of Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management’s 
London-based private client investment management 
business and the acquisition of Jupiter’s private client and 
charity investment management business. Together these two 
acquisitions accounted for over £2.6 billion of purchased funds 
under management. In addition we have recruited a number 
of investment managers, who have brought £549 million of 
funds with them as at the end of 2014. We will continue to 
look proactively for suitable acquisition opportunities that will 
fit our culture and strategy. More information on this year’s 
purchased growth can be found on page 28.

Our unit trust business has performed strongly over 2014,  
with the majority of our funds ranked in the first or second 
quartile over three and five years. We will continue to develop 
this business organically and through the launch of additional 
unit trust and multi asset funds targeted to meet the future 
needs of investors. 

An important measure of our value creation is our 30% 
underlying operating margin, which we are focused on 
maintaining throughout the economic cycle. We accept that 
this may fluctuate up or down depending on investment 
conditions over any one reporting period, but we will maintain 
cost and revenue disciplines throughout to achieve this goal.

One of our key long term strategic goals is to provide a 
growing stream of dividend income for our shareholders, 
delivered through steady and consistent growth in earnings 
per share. We recognise that the consistency of our dividend 
is important to many of our shareholders. We expect to retain 
a dividend cover between one and two times across the cycle 
and do not expect to cut our dividend other than in extreme 
circumstances. Our dividend payout ratio for 2014 is 67%  
(2013: 64%). 

We remain committed to communicating regularly and 
transparently with our shareholders. In 2014 we again hosted 
an Investor Day for institutional shareholders, at which we 
provided a summary of our strategic objectives for the period 
to 31 December 2018. Additional information regarding our 
shareholder communications can be found in our corporate 
governance report on page 55 and in the investor relations 
section of our website.

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014  

15

 
Strategic report 

Strategy and key performance indicators

Our strategic objectives and principles

Our strategic initiatives

To provide high-quality  
investment management, tax,  
trust and pension services for 
private individuals, charities  
and trusts

We will:

•  Ensure that our clients 

communicate directly with  
the professional responsible  
for managing their money  
by retaining our combined 
’investment manager-  
relationship manager′ role 

•  Support our investment  

managers with a collaborative 
central investment process and 
research capability

•  Continue to offer an offshore 

investment management service

•  Use our ‘banking licence’ to help 
grow the amount we lend to  
clients and in the future provide 
wider services to higher net  
worth individuals

•  Maintain the lowest threshold  
for discretionary investment 
management services  
at £100,000

•  Continue to run our operations  
and IT functions in-house with 
limited outsourcing.

We will not:

•  Operate prescriptive model 

portfolios for our discretionary 
investment management service

•  Expand our banking activity to 
provide retail banking services.

•  Continue to invest in and develop 
the framework for controlling 
investment and conduct risks

•  Strengthen our in-house research 
capability to deepen our UK and 
international securities coverage, 
and ensure that access to research 
output is prompt and consistent

•  Enhance our investment 

performance measurement and 
reporting, building upon our GIPS 
accreditation

•  Harness the experience of our 

business development functions, 
now operating as a single sales 
team, in order to extend our 
intermediary relationships

•  Develop, over the medium  

term, an ’advisory managed’ 
service for clients seeking greater 
involvement in portfolio 
management decisions

•  Gradually realign and develop  

our existing Super High Net Worth 
capabilities for clients with over 
£10 million of investible assets 
under the banner of the Rathbone 
Private Office

•  Simplify our pricing structures  
to provide value for money and 
greater transparency to clients

•  Develop our multi asset 

investment solution for clients 
with less than £100,000 

•  Promote more communication 
with clients and continue to 
develop our online service 
capability to support this.

To provide a growing stream  
of dividend income for 
shareholders, delivered through 
steady and consistent growth  
in earnings per share

•  Manage capital and liquidity  
at optimal levels in light of  
market conditions, regulatory 
requirements and growth 
opportunities

We will:

•  Maintain our underlying  

operating margin at 30% over the 
economic cycle

•  Be uncompromising on  
regulatory standards.

We will not:

•  Provide execution-only investment 

•  Grow our unit trust and multi asset 

services as a core offering

funds business

•  Expand internationally via offices or 

•  Maintain dividend cover of 1–2x

acquisition

•  Actively search for suitable bolt-on 

•  Build our corporate charitable 

acquisition opportunities and 
selectively recruit experienced 
investment managers to join us

•  Target net organic growth of  

5% per annum throughout the 
economic cycle in our core 
investment management business

•  Develop our range of unit trust  

and multi asset funds in areas that 
fit our expertise and where we  
can add value

•  Continue to operate a 

footprint and enhance our social 
responsibility credentials

•  Continue to communicate 

regularly and transparently with 
the market and shareholders

•  Maintain open and effective 

relationships with regulators and 
tax authorities.

•  Continue to invest in selective team 
and business acquisitions that fit 
our culture and increase 
shareholder value

•  Invest and reinvest in  

infrastructure to drive cost 
efficiency, improve client service 
and support organic growth

To provide an interesting and 
stimulating career environment for 
staff, including a commitment that 
all employees share in the equity 
and profits of the business

We will:

•  Retain a flat management 

structure, adhering to a ’player-
manager′ principle for branch and 
team leadership

•  Manage resources in anticipation 
of, rather than as a reaction to, 
future growth

•  Promote a culture of ’professional 
autonomy with accountability′ 
amongst investment managers

•  Maintain high levels of  

employee retention to help ensure 
the continuity and quality of client 
service

•  Expand our regional network 

conservative treasury policy 

outside specific selected regions

•  Move, on any scale, into the retail 

advisory sector.

•  Invest in business systems to 

foster a better understanding of 
profitablility drivers at an 
individual or team level

•  Provide competitive and fair 
benchmarked remuneration

•  Continue to promote the  
highest professional and  
personal standards through 
investment in training 

•  Offer share-based saving  
schemes to all employees.

We will not:

•  Reward performance for 

behaviours that are not aligned 
with shareholder and client 
interests

•  Promote a ‘team’ approach  

and wide investment process 
participation amongst  
investment managers

•  Review remuneration structures  

to reflect changes in the  
economic, regulatory and 
competitive environment

•  Proactively manage any  

capacity issues in investment 
management teams

•  Invest in leadership and 

management skills development 
across the business

•  Drive greater share ownership 
across the business through 
remuneration schemes  
for investment personnel  
and key support managers, and 
actively encourage ownership  
for other staff.

16 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

Strategic report Strategy and key performance indicators

Our strategic initiatives

Key performance indicators

Total funds under management

Net organic growth rates in Investment  
Management funds under management

Performance and advice 
•  Risk F  

Principal risks to strategy

27.2

22.0

18.0

15.6

15.9

3.0

n
o

i
l
l
i

b
£

2.0

1.0

0

%

60

40

20

0

5.3

5.4

5.4

3.0

4.0

2010 

2011 

2012 

2013 

2014

2010 

2011 

2012 

2013 

2014

Unit Trusts net inflows

Number of Investment Management clients

Processing 
•  Risk N  

Regulatory 
•  Risk O  

Reputational 
•  Risk G  

600

400

n
o

554

327

97

66

(30)

200

i
l
l
i

m
£

0

-200

37.4

38.4

39.5

41.0

46.0

0
0
0

’

50

40

30

20

10

0

2010 

2011 

2012 

2013 

2014

2010 

2011 

2012 

2013 

2014

Dividend per share

Underlying earnings per share

44

46

47

49

52

p

60

40

20

0

78.8

77.4

86.7

63.8

102.4

120

p

80

40

0

2010 

2011 

2012 

2013 

2014

2010 

2011 

2012 

2013 

2014

Underlying profit before tax

Underlying operating margin

Business model 
•  Risk E  

Credit 
•  Risk A  

Pension 
•  Risk D  

p21

p22

p22

p21

p21

p20

p20

46.2

44.8

50.5

38.5

61.5

0
0
0
£

’

80

60

40

20

0

40

30

%

20

10

0

30.3

32.0

28.8

28.6

30.6

2010 

2011 

2012 

2013 

2014

2010 

2011 

2012 

2013 

2014

Staff turnover

Average full time equivalent employees

6

5

6

4

4

%

8

6

4

2

0

1,000

800

600

400

200

0

699

746

789

833

880

2010 

2011 

2012 

2013 

2014

2010 

2011 

2012 

2013 

2014

Number of shares held by SIP participants

Variable staff costs as a % of operating costs

Business change 
•  Risk H 

People
•  Risk M  

p22

p22 

1,428,214

1,274,938

1,336,942

1.5

1,316,557

1,394,076

n
o

i
l
l
i

m

1.0

0.5

0

14

13

14

16

17

20

15

%

10

5

0

2010 

2011 

2012 

2013 

2014

2010 

2011 

2012 

2013 

2014

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014  

17

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Risk management

Rathbones continues to enhance its risk management 
framework, which provides a structured and consistent 
approach across the group. During the year, we have further 
established our operating model for risk management and 
improved our risk governance and lines of defence model  
to ensure that all identified risks are owned by management, 
business units and, in some cases, specific committees.  
A dedicated chief risk officer is expected to join us in  
March 2015.

Three lines of defence

Rathbones operates a three lines of defence model to 
support the risk management framework. Responsibility and 
accountability for risk management are effectively broken 
down into three lines as follows.

1st line

Rathbones’ senior management and operational business units 
own and are responsible for managing risks, by developing and 
maintaining effective internal controls to mitigate risk.

Risk assessment

Rathbones reviews and monitors risk exposures closely, 
considering the potential impact and any management 
actions required to mitigate the impact of emerging issues and 
future events. The group risk register is the principal tool for 
monitoring risks which are classified in a strict hierarchy. The 
highest level (Level 1) identifies risks as financial, business or 
operational. The next level (Level 2) contains 15 risk categories 
which are listed below. Detailed risks (Level 3) are a sub-set 
of Level 2 risks and are captured and maintained across the 
company within separate business unit risk registers. The risk 
function regularly reviews risks with risk owners and also 
conducts ad hoc reviews or risk workshops. A watch list is 
maintained to record any emerging issues and future events 
which will or could have the potential to impact Rathbones’ 
risk profile and may therefore require active management, 
process changes or systems development. The group risk 
register and watch list are regularly reviewed by the executive, 
senior management, board and governance committees.

2nd line

Risk appetite

Rathbones’ risk function and compliance function maintain a 
level of independence from, and are responsible for, oversight 
and challenge of 1st line’s day to day management, monitoring 
and reporting of risks.

3rd line

Rathbones’ internal audit function is responsible for 
providing an independent assessment and assurance as to the 
effectiveness of governance, risk management and internal 
controls operating within the group.

Rathbones’ risk appetite is defined as both the amount 
and type of risk the company is prepared to take or retain 
in the pursuit of its strategy. Our appetite articulates some 
overarching parameters and specific measures for each Level 2 
risk category. During 2014 Rathbones operated within its stated 
risk appetite and the board remains committed to mitigating 
risk to within levels that are consistent with a relatively low 
overall appetite for risk. The board continues to recognise that 
the business is susceptible to market fluctuations and will bear 
losses from financial and operational risks from time to time 
either as reductions in income or increases in operating costs.

Risk scoring

Rathbones assesses risks using a 1–4 scoring system with each 
Level 3 risk rated by assessing the likelihood of its occurrence 
in a five year period and the associated impact. A residual risk 
score is then derived by taking into account an assessment of 
the internal control environment or insurance mitigation.

18 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

Strategic report Risk management

Risk profile

Thirty-nine Level 3 risks continue to 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 to managing risk is underpinned by an 
understanding of our current risk exposures and how risks 
change over time. 

During the year there have been minor changes to the 15 
Level 2 risk categories; however, the underlying risk profile 
and ratings for the majority of Level 2 risks have remained 
consistent during 2014. The following table summarises  
the changes.

Risk change  
in 2014 

Description of change

Ref 

Risk 

A 

Credit 

D 

Pension 

Business  
change 

H 

J 

Cash held with central banks has 
increased by 245%

Impact of significantly lower long 
term gilt rates has increased IFRS  
and funding deficit

The operational integration of  
two acquisitions increased our 
business risk

Data integrity  
and security 

Increased threat of fraud  
or cyber attack 

K 

Legal 

O 

Regulatory 

Settlement of Jersey trust legal 
proceedings has reduced our overall 
risk exposure

Volume of regulation remains high 
and a continued focus on conduct 
across the financial services industry

During the year, the executive has also recognised a number of 
emerging risks. The three main risks are listed below.

Emerging risk 

Cyber risk 

Political risk 

Business model risk 

Description

Higher risk of an unwelcomed attack 
on core systems and data

Increased market volatility from the 
possibility of EU uncertainties and  
other geopolitical factors

Need for banks to strengthen capital 
buffers in line with CRD IV framework

The board believes that the principal risks and uncertainties 
facing the group have been identified within the information 
below, and has recognised the impact of strategic change in the 
year. The board continues to believe that the most significant 
risks to the business are operational risks that arise from the 
growth in our business, and regulatory risks that may arise 
from continual changes to rules and standards in our sector. 
Our overall risk profile and ways in which we mitigate risks are 
analysed below. The risk mitigation listed is not exhaustive and 
excludes the oversight provided by board committees. 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014  

19

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report Risk management

Financial risks

Ref 

A 

Level 2 risk 

Definition 

Key mitigators

Credit 

The risk that one or more counterparties fail to fulfil  
contractual obligations, including stock settlement 

B 

Liquidity 

The risk of having insufficient financial resources to  
meet obligations as they fall due, or that to secure  
access to such resources would be at an excessive cost 

C 

Market 

The 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 

D 

Pension 

The risk that the cost of our defined benefit pension  
schemes increases, or its valuation affects dividends,  
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 
•  Client loan policy

•  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 33 to the financial statements.

20 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report Risk management

Business risks

Ref 

Level 2 risk 

Definition 

Key mitigators

E 

Business model 

The risk that the business model does not respond in  
an optimal manner to changing market conditions such  
that sustainable growth, market share or profitability  
is adversely affected 

F 

Performance 
and advice 

The risk that clients receive inappropriate 
financial, trust or investment advice, inadequate  
documentation or unsuitable portfolios, resulting 
in a failure to meet clients’ investment and/or other  
objectives or expectations 

G 

Reputational 

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

•  Board and executive oversight 
•  A 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 
•  Regular competitor benchmarking and analysis

•  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

•  Executive oversight with a strong compliance culture  
•  Conflicts of interest committee 
•  Investment in staff training and development   
•  Proactive communications with shareholders/ 

investor relations 

•  Investment process, management and  
  performance monitoring 
•  Conduct risk framework 
•  Strong values and approach to governance 
•  Monitoring of media coverage

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014  

21

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report Risk management

Operational risks

Ref 

Level 2 risk 

Definition 

Key mitigators

H 

Business change 

The risk that the planning or implementation of change  
is ineffective or fails to deliver desired outcomes 

I 

Business continuity 

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

J 

Data integrity  
and security 

The risk of a lack of integrity of, inappropriate 
access to, or disclosure of, client or company- 
sensitive information 

K 

Legal 

L 

Outsourcing 

The risk of legal action being taken against the  
group (and/or a subsidiary) or failure to comply with  
legislative requirements, resulting in financial loss and  
reputational damage 

The 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 

M 

People   

The risk of loss of key staff, lack of skilled resources  
and inappropriate behaviour or actions 

N 

Processing 

The 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 

O 

Regulatory 

The risk of failure by the group (and/or a subsidiary)  
to fulfil its regulatory requirements and comply  
with the introduction of new or amended regulation 

•  Project and IT committees 
•  Dedicated project office function 
•  Documented business plans and 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 and encryption 
•  Penetration testing and multi-layer network security 
•  Training and employee awareness programmes 
•  Physical security at all locations

•  Executive oversight 
•  Retained specialist legal advisers 
•  Data protection policy and compliance monitoring 
•  Documented policies and procedures 
•  Training and employee awareness programmes

•  Executive oversight 
•  Supplier due diligence and regular financial reviews 
•  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)

•  Active involvement with representative 

industry bodies 

•  Compliance monitoring and oversight of 
industry and regulatory developments 

•  Close contact with the regulators 
•  Documented policy and procedures

22 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our performance

24 
27 
35 
38 
39 

Rathbones’ performance 
Segmental review 
Financial position 
Liquidity and cash flow 
Corporate responsibility report

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014  

23

 
  
Our performance

Rathbones' performance

2014 was a year of growth for Rathbones despite some 
uncertainty and volatility in financial markets in the latter part 
of the year. Overall, the FTSE 100 Index and the FTSE WMA 
Balanced Index ended the year little changed from  
their opening levels.

Chart 1. Group funds under management 

Chart 2. Group underlying operating income 

Investment Management  
Unit Trusts 

2014 
£m 

2013 
£m

185.3 
15.5 

165.3 
11.1

200.8 

176.4

Group underlying operating expenses

Underlying operating expenses have increased 10.6% to  
£139.3 million, which largely reflects a combination of business 
growth and investment (see chart 3).

Total fixed staff costs, including support staff, increased by 
9.0% to £61.9 million in 2014, including inflation of 4% and 
growth of 5.6% in average full time equivalent headcount to 
880 (2013: 833). This growth reflects the acquisitions in the 
year and the addition of new revenue generating teams in 
London and Chichester. We have also taken on more staff in 
operational roles and support departments in line with our 
strategic plan.

Total variable staff costs, including variable awards for 
business support staff, increased by 26.2% to £35.2 million. 
This reflects the higher cost of cash-settled awards, in line with 
share price growth and higher profitability. Variable staff costs 
in 2014 represented 17.5% of underlying operating income 
(2013: 15.8%) and 36.4% of underlying profit before tax and 
variable staff costs (2013: 35.6%).

As planned, infrastructure costs increased by £1.1 million, 
largely as a result of expenditure to improve automation and 
help drive process efficiencies.

Underlying operating expenses also included £1.5 million 
of legal fees (2013: £2.7 million) in relation to the legal 
proceedings outlined below and in note 11 to the financial 
statements and £2.8 million (2013: £0.5 million) for awards 
payable to new investment managers for the introduction of 
new clients where those managers have been in situ for more 
than 12 months (see note 2.1 to the financial statements).

Investment Management  
Unit Trusts 

2014 
£bn 

24.7 
2.5 

2013 
£bn

20.2 
1.8

27.2 

22.0

Table 1. Extracts from the consolidated statement of 
comprehensive income

2014 
£m 

2013 
£m

Underlying 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 

61.5 

45.7 

200.8 
176.4
(139.3)  (125.9)
50.5
30.6%  28.6%
44.2
22.1%  21.3%
(9.4)
34.8
86.7p
76.1p
49p

(10.1) 
35.6 
102.4p 
75.9p 
52p 

1  Profit before tax excluding refund of levies for the Financial Services 
Compensation Scheme, gain on disposal of financial securities, gain  
on disposal of pension administration business, charges in relation to  
client relationships and goodwill, contribution to legal settlement and 
transaction costs

2  Underlying profit before tax as a % of underlying operating income
3  The total interim and final dividend proposed for the financial year

Group underlying operating income

Underlying operating income increased 13.8% to  
£200.8 million in 2014 reflecting fees and commissions  
earned on higher levels of funds under management. A 
detailed analysis of each component of income is set out in  
the segmental review on pages 27 to 34. A reconciliation 
between underlying operating income and reported  
operating income is provided on page 25.

24 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our performance Rathbones’ performance

Underlying profit before  
tax/operating margin

Underlying profit before tax and earnings per share are 
considered by the board to be a better reflection of true 
business performance than looking at Rathbones’ results 
on a statutory basis only. These measures are widely used 
by research analysts covering the group. Underlying results 
exclude income and expenditure falling in the six categories 
explained below. A full reconciliation between underlying 
profit and profit attributable to shareholders is provided  
in table 2.

Table 2. Reconciliation of underlying profit before tax to  
profit before tax

Underlying profit before tax 
Refund of levies for the Financial Services  
  Compensation Scheme 
Gain on disposal of financial securities 
Gain on disposal of pension administration business 
Charges in relation to client relationships  
  and goodwill 
Contribution to legal settlement 
Transaction costs 

Profit before tax 

2014 
£m 

2013 
£m

61.5 

50.5

1.0 
6.8 
0.7 

–
–
–

(8.3) 
(15.0) 
(1.0) 

(6.3)
–
–

45.7 

44.2

Refund of levies for the Financial Services Compensation 
Scheme (note 7)

In 2010, the group incurred exceptional levies of £3.2 
million from the Financial Services Compensation Scheme 
(FSCS) as a result of the failure of Keydata and other 
intermediaries. In December 2014, the FSCS announced 
that they had made recoveries of approximately £50 million 
and consequently reimbursed part of the exceptional costs 
levied to scheme participants. The share of recoveries 
returned to the group was £1.0 million.

Gain on disposal of financial securities (note 8)

During 2014, the group disposed of its remaining holdings 
of shares in the London Stock Exchange Group Plc and 
Euroclear Plc, raising £6.8 million from the disposals. 
The group acquired the shares as it was a member of the 
London Stock Exchange and Crest at the time of their 
respective listings. As at 31 December 2014, the group had 
no remaining non-core equity holdings.

Gain on disposal of pension administration business  
(note 9)

On 31 December, the group disposed of its self invested 
personal pension (SIPP) administration business, which was 
no longer considered to be a core component of the group’s 
activities. This generated net proceeds of £0.7 million. No 
assets or liabilities were derecognised as a result of the 
disposal and all staff were retained within the group and 
assigned to new roles. This business generated £0.7 million 
of revenue in 2014.

Charges in relation to client relationships and goodwill  
(note 25)

As explained in notes 1.15 and 2.1, 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 2014 were £8.3 million (2013: 
£6.3 million), reflecting recent acquisitions.

Contribution to legal settlement (note 11)

On 24 July 2014, the group announced that it had reached 
a conditional agreement to contribute £15.0 million to a 
settlement of legal proceedings in Jersey involving a former 
director and employee of a former subsidiary and in respect 
of legal proceedings against certain of Rathbones’ civil 
liability (professional indemnity) insurers. On 18 August 
2014, the group announced that all conditions had been 
satisfied and Rathbones had paid its share of the settlement. 
No such costs were incurred in 2013.

Chart 3. Underlying operating expenses

People

Acquisitions

Other

6.6

2.2

0.8

0.2

139.3

2.3

1.3

125.9

n
o

i
l
l
i

m
£

145.0

140.0

135.0

130.0

125.0

120.0

2013 underlying  
operating expenses 

Inflation 

New staff 

Variable  
costs 

Acquisitions  

Depreciation 

Other 

2014 underlying  
operating expenses

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014  

25

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our performance Rathbones’ performance

Underlying profit before tax/operating margin 

Legal proceedings

As reported in the 2013 report and accounts, a claim relating 
to the management of a Jersey trust had been filed against a 
former employee (and director) of a former subsidiary and 
others (and that former subsidiary had recently been joined in 
as a defendant). In addition, the company issued proceedings 
against certain of its civil liability (professional indemnity) 
insurers in respect of the former employee’s potential liabilities 
arising out of the Jersey claim.

In November 2013 the company announced that  
judgment had been handed down following the trial in the 
Commercial Court in London in respect of the insurance case. 
In December 2013, the company and the former employee 
in question decided to appeal subrogation aspects of the 
judgment and our insurers also decided to appeal coverage 
aspects of the judgment. On 14 November 2014, judgement 
was given in our favour on all points by the Court of Appeal  
in the insurance case.

On 23 July 2014, mindful that litigation is never without 
risk and that the company could face several more years of 
substantial legal costs as well as the potential unwarranted 
negative impact on its reputation, the company joined into 
a conditional agreement to contribute £15.0 million to a 
settlement of the legal proceedings in Jersey and the insurance 
case. On 18 August 2014, the conditions of the agreement were 
satisfied and the group contributed its share of the settlement. 

Transaction costs (note 12) 

Transaction related costs of £1.0 million were incurred in 
relation to the purchase of part of Deutsche Asset & Wealth 
Management’s London-based private client investment 
management business and the acquisition of Jupiter’s 
private client and charity investment management  
business (2013: £nil).

Underlying profit before tax grew 21.8% from £50.5 million  
in 2013 to £61.5 million. The underlying operating margin, 
which is calculated as the ratio of underlying profit before  
tax to underlying operating income, was 30.6% for the year 
ended 31 December 2014 (2013: 28.6%). Profit before tax 
increased 3.4% to £45.7 million for the year, up from  
£44.2 million in 2013. 

Taxation

The tax charge for 2014 was £10.1 million (2013: £9.4 million), 
and represents an effective tax rate of 22.1% (2013: 21.3%).

The effective tax rate is slightly higher than the derived UK 
standard rate of corporation tax of 21.5% due to:

• 

the impact of disallowable expenses; partially offset by

•  an increase in the tax deduction available for share-based 

awards driven by a higher share price; and

•  a lower rate of tax payable on earnings from our Jersey 

business.

A full reconciliation of the income tax expense is provided in 
note 14 to the financial statements.

The Finance Bill 2013, which included provisions for the UK 
corporation tax rate to be reduced to 20% in April 2015, was 
passed by the House of Commons on 2 July 2013 and the 
reductions are therefore deemed to be substantively enacted. 
Deferred tax balances have therefore been calculated based 
on this reduced rate where timing differences are forecast to 
unwind in future years.

Basic earnings per share

Basic earnings per share for the year ended 31 December 2014 
were 75.9p, down 0.3% on 76.1p in 2013, incorporating the 
impact of the placing of 1,343,000 shares in April 2014. On 
an underlying basis, earnings per share increased by 18.1% to 
102.4p in 2014 (see note 16 to the financial statements).

Dividends

In light of the results for the year, the board has proposed 
a final dividend for 2014 of 33p. This results in a full year 
dividend of 52p, an increase of 3p on 2013 (6.1%). The proposed 
dividend is covered one and a half times by basic earnings  
and two times by underlying earnings.

26 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

Our performance 

Segmental review

The group reports its results in its two key operating  
segments; Investment Management and Unit Trusts. The 
activities of the group are described in detail in the investment 
and advisory services section of the strategic report on pages 
11 and 12. The Investment Management segment comprises 
those activities described under the headings: private clients, 
charities and specialist services, private office and other 
services as well as the group’s treasury operations. The Unit 
Trusts segment comprises those activities described under the 
unit trust funds and multi asset funds headings. 

The average net operating basis point return on funds under 
management has fallen in 2014, largely due to an increase  
in the proportion of execution only accounts (£500 million  
of which transferred to us from Jupiter) which generate lower 
returns.In addition, the continued trend toward fee only 
business has reduced the return from commissions.

Chart 4. Investment Management – number of clients and 
investment managers 

Number of Investment Management clients

Investment Management

The financial performance of Investment Management 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, commissions charged 
for transactions undertaken on behalf of clients and the 
interest margin earned on cash in client portfolios and loans to 
clients, as described below. Portfolios are closely managed by 
investment managers, who maintain relationships with clients 
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 3, below.

Table 3. Investment Management – key performance indicators

2014 

2013

Funds under management at 31 December1 

£24.7bn  £20.2bn

37.4

38.4

39.5

41.0

46.0

o
o
o

’

50

40

30

20

10

0

2010 

2011 

2012 

2013 

2014

Number of investment managers

249

205

209

170

184

2010 

2011 

2012 

2013 

2014

250

200

150

100

50

0

Fund flows

Underlying rate of net organic growth  
in Investment Management funds  
under management1 

Underlying rate of total net growth  
in Investment Management funds  
under management1 

4.0% 

5.4%

19.6% 

9.0%

Investment Management funds under management  
increased by 22.3% to £24.7 billion at 31 December 2014 from 
£20.2 billion at the start of the year. This increase is analysed  
in table 4, below.

Average net operating basis point return2 

77.2bps  80.5bps

Table 4. Investment Management – funds under management

Number of Investment Management clients 

46,000  41,000

Number of investment managers 

249 

209

1  See table 4
2  See table 7 

During 2014 we have continued to attract new clients both 
organically and through acquisitions. The total number 
of clients (or groups of closely related clients) increased 
from 41,000 to 46,000 during the year (see chart 4), with 
some 2,800 clients joining us in the year as a result of our 
transactions with Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management and 
Jupiter Asset Management. During 2014, the total number of 
investment managers increased to 249 at 31 December 2014 
from 209 at the end of 2013 (see chart 4).

As at 1 January 
Inflows 

–  organic1 
–  acquired2 

Outflows1 
Market adjustment3 

As at 31 December 

Net organic new business4 

2014 
£bn 

20.2 
5.5 

2.3 
3.2 

(1.5) 
0.5 

2013 
£bn

16.7 
2.7 

2.1  
0.6 

(1.2)
2.0 

24.7 

 20.2 

0.8 

 0.9 

Underlying rate of net organic growth5 

4.0% 

5.4%

Underlying rate of total net growth6 

19.6% 

9.0%

1  Value at the date of transfer in/(out)
2  Value at 31 December
3  Represents the impact of market movements and investment performance
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

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014  

27

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Acquisitions and purchased growth

Our organic growth has  
been supplemented over the 
years by our acquired growth, 
which in 2014 was particularly 
strong, adding a total of 
£3.2 billion of funds under 
management.

Corporate transactions

Recruitment

Looking forward

In April we agreed to purchase 
part of Deutsche Asset & Wealth 
Management’s London-based 
private client investment 
management business. The 
transaction completed very 
quickly and in June we were 
joined by five investment 
managers and four support staff, 
bringing with them £627 million 
of funds under management.

We also announced in April 
our acquisition of the private 
client and charity investment 
management business of Jupiter 
Asset Management. This was 
a larger and more complex 
transaction which took longer 
to complete. However, at the 
end of September, our London 
office welcomed the arrival of 
15 investment professionals 
and a further 11 business 
development and support staff, 
adding a further £2.0 billion to 
our funds under management.

Within acquired growth for the 
year is £549 million of funds 
under management associated 
with the arrival of individual 
investment managers who join 
us from other firms. Typically 
these investment managers 
are incentivised to sign up new 
clients to Rathbones through 
an earn-out arrangement, 
and because these payments 
are largely capitalised we 
consider that any funds under 
management brought in during 
an earn-out period should be 
treated as purchased growth. 
Throughout the year six 
individual investment managers 
have joined us and at the end  
of 2014 there were 16 ‘live’  
earn-out arrangements in place.

We assess all potential 
acquisitions against certain 
criteria, focusing on 
discretionary, fee paying,  
private or charity clients, 
managed by qualified 
investment professionals who 
share our core values. We 
structure transactions so that 
assets, clients and employees 
are quickly absorbed within 
Rathbones in order to maximise 
synergies. In terms of corporate 
acquisitions we believe that  
it is critical that these are 
earnings enhancing within a  
two year period, and deliver 
10% as a return on capital. We 
believe that our approach will 
continue to position us well  
to take advantage of further 
growth opportunities, each  
one scrutinised carefully to 
ensure that they fit our culture 
and strategy.

Historical purchased growth 

n
o

i
l
l
i

b
£

3.5

3.0

2.5

2.0

1.5

1.0

0.5

0

3.2

0.6

0.3

0.5

0.6

2010 

2011 

2012 

2013 

2014 

28 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

 
 
Our performance Segmental review

Investment Management Fund flows

Net organic growth in 2014 of 4.0% (2013: 5.4%) was resilient 
but slightly below our expectation of 5% organic growth across 
the economic cycle. Organic growth in the fourth quarter was 
reduced by the loss of two large but low margin clients close to 
the end of the year.

All areas of the business contributed to growth in 2014, with 
referrals from existing clients remaining a key source of new 
business. Charity funds under management continued to 
grow strongly, supported by good investment performance, 
and reached £3.3 billion at 31 December 2014, up 22.2% from 
£2.7 billion at the start of the year. The most recent Charity 
Finance survey placed Rathbones as the sixth largest charity 
investment manager in the UK by funds under management  
as at 30 June 2014.

We retained our marketing focus on intermediaries during 
the year. Funds under management in accounts linked to 
independent financial advisers (IFAs) and provider panel 
relationships increased by £1.2 billion during 2014, ending  
the year at £4.8 billion; an increase of 33.3%. Of this amount, 
Vision Independent Financial Planning Limited, in which  
we have a 19.9% stake, represented £496 million.

Acquired inflows of £3.2 billion in the year include  
£2.6 billion from the purchase of part of Deutsche Asset 
& Wealth Management’s London-based private client 
investment management business and the acquisition 
of Jupiter Asset Management’s private client and charity 
investment management business in June 2014 and 
September 2014 respectively, and funds introduced by newly 
joining investment managers who are subject to earn-out 
arrangements (see note 2.1 to the financial statements).

In total, net organic and acquired growth added £4.0 billion  
to Investment Management funds under management in  
2014 (2013: £1.5 billion), representing an underlying rate of  
total net growth of 19.6% (2013: 9.0%).

Overall, average investment returns across all Investment 
Management clients were positive in 2014, but lagged the 
WMA Balanced Index by 1.8%. This was due, in large part, to 
the strong rally in gilts, which are not widely used in private 
client portfolios as many offer negative real returns after 
tax. UK equity selection was favourable, benefiting from an 
underweighting in oil and mining stocks as oil and commodity 
prices slid in the final quarter. A lower than average overseas 
exposure acted as a further slight drag on relative performance, 
however, as sterling fell back against the US dollar in the 
second half of the year. 

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 and on loans to clients.

Table 5. Investment Management – financial performance

Net investment management fee income1 
Net commission income 
Net interest income2 
Fees from advisory services3 and other income 

Underlying operating income 
Underlying operating expenses4 

Underlying profit before tax 

Underlying operating margin5 

 2014 
£m 

120.5 
43.7 
9.2 
11.9 

2013 
£m

104.2
42.0
8.6
10.5

185.3 
165.3
(127.8)  (116.2)

57.5 

49.1

31.0%  29.7%

1  Net investment management fee income is stated after deducting fees and 

commission expenses paid to introducers

2  Presented net of interest expense paid on client accounts
3  Fees from advisory services includes income from trust, tax and pensions 

advisory services

4  See table 8 
5  Underlying profit before tax as a % of underlying operating income 

Chart 5. Investment Management – funds under management five year growth

14.6

14.8

16.7

20.2

24.7

n
o

i
l
l
i

b
£

30

25

20

15

10

5

0

2010 

2011 

2012 

2013 

2014

FTSE 100 Index* 
FTSE WMA Balanced Index*

* Index figures show how funds under management would have changed between 2010 and 2014 if they had tracked each index 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014  

29

 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Client survey

In early 2014, we 
commissioned Ledbury 
Research to carry out a 
piece of client engagement 
research across our investment 
management business. This  
is part of our biannual  
research programme that 
began in 2012. 

Our objectives

In summary

2015

In 2015, as a result of this 
research we will be seeking  
to improve further the 
frequency and relevance  
of our communication with  
our clients.

The objectives of the research 
were to:

•  gain a better understanding of 
our existing clients’ experience 
and perception of Rathbones

•  measure our Treating Clients 
Fairly (TCF) performance  
and benchmark this to the 
previous research carried out

•  understand our clients’ use, 

requirement and perception of 
digital media.

Telephone interviews were 
conducted with 300 randomly 
selected private clients, 
providing a representative 
sample of our client base. As can 
be seen below, our performance 
against all selected metrics 
improved compared to 2012.

The research highlighted that 
clients’ satisfaction with their 
investment manager is very 
high at 86%, compared to 
a peer group average of just 
66%. Satisfaction with the 
business overall is also high and 
clients view us as professional, 
reliable and efficient and see us 
as their trusted adviser. Their 
satisfaction with the way in 
which we communicate has 
increased, with our publications 
considered to be clearer and 
more relevant than they were 
two years ago. Our clients are 
using digital media more and 
increasingly turn to our website 
for information.

Has clients’ best  
interest at heart
84% 
77%

Provides service  
that meets needs
94% 
88%

Provides clear  
information
91% 
85%

94% 
86% 
Easy to do  
business with

89% 
82% 
Treats you as  
an individual

2014
2012

30 

86% 
78%
Makes you feel like  
a valued client

72% 
64% 
Reasonable fees  
and charges 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

 
 
 
 
Our performance Segmental review

Investment Management Financial performance

Net investment management fee income increased by 15.6% 
from £104.2 million to £120.5 million in 2014, benefiting from 
continuing growth in funds under management. Fee income 
arising from the clients subject to the transactions with Jupiter 
Asset Management and Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management 
accrued from the date of acquisition in 2014. The group will 
see the full effect of these transactions on its income in 2015. 
For the majority of clients, fees are calculated based on a tiered 
fee scale applied to the value of funds at our quarterly charging 
dates. Average funds under management on these billing dates 
in 2014 were £22.2 billion, up 16.8% from 2013.

Table 6. Investment Management – average funds  
under management

On 1 January 2015, we launched a revised tariff for new clients. 
The new rates are intended to provide increased transparency 
to clients on the overall level of charges, and are in line with 
the trend in the industry away from commissions. It is not 
expected that the new rates will substantially increase our 
overall revenue margin.

Fees from advisory services and other income of £11.9 million 
were 13.3% higher than 2013, reflecting the impact of business 
growth and the acquisition of the legal services trade and 
assets of Rooper & Whately on 1 May 2014 (see note 36 to the 
financial statements).

Underlying operating expenses in Investment Management for 
2014 were £127.8 million, compared to £116.2 million in 2013, 
an increase of 10.0%. This is highlighted in table 8 below.

Table 8. Investment Management – underlying  
operating expenses

Staff costs1 
– fixed 
– variable 

Total staff costs 
Other operating expenses 

Underlying operating expenses 

Underlying cost/income ratio2 

2014 
£m 

2013 
£m

43.9 
25.8 

69.7 
58.1 

39.8
20.6

60.4
55.8

127.8 

116.2

69.0%  70.3%

1  Represents the costs of investment managers and teams directly involved  

in client-facing activities

2  Underlying operating expenses as a % of underlying operating income  

(see table 5)

Fixed staff costs of £43.9 million increased by 10.3%  
year-on-year, principally reflecting teams joining the front 
office, in particular in London and Chichester, increased 
pension costs and salary inflation. Variable staff costs are  
also higher, reflecting higher underlying profitability and 
growth in funds under management.

Other operating expenses of £58.1 million include property, 
depreciation, settlement, IT, finance and other central support 
services costs. The year-to-year increase of £2.3 million (4.1%) 
reflects increased investment in the business, recruitment  
and higher variable awards in support functions in line with 
growth in business profitability.

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

Average 

Average FTSE 100 level 

 2014 
£bn 

2013 
£bn

20.7 
21.6 
22.0 
24.7 

18.2
18.4
19.1
20.2

22.2 

19.0

6657 

6419

In 2014, net commission income of £43.7 million was up 
4.0% on £42.0 million in 2013. Commission levels remained 
relatively strong across the year, despite the usual seasonal 
factors weighing on commission income in the second half.

Net interest income of £9.2 million in 2014 was 7.0% above 
£8.6 million in 2013 as we increased the amount of cash held  
at the Bank of England from £211.0 million to £727.2 million 
over the course of the year. The Investment Management loan 
book contributed £2.7 million to net interest income in 2014 
(2013: £2.2 million).

As our fee rates are tiered, rising markets reduce the average 
net return earned on fees. This contributed to a decrease  
in the return earned on average funds under management  
to 77.2 basis points from 80.5 basis points in 2013, as shown  
in table 7 below.

Table 7. Investment Management – revenue margin

Basis point return1 from: 
–  fee income 
–  commission 
–  interest 

2014 
bps 

2013 
bps

54.2 
19.7 
3.3 

54.9
22.1
3.5

Basis point return on funds under management 

77.2 

80.5

1  Underlying operating income (see table 5), 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 6)

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014  

31

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report 

Our new brand identity

Rathbones aims to be a 
progressive, forward looking 
and innovative company. In 
2014 we reviewed our brand 
in order to find a new visual 
identity that not only reflects 
these important attributes  
but also helps support our 
future plans for growth. 

Our previous logo

Our brand is changing

As part of the review process we 
identified some key words that 
we believe are best associated 
with Rathbones: individual, 
independent, informed and 
quality. These attributes will 
feature strongly in our literature 
and digital communications in 
the future.

We have also developed a new 
logotype with a new tagline,  
‘Look forward’. We would 
like this to support an overall 
assurance of quality, as well as 
be an identity that reflects  
our values and supports our 
aims. This logo will begin to 
appear on our literature and 
communications in 2015.

By replacing ‘Established 1742’ 
we have not turned our back  
on our past. Our heritage 
remains very important to us, 
and to our clients, and we will 
continue to convey it. 

We hope that our new tagline 
will continue to remind us  
all of the need not only to learn 
from the past, but to focus on 
the future.

Our clients all have their own 
individual plans for their future, 
and by entrusting their money to 
Rathbones, we are helping them 
to achieve their goals. 

32 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

Our performance Segmental review

Unit Trusts

Chart 6. Unit Trusts funds %

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

%

39.5
20.0 
10.1
4.3 
2.9
2.6 
2.6
2.1 
0.6 
6.5
8.8

inflows accelerated to £0.6 billion, doubling from £0.3 billion 
in 2013. Net inflows in 2014 were spread across the range of 
funds, although the Income, Global Opportunities and Ethical 
Bond funds saw particularly strong sales in the year.

Unit Trusts’ funds under management increased by 38.9% year 
on year (the industry was up 8.2%, according to data reported 
by the IA) to £2.5 billion from £1.8 billion at the end of 2013, as 
shown in table 10 below.

Table 10. Unit Trusts – funds under management

As at 1 January 
Net inflows 

–  inflows1 
–  outflows1 

Market adjustments2 

As at 31 December 

2014 
£bn 

1.8 
0.6 

1.0 
(0.4) 

0.1 

2.5 

2013 
£bn

1.3
0.3

0.6
(0.3)

0.2

1.8

Underlying rate of net growth3 

33.3%  23.1%

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 

Chart 7. Unit Trusts – Annual net flows £m

Unit Trusts’ financial performance is principally driven by the 
value and growth of funds under management. Year on year 
changes in the key performance indicators for Unit Trusts are 
shown in table 9 below.

Table 9. Unit Trusts – key performance indicators

Funds under management at 31 December1 

£2.5bn  £1.8bn

2014 

2013

800

600

n
o

i
l
l
i

m
£

400

200

0

-200

554

327

97

66

(30)

2010 

2011 

2012 

2013 

2014

Underlying rate of net growth in Unit Trusts  
funds under management1 

Underlying profit before tax2 

33.3%  23.1%

£4.0m  £1.4m

At 31 December 2014, the value of assets managed in each fund 
was as follows.

1  See table 10
2  See table 13

Fund flows

The retail asset management industry saw a continuation of 
the improving trend in net retail sales, with 2014 representing 
the highest overall total since 2010 at £20.8 billion, up by 
1.5% on 2013 as reported by the Investment Association 
(IA). Despite this growth, sales across the industry remained 
concentrated in a small number of funds. 

Equity remained the best-selling asset class, by net sales, in 
2014 at £8.6 billion, although this was down 25.2% from £11.5 
billion in 2013. UK Equity Income, where we have expertise 
and two strong product offerings, was the best selling IA sector 
for the last eight months of the year and 2014 overall.

Against the backdrop of improving industry sales, Unit Trusts’ 
positive momentum continued through 2014, which was a 
record year with gross sales of £1.0 billion. As a result, net 

Table 11. Unit Trusts – fund assets

Rathbone Income Fund 
Rathbone Global Opportunities Fund 
Rathbone Ethical Bond Fund 
Rathbone Global Alpha 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 

2014  
£m 

995 
504 
255 
110 
74 
67 
65 
52 
164 
234 

2013 
£m

656 
330 
148 
100 
76 
56 
55 
39 
138 
251

2,520 

1,849

During 2014, the range of funds maintained their strong  
long term performance track record, which is critical to  
sales momentum. 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014  

33

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Net dealing profits of £1.9 million increased by 35.7% on  
£1.4 million in 2013 as the level of gross sales grew significantly 
in 2014. Underlying operating income as a percentage of 
average funds under management fell to 70 basis points in 
2014 from 72 basis points in 2013.

Table 14. Unit Trusts – underlying operating expenses

Staff costs: 
–   fixed 
–   variable 

Total staff costs 
Other operating expenses 

Underlying operating expenses 

2014 
£m 

2013 
£m

3.3 
2.8 

6.1 
5.4 

11.5 

3.1 
1.8

4.9 
4.8

9.7

Underlying cost/income ratio1 

74.2%  87.4%

1  Underlying operating expenses as a % of underlying operating income  

(see table 13)

Fixed staff costs of £3.3 million for the year ended  
31 December 2014 were 6.5% higher than in 2013 due to the 
recruitment of a new fund manager and additional sales 
resource during the year. 

Variable staff costs of £2.8 million were 55.6% higher than  
£1.8 million in 2013 as higher profitability and growth in gross 
sales drove increases in profit share and sales commissions. 

Other operating expenses have increased by 12.5% to 
£5.4 million, principally as a result of higher third party 
administration costs, reflecting both the launch of  
super-institutional class shares and the increased level  
of sales of units. 

Our performance Segmental review

Unit Trusts Fund flows

Table 12. Unit Trusts – fund performance

2014/(2013) 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 Fund 
Rathbone Strategic Bond Fund2 

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

1  Ranking of institutional share classes at 31 December 2014 and 2013
2  Performance data for the Rathbone Strategic Bond Fund is not yet available 

beyond three years as the fund was launched on 3 October 2011

Investors continued to switch from retail to institutional units 
across all of our funds during the year, as expected post-RDR 
(the Retail Distribution Review). 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. By 31 December 2014 some 60% of holdings in our 
retail funds were in institutional units (31 December 2013: 36%).

Financial performance

Unit Trusts’ income is primarily derived from:

•  annual management charges, which are calculated on the 

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

•  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 13. Unit Trusts – financial performance

Net annual management charges 
Net dealing profits 
Interest and other income 

Underlying operating income 
Underlying operating expenses1 

Underlying profit before tax 

2014 
£m 

13.3 
1.9 
0.3 

2013 
£m

9.5
1.4
0.2

15.5 
(11.5) 

11.1
(9.7)

4.0 

1.4

Underlying operating margin2 

25.8%  12.6%

1  See table 14
2  Underlying profit before tax divided by underlying operating income

Net annual management charges increased 40.0% to  
£13.3 million in 2014, driven principally by the rise in average 
funds under management. Net annual management charges  
as a percentage of average funds under management fell to  
60 basis points (2013: 62 basis points) as a result of the launch 
of a super-institutional class for certain funds, to secure greater 
certainty over distribution, and the continued switch from 
retail to institutional units by the platforms during the year.

34 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

 
 
 
 
 
 
Our performance 

Financial position

Table 15. Extracts from the consolidated balance sheet and 

components of regulatory capital

Regulatory capital

Capital resources: 
–  Common Equity Tier 1 ratio1 
–  Total equity 
–  Return on assets2 
–  Consolidated leverage ratio3 

Other resources: 
–  Total assets 
–  Treasury assets4 
–  Investment management loan book5 
–  Intangible assets from acquired growth6 
–  Tangible assets and software7 
–  Net defined benefit asset 

Liabilities:
–  Due to customers8 
–  Net defined benefit liability 

2014
£m 

2013 
£m

17.7%  21.0% 
251.0 
270.7 
2.5% 
2.9% 
7.5%  11.5%

1,668.2  1,229.8 
940.8 
1,316.6 
89.2 
97.4 
99.7 
153.6 
16.8
16.3 
1.6
–

1,282.4 
13.7 

891.9 
–

1   Common Equity Tier 1 capital as a proportion of total risk exposure amount
2   Profit after tax divided by average total assets
3   Common Equity Tier 1 capital as a percentage of total assets, excluding 
intangible assets and investment in associates, plus a proportion of off 
balance sheet exposures

4   Balances with central banks, loans and advances to banks and investment 

securities (excluding available for sale equity investments)

5   See note 19 to the financial statements
6   Net book value of acquired client relationships and goodwill (note 25)
7   Net book value of property, plant and equipment and computer software 

(notes 22 and 25)

8   Total amounts of cash in client portfolios held by Rathbone Investment 

Management as a bank (note 26)

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 Prudential Regulation Authority 
(PRA). At 31 December 2014, the group had regulatory capital 
resources of £112.2 million (2013: £142.3 million, calculated  
on a Basel III equivalent basis) as follows:

Table 16. Regulatory capital resources

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

Total regulatory capital resources  
(all of which are Tier 1) 

2014 
£m 

2013 
£m

95.4 
180.9 

67.8 
188.9 

(5.5) 

(5.7)
(159.7)  (105.0)
(3.7)

1.1 

112.2 

142.3 

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

deducted directly from capital resources

2   Adjustments to exclude balances related to the group’s pension schemes 

and own shares held in the Employee Benefits Trust

The group’s Pillar 3 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.

Our consolidated Common Equity Tier 1 ratio is much higher 
than the banking industry norm. This reflects the low-risk 
nature of our banking activity and our lack of debt financing. 
The Common Equity Tier 1 ratio has fallen to 17.7% from 
21.0% at the previous year end mainly due to an increase in 
intangible assets following the purchase of part of Deutsche 
Asset & Wealth Management’s London-based private client 
investment management business and acquisition of Jupiter 
Asset Management’s private client and charity investment 
management business, partially offset by the proceeds from 
the placing of 1.3 million shares in April. 

The consolidated leverage ratio was 7.5% at 31 December 2014, 
down from 11.5% at 31 December 2013; this fall is due to the 
growth in the balance sheet and the increase in intangible 
assets, which have reduced Common Equity Tier 1 capital. The 
leverage ratio represents the group’s Common Equity Tier 1 
capital as a percentage of its total assets, excluding intangible 
assets and investment in associates, plus a proportion of off 
balance sheet exposures.

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014  

35

 
Our performance Financial position

Regulatory capital 

Total assets

As required under PRA rules we perform an Internal Capital 
Adequacy Assessment Process (ICAAP) and Individual 
Liquidity Adequacy Assessment (ILAA) annually, which 
includes performing a range of stress tests to determine the 
appropriate level of regulatory capital and liquidity 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. Surplus 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.

Table 17. Group Pillar 1 own funds requirement

Credit risk requirement  
Market risk requirement 
Operational risk requirement 

2014 
£m 

26.7 
0.2 
23.7 

2013 
£m

32.6
0.2 
21.3

Pillar 1 own funds requirement 

50.6 

54.1

In addition to the above, the group is also required to hold 
capital to cover a company-specific Pillar 2 requirement,  
which is agreed confidentially with the PRA and which we  
are prohibited from disclosing.

On 19 January 2015, the FCA issued a consultation paper 
setting out proposed changes to the Pillar 2 framework,  
which include provisions to allow banks to publish details  
of their aggregate Pillar 2A capital requirements in addition  
to Pillar 1 components. We welcome this proposed increase  
in transparency.

Capital resources

The consolidated balance sheet remains healthy with total 
equity of £270.7 million at 31 December 2014, up 7.8% from 
£251.0 million at the end of 2013, reflecting the impact of the 
placing of 1.3 million shares in April 2014. The group does  
not rely on wholesale markets to fund its operations and is 
wholly funded by equity.

Total assets at 31 December 2014 were £1,668.2 million (2013: 
£1,229.8 million), of which £1,282.4 million (2013: £891.9 
million) represents the cash held in banking client portfolios. 

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 £1,288.8 million (2013: £896.8 million), 
including £6.4 million (2013: £4.9 million) held in client money 
accounts, represented 5.2% of total investment management 
funds at 31 December 2014 compared to 4.4% at the end  
of 2013.

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 33 to 
the 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. During the year, we increased the share of treasury 
assets held with the Bank of England to £727.2 million from 
£211.0 million at 31 December 2013.

Loans to clients

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, requiring two 
times cover, and are usually advanced for up to one year  
(note 19 to the financial statements). In addition, equitable 
charges may be taken on property held by the client to meet 
security cover requirements. 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.

We have continued to increase the size of the investment 
management loan book during 2014, to take advantage of the 
higher demand for client loans. Outstanding loans totalled 
£97.4 million at the end of 2014 (2013: £89.2 million).

36 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

 
 
Our performance Financial position

Intangible assets

Defined benefit pension schemes

Intangible assets arise principally from acquired growth in 
funds under management and are categorised as goodwill and 
client relationships. At 31 December 2014, the total carrying 
value of intangible assets arising from acquired growth was 
£153.6 million (2013: £99.7 million). During the year, client 
relationship intangible assets of £51.2 million were capitalised 
(2013: £13.2 million), including £42.6 million relating to the 
transactions with Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management and 
Jupiter Asset Management. Goodwill totalling £11.0 million 
was acquired during 2014 (2013: £nil).

Client relationship intangibles are amortised over the 
estimated life of the client relationship, generally a period  
of 10 to 15 years. When client relationships are lost, any  
related intangible asset is derecognised in the year. The  
total amortisation charge for client relationships in 2014, 
including the impact of lost relationships, was £7.9 million 
(2013: £6.3 million). 

Goodwill which arises from business combinations is not 
amortised, but is subject to a test for impairment at least 
annually. During the year, the goodwill relating to the trust and 
tax business was found to be impaired as the growth forecasts 
for that business have not kept pace with cost inflation. An 
impairment charge of £0.4 million was recognised in relation 
to this element of goodwill (2013: £nil). Further detail is 
provided in note 25 to the financial statements. 

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

The fall in corporate bond yields during the second half  
of 2014 has been the primary factor responsible for reducing 
the valuation of the schemes in the group’s balance sheet 
at 31 December 2014 to a combined deficit of £13.7 million 
compared to a combined surplus of £1.6 million at  
31 December 2013. Full details of the assumptions underlying 
the accounting valuation and associated sensitivities are 
included in note 29 to the financial statements.

Triennial funding valuations form the basis of the annual 
contributions that we make into the schemes. Funding 
valuations of the schemes as at 31 December 2013 were carried 
out during 2014. Following the completion of the valuations, 
the deficit funding contributions for the Rathbone 1987 
Scheme were maintained at their current level of £2.75 million 
per year in 2015 and 2016, whilst the contributions to the 
Laurence Keen Scheme were ceased as the valuation showed 
the scheme to be in surplus on a funding basis. Regular annual 
contributions to the Rathbone 1987 Scheme were increased 
from 14.8% of pensionable salaries to 20.3%. An additional 
£1 million was also paid into the Rathbone 1987 Scheme in 
January 2015, reflecting the backdating of the uplift in regular 
annual contributions to 1 January 2014.

Capital expenditure

During 2014, we have continued to invest for future growth 
with capitalised expenditure on our premises and systems 
totalling £4.6 million (2013: £4.5 million). Investment in new 
systems continues at a steady pace as we continue to improve 
the efficiency of our systems and our back office. 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.

New investment accounted for approximately 70% of capital 
expenditure in 2014, with the balance being maintenance and 
replacement of existing software and equipment. This split 
is broadly consistent with the spending pattern in the recent 
past, although there was only very limited expenditure on 
property during the year.

In 2015, we expect capital expenditure to remain at 2014 levels 
as we continue to invest in our internet portal for clients and 
advisers as part of our ongoing endeavours to improve and 
develop the business.

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014  

37

 
Strategic report 

Liquidity and cash flow

Table 18. Extracts from the consolidated statement of cash flows

2014 
£m 

2013 
£m

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

Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the year 

835.8 

319.8

•  outflow of £15.0 million relating to Rathbones’ contribution 

Net cash inflows from operating activities 

417.7 

145.3

to a legal settlement;

•  outflows of £40.1 million in relation to the transactions 
with Jupiter Asset Management and Rooper & Whately;

• 

inflow of £25.9 million from the issue of ordinary shares, 
which includes £23.6 million raised in the placing in April 
2014 (after associated costs);

•  outflows relating to the payment of dividends of £23.8 

million (2013: £22.1 million);

•  outflows relating to payments to acquire intangible assets 
(other than as part of a business combination) of £14.3 
million (2013: £17.0 million); and

•  £1.7 million of capital expenditure on property, plant and 

equipment (2013: £2.4 million).

Net increase in cash and cash equivalents 

516.0 

89.7

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 PRA’s ILAA regime, 
which requires us to hold a suitable Liquid Assets 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 £727.2 million at  
31 December 2014 (2013: £211.0 million).

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 38 to the financial statements). 

Net cash flows from operating activities include the effect  
of a £390.5 million increase in banking client deposits  
(2013: £62.9 million increase) and a £11.1 million increase in  
the component of treasury assets placed in term deposits for 
more than three months (2013: £37.9 million decrease).

In addition, cash flows included a net inflow of £152.7 million 
from the maturity of certificates of deposit and the liquidation 
of holdings in money market funds (2013: £16.9 million net 
outflow), shown within investing activities in the consolidated 
statement of cash flows.

38 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

 
 
 
Strategic report 

Corporate responsibility report

Social and environmental committee 
chairman’s annual statement

This is my first 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.

I am pleased to report that our carbon footprint has only 
increased by 44 tCO2e (1.5%) despite the significant business 
growth in 2014. 

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. The SEC, however, is not only about highlighting 
potential risks but also opportunities for the company to 
play its part as a good employer and as a contributor to the 
communities and environment in which we work and our 
clients live. This report provides an overview of our activities – 
more information can be found on our website.

We were delighted to be awarded the 2014 Institute of 
Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (ICSA) Excellence  
in Governance Award for the best sustainability and 
stakeholder disclosure in the report and accounts of a FTSE 
250 company. We remain a constituent company of the 
FTSE4Good Index series and a signatory to the UN–backed 
Principles for Responsible Investment. 

Philip Howell 
Chief Executive/Chairman of the SEC

18 February 2015

Our strategy

Rathbones’ corporate responsibility strategy can be 
summarised as follows:

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

•  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.

Environment
•  Manage our environmental impact and reduce our carbon 

footprint by the efficient use of resources.

Clients and investments

Responsible investment

General investment activities are not covered by a formal 
responsible investment policy, although social, environmental 
and ethical considerations are taken into account for  
specific mandates throughout the group, particularly those 
managed by our specialist ethical investment unit, Rathbone 
Greenbank Investments, as well as a number managed by  
our charities team.

As at 31 December 2014, Rathbone Greenbank Investments  
had £0.7 billion of funds under management, representing 
2.9% of funds managed by Rathbone 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.

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014  

39

 
 
Strategic report Corporate responsibility report

Clients and investments 

Affiliations

Rathbone Brothers Plc has been both a signatory and 
respondent to CDP (Carbon Disclosure Project) since 2006.  
We are also a signatory to the CDP sister programmes on  
Water Disclosure and Forests. The group became a signatory  
to the UN-backed Principles for Responsible Investment 
(PRI) in September 2009 and continues to play an active role 
in the PRI Clearinghouse, a global platform for collaborative 
engagement initiatives which aims to encourage sustainable 
long term value. In addition, Rathbone Greenbank Investments 
is a long-standing member of influential responsible  
investor groups such as the UK Sustainable and Investment  
Finance Association (UKSIF) and the Ecumenical Council  
for Corporate Responsibility. 

Voting

The group’s voting activity is coordinated by its corporate 
governance committee. Composed of investment managers 
and other representatives from across the business, the 
committee maintains group policy on corporate governance, 
and ensures its application in proxy voting in conjunction  
with advice from an external corporate governance consultant, 
Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS), who were appointed 
to this role in April 2014. 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 PRI, and pays heed to the Financial 
Reporting Council UK Stewardship Code. 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 2014, the committee oversaw active proxy voting on 
4,281 resolutions at 396 company meetings. Voting on these 
resolutions includes consideration of such issues as executive 
remuneration, auditor independence, appointment of directors 
and non-financial reporting.

Engagement

Engagement with companies on ESG matters is largely 
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 CDP, UKSIF or the 
PRI Clearinghouse.

FTSE4Good ESG ratings scores 

As institutional investors around the world increasingly 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 for which ratings 
scores were published (September 2014) confirmed Rathbone 
Brothers Plc as a constituent of the FTSE4Good Index Series, 
awarding the company the following ESG ratings out of a 
maximum score of five for each category: 

Overview ESG ratings 0 – 5

3.0

3.2

2.7

2.9

5

4

3

2

1

0

Environment 

Social 

Governance 

Absolute  
ESG rating

Within the Financial Services supersector, Rathbones’ 
percentile score was 82/100.

During 2014, FTSE assumed full responsibility for a new 
research process and methodology for its FTSE4Good Index 
Series and ESG Ratings. As a result, direct comparison with our 
previous year’s ratings is not appropriate.

40 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report Corporate responsibility report

Clients and investments 

Employee statistics

CDP disclosure and performance score

•  % of female employees:  

In 2014, we improved our CDP Disclosure Score from 67 to 78 
while our Performance Band moved back to D from E.

The Disclosure Score (out of 100) measures the level of 
transparency in company responses; the Performance Band 
(A–E, but only calculated for companies with disclosure scores 
above 50) measures how effectively companies are addressing 
climate risk.

As part of our efforts to improve our performance again in 
2015, we have investigated the feasibility of initially adopting 
emissions reductions targets for paper usage, which accounted 
for around 10% of our total carbon footprint this year.

There are many variables which can influence our paper 
consumption such as regulatory changes, the type and 
frequency of client communications, and business factors such 
as acquisitions. The emissions attributable to paper usage can 
also be influenced by the percentage of recycled content used 
in paper stocks sourced by our third party suppliers. 

However, we can by and large control the amount of  
office stationery we consume as well as enlisting the help  
of our clients and professional intermediaries to go ‘paperless’ 
by using the Rathbones Online portal to access client 
documentation such as portfolio valuations, tax packs  
and transaction information.

Having taken all these factors into consideration, it was 
decided (in conjunction with our consultants Carbon Smart) 
that we would renew our efforts to promote the usage of 
Rathbones Online more widely among clients and await the 
first full year reports on its uptake in summer 2015 before 
deciding whether setting meaningful targets is viable.

Employees

Our approach 

Our business success is based on delivering a highly 
professional and personal service to our clients and we believe 
this can only be achieved by having engaged and motivated 
employees with a diverse range of backgrounds, skills and 
experiences. Our employee strategy, policies and investment 
plans are all designed to achieve these goals. 

We are firmly committed to evolving our people policies and 
practices and increasing employee engagement in the coming 
years in line with our values. Our goal continues to be the 
delivery of the highest possible quality of service to our clients 
through talented and professional employees. 

50%

12%

7%

5%

•  % of employees working part-time:  

•  % turnover rate:  

•  % resignation rate:  

Talent development

Leadership shapes the culture of an organisation. We therefore 
have a continuing focus on identifying future leaders and 
supporting the current leadership to enhance their skills 
and widen their experience base. We have worked in 2014 to 
develop more robust methods of identifying and developing 
potential with positive results and this work will continue.  
A formalised mentoring programme has been implemented 
and will roll-out further in 2015.

Structured career progression is important to our people and 
new career pathways have been developed for investment 
professionals. Work has now started on similar pathways for 
our other employees.

Our graduate development programme is being upgraded in 
recognition of the importance of maintaining a high-quality 
pipeline of younger talent. We have also recognised that 
the traditional graduate entry route is not the only source 
of quality recruits as shown by the success of the 2013 
apprenticeship programme with the initial six apprentices  
now into their second year. Further apprentices will be 
selected in September 2015. 

Learning 

We continue to make substantial and sustainable investments 
in the development of our people with an average spend per 
employee of £665 per annum. Training committees across 
the business regularly review the relevance and outcomes of 
development activity and training needs. 

In addition, we encourage our employees to take business 
relevant qualifications and offer generous support packages. 
Our investment professionals are required to achieve 
standards above the regulatory minimum with a particular 
focus on the Chartered Wealth Manager and Chartered 
Financial Analyst qualifications. Investment professionals are 
also required to undertake a minimum of 35 hours per annum 
Continuing Professional Development.

Further investment in electronic delivery methods for training 
will allow us to continue to maintain high levels of input at 
lower cost yet still maintain the quality we demand. 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014  

41

 
Strategic report Corporate responsibility report

Employees

Diversity and inclusion

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. 

Rathbones now has two women non-executive directors and 
has thus achieved our commitment to meet Lord Davies’ target 
of 25% female board representation. For Rathbones as a whole, 
we have a broadly 50:50 balance between males and females. 
While female representation at a senior executive management 
level is low, representation in senior and middle management 
roles in support departments, our investment research team 
and within the unit trust business is good and continues to 
improve. 

Historically, women are less well represented in investment 
management roles and addressing this imbalance is a key 
priority. We are working hard to bring in more women in 
graduate trainee positions (our graduate programme currently 
comprises broadly equal numbers of men and women) and 
by encouraging more applications from women to our work 
experience and financial career programmes. Our work-life 
balance provisions are designed to be attractive to women who 
wish to enter our industry as well as to encourage parents to 
remain in work with us when raising a family.

We are also targeting the progression and development of 
existing female employees with opportunities for training 
such as our early career team worker programme. During 2013 
and 2014, 26 women participated in this programme and 10 of 
them have since been promoted into more senior positions, 
including six who are now managing others.

At the next level, a further 23 women attended management 
development programmes ranging from leadership skills and 
introduction to management courses to the Henley Business 
School Leadership Programme.

Performance and reward

We offer a comprehensive remuneration package which is 
regularly reviewed to ensure that we remain competitive. This 
is supported by challenging objective setting and appraisal 
processes to align reward to corporate goals and motivate and 
encourage high performance.

All employees have the opportunity to participate in a  
pension arrangement and are eligible to receive at least a  
3% contribution from the company to a group personal 
pension arrangement. In addition, we provide health and  
well-being initiatives including private medical cover,  
annual medical examinations to all staff and an employee 
confidential advice service.

Employees are encouraged to identify with and to become 
involved in the financial performance of the group through a 
Share Incentive Plan (SIP) and a Save As You Earn scheme.

A full review of compensation schemes is scheduled for  
2015 to ensure that remuneration remains competitive and  
is aligned to the group’s longer term performance.

Employee relations

Engagement with our employees is crucial to the continuing 
success of the group. We communicate regularly and openly 
with our employees on matters affecting them and on the 
issues that have an impact on the performance of the group 
and actively seek their feedback on these matters. In 2014  
we held a series of meetings for the entire workforce over  
four days when the group executive team presented the 
group’s five year strategy.

Rathbones recognises the importance of an appropriate  
work-life balance, both to the health and welfare of employees 
and to the business. Employees are not expected to work long 
hours on a consistent or ongoing basis and any overtime is 
voluntary. Holiday entitlement begins at 25 days per annum 
for all employees, increasing to 30 days after five years’ service, 
with the opportunity to buy up to five additional days of 
flexible leave each year. 

Communities

Donations and fundraising

During the year, the group made total charitable donations of 
£253,000, representing 0.55% of group pre-tax profits (2013: 
£234,000, representing 0.53% of group pre-tax profits). This 
included a payment of £100,000 to the Rathbone Brothers 
Foundation. It also included the matching of employee 
donations made through the tax efficient Give As You Earn 
(GAYE) payroll giving scheme. In 2014, Rathbones’ employees 
made payments totalling £191,000 (2013: £230,000) 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 2014 donated 
£134,000 (2013: £128,000) to causes chosen by employees 
through this method.

During 2014, the Rathbone Brothers Foundation, the 
company’s charitable fund founded in 2012, considered many 
requests for assistance and met a number of charities. Three 
significant donations were made to:

•  Arts Insight, which uses music and drama to equip  
children from less privileged backgrounds with the 
interpersonal skills to develop into confident adults  
with essential skills for life

42 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

Strategic report Corporate responsibility report

Communities Donations and fundraising

Environment

•  Urban Pursuit, which helps vulnerable young people  
in the Bristol area in danger of being excluded from 
mainstream society get back on track through adrenaline 
sports and adventure activities

•  Merefield School in Southport, which provides education  

for pupils with profound learning difficulties.

Education and youth development

Our corporate responsibility programme continues to develop 
strongly with a committed focus on youth development. The 
Rathbones Financial Awareness Programme is a significant 
element of our investment in young people, which involves 
investment managers delivering presentations to 16–24 year 
olds within our offices and at schools around the UK. The 
programme aims to equip those attending with the necessary 
information to take ownership of their finances at a young 
age. The programme is free and in 2014 alone we reached 
over 2,000 young people in both the independent and state 
education sectors.

In addition to our own education programmes, we were 
lead sponsors of other education-related events such as the 
Education Business Awards, the Chalke Valley History Festival 
for Schools and the Bang Goes the Borders science festival. 
Further information on all of our initiatives for young people 
can be found at www.rathbones.com/young-people.

Rathbones further acknowledges the importance of sport 
in the lives of young people to teach key life skills and has 
agreed ongoing partnerships with English Lacrosse and 
Lacrosse Scotland up until 2017. Our involvement to date has 
had a significant impact on the development of the sport, 
particularly with the introduction of additional initiatives to 
encourage participation in the sport at community level. 

Local communities

Rathbones is committed to support the communities in which 
it is based. Regional offices are encouraged to get involved in 
their local communities and support charities and initiatives 
that they feel are important to the area.

Environmental concerns form a key element of Rathbones’ 
day-to-day operations. We strive to understand the full range of 
our environmental impacts and act, where possible, to reduce 
them. This report forms the seventh consecutive year we 
have calculated the carbon footprint of our business activities, 
including office buildings, business travel, waste generation 
and paper use. 

Scope

Our reporting period covers the 12 months to 30 September 
2014 (2013/14). Last year (2012/13) we extended the boundary 
of our carbon footprint calculations, including the carbon 
emissions attributable to paper, waste and refrigerants for the 
first time. Therefore, 2012/13 is our new baseline year. 

Building energy use

Building energy use accounted for 71% of our total carbon 
footprint in 2013/14. Our business is growing with full time 
equivalent (FTE) employee numbers increasing by 5% from 
2012/13 to 2013/14. However, our carbon emissions are not 
matching this growth – per FTE employee the carbon footprint 
from our buildings1 has actually decreased by 1%. 

Building energy use tCO2e per FTE employee 

3.0

2.43

2.40

2.0

1.0

0

2012/13 

2013/14

Unusually, there were no office changes in the year and so 
our total internal floor area remains unchanged at 14,430m2. 
Our buildings-related carbon emissions have also remained 
fairly level, increasing by just 3%. This is not because we are 
using more energy but is due to an 11% increase in the carbon 
intensity of UK grid electricity use (see ‘conversion factors’ 
in the glossary)2. If we consider energy use instead of carbon 
emissions it is a different story. Our gas usage expressed 
in kilowatt hours (kWh) has reduced by 8% and our total 
electricity kWh has reduced by 5%. When balanced with a 5% 
increase in staff numbers, this means that our total gas and 
electricity kWh per FTE employee has dropped by 10%.

Gas and electricity use kWh per FTE employee 
8,000

6,000

4,000

2,000

0

6,151

5,530

2012/13 

2013/14

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014  

43

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report Corporate responsibility report

Environment Building energy use

The reduction in gas kWh is explained in part by the milder 
winter, with 24% fewer heating degree days than in 2012/13. 
However, our reduction in electricity kWh will have been 
helped by energy efficiency measures. For example, we moved 
our Liverpool office servers to an off-site data centre (as we did 
for our London servers two years ago)3. This engenders energy 
efficiencies from the economies of scale found in data centres. 

Business travel 

Business travel accounts for 16% of our total carbon footprint. 
This is a significant proportion and something we can affect 
through our business practices. Over half of our travel CO2e 
came from flights.

Breakdown of emissions from business travel tCO2e 

8

145

72

248

Flight 
Rail 
Non-company cars 
Taxis

We have reduced emissions from 
business travel by 10% per FTE employee

We are pleased to have reduced the total carbon emissions 
due to staff business travel by 6% since 2012/13. Total business 
travel emissions per FTE employee have also reduced by 10% 
to 0.55 tCO2e per FTE employee. 

Business travel tCO2e per FTE employee 

0.61

0.55

0.8

0.6

0.4

0.2

0

2012/13 

2013/14

%

The reduction in travel emissions is largely due to reduced  
air travel with our CO2e from flights falling as expected by  
15%. However, the 43 tCO2ereduction in air travel emissions 
was counteracted by a 16 tCO2e(12%) increase in emissions 
from staff car mileage, due to the increased number of 
investment managers and increased sales activity by the  
unit trust distribution team. 

Paper

This is the second year that we have CO2e data for our paper 
use and we are pleased to report that comparison shows there 
has been a small reduction from 333 tCO2e in 2012/13 to 311 
tCO2e in 2013/14. This reduction results predominantly from a 
10% reduction in the total weight of paper we used. 

We have achieved this reduction in paper use while continuing 
steady business growth; we used 28% less paper (by weight) 
per investment management account than we did in 2012/13. 

Paper use per investment management account kg 

4.0

3.0

g
k

2.0

1.0

0

2.6

1.8

2012/13 

2013/14

The reduction in paper use was due in part to the launch 
in 2013/14 of an enhanced online client portal (Rathbones 
Online), giving clients secure access to valuations in digital 
rather than paper format. 

60% of the paper we used was for printing in our offices and 
need not be of the highest quality. Accordingly, 78% of the 
pulp used was recycled. The remaining 40% of paper used was 
for externally printed material on high quality, non-standard 
paper types. Here the options for sourcing recycled content are 
limited and only 8% of the pulp used was recycled. We intend 
to engage our suppliers in the coming year to explore options 
to increase recycled content. 

The 10% reduction in the total weight of paper we used  
was predominantly due to a reduction in our internal paper 
use which has meant that our overall recycled paper usage  
has dropped. 

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

60

40

20

0

57

50

2012/13 

2013/14

44 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report Corporate responsibility report

Environment 

Waste

This year we started sending food waste from our London 
head office to be composted, removing approximately 10 
tonnes of food waste per year from our general waste stream. 

Where possible, all Rathbones offices have some recycling 
facilities in place and 81% of our waste in 2013/14 was 
recycled4. This is a slight reduction against last year’s 84% 
recycling rate5. In 2013/14 we generated 364 kg of waste in total 
(including recycling and food waste) per FTE employee, an 
increase of 1.7% on the previous year. 

Of the 19% of our waste that is not currently recycled, 
approximately 7% is sent to energy from waste facilities and 
only 12% is sent to landfill. 90% of our electrical equipment 
that reached end of life last year was sent for reuse and the 
remainder was responsibly recycled. 

24% of the general waste from head  
office is now being composted

Refrigerants

Refrigerants are used in cooling mechanisms such as air 
conditioning and refrigeration units. They are unstable in the 
atmosphere and have a global warming potential many times 
higher than that of CO2. When the refrigerant level in a cooling 
unit has dropped, this means that some refrigerant gas has 
leaked into the atmosphere. 

As of last year, it is a mandatory requirement to report 
these emissions. In 2013/14, the only premises that required 
refrigerant refills were the Liverpool and Bristol offices and our 
outsourced data centres, totalling 51 tCO2e.

Carbon footprint

Our total all-scopes carbon footprint for 2013/14 was 2,926 
tCO2e. This is a 1.5% increase against our new baseline year of 
2012/13. Within this, CO2e from gas, electricity, paper, rail travel 
and flights have decreased, while those from refrigerants, staff 
car mileage and taxis have increased. 

Overall, however, our total tCO2e per £bn funds under 
management has dropped by 18% and by 14% per £m operating 
income, showing that we are continuing to decouple the 
growth of our business from the growth of our  
environmental impacts. 

Carbon footprint by scope (tCO2e)6 

Scope 1: 
–  Natural gas 
–  Refrigerant 

Scope 2: 
–  Purchased electricity 

Scope 3: 
–  Data centre7 
–  Business travel 
–  Paper 
–  Waste 
–  Electricity transmission and distribution 

Total tonnes CO2e 

Carbon intensity

2013/14 

2012/13

261 
51 

281 
23

1,450 

1,463

224 
473 
311 
11 
145 

133 
504 
333 
9 
136

2,926 

2,882

2013/14 

2012/13 

2013/14 

2012/13

Carbon intensity

Staff (FTE employees) 

867 

829 

3.4 

3.5

Net internal area  
of offices (m2) 

14,430  14,430 

0.20 

0.20

Operating income (£m) 

209.3 

176.4 

13.98 

16.34

Funds under  
management (£bn)  

27.2 

22.0 

108 

131

Carbon intensity is total (all scopes)6 tCO2e per: FTE employee; m2;  
£m of operating income; £bn funds under management

Carbon offsetting

We have used the services of ClimateCare to purchase  
2,900 tonnes of carbon credits to offset our residual CO2e 
emissions. This year’s portfolio again comprises three  
high-quality emission reduction projects which also offer 
tangible community benefits:

•  an 18MW wind farm in Tamil Nadu, India which, as well as 
contributing to the generation of electricity from non-fossil 
fuel sources, provides reliable power in rural areas and has 
installed water pumps in local villages

•  a water filter project in Kenya which provides safe drinking 
water as well as reducing deforestation and improving 
indoor air quality by removing the need to purify water by 
conventional boiling methods

•  a small-scale forestry project in Bolivia which combines 
reforestation using native tree species with enhanced 
biodiversity (through the creation of ecological corridors) 
and poverty alleviation opportunities for over 800 local 
smallholders by encouraging sustainable agriculture  
land use.

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014  

45

 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report Corporate responsibility report

Environment 

Objectives

Progress against our 2012/13 objectives 
1  Drive down emissions from paper either through  

reducing total weight of paper used or increasing the 
recycled content.

  Achieved  

We used 10% less paper by weight in 2013/14 than in  
2012/13 and our carbon footprint from paper use has 
reduced by 22 tCO2e.

2  Continue improving the robustness of our waste data and  
to reduce the weight of waste produced per employee.

  Partially achieved  

This is the second year that we have gathered data using 
our new waste management data collection protocol 
and we have made good improvements in the quality of 
this data. However, our total weight of waste (including 
recycling and food waste) per FTE employee increased 1.7% 
since 2012/13.

3  Continue to promote the use of videoconferencing as an 

alternative to travel.

  Achieved 

Videoconferencing is now widely used by all offices 
although it will never replace all office to office travel.

4  Encourage the greater use by clients of the online portal 

rather than paper-based services.

  Achieved 

We have launched Rathbones Online and are actively 
promoting it to our clients. 

5  Improve our data quality, particularly in respect of 

purchased electricity (Scope 2).

  Achieved 

We have moved from estimated to actual data at our  
Exeter, Jersey and Cambridge offices. 

Our objectives for 2014/15
1 

Increase the proportion of clients using Rathbones  
Online, which will lead to a reduction in paper usage and 
postage costs.

2  Explore the use of videoconferencing for client meetings.

3  Explore options for extending food waste collection to  

other offices.

4  Aim to increase the recycled content of the paper we use  

in our printed publications.

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 2013 to 30 September 2014. It does not 
represent an independent third party assurance of Rathbones’ 
management approach to sustainability.

Carbon Smart has been commissioned by Rathbones for the 
seventh consecutive year to calculate Rathbones’ carbon 
footprint for all offices for its 2014 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 World Resources 
Institute (WRI) Greenhouse Gas (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 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 operational control 
approach to defining their organisational boundaries8. 
Rathbones 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. 

Consistency  
In order to ensure comparability, we have used the same 
calculation methodologies and assumptions as for the 
previous year. 

Transparency  
Where relevant, we have included appropriate references 
to the accounting and calculation methodologies, 
assumptions and recalculations performed.

46 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

Strategic report Corporate responsibility report

Environment 

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 one (poorest) to five (best). For this year, overall 
data quality has increased from 3.8 in 2012/13 to 4.0 in 2013/14. 
Contributing factors include:

• 

In 2013/14 Rathbones moved from estimates based on 
typical consumption figures to bill data at their Exeter, 
Jersey and Cambridge offices. This means that Rathbones 
is only using estimated data for 4% of the total floor area in 
2013/14 compared with 10% in 2012/13. However, there are 
some offices for which Rathbones is not currently able to 
gather energy use data, and instead have used estimates 
based on typical consumption figures. These offices are 
Birmingham (gas) and Lymington (gas and electricity). 

•  Data for the head office for gas (accounting for 30% of 

total gas use) remains calculated based on proportional 
occupancy of the building from overall meter readings. 

•  The re-setting of the baseline year and the removal of  
pre-2012/13 data means the data sets are more relevant.

 % of  
 total carbon 
footprint 
2013/14 

Data quality

2013/14 

2012/13

11% 
49% 
40% 

4.0 
4.0 
4.0 
4.5 

3.8
4.0 
3.0 
4.5

Overall 
Scope 1 
Scope 2 
Scope 3 

Ben Murray 
Director

Carbon Smart Limited 
18 February 2015

Compliance with regulations 
Rathbones complies with the regulations for reporting 
greenhouse gas emissions. Following an operational control 
approach to defining our organisational boundary, our  
2013/14 greenhouse gas emissions from business activities 
amounted to: 

•  312 te resulting from the combustion of fuel and  

the operation of any facilities (classified as Scope 1 in  
this report)

•  1,450 tCO2e from the purchase of electricity by the  
company for its own use (classified as Scope 2 in  
this report). 

For 2012/13 our greenhouse gas emissions resulting from 
business activities amounted to 304 tCO2e for Scope 1 and 
1,463 tCO2e for Scope 2. It has not been practical to gather data 
on energy use at our Birmingham and Lymington offices  
(4% of the total floor area of our buildings), so we have used 
typical energy consumption figures to calculate the energy 
use at these sites based on floor area. We have stated the 
following carbon intensity metrics for 2013/14: 108 tCO2e 
per £bn funds under management and 13.98 tCO2e per £m 
operational income. For the previous reporting period, this 
was 131 tCO2e and 16.34 tCO2e respectively. The methodology 
used is in accordance with the requirements of the following 
standards: the World Resources Institute Greenhouse 
Gas Protocol (revised version); ‘Environmental Reporting 
Guidelines: Including mandatory greenhouse gas emissions 
reporting guidance’ (Defra, October 2013) and ISO 14064 – part 
1. While our financial reporting year is the calendar year, our 
reporting period for greenhouse gas emissions is 1 October to 
30 September. 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014  

47

 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Strategic report Corporate responsibility report

Environment 

Glossary

Baseline year 
Is the year against which we measure our performance in subsequent 
years. Historically, this has been 2007/08, but there were significant 
changes to our reporting in 2012/13, so the 2012/13 data is now 
our baseline for performance comparison.

Operational control approach 
This refers to how our organisational boundaries have been defined. 
We use an operational control approach, which includes direct and 
indirect emissions from those buildings which we have operational 
(as opposed to financial) control over. 

Carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) 
CO2e is a universal unit of measurement that allows the global 
warming potential of different greenhouse gases to be compared as 
prescribed by the Kyoto Protocol.

Conversion factors 
Are used to convert different activities into tonnes of carbon dioxide 
equivalent (tCO2e). For example, consuming 1,000 kWh of UK gas is 
currently equal to emitting approximately 0.185 tCO2e. The amount 
of CO2e generated per kWh of UK grid electricity changes from year 
to year following changes to the way we generate our electricity.

Defra 
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

kWh 
A kilowatt hour is a unit of energy. One kWh is roughly equivalent to 
using a desktop computer for four hours. 

Heating degree days 
These are a measure of the severity and duration of cold weather. 
For every degree the outside temperature drops below 15°C in a day 
counts as a degree day. The colder the weather, the larger the degree 
day value for that day. So two days at 10°C counts as 10 degree days. 

Reporting regulations 
The Companies Act 2006 (Strategic and Directors’ Reports) 
Regulations 2013.

Scope 
The Greenhouse Gas Protocol defines three categories of emissions.

•  Scope 1 (Direct emissions): emissions directly into the 
atmosphere (eg from natural gas and refrigerants)

•  Scope 2 (Indirect emissions): from the consumption of purchased 

electricity

•  Scope 3 (Other indirect): emissions from Rathbones’ use of 

products and services such as business travel, water, paper etc.

Transmission and distribution (T and D) loss 
This is the energy loss that occurs when getting the electricity from a 
power station to the point of use. To account for electricity emissions 
fully, Defra requires that organisations account for the T and D loss 
associated with the electricity they purchase. Defra have historically 
included T and D loss under a single conversion factor for electricity 
consumption. Last year purchased electricity was separated into 
‘Electricity generation’ and ‘Losses from T and D’. This change 
resulted in a proportion of our carbon emissions previously being 
reported against Scope 2 being moved to Scope 3.

Notes

1  The carbon footprint from  
our buildings includes CO2e  
from natural gas, electricity 
(including transmission and 
distribution losses) and covers 
our offsite data centres. We  
have also now included 
refrigerants and have adjusted 
the 2012/13 comparative

2  

In 2014 the conversion factor  
for UK grid electricity increased 
by 11% due to a spike in coal  
use in UK electricity generation. 
This has made UK electricity 
in 2014 11% more carbon 
intensive than in 2013

3   Note that for transparency we 
still include energy use at the 
data centres in our building 
energy figures

4  We have included composting 

under ‘recycling’ above 

5  Please note that the 2012/13 
recycling figure above is a 
correction due to a miscalculation 
in last year’s waste figures

6  The Greenhouse Gas  

Protocol defines three scopes  
of greenhouse gas emissions. 
Please refer to the glossary for 
further information

7  Many of our core IT facilities at 

our London and Liverpool offices 
have been outsourced to data 
centres. As per the Greenhouse 
Gas Protocol, emissions from the 
data centre have been moved 
to Scope 3. However, where we 
have stated a figure for overall 
electricity use we have included 
the data centre, as we felt this is 
the more transparent approach

8  Please refer to the glossary 
for further information on 
Rathbones’ approach to  
defining its organisational 
boundary through an  
operational control approach

48 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

Governance

50 
53 
55 
59 
60 
61 
75 
78 
79 
80 

Directors 
Directors’ report 
Corporate governance report 
Executive committee report 
Group risk committee report 
Remuneration committee report 
Audit committee report 
Nomination committee report 
Approval of strategic report 
Statement of directors’ responsibilities in respect  
of the report and accounts

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014  

49

 
  
 
Governance 

Directors

Chairman

Mark Nicholls 
Chairman

Appointment: 1/12/2010 
Age: 65 
Board committees: Re N 

Executive directors

Philip Howell 
Chief Executive

Appointment: 1/12/2013 
Age: 59 
Board committees: E N 

Mark Nicholls is a lawyer and corporate financier. After 
studying law at Cambridge he qualified as a solicitor 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 in May 2011 and is considered to be independent. 

Following an early military career, Philip spent over 30 years 
in the investment banking and private banking sectors, 
undertaking a range of leadership roles as well as gaining 
considerable general management experience. He was with 
Barclays for 24 years, which included leadership assignments 
in Asia and South Africa, and subsequently as head of  
strategy and corporate development focused on the 
international and private banking divisions. Before joining 
Rathbones in 2013, he continued his involvement in private 
wealth management, firstly as chief executive of Fortis  
Private Banking and subsequently of Williams de Broë. He 
succeeded Andy Pomfret as chief executive on 1 March 2014. 

Executive 

Audit 

Remuneration 

Nomination 

Group risk

Commitee membership

Mark Nicholls 
Philip Howell 
Paul Stockton 
Paul Chavasse 
David Harrel 
James Dean 
Sarah Gentleman 
Kathryn Matthews

Committee member  
Committee chairman 

50 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Governance Directors

Executive directors

Paul Stockton 
Finance Director

Appointment: 24/09/2008 
Age: 49 
Board committees: E 

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 divisional finance director of the Phoenix Group. He  
joined Rathbones in August 2008 and is also a non-executive 
director of the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. 

Paul Chavasse 
Head of Investment  
Management

Appointment: 26/09/2001 
Age: 50 
Board committees: E 

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 in March 2012.

Board committees

The principal board committees  
are the audit, executive, nomination, 
remuneration, 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. 

A 
•  Audit committee 

E 
•  Executive committee 

p75

p59

N 
•  Nomination committee  p78

Re 
•  Remuneration committee p61

Ri 
•  Group risk committee 

p60

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014  

51

 
 
 
 
 
 
Governance Directors

Non-executive directors

David Harrel 
Senior Independent Director

Appointment: 1/12/2007 
Age: 66 
Board committees: A Re N Ri 

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 Fairpoint 
Group plc, a member of the board of the English National 
Opera and a trustee of the Clore Duffield Foundation.  
He is chairman of the remuneration committee. 

James Dean 
Non-executive Director  
(Independent)

Appointment: 1/11/2013 
Age: 57 
Board committees: A Re N Ri 

James Dean is a chartered accountant with over 30 years’ 
experience working in financial services. James worked in 
a variety of roles at Ernst & Young over a period of 14 years, 
including holding the position of managing partner for the 
UK Financial Services Audit Practice for four years. He holds 
a number of other non-executive directorships including 
Liverpool Victoria Friendly Society and The Stafford Railway 
Building Society. He is chairman of the audit committee.

Sarah Gentleman 
Non-executive Director 
(Independent)

Appointment: 21/01/2015 
Age: 44 
Board committees: A Re N Ri

Sarah Gentleman started her career as a consultant at 
McKinsey and Company and then worked for several years  
in the telecoms and digital sectors, latterly as chief financial 
officer of the LCR Telecom Group. In 1999 she joined the 
internet bank Egg, the internet banking subsidiary of 
Prudential, where she was responsible for business 
development and strategy. In 2005, she joined Sanford C. 
Bernstein & Co, the institutional research and trading arm  
of Alliance Bernstein as a banking analyst covering the 
European banking sector. Sarah graduated from Cambridge 
with a degree in Natural Sciences and also has an MBA from 
INSEAD. She was appointed to the board on 21 January 2015. 

Kathryn Matthews 
Non-executive Director  
(Independent)

Appointment: 6/01/2010 
Age: 55 
Board committees: A Re N Ri 

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 Hermes Fund Managers Limited, Aperam S.A. and  
J P Morgan Chinese Investment Trust Plc and chairman  
of Montanaro UK Smaller Companies Investment Trust Plc.  
She is on the board of trustees of the Nuffield Trust  
and is a non-executive member of the Council of the Duchy  
of Lancaster. She is chairman of the group risk committee.

52 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

 
 
 
Governance 

Directors’ report

Group results and company dividends

Corporate responsibility

The Rathbone Brothers Plc group profit after taxation  
for the year ended 31 December 2014 was £35,637,000  
(2013: £34,751,000). The directors recommend the payment  
of a final dividend of 33.0p (2013: 31.0p) on 19 May 2015 to 
shareholders on the register on 24 April 2015. An interim 
dividend of 19.0p (2013: 18.0p) was paid on 8 October 2014  
to shareholders on the register on 12 September 2014. This 
results in total dividends of 52.0p (2013: 49.0p) per ordinary 
share for the year. These dividends amount to £24,863,000 
(2013: £22,645,000) – see note 15 to the financial statements  
on page 105.

Share capital

The company’s share capital comprises one class of ordinary 
shares of 5p each. At 31 December 2014, 47,890,269 shares 
were in issue (2013: 46,287,664). 50,000 shares were held  
in treasury (2013: 50,000). Details of the movements during 
the year are set out in note 30 to the financial statements.  
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.

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 15,300,000 
shares (approximately one third of the issued share capital 
at 18 March 2014). The board currently has the authority to 
buy back up to 2,300,000 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.

Directors

Directors’ details are set out in the corporate governance report 
on pages 55 to 58. Their biographies are on pages 50 to 52.

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 41 and 42.

Information about greenhouse gas emissions are set out in the 
corporate responsibility report on pages 43 to 48.

Financial instruments and risk 
management

The risk management objectives and policies of the group are 
set out in note 33 to the financial statements.

Indemnification of directors

The company has put in place insurance to cover its directors 
and officers against the costs of defending themselves in 
civil legal action taken against them in that capacity and any 
damages awarded. The company has granted indemnities, 
which are uncapped, to its 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 2014 and remain in 
force at the date of this report.

Substantial shareholdings

At 18 February 2015, the company had received notifications in 
accordance with the Financial Conduct Authority’s Disclosure 
and Transparency Rule 5.1.2 of the following interests of 3% or 
more in the voting rights of the company (see table 1).

Table 1. Substantial shareholdings at 18 February 2015

Shareholder 

Date of 
notification 

Number 
of voting 
rights 

BlackRock Inc. 

2 May 2014 

5,198,254 

Lindsell Train Ltd. 

27 Aug 2014 

5,160,356 

% 
of voting 
rights

10.91

10.81

Massachusetts  
Financial Services  
Company 

BlackRock UK  
Special Situations 
Fund  

Aberdeen Asset  
Managers Ltd. 

19 May 2011 

2,254,063 

5.19

26 Nov 2013 

2,312,691 

5.01

14 Nov 2014 

2,103,831 

4.40

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014  

53

 
 
 
 
Governance Directors’ report

Share price

The mid-market price of the company’s shares at 31 December 
2014 was £20.46 (2013: £16.14) and the range during the year 
was £16.11 to £21.66 (2013: £12.85 to £16.91).

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 10 to the 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 LLP, be reappointed and a resolution 
appointing KPMG LLP as auditor and authorising the directors 
to set their remuneration will be proposed at the 2015 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.

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.

Political donations

No political donations were made during the year (2013: nil).

Post-balance sheet events

There were no post-balance sheet events.

Annual General Meeting

The 2015 AGM will be held on Thursday 14 May 2015 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.

By Order of the Board 

Richard Loader 
Company Secretary

18 February 2015

Going concern

Registered office: 1 Curzon Street, London W1J 5FB

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, strategic report and group risk 
committee report. In addition, note 1.6 to the financial 
statements provides further details.

Group companies are regulated by the PRA and FCA and 
perform annual capital adequacy assessments, which include 
the modelling of certain extreme stress scenarios. The 
company publishes Pillar 3 disclosures annually on its website, 
which provide detail about its regulatory capital resources  
and requirements. During the year, and as at 31 December 
2014, the group has had no external borrowings and is wholly 
funded by equity.

In 2014, the group has continued to generate organic  
growth in client funds under management 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 

54 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

 
Governance

Corporate governance report

Introduction from the chairman

You will find commentaries in this annual report from me 
and other committee chairmen on important aspects of our 
governance. The board’s primary focus is on ensuring that the 
business prospers for the benefit of our shareholders and other 
stakeholders. Good governance provides the framework for 
achieving this, and the best guardian of governance is a good 
board culture. I believe we have this at Rathbones, and I also 
believe that the longstanding culture of Rathbones, in putting 
the interests of our clients first, is embedded throughout the 
firm. We are not complacent, however, and we know we must 
remain ever-vigilant, particularly as the firm grows in size. 

We now have a relatively small board at Rathbones and I 
think this helps maintain an open and constructive dialogue 
between the executive and non-executive members. As 
chairman, one of my main tasks is to ensure that the ‘right’ 
information is made available on a timely basis to the non-
executives, so that we can all contribute to discussions and 
challenge constructively and effectively. In this regard a 
particular area of focus is determining the boundaries of 
appropriate and necessary non-executive oversight. These 
boundaries are continually widening for a financial services 
company like Rathbones, which is now regulated in the UK  
by the PRA, FCA and the SRA. Examples of this widening 
are the fact that key executives in risk and audit now 
report directly to a non-executive director in their capacity 
as chairman of the risk committee and audit committee 
respectively. In 2014 we set up a conflicts of interest committee 
also chaired by a non-executive director.

During 2014 Philip Howell became chief executive and James 
Dean became chairman of the audit committee. They were 
able to make an immediate impact, having had appropriate 
handover periods as part of our succession planning. I was 
delighted to welcome Sarah Gentleman to the board in January 
2015. Sarah brings analytical and digital marketing skills to the 
board which I believe will be of great benefit.

We have robust and effective board meetings, and the broad 
range of skills and experience of our board members ensures 
that all issues are fully debated and challenged before a 
decision is made. If we need an extended discussion on a 
matter, we will set up an additional meeting or make use of 
one of our pre-board dinners. Most importantly, I am satisfied 
that when it comes to difficult or ambiguous issues the board 
is well placed to make sound judgements. This year we asked 
IDDAS Limited to undertake an external board effectiveness 
review, of which more below. The nomination committee 
keeps under review both board succession planning and 
whether additional skills are required on the board.

In between board meetings I maintain frequent contact  
with the executive team, and in particular the chief executive 
who keeps me advised of progress and key developments. 
Philip and I also discuss how to bring issues to the board in 
the most effective way. I spend two or more days a week in the 
London office, and join some internal meetings particularly 
those that relate to our investment process. I maintain regular 
contact with our senior independent director and discuss 
with him my thinking on significant board issues. I also have 
frequent dialogue with my other non-executive colleagues to 
ensure that any areas of concern are aired. Before each board 
meeting the non-executive directors meet to highlight any 
issues that have emerged from the board papers.

Finally, Rathbones takes the recommendations of the UK 
Corporate Governance Code seriously and we have been 
compliant with it throughout the year. We note the additional 
requirements in the 2014 Corporate Governance Code and  
will work to fully implement these for our next annual report. 
We are also compliant with Lord Davies’ recommendations 
that boards have at least 25% female representation. 

Mark Nicholls 
Chairman

18 February 2015

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014  

55

 
 
Governance Corporate governance report

The board and principal board  
committee structure

Chairman 
Leadership of the board

Board 
Approval of strategy 
and the oversight of 
its implementation by 
management

Chief executive 
Responsible for the 
management of the 
business in line with  
the agreed strategy

Non-executive director oversight

Group risk committee 
Oversight of risk 
management and  
internal controls

Conflicts of interest 
committee  
Oversight of the group’s 
conflict of interest  
policies and procedures

Audit committee 
Oversight of financial 
management and  
internal audit

Remuneration committee 
Responsible for the 
directors’ remuneration 
policy and for oversight  
of the group’s 
remuneration strategy

Nomination committee 
Responsible for 
recommending changes  
to the composition of  
the board

Executive committee 
Assists the chief executive 
in the management of  
the business

Chief risk officer 
Independent assurance  
of management and 
internal controls

Internal audit 
Independent assurance  
of management and 
internal controls

•  Finance director

•  Head of investment 

management

•  Head of unit trusts

•  Chief operating officer

•  Head of organisational 
design and strategy

  First line of defence 

Second line of defence 
Third line of defence

Compliance 
Compliance with 
regulatory requirements

Risk management 
Analysis of the risks  
facing the business and  
the effectiveness of 
internal controls in 
reducing the risks

Table 1: Attendance at board meetings

P D G Chavasse 
O R P Corbett 
J W Dean 
D T D Harrel 
P L Howell 
K A Matthews 
M P Nicholls 
A D Pomfret 

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

6/6 
2/2 
6/6 
6/6 
6/6 
6/6 
6/6 
1/1 

6/6 

10/12 

10/12 

2/2 
11/12 

4/4 
8/8 
8/8 

7/8 

1/1 
4/4 
4/4 

4/4 
4/4 

1/2 
3/3 
2/3 

3/3 
3/3 

2/2 
4/4 
2/2 

4/4 

56 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Governance Corporate governance report

Governance of the company

Attendance at board meetings

In relation to compliance with the UK Corporate Governance 
Code, this report together with the directors’ report states the 
position at 18 February 2015. The company was in compliance 
with the UK Corporate Governance Code (‘the Code’) issued 
in September 2012 by the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) 
throughout the year. 

The board

The biographies of the directors and their details are set  
out on pages 50 to 52. The board currently consists of a 
non-executive chairman, three executive directors and four 
other non-executive directors. The board considers that all 
of the non-executive directors are independent. The roles 
of the chairman, Mark Nicholls, and the chief executive, 
Philip Howell, are separated and are clearly defined in 
writing and agreed by the board. The non-executive directors 
bring independent judgment to the board table gained at 
a senior level in other organisations and constructively 
challenge strategy and management performance. 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.

Regarding board changes, Philip Howell succeeded  
Andy Pomfret as chief executive on 1 March 2014. Oliver 
Corbett stepped down from the board on 3 June 2014 and  
was succeeded by James Dean as chairman of the audit 
committee. Sarah Gentleman was appointed to the board  
on 21 January 2015. 

We meet as a full board at least six times a year. Most board 
meetings are preceded by a board dinner which allows for 
broader discussions and an opportunity for the board to meet 
other members of the management team. 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.

The company secretary manages board and committee 
meetings, ensures that the board and particularly the non-
executive directors are receiving appropriate and balanced 
information, facilitates the induction process for new directors, 
assists with their professional development and advises the 
board on corporate governance matters and on the rules and 
regulations that affect a UK listed company. The appointment 
or removal of the company secretary is a matter for the board.

The meeting attendance record of directors who served during 
the year is set out in table 1.

Board effectiveness 

There are three key elements to ensuring board effectiveness; 
the annual effectiveness review, individual director appraisal 
and training.

Board effectiveness review

Each year, the board undertakes an annual review of its 
effectiveness. In 2013, a questionnaire-based review was 
undertaken. The table below shows the key points raised in 
this 2013 review and the action taken.

Key issues from the 2013 review 

Action taken

Review the board agenda  
and time allocations  

Items for particular focus at the 
meeting are now highlighted

Improvements to 
board papers 

Oversight of the business by  
the non-executive directors 

Requests for more market  
and competitor analysis 

Board papers have improved,  
but more work is needed in some 
areas with a need for greater use  
of exception reporting

A revised chief executive’s board 
report was introduced during 
the year which summarises key 
issues for the non-executive 
directors. Training sessions are  
arranged with internal presenters 
where possible to give the  
non-executive directors exposure  
to the management team

There has been a particular focus 
in 2014 on our tariff and our 
competitive position 

The possible skill set of any  
new non-executive director 

See the nomination committee 
report on page 78

Potential threats to and  
opportunities for the business   board level on market activity  

There is now greater focus at 

and analyses

Training needs for the directors  Training sessions are regularly held 

on aspects of the business

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014  

57

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Governance Corporate governance report

Board effectiveness review 

Training and induction

For 2014, an external review was undertaken by IDDAS 
Limited. This involved their attendance at audit, group risk 
and board meetings, one-to-one interviews with directors 
and the company secretary and a review of board and board 
committee papers and minutes. The key points raised in the 
2014 review, which are summarised below, will be discussed by 
the board and taken forward in 2015.

•  The board agenda 

Greater focus on oversight, strategy and key risks, less on 
day to day management issues

• 

Information flows 
Further refinement of board papers to highlight key points 
and remove clutter

•  Succession planning 

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.

For executive and non-executive directors and below  
board level

Board committees

• 

Induction and development 
Develop a more structured programme

•  Code of ethics 

Embed a code of business conduct

•  Risk 

Greater board focus on the key business risks

Full details of the work of the principal board committees 
are set out in the separate reports for each committee 
which follow this report. In addition to the principal board 
committees, a conflicts of interest committee, chaired by 
James Dean, was established in March 2014. It has oversight 
of the group’s conflicts of interest policies and procedures. 
The committee’s members are the chairman, non-executive 
directors and the chief executive. The chief risk officer and 
head of internal audit are normally in attendance.  

Director appraisal

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 
meeting 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.

Mark Nicholls 
Chairman

18 February 2015

58 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

 
Governance 

Executive committee report

Executive committee  
chairman’s statement

Please see the chief executive’s statement on pages 5 and 6.

Committee members

Our current members and their responsibilities are as follows:

Board members:

•  Philip Howell (chief executive)

•  Paul Stockton (finance director)

•  Paul Chavasse (head of investment management).

Andy Pomfret retired as chief executive on 28 February 2014.

Other members:

•  Andrew Butcher (chief operating officer)

•  Mike Webb (chief executive of the unit trust business)

•  Mike Bolsover (head of strategy and organisation 
development) – appointed to the committee on  
1 January 2015.

Ian Buckley stood down from the committee on  
31 December 2014. 

We formally meet each month. These formal meetings are 
minuted and copies of the minutes are sent to committee 
members and to the board. Details of attendance by the 
directors on the committee are set out on page 56. Ad hoc  
and informal meetings are held as required.

Our people are our main asset and so HR matters and 
learning and development are important agenda items. The 
maintenance of and investment in our core IT and operations 
infrastructure are significant costs to the business and so are 
subject to regular review. The prioritisation of projects and 
allocation of resources is closely monitored.

We also have oversight of marketing and investor relations and 
are involved in the day to day relationship with our regulators. 
We review significant reports to regulators, shareholders and 
other stakeholders. We receive updates from internal audit on 
their work schedule and discuss any significant issues they 
raise following their work. We regularly review the current risk 
register and discuss the key risks to the business.

Non-committee members are regularly invited to attend 
part of a meeting to report on a particular aspect of our 
business. The head of internal audit may attend any meeting 
while the minutes are provided to senior members of the 
risk management team. Non-executive directors may also 
attend meetings, which is particularly useful as part of a new 
director’s induction process. 

Philip Howell 
Chairman of the executive committee

18 February 2015

Andrew Butcher 

Role and responsibilities of the committee

The committee has been delegated the full powers of the  
board subject to a list of matters which are reserved for 
decision by the board. This list is reviewed annually and 
approved by the board.

Mike Webb 

What we have done

Our main focus is on the implementation of the agreed 
strategy and on the day to day management of the group.  
We discuss the management and performance of the operating 
businesses (including their strategy, financial results and 
regulatory compliance) and growth initiatives. We agree the 
annual business plan and budget prior to its submission to  
the board for approval.

Mike Bolsover 

Andrew Butcher is chief operating officer and is based  
in the Liverpool office. Following an early military career, 
he joined Charles Stanley in 1986 and initially acted 
as a partner’s assistant while qualifying as a private 
client stockbroker, managing client portfolios. He 
subsequently became involved in branch acquisitions, 
project management and IT, and was appointed as their 
chief operating officer in 2008. He joined Rathbones in  
March 2012.

Mike Webb is chief executive officer of Rathbone Unit 
Trust Management. He has over 25 years’ experience, 
previous roles including chief executive officer of 
Invesco Perpetual, managing director of the retail 
division of GT Global Asset Management and sales and 
marketing director of Prolific Financial Management. 
Before joining Rathbones he was head of business 
development at Hermes Fund Managers. He joined 
Rathbones in February 2010. His other responsibilities 
include marketing and Rathbones’ distribution strategy.

Mike Bolsover is head of strategy and organisation 
development. He has spent over 30 years in commercial 
and retail banking sectors, undertaking a range of roles 
with a bias towards strategy and the management of 
people. Following a lengthy career with Midland Bank 
and HSBC, he moved into private wealth management, 
as director of strategy and human resources for Gerrard. 
Before joining Rathbones, he worked for Euroclear, the 
world’s largest post-trade settlement infrastructure as 
director, corporate strategy. He joined Rathbones in 
September 2014. 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014  

59

 
 
Governance 

Group risk committee report

Risk committee chairman’s  
annual statement

In my report last year I mentioned the enhancements  
to our risk management processes made in 2013 and these 
have continued in 2014. In September, we welcomed a  
head of investment process and risk to head our investment 
monitoring team. This team reviews the work of our 
investment managers, the suitability of their client portfolios 
and their assessments of their clients’ attitude to risk and 
capacity for loss. System enhancements in this area have 
improved the reporting of investment performance to 
management and to the committee. We also initiated a  
search for a dedicated chief risk officer which resulted  
in the appointment of Sarah Owen-Jones, who will join  
Rathbones on 16 March 2015. Sarah has considerable  
financial services risk management experience and will be  
an important addition to the executive management team. 

An enhanced risk management framework manual was 
approved during the year. This incorporated our risk 
management documentation including our risk management 
policy, three lines of defence model and risk appetite 
statement into one document.

I would like to thank Ian Buckley for his considerable 
contribution to the work of the committee. He has been 
instrumental in the development of our risk management 
function over the past couple of years and more recently the 
appointment of a dedicated chief risk officer. He will hand over 
the day to day responsibility for risk management to Sarah 
Owen-Jones in March.

Committee members

Our current members are the independent non-executive 
directors Kathryn Matthews (chairman), James Dean, Sarah 
Gentleman and David Harrel. Oliver Corbett was a committee 
member until his retirement from the board on 3 June 
2014 while Sarah Gentleman joined the committee on her 
appointment to the board on 21 January 2015. We met on 
four occasions in 2014 (2013: four). Details of attendance by 
members are set out on page 56.

Role and responsibilities of the committee

These are set out in the terms of reference of the committee, 
which are reviewed annually and approved by the board.

The committee is supported in its duties by the risk 
management committee and the group executive committee. 
The risk management committee is made up of representatives 
from all the different business units and reviews all the 
different risks from within the businesses at an operational 
level. The group executive committee reviews the risks as 
identified by the risk management committee from a group 
wide perspective and also within the framework of group 
strategy. These discussions then form the basis for the  
debate on both key risks and emerging risks at the group  
risk committee.

The key activities of the committee are to:

•  review the business’ risks and a top 10 list of risks 

•  consider a ‘watch list’ of emerging risks and issues 

•  advise the board on the group’s overall risk appetite and risk 

tolerance

• 

identify risk trends and correlations

•  consider the lessons learned from operational events and 

the adequacy of management action

•  review the risk assessment process and the metrics used

•  provide guidance to other committees and to the board

•  support the board’s risk assessment of any proposed 

strategic business change

•  review of the risk-related aspects of key regulatory 

documents.

Full details of our risk management processes are included in 
the strategic report on pages 18 to 22. 

Kathryn Matthews 
Chairman of the group risk committee

18 February 2015

60 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

 
It will be noted that the EIP does not contain a relative  
Total Shareholder Return (TSR) measure unlike the existing 
LTIP. We have substituted a return on capital employed 
(ROCE) measure as we believe that it is an important strategic 
performance measure over which management has some 
control, unlike TSR which is highly dependent on the vagaries 
of the stock market.

For 2014, the committee approved executive bonus awards 
which reflected a strong year in terms of PBT as against budget, 
growth in funds under management and operating margin as 
well as the performance against personal performance targets 
as detailed in the annual report on remuneration. The strong 
performance of the business also meant that 2012-14 LTIP 
performance targets (TSR and EPS) were in large part achieved. 
Executive salaries were increased in line with the increase 
given to most employees.

I would like to thank a number of our major shareholders and 
their representative bodies whose views we sought on our 
remuneration policies for their helpful observations which 
have assisted us in our deliberations. 

David Harrel 
Chairman of the remuneration committee

18 February 2015

Governance

Remuneration committee report

Remuneration committee chairman’s 
annual statement

Last year we sought approval of our remuneration policy for 
one year only. We had a new management team in place and 
in light of which we wanted to give ourselves more time to 
review the policy and in particular the long term elements, 
before seeking approval of a policy which will remain in place 
for three years. We are therefore submitting a new directors’ 
remuneration policy for approval at the forthcoming AGM.

Our objectives in undertaking this review were to:

•  simplify the incentive pay structure to give the executive 

directors and shareholders a clearer line of sight on 
performance measurements

•  align the directors’ remuneration policy with our  

five year strategy

•  ensure that the executive directors’ interests are aligned 

to those of Rathbones’ shareholders, including the 
requirement for significant, long term equity participation

•  maintain a cap on total variable pay of 200% of base salary.

As a result of our review, the remuneration committee has 
approved the Executive Incentive Plan (EIP) which will be 
put forward to the AGM for approval. The EIP, which will be 
effective from the 2015 performance year, will replace both 
the existing annual bonus arrangements and the Long Term 
Incentive Plan (LTIP). Under the EIP, as set out in the directors’ 
remuneration policy, performance will be assessed at the 
end of each year using a balanced scorecard of long term and 
annual financial measures (earnings per share (EPS), return 
on capital employed, profit before tax (PBT) compared with 
budget, underlying operating profit margin and growth in 
funds under management), strategic, operational and personal 
performance measures. Performance metrics and targets 
will be disclosed in the directors’ remuneration report for the 
relevant year of award. Total variable pay remains capped at 
200% of salary in accordance with shareholder approval given 
at the 2014 AGM.

The annual award under the EIP is split between deferred 
shares (60%) and cash (40%). The deferred shares will vest 
over a five year period at 20% per annum and cannot be sold 
for five years from the date of the award. The EIP also provides 
for malus or clawback in certain events. 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014  

61

 
 
The outcome of the review was a proposal to introduce a  
new incentive plan to replace both the annual bonus and the 
LTIP, with a single plan (the EIP). The maximum award under 
the combined plan is 200% of base salary, which is the same  
as the sum of the previous maximum awards made under  
both the annual bonus scheme and the LTIP. The new 
plan includes both long and short term measurement of 
performance. It applies a balanced scorecard, with a majority 
weighting on financial metrics. 60% of awards are made in 
the form of Rathbones shares that are deferred over a five 
year vesting period. Shares are also subject to a five year sale 
restriction from the date of award (net of sales to pay any 
associated tax on vesting). 

Governance  Remuneration committee report

Directors’ remuneration policy

This remuneration policy will be submitted to shareholders for 
approval by ordinary resolution at the AGM on 14 May 2015. It 
replaces the policy approved by shareholders at the AGM on 
14 May 2014. If approved, the policy will be formally effective 
from the date of the AGM, but will be applied to the whole 
financial year.

Proposed changes

Following the introduction of the variable pay cap by 
the financial services regulators, and the appointment of 
our new chief executive in March 2014, the committee 
undertook a review of our executive remuneration policy. 

The overriding aim of the policy is that it be:

• 

linked to our strategy

•  aligned with shareholders’ interests with significant,  

long term equity participation 

•  simple and transparent 

• 

include both annual and long term elements

•  compliant with financial services rules and regulations 

• 

• 

in line with the market, having regard to the size and 
complexity of the group’s operations

fair for both the director and the company with some 
element of discretion

•  aligned with the board’s approved risk appetite

•  flexible, recognising that the business is evolving and 

responsibilities change.

62 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

 
Governance  Remuneration committee report

Directors’ remuneration policy

Executive directors

Base salary

Purpose and link 
to strategy 

The core, fixed 
component of the 
package designed to 
enable the recruitment 
and retention of high 
calibre individuals. 

Benefits

Purpose and link 
to strategy 

Benefits are typically 
provided to directors 
to complement the 
remuneration package 
and ensure that it is 
sufficiently attractive to 
enable recruitment.

Applicable performance  
measures 

Not applicable.

Recovery

Not applicable.

Operation 

Opportunity 

Base salaries are 
reviewed annually 
on 1 January and are 
compared to salaries 
in other companies 
of similar size and 
complexity to ensure 
that the market rate is 
being paid. Adjustments 
may be made at other 
times to reflect a change 
of responsibility.

There is no maximum 
base salary, but 
percentage increases 
will normally be no 
higher than the general 
level of increase for 
the wider employee 
population, unless 
there are special 
circumstances such 
as a material change 
of responsibilities or 
where a salary has been 
set significantly below 
market median and is 
being brought into line.

Base salaries at  
1 January 2015 are:

•  Paul Chavasse 
£293,550

•  Philip Howell  
£463,500

•  Paul Stockton 
£294,580

Operation 

Opportunity 

Benefits are set by the 
committee and may 
include, for example:

Benefits make up a small 
percentage of total 
remuneration costs.

Applicable performance  
measures 

Not applicable.

Recovery

Not applicable.

•  private medical 

insurance for directors 
and their dependants

•  death in service cover

•  Share Incentive Plan free 
and matching shares

•  Save As You Earn scheme

•  annual medicals

•  limited legal and 

professional advice  
on company- 
related matters

•  relocation costs.

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014  

63

 
 
 
 
 
 
Governance Remuneration committee report

Directors’ remuneration policy Executive directors 

Executive Incentive Plan (EIP)

Purpose and link 
to strategy 

The EIP rewards both 
short term performance 
and the achievement 
of corporate and 
individual goals and 
aligns the interests 
of shareholders and 
directors in creating 
long term shareholder 
value. The performance 
measures as described 
have been selected to 
support the controlled 
delivery of our business 
strategy as set out in 
the strategic report.

Recovery

In the case of a ‘bad’ 
leaver, all unvested 
awards will normally 
lapse. A ‘bad’ leaver 
is a director who 
leaves other than 
on retirement, 
redundancy, due to  
ill health or on the 
sale of the business 
unless the committee 
determines otherwise.

The committee may 
seek the recovery of 
awards at any time 
before the vesting 
of awards (malus) or 
within three years of 
vesting (clawback) 
if it determines that 
the financial results 
of the company were 
materially misstated, if 
the group is subject to a 
material adverse event 
(for example, regulatory 
censure) or if an historic 
error was made in the 
calculation of awards. 
This recovery may be 
made by the reduction 
of future awards, 
the reduction of past 
awards made that have 
not vested or by the 
repayment of cash 
awards or the return of 
vested shares.

Operation 

Opportunity 

Applicable performance  
measures 

EIP awards are paid 
in cash (40%) and 
deferred Rathbones 
shares (60%) which 
vest over a five year 
period in equal tranches 
of 20% per annum. 
A full five year sale 
restriction period will 
operate from the date 
of the award and will 
continue to operate for 
directors who have left 
the company. Directors 
will not be permitted to 
sell shares during the 
sale restriction period 
except for the purpose 
of meeting tax liabilities 
on vesting. 

Deferred awards are 
increased by notional 
adjustments for 
dividends paid until 
vesting calculated 
using shares held at the 
record date.

The threshold EIP award 
is 25% of base salary.

The target EIP award is 
120% of base salary.

The maximum EIP 
award is 200% of base 
salary.

EIP balanced scorecard measures are set by the 
committee, to support the company’s strategy.  
The 2015 metrics and weightings are shown below. 
These may be amended from time-to-time by the 
committee, as necessary to maintain alignment  
with strategy. 

Financial (1 year) (25% weighting, equally split 
between the measures)

Actual awards for 
performance above 
or below target 
performance are 
calculated on a  
straight line basis 
between threshold  
and maximum.

•  PBT compared to the budget

•  Net organic growth in investment funds under 

management compared to the target

•  Underlying operating profit margin compared  

to target range.

Financial (3 year trailing) (40% weighting, equally 
split between the measures)

•  Compound annual growth in EPS over 3 years

•  Average ROCE over 3 years

•  The 3 year trailing measure will be phased in 
between 2015 and 2017. For 2015, specific 
annual targets have been set for EPS and ROCE  
to establish the baseline from which future 
growth will be measured. These targets are  
based on the 2015 budget.

The performance metrics and range of  
outcomes for each financial measure (1 year and 
3 year trailing) are set by the committee and 
reviewed annually.

Non-financial strategic measures (15% 
weighting)

•  Assessment of non-financial performance  

relating to the delivery of the client experience, 
project implementation, regulatory compliance 
and risk management.

•  Objectives and measures are proposed by 
the chief executive and approved by the 
remuneration committee annually.

Personal performance (20% weighting)

•  Personal performance against annual objectives

•  These are set by the chief executive and chairman 
(for the chief executive) at the start of each year 
and are agreed with each director and approved 
by the remuneration committee.

Additional considerations

The remuneration committee may make an 
adjustment when determining the overall award, 
including to zero if appropriate, to take account of 
any of the following material events:

•  underlying financial performance

•  risk management or regulatory compliance issues

•  personal performance.

64 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

 
 
Governance Remuneration committee report

Directors’ remuneration policy Executive directors 

Pension or cash allowance

Purpose and link 
to strategy 

To provide the  
executive directors  
with retirement benefits 
as part of an attractive 
overall package. 

Operation 

Opportunity 

Payments may be 
made to a defined 
contribution (DC) 
pension arrangement 
such as SIPP or to 
the group defined 
contribution scheme. 
Alternatively, they  
may receive a cash 
pension allowance. 

Executive directors  
may be a member of  
a group defined benefit 
scheme (DB). These 
have been closed  
to new members  
since 2002. 

The maximum  
personal pension or 
allowance payment is 
14% of salary.

Paul Chavasse is a 
member of the group 
DB scheme. Pension is 
accrued at 1/60th for 
each year of service with 
a normal retirement age 
of 60 for service prior 
to 1 July 2009. From 
that date, future service 
benefits are based on 
career average revalued 
earnings with a normal 
retirement age of 65 
rather than 60. 

Chairman and other non-executive directors

Base fee

Purpose and link 
to strategy 

To enable the 
recruitment of high-
calibre non-executive 
directors with the 
appropriate skills  
and experience. 

Operation 

Opportunity 

Base fees are reviewed 
annually by the board 
on 1 January and are 
compared to fees 
in other companies 
of similar size and 
complexity to ensure 
that the market rate is 
being paid. Adjustments 
may be made at other 
times to reflect a change 
of responsibility. Fees 
are paid in cash.

The base fee for the 
chairman in 2014 was 
£140,000. This was 
increased to £160,000 
on 1 January 2015.

The base fee for the 
other non-executive 
directors in 2014  
was £42,500 per 
annum. This was 
increased to £50,000 
on 1 January 2015. 

Additional responsibility fee

Purpose and link 
to strategy 

To recognise the 
additional responsibility 
involved in chairing a 
committee (audit, group 
risk and remuneration) 
or being the senior 
independent director. 

Operation 

Opportunity 

Additional responsibility 
fees are reviewed 
annually by the board 
on 1 January.

The additional 
responsibility fee 
payable is £10,000  
per annum. 

Applicable performance  
measures 

Not applicable.

Recovery

Not applicable.

Applicable performance  
measures 

Not applicable. 

Recovery

Not applicable.

Applicable performance  
measures 

Not applicable.

Recovery

Not applicable.

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014  

65

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Governance Remuneration committee report

Directors’ remuneration policy 

Notes to the directors’ remuneration policy table

Performance metrics 
The performance metrics chosen for the EIP are key 
performance metrics used by the business and shareholders. 
The comparison of actual PBT with budget links performance 
to strategy and the business plan. Growth in funds under 
management is a key measure of business growth, while 
maintenance of the underlying operating profit margin is a  
key indicator of the health of the business and its profitable 
growth and cost control. EPS growth and ROCE are commonly 
used measures designed to ensure alignment of interests 
between participants and shareholders.

The use of discretion 
The committee may make minor amendments to the 
policy set out above (for regulatory, exchange control, tax 
or administrative purposes or to take account of a change 
in legislation) without obtaining shareholder approval for 
that amendment. In relation to the EIP, the committee 
retains discretion when selecting participants, determining 
the treatment of leavers, agreeing the timing of awards and 
reviewing the balanced scorecard of performance measures, 
targets and weightings. The committee reserves the right to 
retrospectively adjust performance measures and targets 
if events (for example, a major acquisition) make them 
inappropriate. Adjustments will not be made to make the 
conditions materially easier to satisfy. 

The committee reserves the right to make any remuneration 
payments and payments for loss of office (including exercising 
any discretions available to it in connection with such 
payments) notwithstanding that they are not in line with 
the policy set out above, where the terms of the payment 
were agreed (i) before the policy came into effect or (ii) at a 
time when the relevant individual was not a director of the 
company and, in the opinion of the committee, the payment 
was not in consideration for the individual becoming a director 
of the company. For these purposes ‘payments’ include the 
committee satisfying awards of variable remuneration and, in 
relation to an award over shares, the terms of the payment are 
‘agreed’ at the time the award is granted.

Consultation 
The company consulted with major shareholders and  
their representative bodies but has not consulted with 
employees when drawing up the remuneration policy set  
out in this report.

Appointment of new directors 
For new directors, the structure of the package offered 
will mirror that provided to current directors. The package 
quantum will depend on the role and the experience and 
background of the new director. Advice from our remuneration 
consultants will be taken to ensure that the package is in 
line with median market levels for companies of similar size 
and complexity. The company may pay compensation for 
remuneration the individual has forfeited in order to take 
up the role with Rathbones. In setting the value, timing 
and any performance conditions for such compensation, 
the committee will take account of the vesting timetable 
and conditions that may have applied to the forfeited 
remuneration.

Payments for loss of office and service contracts 
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 below.

Executive director 

P D G Chavasse 
P L Howell 
A D Pomfret 
R P Stockton 

Date of contract 

Notice period

15 Nov 2011 
12 Feb 2013 
13 Oct 2011 
14 Oct 2011 

12 months 
12 months 
12 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 predetermined 
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, are 
available for inspection at the company’s registered office and 
will be available for inspection at the AGM.

Non-executive directors have a letter of appointment  
rather than a contract of employment. As with all other 
directors, they are 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. Any term beyond six years is subject 
to particularly rigorous review and takes into account the  
need for progressive refreshing of the board. The executive 
directors are responsible for determining the fees of the  
non-executive directors.

66 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

Governance Remuneration committee report

Directors’ remuneration policy Notes to the directors’ remuneration policy table

Other directorships 
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 
being payable to the company. Paul Stockton is a director 
of the Financial Services Compensation Scheme with his 
remuneration being paid to the company. 

Statement of implementation of the remuneration policy  
in the current financial year 
The charts below show the relative split of fixed and variable 
remuneration under the proposed new policy showing 
minimum, on-target and maximum awards.

Legacy arrangements 
For the avoidance of doubt, in approving this policy, authority 
is given to the committee to honour previous remuneration 
awards or arrangements entered into with current or former 
directors (such as the payment of a pension or the unwind of 
legacy share schemes). Details of any payments will be set out 
in the annual report on remuneration as they arise.

Statement of implementation of the remuneration policy in the current financial year 

Philip Howell

Value of package  

n
o

i
l
l
i

m
£

1.6

1.2

0.8

0.4

0

£503,454

£1,430,454

£1,059,654

Composition of package

%

100

80

60

40

20

0

Minimum 

In line with expectations  Maximum

Minimum 

In line with expectations  Maximum

Paul Stockton

Value of package  

Composition of package

n
o

i
l
l
i

m
£

1.6

1.2

0.8

0.4

0

£909,133

£673,469

£319,973

%

100

80

60

40

20

0

Minimum 

In line with expectations  Maximum

Minimum 

In line with expectations  Maximum

Paul Chavasse

Value of package  

Composition of package

£991,166

£756,326

£404,066

%

100

80

60

40

20

0

Minimum 

In line with expectations  Maximum

Minimum 

In line with expectations  Maximum

n
o

i
l
l
i

m
£

1.6

1.2

0.8

0.4

0

Pension 
EIP 
Salary 

1   Base salary at 1 January 2015
2   Benefits have not been included as they are not material
3   Pension benefits are the percentage of salary payable to a personal pension or as a cash allowance or the estimated increase in DB scheme benefits in  

2015 (less employee contributions)

4   Target EIP awards, where performance is in line with expectations, are set at 60% of the maximum award which equates to 120% of salary

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014  

67

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Governance Remuneration committee report

Annual report on remuneration

The remuneration of directors in 2014 and 2013 is set out in  
the table below.

Single total figure of remuneration for each director (audited)

Taxable 
Salary  benefits and 
allowances 
£’000 

and fees 
£’000 

2014  
bonus for  
the year 
 – cash 
£’000 

2014 
bonus for 
the year 
 – deferred 
shares 
£’000 

2012–14 
LTIP awards 
vesting 
at the 
year end 
£’000 

Pensions 
£’000 

SIP 
£’000 

SAYE 
£’000 

Total 
£’000 

2014  
Executive directors 
P D G Chavasse 
P L Howell 
A D Pomfret 
R P Stockton 

Non-executive directors 
O R P Corbett  
J W Dean 
D T D Harrel 
K A Matthews 
M P Nicholls 

285 
450 
57 
286 

1,078 

22 
48 
63 
53 
140 

326 

2 
2 
2 
13 

19 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

145 
251 
– 
151 

547 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

145 
252 
– 
152 

549 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

300 
– 
273 
267 

840 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

94 
39 
– 
25 

158 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

Total 

1,404 

19 

547 

549 

840 

158 

3 
3 
– 
3 

9 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

9 

– 
2 
– 
3 

5 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

5 

974
999
332
900

3,205

22 
48 
63 
53 
140

326

3,531

Salary 
and fees 
£’000 

Taxable 
benefits and 
allowances 
£’000 

2013  
bonus for  
the year 
 – cash 
£’000 

2013 
bonus for 
the year 
 – deferred 
shares 
£’000 

2011–13 
LTIP awards 
vesting 
at the 
year end 
£’000 

Pensions 
£’000 

SIP 
£’000 

SAYE 
£’000 

Total 
£’000

2013  
Executive directors 
P D G Chavasse  
P L Howell  
A D Pomfret  
R P Stockton  

Non-executive directors 
C R R Avery  
C M Burton  
O R P Corbett  
J W Dean  
D T D Harrel 
K A Matthews 
M P Nicholls 

256 
25 
349 
227 

857 

15 
15 
50 
7 
60 
50 
120 

317 

Total 

1,174  

2 
– 
2 
2 

6 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

6 

96 
17 
137 
74 

324 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

192 
– 
274 
148 

614 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

292 
–  
398 
260 

950 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

72 
2 
40 
24 

138 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

2 
– 
2 
2 

6 

– 
1 
2 
– 
2 
2 
2 

9 

2 
4 
2 
1 

9 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

914 
48 
1,204 
738

2,904

15 
16 
52 
 7 
62 
52 
122

326

324 

614 

950 

138 

15 

9 

3,230

68 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Governance Remuneration committee report

Annual report on remuneration 

Notes to the single total figure of remuneration for each 
director table 

Base salary 
As reported last year, executive directors’ salaries were 
increased on 1 January 2014 following a benchmarking  
of salaries against those of companies of similar  
size and complexity and the introduction of a new  
performance-targeted bonus scheme. Increases at  
1 January 2015 were 3%, consistent with the typical  
increases awarded across the group. The new salaries  
are set out in the remuneration policy statement. 

Non-executive directors’ fees 
On 1 January 2014, the chairman’s fee was increased  
from £120,000 to £140,000 per annum and the basic  
non-executive director’s fee was increased from £40,000  
to £42,500 per annum. 

The responsibilities of and demands on non-executive 
directors, particularly in regulated financial services 
organisations have increased considerably in recent years. 
In December 2014, the board commissioned an independent 
analysis of chairman and non-executive director fees paid in 
the FTSE 250 financial services sector which indicated that 
our fees remained lower than our peer group. To correct this 
position, the board has approved an increase in the chairman’s 
fee to £160,000 per annum and an increase in the basic fee 
for a non-executive director to £50,000 per annum with effect 
from 1 January 2015. Any future increases will depend upon 
a rigorous assessment of the burden of responsibilities and 
market rates.

Taxable benefits 
Taxable benefits are the provision of private medical insurance 
for executive directors and their dependants.

Bonus 
Revised bonus arrangements were introduced for 2014 with 
robust corporate performance targets and personal targets. The 
table at the bottom of the page shows the methodology for the 
bonus calculations.

The corporate performance measures are three key 
performance indicators used by the business and are closely 
aligned to our strategy. The organic growth in investment 
funds under management covers both our Investment 
Management and Unit Trusts businesses. Adjustments have 
been made to the reported PBT and underlying operating  
profit margin to exclude the cost of settling the legacy legal 
action, capital profits on asset sales and FSCS refunds  
relating to Keydata. More details of these adjustments can  
be found on page 102. 

For each corporate performance measure, 3.75% of salary 
would be paid for threshold performance and 25% of salary for 
on-target performance. The maximum award for each measure 
is 31.25% of salary. A director’s corporate performance award 
is reduced if their personal performance score is below 50% of 
the maximum.

Personal performance has been assessed against a range 
of individual key performance indicators appropriate to 
the individual’s role and the company’s strategy, including 
objectives relating to client service, fund performance, 
marketing, the efficiency and effectiveness of the organisation, 
technology, talent, risk management and financial strength. 
Individual award levels (out of the maximum 31.25% of salary 
available) are detailed in the table below. 

Director 

Role 

Philip Howell 
Paul Stockton 
Paul Chavasse 

Average 

Chief executive 
Finance director 
Head of investment  
management 

Percentage of  
salary awarded  
(out of a maximum  
of 31.25%)

30.00% 
24.00% 

20.00%

24.67%

Bonus calculations

Measure 
Profit before tax compared  
to budget 

Organic growth in investment  
funds under management 

Operating margin 

Personal performance targets 

25.00% 

As a %  
of maximum 
bonus 
opportunity 

Maximum 
bonus as  
% of salary  

Performance required

Payout as 

Threshold  

On- target 

Maximum 

Actual  % of salary

25.00% 

31.25%  

£42.7m 

£50.2m 

£60.2m 

£54.3m 

23.90%

25.00% 

25.00% 

31.25% 

31.25% 

31.25% 

4.7% 

26.6% 

5.5% 

28.0% 

6.7% 

6.2% 

26.70%

30.8% 

31.1% 

31.25%

Acceptable 
contribution 

Good 
contribution 

Outstanding  See notes 
above
contribution 

24.67% 

100.00% 

125.00% 

  106.52%

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014  

69

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Governance Remuneration committee report

Annual report on remuneration Notes to the single total figure 
of remuneration for each director table 

Long Term Incentive Plan (LTIP) 
The LTIP awards reported are the historic awards vesting 
at the end of the three year cycle, including an adjustment 
for dividends paid during the three years, valued using the 
average share price over the last three months of the year. 
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 total shareholder return 
(TSR) and earnings per share (EPS) 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.

TSR over the plan cycle (50%) 

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

Vesting of award 
 (TSR element)

Pensions 
Paul Chavasse is a member of the Rathbone 1987 Scheme. 
The figure disclosed is the increase in the value of his pension 
benefits (excluding CPI inflation) less his contributions. An 
actuarial error in the calculation of his 2013 pension benefit has 
been corrected in these accounts. His 2013 pension benefits 
were £72,000 and not £37,000 as reported.

Philip Howell and Paul Stockton participate in the scheme for 
death in service benefits only. Paul Stockton has a self-invested 
personal pension scheme arrangement and contributions 
were paid at 10% of salary per annum until 28 February 2014. 
Since then, a cash allowance of 8.62% of salary has been paid. 
Philip Howell is paid a cash allowance of 8.62% of salary. Andy 
Pomfret had death in service benefits and a self-invested 
personal pension scheme arrangement.

Share Incentive Plan (SIP) 
This benefit is the value of the SIP matching and free share 
awards made in the year. Employees may contribute up to £150 
per month with contributions matched on a one-for-one basis 
by the company. Free share awards are linked to EPS growth.

Below the percentage change in the FTSE  
All Share TRI  

Equal to the percentage change in  
the FTSE All Share TRI 

0%

25%

SAYE 
This benefit is the value of the discount on SAYE options 
granted during the year.

Greater than the percentage change in  
the FTSE All Share TRI by 0.1% to 9.9% 

Straight line increase

Equal to or greater than the percentage  
change in the FTSE All Share TRI plus 10% 

100%

EPS growth over the plan cycle (50%)

Less than 15% 

15% 

Vesting of award  
(EPS element)

0%

25%

Over 15% but less than 37.5% 

Straight line increase

37.5% or over 

100%

For the 2012–14 plan cycle, the Rathbone Brothers Plc TRI 
increased by 112% while the FTSE All Share TRI increased 
by 37%, a differential of 75%, comfortably exceeding the 10% 
threshold for a 100% award. 

EPS (adjusted to exclude the cost of settling the legacy legal 
action, capital profits on asset sales and FSCS refunds relating 
to Keydata) increased by 35% from 66.7p in 2011 to 90.4p in 
2014, which resulted in a 91.7% award for this element of the 
plan. The awards will vest on 20 March 2015 and have been 
valued using the average share price for the last quarter of 2014 
of £19.17 (2013: £15.66).

Scheme interests awarded during the year (audited) 
Performance share (LTIP) awards for the three year cycle to 
31 December 2016 were made during the year. The 2014–16 
awards were conditional awards of shares subject to the 
performance conditions described above (with 25% of each 
part of an award vesting at a threshold level of performance). 
The awards were made on 25 March 2014 and were calculated 
using 75% of salary at 1 January 2014 and the average closing 
share price for the 20 days to the award date of £17.365. The 
face value of the awards and number of shares awarded are 
shown below. The awards are contingent on the satisfaction  
of the performance conditions.

Philip Howell and Paul Stockton were also awarded interests 
in shares under the all employee SAYE scheme. A SAYE option 
grant was made on 1 May 2014 at £15.56, which was 80% of 
the closing mid-market share price on 8 April 2014 of £19.45. 
Options may be exercised after three or five years.

Scheme 

Date of 
award 

P D G Chavasse 
LTIP 
SAYE 

25/03/14 
– 

P L Howell 
LTIP 
25/03/14 
SAYE  01/05/14 

R P Stockton 
LTIP 
25/03/14 
SAYE  01/05/14 

Number 
of shares 

  Market value 
of shares 
at grant 

Face 
value 

Date of 
vesting

12,309 
– 

£17.365  £213,746  31/12/16 
–

– 

– 

19,436 
578 

£17.365  £337,506  31/12/16 
£8,994  01/06/19

£15.56 

12,352 
867 

£17.365  £214,492  31/12/16 
£13,491  01/06/17

£15.56 

70 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

 
 
 
 
 
Governance Remuneration committee report

Annual report on remuneration 

Directors’ interests in shares and shareholding  
guidelines (audited)

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. At 31 December 2014, directors’ shareholdings 
were as set out in table 1. 

Table 1: Directors’ shareholdings at 31 December 2014

Beneficially owned shares 

Non-SIP 

SIP1 

Total2 

LTIP 

Interests in shares

Bonus 
scheme 

SIP (not yet 
beneficially 

owned)1 

Executive directors 
P D G Chavasse 
P L Howell 
R P Stockton 

Chairman 
M P Nicholls 

Non-executive directors 
J W Dean 
D T D Harrel 
K A Matthews 

57,313 
– 
17,619 

6,483 
95 
1,708 

63,796 
95 
19,327 

40,524 
35,159 
37,517 

38,189 
– 
34,773 

3,000  

405 

3,405 

1,000 
– 
– 

– 
421 
916 

1,000 
421 
916 

– 

– 
 – 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

500 
144 
500 

344 

– 
344 
344 

SAYE 

Total

813 
1,934 
1,273 

80,026 
37,237 
74,063

– 

– 
– 
– 

344

– 
344 
344

1  SIP matching and free shares held for less than three years may be forfeited in certain circumstances and so are not considered to be beneficially owned
2  There were no changes in beneficially owned shareholdings between 1 January 2015 and 7 March 2015

78,932 

10,028 

88,960 

  113,200 

72,962 

2,176 

4,020  192,358

Table 2: LTIP

P D G Chavasse 

P L Howell 

R P Stockton 

Former director

A D Pomfret 

Plan 
cycle 

  Market value  Performance 
period 
end date 

Grant 
of shares at 
date  date of grant 

Vesting 
date 

2011/13  12/12/11 
2012/14  20/03/12 
2013/15  19/03/13 
2014/16  25/03/14 

£10.825  31/12/13  01/03/14 
£12.610  31/12/14  20/03/15 
£14.310  31/12/15  19/03/16 
£17.365  31/12/16  25/03/17 

2011/13  12/12/11 
2012/14  20/03/12 
2013/15  19/03/13 
2014/16  25/03/14 

£10.825  31/12/13  01/03/14 
£12.610  31/12/14 
 20/03/15 
£14.310  31/12/15  19/03/16 
£17.365  31/12/16  25/03/17 

2011/13  12/12/11 
2012/14  20/03/12 
2013/15  19/03/13 
2014/16  25/03/14 

£10.825  31/12/13  01/03/14 
£12.610  31/12/14  20/03/15 
£14.310  31/12/15  19/03/16 
£17.365  31/12/16  25/03/17 

At 
1 January 
2014 

16,766 
14,825 
13,390 
– 

– 
– 
15,723 
– 

14,951 
13,221 
11,944 
– 

Number of shares

Granted 
in 2014 

– 
– 
– 
12,309 

– 
– 
– 
19,436 

– 
– 
– 
12,352 

Exercised 
in 2014 

16,766 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

14,951 
– 
– 
– 

At 
Lapsed  31 December 
2014
in 2014 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
14,825 
13,390 
12,309

– 
– 
15,723 
19,436

– 
 13,221 
11,944 
 12,352

  100,820 

44,097  

31,717 

–  113,200

2011/13  12/12/11 
2012/14  20/03/12 
2013/15  19/03/13 
2014/15  25/03/14 

£10.825  31/12/13  01/03/14 
£12.610  31/12/14  20/03/15 
£14.310  31/12/15  19/03/16 
£17.365  31/12/16  25/03/17 

22,863 
20,222 
18,265 
– 

61,350 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

22,863 
– 
– 
– 

– 
6,740 
12,176 
– 

– 
13,482 
6,089 
–

22,863 

18,916 

19,571

Adjustments are made to awards on exercise to reflect dividends paid since the date of grant

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014  

71

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Governance Remuneration committee report

Annual report on remuneration Directors’ interests in shares and 
shareholding guidelines (audited)

Table 3: Bonus scheme

At 1 January 
2014 

Final award  
for 2013 

Vested 
in 2014 

Dividend adjustment  
in 2014 

At 31 December 
2014

Number of shares

P D G Chavasse 
2010 
2011 
2012 
2013 

R P Stockton 
2010 
2011 
2012 
2013 

Former director

A D Pomfret 
2010 
2011 
2012 
2013 

13,039 
13,949 
11,738 
5,266 

43,992 

12,604 
13,027 
11,930 
3,735 

41,296 

85,288 

22,970 
19,027 
13,017 
5,753 

60,767 

 – 
– 
– 
6,256 

6,256 

– 
– 
– 
5,189 

5,189 

11,445 

– 
– 
– 
10,639 

10,639 

13,039 
– 
– 
– 

13,039 

12,604 
– 
– 
– 

12,604 

25,643 

22,970 
– 
– 
– 

22,970 

– 
367 
309 
304 

980 

– 
343 
314 
235 

892 

1,872 

– 
501 
343 
431 

1,275 

Table 4: SAYE option exercises

P D G Chavasse 
P L Howell 
P L Howell 
R P Stockton 
R P Stockton 
R P Stockton 

Grant date 

28/03/13 
28/03/13 
01/05/14 
29/03/11 
28/03/13 
01/05/14 

At 1 
January 
2014 

813 
1,356 
– 
483 
406 
– 

Number of shares 

Granted 
in 2014 

Exercised 
in 2014 

At 31 
Lapsed  December 
2014 
in 2014 

Earliest 
exercise 
date 

Latest 
exercise 
date  

– 
– 
578 
– 
– 
867 

– 
– 
– 
483 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

813  01/05/16  01/11/16 
1,356  01/05/18  01/11/18 
578  01/06/19  01/12/19 
–  01/05/14  01/11/14 
406  01/05/16  01/11/16 
867  01/06/17  01/12/17 

4,020

Market 
price on 
grant 
(pence) 

1,397 
1,397 
1,945 
1,167 
1,397 
1,945 

Exercise 
price 
(pence) 

Exercise 
date 

1,106 
1,106 
1,556 

– 
– 
– 
934  01/05/14 
– 
– 

1,106 
1,556 

3,058 

1,445 

483 

– 
14,316 
12,047 
11,826

38,189

– 
13,370 
12,244 
9,159

34,773

72,962

– 
19,528 
13,360 
16,823

49,711

Market
price on 
exercise 
(pence)

– 
– 
– 
1,953 
– 
–

72 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Governance Remuneration committee report

Annual report on remuneration 

Performance graph (unaudited)

Payments for loss of office (audited)

Andy Pomfret retired as chief executive on 28 February 
2014. On retirement, he received a termination payment of 
£261,375 being his base salary for the unexpired period of his 
contractual notice period, a payment in lieu of outstanding 
holiday entitlements (£6,702) and compensation in respect  
of losses incurred as a result of leaving the SIP and SAYE plans 
on terms which are outside our retirement policies  
and practices (£18,215). 

Deferred bonus scheme awards for 2013 and earlier years  
will continue to vest on the third anniversary of the end of the 
financial year for which the award was made as shown in  
table 3. 

Long Term Incentive Plan awards for the 2011–13, 2012–14 
and 2013–15 plan cycles will continue until their maturity, be 
subject to existing performance conditions but will be reduced 
pro-rata to reflect his period of service to 31 December 2013. 
Details of his outstanding LTIP awards at 31 December 2014  
are shown in table 2. 

Payments to past directors (audited)

A number of current employees have stepped down from the 
board in recent years but remain employees and/or directors 
of subsidiary companies. They remain eligible to receive LTIP 
awards made when they were on the board or on the group 
executive committee (subject to the achievement of the 
performance conditions) but these awards may be reduced 
pro-rata to reflect the fact that they were not a director or 
group executive committee member for the full cycle.

The following LTIP awards will be made in respect of the 
2012–14 plan cycle which ended on 31 December 2014. The 
conditional share awards were granted on 20 March 2012 using 
a share price of £12.61. The performance conditions were in 
large part achieved and the awards will vest on 20 March 2015. 
Adjustments have been made to reflect dividends paid since 
the date of grant.

2012-14 LTIP actual award 

Number of shares

I M Buckley 
R P Lanyon 
A T Morris 
R I Smeeton 

13,428 
1,752 
13,230 
14,834

43,244

A T Morris’ and R I Smeeton’s LTIP awards are paid in full but their other  
non-pensionable remuneration is reduced by the value of the LTIP award

Chart 1 shows the company’s TSR against the FTSE All Share 
Index for the six years to 31 December 2014. 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: TSR against the FTSE

250

200

e
g
n
a
h
c
%

150

100

50

0

  31 Dec  31 Dec  31 Dec  31 Dec  31 Dec 
2012 
2010 
  2008 

2011 

2009 

31 Dec  31 Dec 
2013 

2014

Rathbone Brothers Plc – Total Shareholder Return 
FTSE All Share Index – Total Shareholder Return

Chief executive officer single figure (unaudited)

During the six years to 31 December 2014, Andy Pomfret was 
chief executive until 28 February 2014 when he was succeeded 
by Philip Howell.

Year 

CEO 

2014 
2014 
2013 
2012 
2011 
2010 
2009 

Philip Howell 
Andy Pomfret 
Andy Pomfret 
Andy Pomfret 
Andy Pomfret 
Andy Pomfret 
Andy Pomfret 

CEO single  
figure of total 
remuneration  
£’000 

Short term 
bonus as a %  
of maximum 
 opportunity 

Long term 
incentive 
awarded as %  
of maximum  
opportunity

 999  
 342  
 1,204  
 1,046  
 678  
 736  
 508  

89% 
n/a 
59% 
38% 
46% 
52% 
25% 

n/a 
96% 
100% 
100% 
0% 
24% 
0%

Percentage change in the remuneration of the  
chief executive officer and employees (unaudited)

The table below shows the percentage year-on-year change 
in salary, benefits and bonus in 2014 for the chief executive 
compared with the average Rathbones employee.

CEO 
Average pay based on all  
Rathbones employees 

Salary 

3% 

3% 

Benefits 

Annual bonus

0% 

0% 

22% 

0%

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014  

73

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Governance Remuneration committee report

Annual report on remuneration 

Statement of voting at the Annual General Meeting

Relative importance of spend on pay

Chart 2 shows the relationship between total employee 
remuneration, profit after tax and dividend distributions for 
2013 and 2014. The reported profit after tax has been selected 
by the directors as a useful indicator when assessing the 
relative importance of spend on pay. 

Chart 2: Relative importance of spend on pay

100

+15%

At the AGM held on 14 May 2014, the resolution seeking 
approval of the remuneration report received votes as shown 
in the table at the bottom of the page.

Approval

The directors’ remuneration report, incorporating both 
the directors remuneration policy and annual report on 
remuneration, has been approved by the board.

Signed on behalf of the board

David Harrel 
Chairman of the remuneration committee

+3%

+8%

18 February 2015

Total staff costs 

Profit after tax 

Dividends paid

n
o

i
l
l
i

m
£

80

60

40

20

0

2014 
2013

Remuneration committee members

Current committee members are the independent non-
executive directors David Harrel (chairman), James Dean, 
Sarah Gentleman and Kathryn Matthews. Mark Nicholls was 
considered to be independent on his appointment as company 
chairman and is also a member of the committee. Oliver 
Corbett was a committee member until his retirement from the 
board on 3 June 2014. Sarah Gentleman joined the committee 
on her appointment to the board on 21 January 2015. The 
committee met on four occasions in 2014 (2013: eight). Details 
of attendance by members are set out on page 56.

Advisers to the committee and their fees

Deloitte LLP were advisers to the committee until  
30 June 2014. Their fees during this period were £35,000.  
On 1 July 2014, New Bridge Street were appointed as advisers 
to the committee on remuneration package assessments, 
scheme design and reporting best practice. They do not 
provide other services to the company. Their fees are charged 
on a time cost basis and were £47,000 for the six months to  
31 December 2014. 

The company secretary and head of strategy and organisation 
development attend committee meetings.

Statement of voting at the 2014 Annual General Meeting

Votes cast in favour 
Votes cast against 

Total votes cast 

Votes withheld 

Remuneration policy 

Annual report on remuneration

28,377,124 
1,283,037 

29,660,161 

4,534,274 

95.7% 
4.3% 

28,169,631 
5,281,939 

100.0% 

33,451,570 

742,866 

84.2% 
15.8%

100.0%

74 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Governance

Audit committee report

Audit committee chairman’s  
annual statement

This is my first report as chairman of the audit committee 
having taken over from Oliver Corbett on his retirement 
from the board in June 2014. As you will have read already, 
2014 has been a busy year for Rathbones with the successful 
completion of a number of corporate transactions. From an 
audit committee perspective, their impact on regulatory capital 
and distributable reserves and their accounting treatment have 
been areas of particular focus during the year. The committee 
has also been mindful of the need to ensure that the business’ 
systems, procedures and internal controls develop in step with 
the growing business. Examples of this are investments in the 
finance team and their systems (particularly for budgeting 
and business planning) and the recruitment of both a head 
of strategy and organisation development and a chief risk 
officer. Finally, we discussed a report produced following an 
independent review of our internal audit department which 
recommended some enhancements to our processes. 

Committee members

Our current members are the independent non-executive 
directors James Dean (chairman), Sarah Gentleman, David 
Harrel and Kathryn Matthews. Oliver Corbett chaired the 
committee until his retirement from the board on 3 June 
2014 while Sarah Gentleman joined the committee on her 
appointment to the board on 21 January 2015.

The board is satisfied that at least one member of the 
committee has recent and relevant financial experience.  
I am a chartered accountant while the other committee 
members have extensive experience of financial matters and  
of the financial services industry. We met on eight occasions  
in 2014 (2013: six). Details of attendance by members are set 
out on page 56. The chief executive, finance director, head of 
internal audit and the audit partner and manager attend most 
meetings by invitation. The head of compliance may also 
attend when required.

Role and responsibilities of the committee

These are set out in the terms of reference of the committee, 
which are reviewed annually and approved by the board.

What we have done

Financial reporting

During the year, we considered the significant financial and 
regulatory reporting issues and judgments made in connection 
with the financial statements and the appropriateness of 
accounting policies. We reviewed the narrative statements in 
the report and accounts and interim statement to ensure that 
they were fair, balanced and understandable and consistent 
with the reported results.

The significant judgment issues considered in 2014 included:

Client relationship intangible assets 
The group assesses whether payments made to newly 
recruited investment managers under contractual agreements 
represent payments for the acquisition of client relationship 
intangibles or remuneration for ongoing services provided 
to the group. Payments made for the acquisition of client 
relationship intangibles are capitalised whereas those that are 
judged to be in relation to the provision of ongoing services 
are expensed in the period in which they are incurred (note 
2.1 to the financial statements). Typically, any payments made 
12 or more months after the cessation of any non-compete 
period will be expensed. The audit committee agree that this 
approach continues to be appropriate.

Acquisitions and funding 
The committee considered the funding, capital,  
distributable reserves and accounting implications of the  
two significant transactions entered into by Rathbone 
Investment Management in April 2014. Capital was raised  
by a placing of 1,343,000 Rathbone Brothers Plc shares at 
£18.14 on 1 April 2014 which raised gross proceeds of  
£24.4 million. These funds were used to help finance a  
£43.1 million investment in Rathbone Investment 
Management prior to its completion of the acquisition  
of Jupiter Asset Management Limited’s private client and 
charity investment management business for £40.0 million  
on 26 September 2014. 

The committee was particularly focused upon ensuring that 
the associated capital injection into Rathbone Investment 
Management did not have any consequent impact on the 
ongoing future flow of dividends from Rathbone Investment 
Management. This is a complex area of accounting so the 
committee considered detailed guidance provided by the 
accountancy profession and also took legal advice. 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014  

75

 
Governance Audit committee report

What we have done Financial reporting 

Internal controls and risk management systems

The committee agreed with management that the  
purchase of part of Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management’s 
London-based private client investment management business 
was not a ‘business combination’ under IFRS as the main 
element of the consideration was payable to the investment 
managers. This transaction has therefore been treated as 
a purchase of client relationship assets. The acquisition of 
Jupiter Asset Management Limited’s private client and charity 
investment management business was accounted for as a 
business combination. 

The acquisition of Rooper & Whately by Rathbone Trust 
Company on 1 May 2014 and the creation of an ‘Alternative 
Business Structure’, regulated by the Solicitors Regulation 
Authority was also discussed. This was accounted for as a 
business combination, with the purchase consideration being 
allocated to the assets acquired, including intangible client 
relationships, with the surplus being recognised as goodwill. 
This accounting treatment was reviewed and agreed.

The carrying value of assets 
We reviewed the methodology for valuing assets where 
a significant amount of judgment is required, including 
intangible assets, particularly goodwill and client relationships.

The valuation of defined benefit pension obligations 
We reviewed the key assumptions made, particularly salary 
increases, investment returns, inflation and the discount rate 
when valuing the company’s pension schemes liabilities, 
which are disclosed in note 29 to the financial statements. 
We reviewed the professional advice taken and considered 
feedback provided by the auditors on the assumptions used  
by us and by other companies. We satisfied ourselves that  
the assumptions used were reasonable.

Provisions and contingent liabilities 
We discussed and reviewed provisions totalling  
£20.9 million summarised in note 28 to the financial 
statements. These primarily include provisions made in 
respect of future property dilapidation liabilities and  
future payments to be made following the acquisition of 
businesses or amounts payable to new investment  
managers as outlined above.

We discussed the accounting treatment and background 
analysis of the settlement of legal proceedings in Jersey 
involving a former director and employee of a former 
subsidiary Rathbone Trust Company Jersey Limited. 
Discussions regarding the settlement amount took place at 
board level. The accounting treatment of the profit arising on 
the repayment of the loan notes received on the sale of the 
Jersey trust operations in 2008 was also discussed.

Our 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 function, the 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 pages 18 to 22).

During the year, we considered the planned growth of the 
client loan book and the related enhancement of systems  
and controls. We received updates from internal audit on 
attempted frauds affecting our business and our industry.  
We also had regular updates from the head of compliance  
on the work of the compliance team and on any areas of 
particular focus or concern. We discussed the changes  
made in the finance department following an organisational 
review in 2013, including the implementation of business 
planning and consolidation software to reduce the use of 
complex spreadsheets, succession planning for key roles  
and recruitment in key areas of the team.

Internal audit

Towards the end of the year, we approved the 2015 internal 
audit plan. The frequency of internal audit reviews is 
determined by a risk-based approach. This ensures that while 
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 completed internal audit 
reviews, the status of scheduled work and on the follow 
up of reviews by management to ensure that the agreed 
recommendations are acted upon promptly. We saw all 
reviews containing high-risk-related recommendations and  
a sample of other reviews. 

Some spare capacity is allowed in the plan so that ad hoc 
reviews at the request of management or the committee can be 
undertaken. For example, additional reviews were undertaken 
in 2014 on investment management client summaries, project 
documentation and third party payment procedures.

We also reviewed internal audit resources and approved  
the internal audit charter. We approved the appointment of 
KPMG LLP to undertake an independent assessment of our 
internal audit function as required by the Chartered Institute 
of Internal Auditors standards. The KPMG team used for this 
work was completely separate from the audit team. 

76 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

Governance Audit committee report

What we have done

External audit

We reviewed the external audit process, including the 
performance of the external auditors, by gathering feedback 
from committee members and from management. We also 
reviewed the annual Financial Reporting Council (FRC) Audit 
Quality Inspection report prepared on our external auditor and 
discussed this report with the audit partner.

We are responsible for reviewing external audit arrangements 
and for any recommendation to the board regarding change of 
audit firm. This 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. We plan to undertake an 
audit services contract tender process again before the tenth 
anniversary of their appointment.

We reviewed reports from the external auditor on their audit 
plans (including their proposed materiality level for the 
performance of the annual audit), the status of their audit work 
and issues arising from it. Particular focus was given to their 
testing of internal controls, their work on the key judgment 
areas and possible audit adjustments. We can confirm that 
there are no such material items remaining unadjusted in the 
financial statements. We also reviewed a benchmarking of our 
IT controls against a peer group of other investment managers. 

We reviewed the independence and the nature of non-audit 
services supplied by the external auditor and non-audit fee 
levels relative to the audit fee. Our prior approval 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 our prior written approval. Non-audit fees 
payable to the auditor in 2014 were £206,000. This represents 
37.3% of the fees for assurance services of £517,000, which 
includes the assurance reports required by our regulators and 
the review of the interim statement (2013: £71,000, 14.2% of 
£499,000). We recognise that, given their knowledge of the 
business, there are often advantages in using the external 
auditor to provide certain non-audit services and we are 
satisfied that their independence has not been impaired by 
providing these services.

We agreed the external auditor’s fees (which are shown 
in note 10 to the financial statements) and reviewed the 
audit engagement letter. We also had discussions with the 
external auditor with no management present to provide an 
opportunity for any concerns to be raised and discussed.

Confidential reporting policy

We annually review the group’s Public Interest Disclosure Act 
1998 confidential reporting policy, approve any changes to the 
document and receive details of any reports made.

Other

We also discussed FRC publications including reports on the 
application of materiality, the content of the strategic report 
and a review of the audit of banks. We discussed updates on 
any client complaints and attempted frauds. Client identity 
theft remains a significant issue affecting the financial services 
industry with fraudsters becoming increasingly sophisticated 
in their approach. Regular meetings are held on a one-to-one 
basis with the head of internal audit and head of compliance 
before audit committee meetings to ensure that any concerns 
can be raised in confidence. I also have regular one-to-one 
meetings between audit committee meetings. We can access 
independent professional advice if we consider it necessary. 

James Dean 
Chairman of the audit committee

18 February 2015

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014  

77

 
 
Governance 

Nomination committee report

Nomination committee chairman’s  
annual statement

The nomination committee’s primary focus this year has been 
on board composition and skills.

Committee members

Our current members are Mark Nicholls (chairman), James 
Dean, Sarah Gentleman, David Harrel, Philip Howell and 
Kathryn Matthews. Andy Pomfret and Oliver Corbett served 
on the committee until their retirement from the board on 28 
February and 3 June 2014 respectively. Sarah Gentleman joined 
the committee on her appointment to the board on 21 January 
2015. The committee continues to think it appropriate that the 
chief executive is a member, recognising that no individual 
participates in discussions relating to them personally.

We met on three occasions in 2014 (2013: four). Details of 
attendance by members are set out on page 56.

Role and responsibilities of  
the committee

The remit of the committee is to consider and make 
recommendations to the board for the appointment of 
directors. The board as a whole then decides upon any such 
appointment. The committee also considers issues such as 
appraisals, training and director development. The terms 
of reference of the committee are reviewed annually and 
approved by the board.

An external search consultancy is generally used when 
recruiting new non-executive directors and may 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.

What we have done

In June 2014 the nomination committee approved the 
appointment of James Dean as chairman of the audit 
committee in succession to Oliver Corbett, who was nearing 
the end of his tenure as a non-executive director and was due 
to take up an appointment to the Close Brothers board.

The principal focus has been on appointing a new non-
executive director. The reduction in the size of our board (from 
12 directors at 31 December 2012 to seven at 31 December 
2014) has been beneficial in encouraging easier and more 
constructive debate, but the board agreed that the introduction 
of a non-executive with new skills would be beneficial. The 
board were also mindful of the commitment given to achieve a 
minimum of 25% female representation on the board by 2015.

Considerable discussion took place between the directors 
in early 2014, both formally and informally, about the skills 
we were seeking in a new non-executive director. A number 
of additive skills were identified at a nomination committee 
meeting in May 2014 including digital technology, distribution, 
media and brands. It was also agreed, however, that any 
candidate had to be familiar with the financial services sector, 
and to be able to contribute to strategic discussions rather than 
solely day-to-day operations. A job description was prepared 
and used as a basis for interviewing four search firms. Egon 
Zehnder were chosen to undertake the search. As part of their 
brief they were asked to include as many suitable candidates as 
possible. Five candidates were shortlisted from a long list and 
two strong, appointable candidates were interviewed by the 
whole board. At a nomination committee meeting in October 
2014, it was unanimously agreed that Sarah Gentleman be 
appointed subject to regulatory approval. Final approval from 
all three regulators was only received in January 2015. In the 
meantime it was agreed that Sarah should commence her 
induction programme.

Looking forward

We will continue to consider what additional skills are  
needed on the board and we will keep under review a 
succession timetable for both executives and non-executives. 
We will also monitor the development of management talent 
below board level, and remain aware that the executive 
committee includes no women. We will continue to challenge 
management to develop the talent that exists in the firm  
which may include suitable candidates taking non-executive 
roles outside the firm. 

Mark Nicholls 
Chairman of the nomination committee

18 February 2015

78 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

 
Governance

Approval of strategic report

The strategic report for the group comprises the following 
sections of the report and accounts:

•  Chairman’s statement

•  Chief executive’s statement

•  Our market

•  Our business model

•  Our approach

•  Strategy and key performance indicators

•  Risk management

•  Rathbones’ performance

•  Segmental review

•  Financial position

•  Liquidity and cash flows

•  Corporate responsibility report.

The strategic report has been drawn up in accordance with, 
and in reliance upon, applicable English company law, in 
particular Chapter 4A of the Companies Act 2006, and the 
liabilities of the directors in connection with this report shall 
be subject to the limitations and restrictions provided by  
such law. 

The strategic report 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 strategic report should be treated with some caution due to 
the inherent uncertainties (including but not limited to those 
arising from economic, regulatory and business risk factors) 
underlying any such forward-looking statements. The strategic 
report has been prepared by Rathbone Brothers Plc to provide 
information to its shareholders and should not be relied upon 
for any other purpose.

The strategic report has been prepared for the group as a 
whole, and therefore gives greater emphasis to those matters 
which are significant to the company and its subsidiaries when 
reviewed as a whole.

By Order of the Board 

Philip Howell 
Chief Executive

18 February 2015

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014  

79

 
 
Governance

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

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 
Conduct 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 strategic report and directors’ report include 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 

Philip Howell 
Chief Executive

18 February 2015

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 IFRS  
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 IFRS as adopted by the EU

•  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 strategic report, 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’s website. Legislation in the UK governing the 
preparation and dissemination of financial statements may 
differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.

The board confirms that the annual report and accounts, taken 
as a whole, is fair, balanced and understandable and provides 
the information necessary for shareholders to assess the 
group’s performance, business model and strategy.

80 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

 
Consolidated financial statements

82 

86 
87 
88 
89 
90 
90 
98 

Independent auditor’s report to the members of  
Rathbone Brothers Plc only
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
1 
2  

Principal accounting policies
Critical accounting judgements and key sources  
of estimation and uncertainty
Segmental information
Net interest income
Net fee and commission income
Dividend, net trading and other operating income 
Refund of levies for the Financial Services  
Compensation Scheme 
Gain on disposal of financial securities 
Gain on disposal of pension administration business

99 
3 
101  4  
5  
102  6  
7  

8  
9 

103  10   Operating expenses 

11 
12  
104  13  
14  

Contribution to legal settlement 
Transaction costs
Staff costs 
Income tax expense

105  15   Dividends 

16  
106  17  
18  
107  19  
108  20  
109  21  
22  

Earnings per share
Cash and balances with central banks 
Loans and advances to banks
Loans and advances to customers
Investment securities
Prepayments, accrued income and other assets
Property, plant and equipment

110  23   Net deferred tax asset
112  24  
Investment in associates and related derivatives
Intangible assets
113  25  
115  26   Due to customers

27   Accruals, deferred income, provisions and other liabilities

116  28   Other provisions
117  29 
122  30  

Long term employee benefits
Share capital and share premium

31   Own shares

123  32  
125  33  
138  34  
139  35  
140  36  
141  37  
142  38  
39  

Share-based payments
Financial risk management
Capital management
Contingent liabilities and commitments
Business combinations
Related party transactions
Consolidated statement of cash flows 
Events after the balance sheet date

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014  

81

 
  
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated financial statements

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

Opinions and conclusions arising from our audit.

The primary areas of estimation arise in:

•  The group’s assessment of whether payments made to 

newly recruited investment managers under contractual 
arrangements represent payments for the acquisition of 
client relationship intangibles (which would be capitalised) 
or payments in respect of providing ongoing services to 
Rathbones (which would be expensed). In forming this 
judgment, the group has determined that the appropriate 
accounting policy is to capitalise payments made to 
investment managers relating to client relationships 
acquired during the 12 month period after the conclusion  
of any ‘non-compete’ arrangements between an investment 
manager and their previous employer. Further judgment  
is applied in exceptional circumstances where management 
consider that the investment manager is introducing client 
relationships that previously existed beyond the 12 month 
period. In such circumstances, where management believe 
it is appropriate to do so, the period during which such 
payments are capitalised is extended beyond 12 months.

•  The fair values of the client relationship intangibles 

purchased during the year as part of the acquisition of the 
private client and charity investment management business 
of Jupiter Asset Management Limited.

•  The group’s assessment of whether the ongoing benefits 
offered by the capitalised client relationship intangibles 
are greater than their carrying value or whether there is an 
indication of impairment. 

•  The group’s estimation of the useful economic lives of  

the client relationships over which these intangible assets 
are subsequently amortised ranges typically between  
10 and 15 years using a straight line method. The decisions 
made by the group in respect of the useful economic life 
may make a material difference to the financial statements 
and this is considered to be a significant audit risk. The 
sensitivity of this estimate is disclosed in the critical 
accounting judgments and key sources of estimated 
uncertainty in note 2 to the financial statements.

1  Our opinion on the financial 
statements is unmodified 

We have audited the financial statements of Rathbone  
Brothers Plc for the year ended 31 December 2014 set out on 
pages 86 to 164. 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 2014 and of the group’s profit for the year 
then ended; 

the group financial statements have been properly prepared 
in accordance with International Financial Reporting 
Standards as adopted by the European Union (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 group financial statements, Article 4 of the 
IAS Regulation. 

2  Our assessment of risks of  
material misstatement

In arriving at our audit opinion above on the financial 
statements the risks of material misstatement that had the 
greatest effect on our audit were as follows:

Recognition and impairment of client relationship 
intangibles: £95,720,000

Refer to page 75 (audit committee report), page 95 (accounting 
policy) and pages 98 and 113 to 114 (financial disclosures).

The risk: Individually purchased client relationships are 
initially recognised at cost with those acquired as part of a 
business combination initially recognised at fair value. The 
key judgments on which our audit concentrated in this area 
were the classification of the individually purchased client 
relationships, impairment and the useful economic life of  
the intangible assets.

82 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

Consolidated financial statements Independent auditor’s report to the members of Rathbone Brothers Plc only 

Valuation of defined benefit pension  
obligation: £13,710,000

Refer to page 76 (audit committee report), page 97 (accounting 
policy) and pages 117 to 121 (financial disclosures).

The risk: The parent company has recognised a pension  
deficit of £13,710,000 as at 31 December 2014. The valuation  
of the defined benefit pension deficit is an important  
judgment as this balance is volatile and impacts the parent 
company’s distributable reserves. The group obtained advice 
from actuarial specialists in order to calculate this deficit  
and uncertainty arises as a result of estimates made in respect 
of long term trends and market conditions to determine  
the value based on the group’s expectations of the future.  
As a result, the actual surplus or deficit realised by the group 
may be significantly different to that recognised on the balance 
sheet since small changes to the assumptions used in the 
calculation materially affect the valuation and may result in 
the recognition of a deficit materially different from the  
liability recognised at the year end. 

Our response: With the support of our own actuarial 
specialists, we challenged key assumptions and estimated 
inputs used in the calculation of the pension deficit. The key 
assumptions and estimates we tested included the discount 
rate, RPI inflation, salary growth, life expectancy and expected 
return on equities that were applied to the valuation. This 
included a comparison of key assumptions against externally 
derived data and our benchmark ranges for similar schemes. 
We have also considered the adequacy of the group’s 
disclosure in respect of the deficit and the assumptions  
used in note 29 to the financial statements.

2 

Our assessment of risks of material misstatement Recognition 
and impairment of client relationship intangibles: £95,720,000

Our response: To assess the appropriateness of the above 
accounting policy we used our industry knowledge and 
experience and considered the criteria for the recognition  
of payments to secure an asset management contract as an 
asset in accordance with IAS 18 Revenue. In this area our  
audit procedures included: 

•  We assessed the appropriateness of the 12 month period 
during which payments are capitalised and performed 
testing of a risk-based sample of newly recognised client 
relationship intangibles. This testing assessed whether such 
costs were only capitalised when they fell within 12 months 
of the conclusion of any non-compete arrangements and 
that such costs related to relationships already held by 
the investment manager. In respect of those instances 
where payments were capitalised beyond the 12 month 
period, we assessed the detailed breakdown of the client 
relationship intangibles that had been capitalised outside 
of the 12 month period and for each significant addition 
we challenged whether these relationships were held by 
the investment manager in a previous employment and 
obtained documentation to evidence the relationship.

•  We assessed the appropriateness of the fair value of  
the client relationship intangibles purchased in the 
acquisition of the private client and charity investment 
management business of Jupiter Asset Management 
Limited and challenged management’s assumptions  
such as the discount rate and the funds under  
management growth rate.

• 

In considering the adequacy of the impairment assessment 
performed by the group to support the carrying valuation of 
client relationship intangibles, we performed testing which 
included challenging the assumptions used, based on our 
knowledge of the client and experience of the industry, 
and an assessment of the population of capitalised client 
relationships to ensure that client relationship intangibles 
relating to closed accounts and those clients with balances 
that do not generate income for the group are no longer 
recognised on the balance sheet. 

•  Our consideration of the appropriateness of the useful 

economic lives of the client relationships and amortisation 
periods included performing an analysis of the length of 
the client relationships held by the group with reference to 
the historic gross outflows of funds under management. We 
have also considered the adequacy of the group’s disclosure 
in respect of intangible assets in note 25 to the financial 
statements. 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014  

83

 
 
Consolidated financial statements Independent auditor’s report to the members of Rathbone Brothers Plc only 

2 

Our assessment of risks of material misstatement 

Accounting for acquisitions

Refer to page 75 (audit committee report), page 91 (accounting 
policy) and pages 98 and 140 to 141 (financial disclosures).

The risk: During the year ended 31 December 2014, the group 
made two significant acquisitions – part of Deutsche Asset & 
Wealth Management’s London-based investment management 
business and the private client and charity investment 
management business of Jupiter Asset Management Limited. 
This is considered to be a significant risk to the group as a 
result of the complex judgments involved, including: whether 
they should be accounted for as a business combination under 
IFRS 3 Business Combinations or as a purchase of client 
relationships under IAS 18 Revenue; and the accounting for 
any deferred and/or contingent consideration. The accounting 
of the Jupiter Asset Management Limited acquisition under 
IFRS 3 and the Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management 
acquisition under IAS 18 results in different presentations on 
the balance sheet in respect of intangible assets (purchased 
client relationship intangibles and goodwill) and in the income 
statement in respect of remuneration expense. The accounting 
under IFRS 3 also results in significant judgment in the 
calculation of the fair values of the assets and liabilities 
acquired. A further consideration is the potential impact of  
the acquisitions and the way they were funded on the 
distributable reserves of the acquiring entity. The application 
of published guidance in respect of distributable reserves, to 
these acquisitions and the structure of the Rathbones group,  
is complex and the interpretation of this guidance could have  
a significant impact on the level of retained profits in the 
parent company considered to be distributable in the form  
of dividends.

Our response: For each of the acquisitions, we performed 
a detailed review of the substance of the transactions and 
considered and challenged management’s assessment of the 
appropriate accounting treatment. Our procedures included 
inspecting the sale and purchase agreements to corroborate 
key elements such as the party or parties to which the 
consideration was being paid and assessing whether the 
substance of the acquisition indicated that a business with 
inputs, processes and outputs had been purchased. We 
corroborated payments made to underlying bank statements 
and considered the appropriateness of the accounting for 
any deferred and/or contingent elements to the purchase 
price, including challenging the assumptions used in the 
group’s assessment. The Jupiter Asset Management Limited 
acquisition is accounted for as a Business Combination under 
IFRS 3 and we reviewed the fair value calculation of the assets 
and liabilities being transferred and challenged management’s 
assumptions within the model such as the discount rate and 
the funds under management growth rate. We have inspected 
the group’s assessment of the impact of the acquisitions on the 
distributable reserves position of the parent company. 

We considered the appropriateness of this with regard to 
the application of published guidance to the calculation of 
distributable reserves and assessed the legal opinion obtained 
by the group. We have also considered the adequacy of the 
group’s disclosure in respect of the acquisitions in note 36 to 
the financial statements.

3  Our application of materiality and an 
overview of the scope of our audit

The materiality for the group financial statements as a 
whole was set at £2.5 million, determined with reference to 
a benchmark of group profit before tax, adjusted to exclude 
this year’s gain on disposal of financial securities as disclosed 
in note 8 and the legal settlement made during the year as 
disclosed in note 11, of which it represents 5%. We report  
to the audit committee any corrected or uncorrected  
identified misstatements exceeding £125,000, in addition 
to other identified misstatements that warrant reporting on 
qualitative grounds.

All six of the group’s reporting components were subjected to 
audit for group reporting purposes. These audits covered 100% 
of group revenue, 100% of group profit before tax and 100% of 
group total assets.

The group audit team performed the audits of the six reporting 
components in accordance with the materiality levels used for 
local audits, which ranged from £0.1 million to £2.4 million. 

4  Our opinion on other matters 

prescribed by the Companies Act 
2006 is unmodified 

In our opinion: 

• 

• 

• 

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

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

information given in the corporate governance report set 
out on pages 55 to 58 with respect to internal control and 
risk management systems in relation to financial reporting 
processes and about share capital structures is consistent 
with the financial statements. 

84 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

Consolidated financial statements Independent auditor’s report to the members of Rathbone Brothers Plc only 

Scope and responsibilities

As explained more fully in the directors’ responsibilities 
statement set out on page 80, the directors are responsible 
for the preparation of the financial statements and for being 
satisfied that they give a true and fair view. 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. This report is made solely 
to the company’s members as a body and is subject to 
important explanations and disclaimers regarding our 
responsibilities, published on our website at www.kpmg.com/
uk/auditscopeukco2014a, which are incorporated into this 
report as if set out in full and should be read to provide an 
understanding of the purpose of this report, the work we have 
undertaken and the basis of our opinions. 

Nicholas Edmonds (Senior Statutory Auditor)  
for and on behalf of KPMG LLP, Statutory Auditor  
Chartered Accountants 

London 

18 February 2015 

5  We have nothing to report in respect 
of the matters on which we are 
required to report by exception 

Under ISAs (UK and Ireland) we are required to report to you if, 
based on the knowledge we acquired during our audit, we have 
identified other information in the annual report that contains 
a material inconsistency with either that knowledge or the 
financial statements, a material misstatement of fact, or that is 
otherwise misleading. 

In particular, we are required to report to you if: 

•  we have identified material inconsistencies between the 

knowledge we acquired during our audit and the directors’ 
statement that they consider that the annual report and 
financial statements taken as a whole is fair, balanced and 
understandable and provides the information necessary for 
shareholders to assess the group’s performance, business 
model and strategy; or

• 

the audit committee report does not appropriately address 
matters communicated by us to the audit committee.

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; or 

•  we have not received all the information and explanations 

we require for our audit; or 

•  a corporate governance report has not been prepared by  

the company. 

Under the Listing Rules we are required to review: 

• 

• 

the directors’ statement, set out on page 54, in relation to 
going concern; and

the part of the corporate governance report on 
page 55 relating to the company’s compliance with the 
10 provisions of the 2012 UK Corporate Governance Code 
specified for our review.

We have nothing to report in respect of the above 
responsibilities.

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014  

85

 
 
Consolidated financial statements

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
for the year ended 31 December 2014

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
Other operating income
Share of profit of associates
Refund of levies for the Financial Services Compensation Scheme
Gain on disposal of financial securities
Gain on disposal of pension administration business

Operating income

Charges in relation to client relationships and goodwill
Contribution to legal settlement
Transaction costs
Other operating expenses

Operating expenses

Profit before tax 
Taxation

Profit after tax 

Profit for the year attributable to equity holders of the company

Other comprehensive income:
Items that will not be reclassified to profit or loss
Net remeasurement of defined benefit liability/asset
Deferred tax relating to net remeasurement of defined benefit liability/asset
Items that may be reclassified to profit or loss
Revaluation of available for sale investment securities:

 − net gain from changes in fair value
 − net profit on disposal transferred to profit or loss during the year

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 year attributable to equity holders of the company:
 − basic
 − diluted

 Note

4

5

6

6

6

24

7

8

9

10

11

12

10

14

29

23

20

23

15

 16

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

2014  
£’000

10,024 
(865)

9,159 

196,637 
(9,126)

187,511 

74 
1,878 
2,012 
169 
982 
6,833 
683 

209,301 

(8,287)
(15,000)
(1,057)
(139,299)

(163,643)

45,658 
(10,021)

35,637 

35,637 

(17,466)
3,493 

959 
(6,820)

(5,861)
1,172 

(18,662)

16,975 

52.0p
24,863 

75.9p
75.3p

86         

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

2013  
 £’000 
(re-presented 
– note 1)

9,212 
(604)

8,608 

173,251 
(8,864)

164,387 

127 
1,226 
1,972 
89 
–   
–   
–   

176,409 

(6,306)
–   
–   
(125,899)

(132,205)

44,204 
(9,453)

34,751 

34,751 

2,188 
(788)

2,072 
(5)

2,067 
(298)

3,169 

37,920 

49.0p
22,645 

76.1p
75.6p

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated financial statements

Consolidated statement of changes in equity
for the year ended 31 December 2014

At 1 January 2013
Profit for the year

Net remeasurement of defined 
  benefit asset
Revaluation of available for sale

investment securities:

 − net gain from changes in fair value
 − net profit on disposal transferred 
to profit or loss during the year
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 2014
Profit for the year

Net remeasurement of defined 
  benefit liability
Revaluation of available for sale

investment securities:

 − net gain from changes in fair value
 − net profit on disposal transferred 
to profit or loss during the year
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

Own  
shares  
£’000

Retained 
earnings 
£’000

Total  
equity  
£’000

2,298 

62,160 

31,835 

2,948 

(5,844) 136,096  229,493 
34,751 
34,751 

29

20

23

15

30

31

31

23

29

20

23

15

30

31

31

23

2,072

(5)

(298)

– 

– 

– 

1,769 

17 

3,324 

2,315 

65,484 

31,835 

4,717 

959 

(6,820)

1,172 

– 

– 

–

(4,689)

80 

27,503 

2,188 

2,188 

2,072

(5)

(788)

(1,086)

– 

1,400 
(22,096)

3,169 
(22,096)
3,341 

(609)
731 

2,918 

(731)
33 

2,918 
(609)
– 
33 

(5,722) 152,371  251,000 
35,637 
35,637 

(17,466)

(17,466)

959 

(6,820)

3,493 

4,665 

– 

(13,973)
(23,793)

(18,662)
(23,793)
27,583 

(1,655)
1,846 

374 

(1,846)
248 

374 
(1,655)
– 
248 

At 31 December 2014

2,395 

92,987 

31,835 

28 

(5,531) 149,018  270,732 

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

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014         

87

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated financial statements

Consolidated balance sheet
as at 31 December 2014

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
Surplus on retirement benefit schemes

Total assets

Liabilities
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

2014  
£’000

2013  
 £’000

17

18

19

20

20

21

22

23

24

25

29

26

27

29

30

30

31

727,178 
15,890 
144,399 
101,640 

15,514 
429,974 
55,272 
10,242 
7,042 
1,434 
159,654 
–   

211,005 
19,611 
106,327 
95,543 

53,985 
575,838 
46,368 
11,522 
1,699 
1,296 
104,969 
1,614 

1,668,239 

1,229,777 

22,584 
1,282,426 
74,574 
4,213 
13,710 

1,397,507 

2,395 
92,987 
31,835 
28 
(5,531)
149,018 

270,732 

27,626 
891,897 
55,282 
3,972 
–   

978,777 

2,315 
65,484 
31,835 
4,717 
(5,722)
152,371 

251,000 

1,668,239 

1,229,777 

The financial statements were approved by the board of directors and authorised for issue on 18 February 2015 and were signed 
on its behalf by:

P L Howell 
Chief Executive 

R P Stockton
Finance Director

Company registered number: 01000403

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

88         

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

 
Consolidated financial statements

Consolidated statement of cash flows
for the year ended 31 December 2014

Cash flows from operating activities
Profit before tax
Share of profit of associates
Net profit on disposal of available for sale investment securities
Net interest income
Net (recoveries)/impairment charges on impaired loans and advances
Net charge for provisions
Loss/(profit) on disposal of property, plant and equipment
Depreciation, amortisation and impairment
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)/decrease in loans and advances to banks and customers
 − net decrease/(increase) in settlement balance debtors
 − net increase in prepayments, accrued income and other assets
 − net increase in amounts due to customers and deposits by banks
 − net (decrease)/increase in settlement balance creditors
 − net increase/(decrease) in accruals, deferred income, provisions  

and other liabilities

Cash generated from operations
Tax paid

Net cash inflow from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities
Dividends received from associates
Acquisition of business combinations, net of cash acquired
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
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

24

19

28

29

29

13

24

36

20

20

38

15

38

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

2014  
£’000

45,658 
(169)
(6,820)
(9,159)
(589)
380 
517 
13,367 
3,332 
(5,474)
5,477 
(852)
10,284 

55,952 

(11,074)
3,721 
(8,982)
390,529 
(5,042)

2,842 

427,946 
(10,215)

417,731 

31 
(40,129)
(15,953)
(517)
(641,858)
794,548 

96,122 

25,928 
(23,793)

2,135 

515,988 
319,828 

835,816 

2013  
 £’000

44,204 
(89)
(5)
(8,608)
290 
500 
(1)
10,580 
3,188 
(4,744)
4,833 
(615)
9,802 

59,335 

37,904 
(7,005)
(6,678)
62,936 
9,034 

(409)

155,117 
(9,830)

145,287 

30 
–   
(19,415)
1 
(839,938)
823,062 

(36,260)

2,732 
(22,096)

(19,364)

89,663 
230,165 

319,828 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014         

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Consolidated financial statements

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.

Changes in accounting disclosure
Segmental information has been re-presented to show the constitution of centrally incurred indirect expenses in the segmental 
table (note 3).

Net fee and commission income previously included a fund management fee in Investment Management receivable from Unit 
Trusts. The group has concluded that this should be classified as intersegment sales and it has been re-presented accordingly. 
This re-presentation has decreased fee and commission income by £1,404,000 (2013: £1,074,000) and decreased fee and 
commission expense by the same amount. The re-presentation has had no impact on operating income, profit or equity 
in either year.

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:

•  Offsetting Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities (Amendments to IAS 32)

•  Recoverable Amount Disclosures for Non-Financial Assets (Amendments to IAS 36)

•  Equity Method in Separate Financial Statements (Amendments to IAS 27).

IFRS 10 ‘Consolidated Financial Statements’, IFRS 11 ‘Joint arrangements’ and IFRS 12 ‘Disclosure of Interests in Other Entities’, 
which are effective in 2014, were adopted early in 2013.

New standards and interpretations
A number of new standards and amendments to standards and interpretations are effective for annual periods beginning after  
1 January 2014 and, therefore, 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’, IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from Contracts with Customers’ and IFRIC 21 ‘Levies’.

IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’ and IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from Contracts with Customers’ are not expected to become mandatory for 
periods commencing before 1 January 2018 and 1 January 2017 respectively. The group does not plan to adopt these standards 
early and the extent of their impact has not been determined. These standards have not yet been adopted by the EU. IFRS 9 
‘Financial Instruments’ could change the classification and measurement of financial assets and the timing and extent of credit 
provisioning. IFRS 15 ‘Revenue from Contracts with Customers’ could change how and when revenue is recognised from 
contracts with customers and is expected to extend the period during which awards accruing to new investment managers 
are capitalised.

IFRIC 21 ‘Levies’ has been endorsed by the EU and is applicable for periods commencing on or after 17 June 2014; the group will 
adopt it from 1 January 2015. IFRIC 21 ‘Levies’ will change the point at which the group recognises a liability in respect of 
Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) levies. From 1 January 2015, the group will recognise a liability in respect of 
FSCS levies from the date at which the triggering event specified in the legislation occurs. The triggering event for recognition 
of FSCS levies will change from 31 December of the preceding financial year to 1 April of the current financial year, resulting in 
levies recognised in the current financial year being derecognised and recognised in the following financial year. If the 
company had adopted IFRIC 21 in 2014, it would have resulted in an increase in profit after tax of £41,000 (31 December 2013: 
£92,000 increase) and an increase (31 December 2013: increase) in equity of the same amount.

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1  

Principal accounting policies

1.2   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 144 to 164. 

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 in this note and, unless 
otherwise stated, have been applied consistently to all periods presented in the consolidated financial statements.

1.3   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.

The group controls an entity when it is exposed to, or has rights to, variable returns from its involvement with the entity and has 
the ability to affect those returns through its power over the entity. 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, but not control or joint control, over the financial and 
operating policies of the associate (note 1.5).

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

1.4   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 may arise as a result of 
additional information obtained after this date about facts and circumstances that existed at the acquisition date. Provided they 
arise within 12 months of the acquisition date, these changes are measurement period adjustments and are reflected against the 
cost of acquisition. Changes in the fair value of contingent consideration resulting from events occurring after the acquisition 
date are charged to profit or loss or other comprehensive income, except for obligations that are classified as equity, which are 
not remeasured. Such changes are irrespective of the 12 month period from acquisition.

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.

1.5  

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.

1.6   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 54.

1.7   Foreign currencies

The functional and presentational currency of the company and its subsidiaries 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 year.

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Consolidated financial statements Notes to the consolidated financial statements

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Principal accounting policies

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 the impact of future credit losses.

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.

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1  

Principal accounting policies

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.

Deferred tax
Deferred tax is accounted for under 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 in 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.

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1  

Principal accounting policies 1.13 Financial assets

•  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.

•  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 the impact of 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.

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Consolidated financial statements Notes to the consolidated financial statements

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Principal accounting policies

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 improvements: 

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.

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
Client relationships acquired as part of a business combination are initially recognised at fair value (note 1.4). Determining 
whether a transaction that involves the purchase of client relationships is treated as a business combination or a separate 
purchase of intangible assets requires judgement. The factors that the group takes into consideration in making this judgement 
are set out in note 2.1.

Individually purchased client relationships are initially recognised at cost. Where a transaction to acquire client relationship 
intangibles includes an element of variable deferred consideration, an estimate is made of the value of consideration that will 
ultimately be paid. The client relationship intangible recognised on the balance sheet is adjusted for any subsequent change in 
the value of deferred consideration. Note 2.1 sets out the approach taken by the group where judgement is required to determine 
whether payments made for the introduction of client relationships should be capitalised as intangible assets or charged to 
profit or loss.

Client relationships are subsequently carried at the amount initially recognised 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). 

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). 

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Principal accounting policies

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 an individual client account basis by comparing the fair value of 
funds under management for each acquired portfolio of clients with their associated amortised value. An example of evidence 
of impairment would be lost client relationships. 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. When client relationships are lost, 
the full amount of unamortised cost is recognised immediately in profit or loss and the intangible asset is derecognised.

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.

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 derecognises financial liabilities when its contractual obligations are 
discharged or cancelled, or expire.

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, except deposits on demand, 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. Deposits on demand continue to be held at face value.

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.

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Principal accounting policies

1.19   Retirement benefit obligations/surplus on retirement benefit schemes

The group’s net asset/liability in respect of defined benefit pension plans is calculated separately for each plan by estimating the 
amount of future benefit that employees have earned in return for their service in the current and prior years; that benefit is 
discounted to determine its present value, and the fair value of any plan assets (at bid price) are deducted. Any asset resulting 
from this calculation is limited to the present value of available refunds and reductions in future contributions to the plan.

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. Net remeasurements of the defined benefit asset/liability are recognised 
in full in the period in which they occur in other comprehensive income. 

Past service cost is recognised immediately in the period of a plan amendment.

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.

The company determines the net interest on the net defined benefit asset/liability for the year by applying the discount rate 
used to measure the defined benefit obligation at the beginning of the year to the net defined benefit asset/liability.

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 the our approach section  
on pages 11 to 12. 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; inter-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 Conduct Authority, the 
Jersey Financial Services Commission and the Solicitors’ Accounts Rules issued by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, 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.

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.

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Consolidated financial statements Notes to the consolidated financial statements

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   Client relationship intangibles (note 25)

Client relationship intangibles purchased through corporate transactions
When the group purchases client relationships through transactions with other corporate entities, a judgement is made as to 
whether the transaction should be accounted for as a business combination or as a separate purchase of intangible assets. In 
making this judgement, the group assesses the assets, liabilities, operations and processes that were the subject of the 
transaction against the definition of a business in IFRS 3. In particular, consideration is given to the scale of the operations 
subject to the transaction, whether ownership of a corporate entity has been acquired and to whom any amounts payable under 
the transaction are payable, among other factors.

During the year, the group entered into transactions to purchase part of Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management’s London-based 
private client investment business (note 25) and to acquire Jupiter’s private client and charity investment management business 
(note 36). The group treated the transaction with Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management as a separate purchase of intangible 
assets as the main element of the consideration was payable to the investment managers. The transaction with Jupiter was 
treated as a business combination, principally due to the scale of operations acquired and the fact that consideration was 
payable to Jupiter (the previous corporate owner of the business).

Payments to newly recruited investment managers
The group assesses whether payments made to newly recruited investment managers under contractual agreements represent 
payments for the acquisition of client relationship intangibles or remuneration for ongoing services provided to the group. 
Payments made for the acquisition of client relationship intangibles are capitalised whereas those that are judged to be in 
relation to the provision of ongoing services are expensed in the period in which they are incurred. 

The group determines a suitable period during which awards accruing to new investment managers are capitalised. Typically, 
this will be for 12 months after the cessation of any non-compete period. After the defined period has elapsed, any payments 
made are charged to profit or loss. 

During the year the group capitalised £22,073,000 of payments made to investment managers and expensed £2,824,000 
(2013: £13,245,000 capitalised and £487,000 expensed). A reduction in the capitalisation period by one month would decrease 
client relationship intangibles by £257,000 and decrease profit before tax by £257,000 (2013: £56,000 and £56,000 respectively).

Amortisation of client relationship intangibles
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 10–15 year period. 
Amortisation of £8,287,000 (2013: £6,306,000) was charged during the year. A reduction in the average amortisation period of 
one year would increase the amortisation charge by approximately £700,000 (2013: £600,000). At 31 December 2014, the 
carrying value of client relationship intangibles was £95,720,000 (2013: £52,487,000).

2.2   Retirement benefit obligations (note 29)

The group makes estimates about a range of long term trends and market conditions to determine the value of the surplus or 
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 £13,710,000 (2013: £1,614,000 surplus) and information on the 
sensitivity of the retirement benefit obligations to changes in underlying estimates are set out in note 29. 

98         

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

Consolidated financial statements Notes to the consolidated financial statements

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 
pages 11 to 12. All services other than unit trust funds and multi asset funds, as described under the investment and advisory 
heading in the our approach section, 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 allocation of these costs is shown in a separate column in the table below, alongside the 
information presented for internal reporting to the executive committee.

31 December 2014

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
Refund of levies for the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (note 7)
Gain on disposal of pension administration business (note 9)
Charges in relation to client relationships and goodwill (note 25)
Transaction costs (note 12)

Segment profit before tax
Gain on disposal of financial securities (note 8)
Contribution to legal settlement (note 11)

Profit before tax attributable to equity holders of the company
Taxation (note 14)

Profit for the year attributable to equity holders of the company

Segment total assets
Unallocated assets

Total assets

Investment
Management
£’000

120,561 
43,723 
9,159 
11,908 

Unit Trusts
£’000

13,281 
– 
– 
2,171 

185,351 

15,452 

Indirect 
expenses
£’000

 –
– 
– 
 –

 –

Total
£’000

133,842 
43,723 
9,159 
14,079 

200,803 

(43,885)
(25,790)

(69,675)
(17,065)
(41,085)

(3,304)
(2,751)

(14,760)
(6,664)

(61,949)
(35,205)

(6,055)
(2,788)
(2,631)

(21,424)
(22,292)
43,716 

(97,154)
(42,145)
– 

(127,825)

(11,474)

57,526 
907 
683 
(8,287)
(1,057)

3,978 
75 
– 
– 
– 

49,772 

4,053 

Investment
Management
£’000

Unit Trusts
£’000

1,630,464 

32,878 

 –

 –
 –
 –
– 
– 

– 

(139,299)

61,504 
982 
683 
(8,287)
(1,057)

53,825 
6,833 
(15,000)

45,658 
(10,021)

35,637 

Total
£’000

1,663,342 
4,897 

1,668,239 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014         

99

 
Consolidated financial statements Notes to the consolidated financial statements

3 

Segmental information

31 December 2013 (re-presented – note 1)

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
Charges in relation to client relationships and goodwill (note 25)

Profit before tax attributable to equity holders of the company
Taxation (note 14)

Profit for the year attributable to equity holders of the company

Segment total assets
Unallocated assets

Total assets

Investment
Management
£’000

Unit Trusts
£’000

Indirect 
expenses
£’000

Total
£’000

104,222 
42,051 
8,608 
10,456 

9,651 
–   
  – 
1,421 

–    113,873 
42,051 
–   
8,608 
–   
11,877 
 –  

165,337 

11,072 

 –   176,409 

(39,848)
(20,588)

(60,436)
(19,456)
(36,348)

(3,059)
(1,799)

(4,858)
(2,400)
(2,401)

(13,939)
(5,546)

(56,846)
(27,933)

(19,485)
(19,264)
38,749 

(84,779)
(41,120)
–   

(116,240)

(9,659)

–    (125,899)

49,097 
(6,306)

1,413 
–   

42,791 

1,413 

–   
–   

–   

Investment
Management
£’000

Unit Trusts
£’000

1,195,571 

23,556 

50,510 
(6,306)

44,204 
(9,453)

34,751 

Total
£’000

1,219,127 
10,650 

1,229,777 

2013
£’000

176,409
–
–
–

176,409 

2013
£’000

125,899
6,306
–
–

132,205 

The following table reconciles underlying operating income to operating income:

Underlying operating income
Refund of levies for the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (note 7)
Gain on disposal of financial securities (note 8)
Gain on disposal of pension administration business (note 9)

Operating income

The following table reconciles underlying operating expenses to operating expenses:

Underlying operating expenses
Charges in relation to client relationships and goodwill (note 25)
Transaction costs (note 12)
Contribution to legal settlement (note 11)

Operating expenses

2014 
£’000

200,803 
982 
6,833 
683 

209,301 

2014 
£’000

139,299 
8,287 
1,057 
15,000 

163,643 

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.

100         

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

Consolidated financial statements Notes to the consolidated financial statements

3 

Segmental information

Geographic analysis

The following table presents operating income analysed by the geographical location of the group entity providing the service:

United Kingdom
Jersey

Operating income

2014 
£’000

202,634 
6,667 

209,301 

2013
£’000

170,786 
5,623 

176,409 

The following is an analysis of the carrying amount of non-current assets analysed by the geographical location of the assets:

United Kingdom
Jersey

Non-current assets

Major clients

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

2014 
£’000

162,901 
6,995 

169,896 

2013
£’000

114,015 
2,476 

116,491 

2014 
£’000

2,991 
3,233 
109 
973 
2,718 

10,024 

(865)

9,159 

2013
£’000

948 
4,322 
227 
1,522 
2,193 

9,212 

(604)

8,608 

In 2013, interest income from loans and advances to customers included £282,000 in relation to impaired financial assets. These 
financial assets were settled during the year and no such interest income was recognised in 2014 (note 19).

5  Net fee and commission income

Fee and commission income
Investment Management
Unit Trusts

Fee and commission expense
Investment Management
Unit Trusts

2014 
£’000

174,945 
21,692 

196,637 

(2,527)
(6,599)

(9,126)

2013
£’000 
(re-presented
– note 1)

155,272 
17,979 

173,251 

(2,439)
(6,425)

(8,864)

Net fee and commission income

187,511 

164,387 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014         

101

 
Consolidated financial statements Notes to the consolidated financial statements

6  Dividend, net trading and other operating income

Dividend income

Dividend income comprises income from available for sale equity securities of £74,000 (2013: £127,000).

Net trading income

Net trading income of £1,878,000 (2013: £1,226,000) comprises unit trust net dealing profits.

Other operating income

Other operating income of £2,012,000 (2013: £1,972,000) comprises rental income from sub-leases on certain properties leased 
by group companies, £565,000 gain on sale of loan notes (note 19) and sundry income.

7  Refund of levies for the Financial Services Compensation Scheme

In 2010, the group reported that it had incurred levies for the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) totalling 
£3,203,000 arising from the failure of Keydata Investment Services Limited and other intermediaries.  During the year, the 
FSCS was successful in recovering some of its costs in relation to Keydata from parties that were found to be culpable for 
Keydata’s failure.  As a result, in December 2014, the group received partial refunds of its 2010/2011 year levies 
totalling £982,000.

8  Gain on disposal of financial securities

During the year, the group disposed of its remaining holding of 300,000 shares in London Stock Exchange Group Plc for cash 
consideration of £5,932,000. The group recognised a gain on disposal of £5,932,000, which was recycled from the available for 
sale reserve. 

On 11 December 2014, the group disposed of its holding of 1,809 shares in Euroclear Plc for cash consideration of £931,000. 
The group recognised a gain on disposal of £901,000, of which £888,000 was recycled from the available for sale reserve.

9  Gain on disposal of pension administration business

On 31 December 2014, the group disposed of its self invested personal pension (SIPP) administration business to Curtis Banks 
for cash consideration of £800,000.  A gain on disposal of £683,000, after deducting related costs, has been included in profit for 
the year. The SIPP administration business that was disposed of contributed £673,000 to the group’s profit in 2014.

102         

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Consolidated financial statements Notes to the consolidated financial statements

10  Operating expenses

Staff costs (note 13)
Depreciation of property, plant and equipment (note 22)
Amortisation of internally generated intangible assets included in operating

expenses (note 25)

Amortisation of purchased software (note 25)
Auditor's remuneration (see below)
Net (recoveries)/impairment charges on impaired loans and advances (note 19)
Operating lease rentals
Other

Other operating expenses
Charges in relation to client relationships and goodwill (note 25)
Contribution to legal settlement (note 11)
Transaction costs (note 12)

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
 − other assurance services

2014 
£’000

97,155 
2,946 

351 
1,783 
723 
(589)
6,060 
30,870 

139,299 
8,287 
15,000 
1,057 

163,643 

2014 
£’000

91 

245 
181 
81 
125 

723 

2013
£’000

84,778 
2,813 

331 
1,130 
570 
290 
6,006 
29,981 

125,899 
6,306 
 –  
  – 

132,205 

2013
£’000

90 

241 
168 
6 
65 

570 

Of the above, audit-related services for the year totalled £517,000 (2013: £499,000).

Fees for audit-related assurance services include £83,000 for the provision of assurance reports to our regulators and review 
of the interim statement (2013: £77,000).

11  Contribution to legal settlement

On 23 July 2014 the company entered into a conditional agreement to contribute to a settlement of legal proceedings in Jersey 
involving a former director and employee of Rathbone Trust Company Jersey Limited and in respect of legal proceedings 
against certain of Rathbones’ civil liability (professional indemnity) insurers.

The settlement became unconditional on 18 August 2014 and the company contributed £15,000,000 as its share of 
the settlement.

12  Transaction costs

Transaction costs incurred in the year include £1,031,000 of legal and advisory fees in relation to the acquisitions of  
Rooper &  Whately and Jupiter Asset Management Limited’s private client and charity investment management business 
(note 36) and the purchase of part of Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management’s London-based private client investment 
management business.

Listing authority fees of £26,000 in relation to the placing of ordinary shares (note 30) have also been included in 
transaction costs.

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014         

103

 
 
 
 
Consolidated financial statements Notes to the consolidated financial statements

13  Staff costs

Wages and salaries
Social security costs
Share-based payments (note 32)

Pension costs: (note 29)

 − 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:
 − investment management services
 − advisory services
Unit Trusts
Shared services

14  Income tax expense

Current tax:
 − charge for the year 
 − adjustments in respect of prior years
Deferred tax: (note 23)
 − charge for the year 
 − adjustments in respect of prior years

2014 
£’000

75,205 
9,828 
5,477 

3,332 
3,313 

6,645 

97,155 

2014 

543 
73 
32 
232 

880 

2014 
£’000

10,587 
(136)

(521)
91 

10,021 

2013
£’000

65,449 
8,419 
4,833 

3,188 
2,889 

6,077 

84,778 

2013

506 
70 
30 
227 

833 

2013
£’000

11,096 
(821)

(687)
(135)

9,453 

The tax charge is calculated based on our best estimate of the amount payable as at the balance sheet date. Any subsequent 
difference between these estimates and the actual amount paid are recorded as adjustments in respect of prior years.

The tax charge on profit for the year is higher (2013: lower) than the standard rate of corporation tax in the UK of 21.5% 
(2013: 23.2%). The differences are explained below.

Tax on profit from ordinary activities at the standard rate of 21.5% (2013: 23.2%)
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

2014 
£’000

9,813 

587 
(339)
(143)
(45)
112 
36 

10,021 

2013
£’000

10,276 

348 
(232)
(44)
(956)
(31)
92 

9,453 

104         

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

Consolidated financial statements Notes to the consolidated financial statements

15  Dividends

Amounts recognised as distributions to equity holders in the year:
 −  final dividend for the year ended 31 December 2013 of 31.0p

(2012: 30.0p) per share

 − interim dividend for the year ended 31 December 2014 of 19.0p 

(2013: 18.0p) per share

Dividends paid in the year of 50.0p (2013: 48.0p) per share

Proposed final dividend for the year ended 31 December 2014 of 33.0p

(2013: 31.0p) per share

2014 
£’000

2013
£’000

14,734 

9,059 

23,793 

15,804 

13,800 

8,296 

22,096 

14,349 

An interim dividend of 19.0p per share was paid on 8 October 2014 to shareholders on the register at the close of business on 
12 September 2014 (2013: 18.0p).

A final dividend declared of 33.0p per share (2013: 31.0p) is payable on 19 May 2015 to shareholders on the register at the close of 
business on 24 April 2015. The final dividend is subject to approval by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting on 14 May 
2015 and has not been included as a liability in these financial statements.

16  Earnings per share

Earnings used to calculate earnings per share on the bases reported in these financial statements were:

Underlying profit attributable to shareholders
Refund of levies for the Financial Services 

Compensation Scheme (note 7)

Gain on disposal of financial securities (note 8)
Gain on disposal of pension administration 
   business (note 9)
Charges in relation to client relationships and 

goodwill (note 25)

Contribution to legal settlement (note 11)
Transaction costs (note 12)

2014
Pre-tax
£’000

2014
Taxation
£’000

2014
Post-tax
£’000

2013
Pre-tax
£’000

2013
Taxation
£’000

2013
Post-tax
£’000

61,504 

(13,426)

48,078 

50,510 

(10,919)

39,591 

982 
6,833 

(211)
(1,469)

771 
5,364 

683 

(147)

536 

– 
– 

–

–
– 

– 

–
– 

– 

(8,287)
(15,000)
(1,057)

1,781 
3,224 
227 

(6,506)
(11,776)
(830)

(6,306)
– 
– 

1,466 
– 
– 

(4,840)
– 
– 

Profit attributable to shareholders

45,658 

(10,021)

35,637 

44,204 

(9,453)

34,751 

Basic earnings per share has been calculated by dividing profit attributable to shareholders by the weighted average number of 
shares in issue throughout the year, excluding own shares, of 46,971,196 (2013: 45,667,571).

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, all weighted for the relevant period:

Weighted average number of ordinary shares in issue during the year – 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

2014 

2013 

46,971,196 
21,684 
63,866 
247,202 

45,667,571 
45,814 
60,078 
222,122 

47,303,948 

45,995,585 

2014 

2013 

102.4p
101.6p

86.7p
86.1p

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014         

105

 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated financial statements Notes to the consolidated financial statements

17  Cash and balances with central banks

Cash in hand 
Balances with central banks

2014 
£’000

3 
727,175 

727,178 

2013
£’000

5 
211,000 

211,005 

The fair value of balances with central banks is not materially different from their carrying amount. The impact of credit risk 
is not material.

Repayable:
 − on demand
 − 3 months or less excluding on demand

Amounts include balances with:
 − variable interest rates
 − non-interest-bearing

18  Loans and advances to banks

Repayable:
 − on demand
 −  3 months or less excluding on demand
 −  1 year or less but over 3 months
 −  5 years or less but over 1 year

Amounts include loans and advances with:
 −  variable interest rates
 −  fixed interest rates
 −  non-interest-bearing

2014 
£’000

727,003 
175 

727,178 

727,000 
178 

727,178 

2014 
£’000

93,638 
40,055 
10,424 
282 

2013
£’000

211,005 
–

211,005 

211,000 
5 

211,005 

2013
£’000

61,171 
25,000 
20,156 
– 

144,399 

106,327 

94,225 
50,055 
119 

144,399 

81,087 
25,000 
240 

106,327 

The fair value of loans and advances 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. The impact of credit risk 
is not material.

Loans and advances to banks included in cash and cash equivalents at 31 December 2014 were £93,638,000 (note 38) 
(2013: £61,171,000).

The group’s exposure to credit risk arising from loans and advances to banks is described in note 33.

106         

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

Consolidated financial statements Notes to the consolidated financial statements

19  Loans and advances to customers

Overdrafts
Investment management loan book
Trust and pension debtors
Other debtors

2014 
£’000

3,331 
97,392 
909 
8 

101,640 

2013
£’000

2,424 
89,211 
1,071 
2,837 

95,543 

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
 − 3 months or less excluding on demand
 − 1 year or less but over 3 months
 − 5 years or less but over 1 year
With no fixed maturity date
Less: allowance for losses on loans and advances (see below)

Amounts include loans and advances with:
 − variable interest rates
 − non-interest-bearing

2014 
£’000

3,530 
27,544 
68,807 
1,831 
– 
(72)

101,640 

100,712 
928 

101,640 

2013
£’000

2,448 
28,340 
61,634 
383 
3,851 
(1,113)

95,543 

94,428 
1,115 

95,543 

No overdrafts or investment management loan book balances were impaired as at 31 December 2014 (2013: none impaired). 

Other debtors included loan notes (‘Notes’) with a nominal value of £5,000,000 that were issued by the acquirer of the group’s 
Jersey Trust operations in 2008 and were carried at amortised cost less provision for impairment. The Notes were settled on  
28 February 2014 for £3,400,000 in cash. As a result, impairment losses of £565,000 have been reversed in the year and the 
corresponding gain has been included in other operating income within profit or loss for the year.

Allowance for losses on loans and advances to customers

At 1 January
Amounts written off
(Credit)/charge to profit or loss

At 31 December

2014
Trust and
 pension
debtors
£’000

97 
(1)
(24)

72 

2014
Other
debtors
£’000

1,016 
(451)
(565)

2014
Total
£’000

1,113 
(452)
(589)

2013
Trust and
 pension
debtors
£’000

105 
(42)
34 

2013
Other
debtors
£’000

760 
– 
256 

2013
Total
£’000

865 
(42)
290 

– 

72 

97 

1,016 

1,113 

The group’s exposure to credit risk arising from loans and advances to customers is described in note 33.

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014         

107

 
Consolidated financial statements Notes to the consolidated financial statements

20  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

2014 
£’000

514 
– 

15,000 

15,514 

2014 
£’000

429,974 

429,974 

2014 
£’000

429,974 

429,974 

2013
£’000

5,642 
691 

47,652 

53,985 

2013
£’000

575,838 

575,838 

2013
£’000

575,838 

575,838 

Available for sale securities include money market funds and direct holdings in equity securities. Equity securities include  
units in Rathbone Unit Trust Management Limited managed funds. In 2013, the group also held shares in London Stock 
Exchange Group Plc and Euroclear Plc; both holdings were sold during the year (note 8). Equity securities do not bear interest. 
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 38).

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 (2013: none reclassified).

The change in the group’s holdings of investment securities in the year is summarised below.

At 1 January 2013
Additions
Disposals (sales and redemptions)
Gain from changes in fair value

At 1 January 2014
Additions
Disposals (sales and redemptions)
Gain from changes in fair value

At 31 December 2014

Available 
for sale
£’000

55,749 
293,201 
(297,037)
2,072 

53,985 
15,037 
(54,515)
1,007 

15,514 

Held to 
maturity
£’000

559,025 
839,838 
(823,025)
–

575,838 
641,821 
(787,685)
– 

429,974 

Total
£’000

614,774 
1,133,039 
(1,120,062)
2,072 

629,823 
656,858 
(842,200)
1,007 

445,488 

Included within available for sale securities are additions of £37,000 (2013: £100,000) and disposals of £6,863,000  
(2013: £37,000) of financial instruments that are not classified as cash and cash equivalents. 

108         

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

Consolidated financial statements Notes to the consolidated financial statements

21  Prepayments, accrued income and other assets

Trust work in progress
Derivative financial instruments (note 24)
Prepayments and other assets
Accrued income

2014 
£’000

1,182 
1,030 
14,832 
38,228 

55,272 

2013
£’000

963 
1,030 
11,866 
32,509 

46,368 

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 2014, the fair value of the investment property was £580,000 (2013: £718,000). The decrease in fair value of 
the investment property in the year of £138,000 (2013: decrease of £34,000) was due to a reduction in management’s estimate 
of its realisable value.

22  Property, plant and equipment

Cost
At 1 January 2013
Additions
Disposals

At 1 January 2014
Additions
Disposals

At 31 December 2014

Depreciation
At 1 January 2013
Charge for the year
Disposals

At 1 January 2014
Charge for the year
Disposals

At 31 December 2014

Carrying amount at 31 December 2014

Carrying amount at 31 December 2013

Carrying amount at 1 January 2013

Short term
leasehold 
improvements
£’000

Plant and
equipment
£’000

11,266 
739 
– 

12,005 
177 
– 

12,182 

2,799 
1,047 
– 

3,846 
1,079 
– 

4,925 

7,257 

8,159 

8,467 

11,587 
1,646 
(469)

12,764 
1,489 
(517)

13,736 

8,104 
1,766 
(469)

9,401 
1,867 
(517)

10,751 

2,985 

3,363 

3,483 

Total
£’000

22,853 
2,385 
(469)

24,769 
1,666 
(517)

25,918 

10,903 
2,813 
(469)

13,247 
2,946 
(517)

15,676 

10,242 

11,522 

11,950 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014         

109

 
Consolidated financial statements Notes to the consolidated financial statements

23  Net deferred tax asset

Deferred income taxes are calculated on all temporary differences under the liability method using an effective tax rate of 20.0% 
(2013: 20.0%).

The reduction in corporation tax rate to 20.0% over the next year had been substantively enacted at 31 December 2014. Deferred 
tax has been calculated using the rate expected to apply when the relevant timing difference unwinds.

The movement on the deferred tax account is as follows:

Deferred
capital
allowances
£’000

Pensions
£’000

Share-based
payments
£’000

Staff-
 related
 costs
£’000

Available
for sale
securities
£’000

Intangible
assets
£’000

Total
£’000

780 

(325)

1,731 

788 

(1,178)

(97)

1,699 

As at 1 January 2014
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

135 
12 
(9)

138 

– 
– 
– 

– 

 –
– 
– 

– 

(460)
–
32 

(428)

3,754 
– 
(261)

3,493 

 –
– 
– 

– 

65 
 –
(2)

63 

– 
– 
– 

– 

260 
 –
– 

260 

(26)
– 
2 

(24)

 –
– 
 –

– 

– 
 –
 –

– 

556 
(91)
(35)

430 

5,014 
– 
(349) 

4,665 

247 
– 
1 

248 

842 
(103)
(58)

681 

– 
– 
 –

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 

1,260 
 –
(88)

1,172 

– 
– 
– 

– 

(13)
 –
1 

(12)

1,457 

Staff-
 related
 costs
£’000

1,457 
– 

As at 31 December 2014

918 

2,740 

2,054 

Deferred tax assets
Deferred tax liabilities

As at 31 December 2014

Deferred
capital
allowances
£’000

918 
– 

918 

Pensions
£’000

2,740 
 –

Share-based
payments
£’000

2,054 
– 

2,740 

2,054 

1,457 

(6)

(121)

7,042 

Available
for sale
securities
£’000

– 
(6)

(6)

Intangible
assets
£’000

– 
(121)

Total
£’000

7,169 
(127)

(121)

7,042 

110         

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

Consolidated financial statements Notes to the consolidated financial statements

23 

Net deferred tax asset

As at 1 January 2013
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

Available
for sale
securities
£’000

Intangible
assets
£’000

Total
£’000

726 

489 

1,520 

201 

(880)

(126)

1,930 

23 
148 
(117)

54 

– 
– 
 –

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 

(362)
– 
336 

(26)

(509)
– 
(279)

(788)

 –
 –
 –

– 

384 
2 
(196)

190 

– 
– 
– 

– 

80 
2 
(61)

21 

720 
(15)
(130)

575 

 –
– 
 –

– 

11 
3 
(2)

12 

– 
– 
– 

– 

(480)
– 
182 

(298)

– 
– 
– 

– 

15 
– 
14 

29 

– 
– 
 –

 –

– 
– 
– 

– 

780 
135 
(93)

822 

(989)
– 
(97)

(1,086)

91 
5 
(63)

33 

As at 31 December 2013

780 

(325)

1,731 

788 

(1,178)

(97)

1,699 

Deferred tax assets
Deferred tax liabilities

As at 31 December 2013

Deferred
capital
allowances
£’000

780 
– 

780 

Pensions
£’000

Share-based
payments
£’000

– 
(325)

1,731 
– 

(325)

1,731 

Staff-
 related
 costs
£’000

788 
– 

788 

Available
for sale
securities
£’000

– 
(1,178)

(1,178)

Intangible
assets
£’000

– 
(97)

(97)

Total
£’000

3,299 
(1,600)

1,699 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014         

111

 
Consolidated financial statements Notes to the consolidated financial statements

24  Investment in associates and related derivatives

The group owns 19.9% of the ordinary share capital of Vision Independent Financial Planning Limited and Castle Investment 
Solutions Limited.

Investment in associates

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 options held by the group to 
acquire the remaining shares in the associates are not exercisable until the third quarter of 2015. In addition, the group has no 
other rights which would allow it to exercise control over the operations of the associates. The group is, therefore, not judged  
to control the associates and they are not consolidated.

The movements in the group’s investment in associates were as follows:

At 1 January
Share of profit
Dividends received

At 31 December

2014 
£’000

1,296 
169 
(31)

1,434 

2013
£’000

1,237 
89 
(30)

1,296 

The results of associates, and their aggregated assets and liabilities as at 31 December 2014, 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

1,205 
791 

1,996 

423 
16 

439 

1,317 
918 

2,235 

19.9 
19.9 

313 
534 

847 

169 

As part of the transaction to acquire these holdings, the group 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 repurchase 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 are valued together and carried at fair value. At 31 December 2014, the fair value of the option contracts 
was £1,030,000 (2013: £1,030,000) (note 21). The fair value of the option contracts is calculated using a probability weighted 
expected return model (note 33).

112         

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

Consolidated financial statements Notes to the consolidated financial statements

25  Intangible assets

Goodwill
Other intangible assets

Goodwill

2014 
£’000

57,884 
101,770 

159,654 

2013
£’000

47,241 
57,728 

104,969 

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:

Cost
At 1 January 2013 and 2014
Acquired through business combinations (note 36)

At 31 December 2014

Impairment
At 1 January 2013 and 2014
Charge in the year

At 31 December 2014

Carrying amount at 31 December 2014

Carrying amount at 31 December 2013

Carrying amount at 1 January 2013

Investment 
management
£’000

Trust and
tax
£’000

Rooper &
Whately
£’000

Total
£’000

45,287 
10,766 

1,954 
– 

– 
227 

47,241 
10,993 

56,053 

1,954 

227 

58,234 

– 
– 

– 

– 
350 

350 

– 
– 

– 

– 
350 

350 

56,053 

1,604 

227 

57,884 

45,287 

1,954 

45,287 

1,954 

– 

– 

47,241 

47,241 

Goodwill acquired through business combinations comprises goodwill arising on the acquisitions of Jupiter Asset Management 
Limited’s private client and charity investment management business and Rooper & Whately. A separate CGU has been 
established to which the latter has been allocated.

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 annual revenue growth for each CGU (see table below); as well as the group’s expectation of future industry growth rates. 
A 10 year extrapolation period is chosen based on the group’s assessment 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 pre–tax rate used to discount the forecast cash flows for each CGU is shown in the table below; these are 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 and Rooper & Whately CGUs.

At 31 December

Discount rate
Annual revenue growth rate

Investment management

Trust and tax

Rooper & Whately

2014 

11%
7.0%

2013

10%
7.0%

2014 

13%
1.5%

2013

12%
3.0%

2014 

2013

13%
5.0%

n/a
n/a

At 30 June 2014, the group recognised an impairment charge of £350,000 in relation to goodwill allocated to the trust and  
tax CGU. An impairment was recognised as the recoverable amount of the goodwill allocated to the CGU at 30 June 2014 was 
£1,604,000, which was lower than the carrying value of £1,954,000 at 31 December 2013. The recoverable amount was 
calculated based on forecast earnings for 2014, extrapolated over 10 years based on an annual revenue growth rate of 1.5%. The 
pre–tax rate used to discount the forecast cash flows was 14%. The impairment was recognised in the Investment Management 
segment in the segmental analysis. No further impairment was recognised at 31 December 2014.

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014         

113

 
Consolidated financial statements Notes to the consolidated financial statements

25 

Intangible assets Goodwill

Based on the above assumptions, the calculated recoverable amount of the goodwill allocated to the trust and tax CGU at 
31 December 2014 was £2,055,000, which was higher than its carrying value of £1,604,000. Reducing the assumed growth rate 
for income in the trust and tax CGU by two percentage points would reduce the calculated recoverable amount of the allocated 
goodwill to £1,158,000. No reasonably foreseeable changes to the assumptions used in the value–in–use calculation for the 
investment management CGU would result in an impairment of the goodwill allocated to it.

Other intangible assets

Cost
At 1 January 2013
Internally developed in the year
Purchased in the year
Disposals

At 1 January 2014
Internally developed in the year
Acquired through business combinations (note 36)
Purchased in the year
Disposals

At 31 December 2014

Amortisation
At 1 January 2013
Charge for the year
Disposals

At 1 January 2014
Charge for the year
Disposals

At 31 December 2014

Carrying amount at 31 December 2014

Carrying amount at 31 December 2013

Carrying amount at 1 January 2013

Client
relationships
£’000

Software
development
costs
£’000

Purchased
software
£’000

62,824 
– 
13,245 
(1,095)

74,974 
– 
29,097 
22,073 
(1,465)

3,205 
330 
– 
– 

3,535 
499 
– 
– 
– 

14,959 
– 
1,738 
(29)

16,668 
– 
– 
2,444 
(8)

Total
£’000

80,988 
330 
14,983 
(1,124)

95,177 
499 
29,097 
24,517 
(1,473)

124,679 

4,034 

19,104 

147,817 

17,276 
6,306 
(1,095)

22,487 
7,937 
(1,465)

2,538 
331 
– 

2,869 
351 
– 

10,992 
1,130 
(29)

12,093 
1,783 
(8)

30,806 
7,767 
(1,124)

37,449 
10,071 
(1,473)

28,959 

3,220 

13,868 

46,047 

95,720 

52,487 

45,548 

814 

666 

667 

5,236 

101,770 

4,575 

57,728 

3,967 

50,182 

The total amount charged to profit or loss in the year, in relation to goodwill and client relationships, was £8,287,000 (2013: 
£6,306,000). A further £2,824,000 (2013: £480,000) was expensed as staff costs during the year, representing amounts due for 
client relationships introduced more than 12 months after the cessation of any non–compete year (note 2.1).

Purchases of client relationships relate to payments made to investment managers and third parties for the introduction of 
client relationships. Client relationships purchased in the year includes £13,774,000 (2013: £nil) relating to the purchase of part 
of Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management’s London-based private client investment management business.

Client relationships purchased through business combinations relate to the acquisition of Rooper & Whately and Jupiter Asset 
Management Limited’s private client and charity investment management business during the year (note 36).

Purchased software with a cost of £10,660,000 (2013: £9,694,000) has been fully amortised but is still in use.

114         

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

 
Consolidated financial statements Notes to the consolidated financial statements

26  Due to customers

Repayable:
 − on demand
 − 3 months or less excluding on demand
 − 1 year or less but over 3 months

Amounts include balances with:
 − variable interest rates
 − fixed interest rates
 − non-interest-bearing

2014 
£’000

1,198,643 
83,783 
– 

1,282,426

1,197,733 
72,046 
12,647 

1,282,426 

2013
£’000

869,019 
22,606 
272 

891,897

868,475 
13,259 
10,163 

891,897 

The fair value of amounts due to customers was not materially different from their carrying value. The estimated fair value  
of deposits with no stated maturity, which include non–interest–bearing deposits, is the amount at which deposits could be 
transferred to a third party at the measurement date. 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.

27  Accruals, deferred income, provisions and other liabilities

Creditors
Accruals and deferred income
Other provisions (note 28)

2014 
£’000

17,858 
35,772 
20,944 

74,574 

2013
£’000

16,617 
28,759 
9,906 

55,282 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014         

115

 
 
Consolidated financial statements Notes to the consolidated financial statements

28  Other provisions

At 1 January 2013

Charged to profit or loss
Unused amount credited to profit or loss

Net charge to profit or loss 
Other movements
Utilised/paid during the year

At 1 January 2014

Charged to profit or loss
Unused amount credited to profit or loss

Net charge to profit or loss 
Business combinations 
Other movements
Utilised/paid during the year

At 31 December 2014

Payable within 1 year
Payable after 1 year

Deferred, 
variable costs 
to acquire 
client
relationship
intangibles
£’000

10,167 

– 
– 

– 
7,781 
(9,498)

8,450 

– 
– 

– 
– 
21,073 
(10,344)

19,179 

8,352 
10,827 

19,179 

Deferred,
 variable
consideration
 in business
combinations
£’000

Legal and
compensation
£’000

Property–
related
£’000

Total
£’000

– 

– 
– 

– 
– 
– 

– 

–
–

– 
32,030 
– 
(32,000)

30 

30 
– 

30 

216 

367 
(14)

353 
– 
(86)

483 

524 
(253)

271 
– 
– 
(101)

653 

653 
– 

653 

826 

11,209 

177 
(30)

147 
– 
– 

973 

109 
– 

109 
– 
– 
– 

544 
(44)

500 
7,781 
(9,584)

9,906 

633 
(253)

380 
32,030 
21,073 
(42,445)

1,082 

20,944 

11 
1,071 

9,046 
11,898 

1,082 

20,944 

Deferred, variable costs to acquire client relationship intangibles

Other movements in provisions relate to deferred payments to investment managers and third parties for the introduction of 
client relationships, which have been capitalised in the year.

Deferred, variable costs to acquire client relationship intangibles at 31 December 2014 include £11,132,000 in relation to the 
purchase of part of Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management’s London-based private client investment management business on 
5 June 2014 (2013: £nil). The final amount payable will be based on the value of funds under management retained by the group 
at 31 December 2015.

At 31 December 2013, deferred, variable costs to acquire client relationship intangibles included a final amount payable of 
£3,943,000 in relation to the deferred consideration for the purchase of Taylor Young Investment Management Limited’s private 
client base. The final amount payable was calculated as £4,010,000 based on the value of transferred funds under management 
at 30 April 2014 and was paid on 31 October 2014.

Deferred, variable consideration in business combinations

Deferred contingent consideration of £30,000 (2013: £nil) is payable in February 2015 following the acquisition of Rooper & 
Whately (note 36). 

Business combinations included a provision of £32,000,000, being the minimum consideration payable for the acquisition of 
Jupiter Asset Management Limited’s private client and charity investment business. This provision was utilised following the 
completion of this acquisition on 26 September 2014 (note 36). 

Legal and compensation

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.

116         

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

Consolidated financial statements Notes to the consolidated financial statements

28 

Other provisions

Property-related

Property–related provisions consist of £1,082,000 in relation to dilapidation provisions expected to arise on leasehold premises 
held by the group (2013: £973,000). Dilapidation provisions are calculated using a discounted cash flow model; during the year, 
the impact of discounting has increased the provisions by £109,000 (2013: £125,000).

Ageing of provisions

Provisions payable after one year are expected to be settled within two years of the balance sheet date (2013: two years), except 
for property–related provisions of £1,071,000 (2013: £973,000), which are expected to be settled within 22 years of the balance 
sheet date (2013: 23 years), which corresponds to the longest lease for which a dilapidations provision is being held.

29  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 
£3,299,000 (2013: £2,882,000). The group also operates a defined contribution scheme for overseas employees, for which the 
total contributions were £14,000 (2013: £7,000).

The group operates two defined benefit pension schemes; the Rathbone 1987 Scheme and the Laurence Keen Retirement 
Benefit 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 £880,000 of related insurance premiums were expensed to profit or loss in the 
year (2013: £828,000). 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 2013
31 December 2013

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014         

117

 
Consolidated financial statements Notes to the consolidated financial statements

29 

Long term employee benefits

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:

Rate of increase of salaries
Rate of increase of pensions in payment
Rate of increase of deferred pensions
Discount rate
Inflation*

*  Inflation assumptions are based on the Retail Prices Index

2014
Laurence 
Keen
Scheme 
%

2013
Laurence 
Keen
Scheme 
%

2014
Rathbone 
1987
Scheme 
%

2013
Rathbone 
1987
Scheme 
%

4.10
3.40
3.10
3.80
3.10

4.50
3.60
3.50
4.60
3.50

4.10
3.10
3.10
3.80
3.10

4.50
3.40
3.50
4.60
3.50

Over the prior year the financial assumptions have been amended to reflect changes in market conditions. Specifically:

(i)   

(ii)  

 the discount rate has been reduced by 0.8% to reflect a decrease in the yields available on AA-rated corporate bonds at 
a term consistent with the average duration of the liabilities;

 the assumed rate of future inflation has been reduced by 0.4% to reflect a decrease in expectations of long term inflation 
as implied by changes in the fixed interest and index-linked gilts markets; and

(iii)  

 the assumed rates of salary growth and future increases to pensions in payment have been reduced for consistency with 
the change in the assumed rate of future inflation.

The assumed duration of the liabilities for the Laurence Keen Scheme is 19 years (2013: 18 years) and the assumed duration for 
the Rathbone 1987 Scheme is 23 years (2013: 24 years).

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 S2NA actuarial tables (2013: S1NA tables). The assumed life 
expectations on retirement were:

Retiring today:

Retiring in 20 years: 

 − aged 60
 − aged 65
 − aged 60
 − aged 65

2014
Males

29.1
24.2
31.5
26.4

2014
Females

31.3
26.3
33.7
28.5

2013
Males

28.9
24.1
31.4
26.4

2013
Females

31.0
26.1
33.1
28.1

Mortality assumptions were updated during the year in line with those used in the latest full actuarial valuations of the 
schemes. There were no changes to the demographic assumptions over the year with the exception that mortality assumptions 
were updated to allow for the latest tables and projections published by the actuarial profession.

The amount included in the balance sheet arising from the group’s assets in respect of the schemes is as follows:

Present value of defined benefit obligations
Fair value of scheme assets

2014
Laurence 
Keen
Scheme
£’000

2014
Rathbone
1987
 Scheme
£’000

2013
Laurence 
Keen
Scheme
£’000

2013
Rathbone
1987
 Scheme
£’000

2014
Total
£’000

2013
Total
£’000

(16,770)
16,337 

(163,859)
150,582 

(180,629)
166,919 

(14,603)
16,033 

(129,765)
129,949 

(144,368)
145,982 

Net defined benefit (liability)/asset

(433)

(13,277)

(13,710)

1,430 

184 

1,614 

118         

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

Consolidated financial statements Notes to the consolidated financial statements

29 

Long term employee benefits

The amounts recognised in profit or loss, within operating expenses, are as follows:

Current service cost
Interest income

2014
Laurence 
Keen
Scheme
£’000

– 
(74)

(74)

2014
Rathbone
1987
 Scheme
£’000

3,576 
(170)

2014
Total
£’000

3,576 
(244)

3,406 

3,332 

2013
Laurence 
Keen
Scheme
£’000

– 
(30)

(30)

2013
Rathbone
1987 
Scheme
£’000

3,240 
(22)

2013
Total
£’000

3,240 
(52)

3,218 

3,188 

Remeasurements of the net defined benefit asset have been reported in other comprehensive income. The actual return on 
scheme assets was a rise in value of £1,359,000 (2013: £1,383,000 rise) for the Laurence Keen Scheme and a rise in value of 
£16,506,000 (2013: £14,002,000 rise) for the Rathbone 1987 Scheme.

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 experience gains/losses
Actuarial loss arising from:
 − demographic assumptions
 − financial assumptions
Benefits paid

At 31 December

Movements in the fair value of scheme assets were as follows:

At 1 January
Remeasurement of defined benefit asset:
 − interest income
 − return on scheme assets (excluding amounts

included in interest income)

Contributions from the sponsoring companies
Contributions from scheme members
Benefits paid

2014
Laurence 
Keen
Scheme
£’000

14,603 
– 
640 
– 
838 

2014
Rathbone
1987 
Scheme
£’000

129,765 
3,576 
5,945 
1,281 
7,058 

2014
Total
£’000

144,368 
3,576 
6,585 
1,281 
7,896 

2013
Laurence 
Keen
Scheme
£’000

14,077 
– 
626 
– 
– 

2013
Rathbone
1987
 Scheme
£’000

114,740 
3,240 
5,152 
1,344 
– 

2013
Total
£’000

128,817 
3,240 
5,778 
1,344 
– 

100 
1,954 
(1,365)

614 
17,938 
(2,318)

714 
19,892 
(3,683)

– 
228 
(328)

– 
7,139 
(1,850)

– 
7,367 
(2,178)

16,770 

163,859 

180,629 

14,603 

129,765 

144,368 

2014
Laurence 
Keen
Scheme
£’000

2014
Rathbone
1987 
Scheme
£’000

2013
Laurence 
Keen
Scheme
£’000

2013
Rathbone
1987
 Scheme
£’000

2014
Total
£’000

2013
Total
£’000

16,033 

129,949 

145,982 

14,492 

112,195 

126,687 

714 

6,115 

6,829 

656 

5,174 

5,830 

645 
310 
– 
(1,365)

10,391 
5,164 
1,281 
(2,318)

11,036 
5,474 
1,281 
(3,683)

727 
486 
– 
(328)

8,828 
4,258 
1,344 
(1,850)

9,555 
4,744 
1,344 
(2,178)

At 31 December

16,337 

150,582 

166,919 

16,033 

129,949 

145,982 

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

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014         

119

 
 
Consolidated financial statements Notes to the consolidated financial statements

29 

Long term employee benefits

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 a 10 year period 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 2014, £29,723,000 (2013: £28,825,000) of the scheme’s 
assets had been switched under the programme. This approach will be reviewed in 2015.

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 analysis of the scheme assets, measured at bid prices, at the balance sheet date was as follows:

Laurence Keen Scheme

Equity instruments:
 −  United Kingdom
 −  Eurozone
 −  North America
 −  Other

Debt instruments:
 − United Kingdom government bonds
 − Overseas government bonds
 − United Kingdom corporate bonds

Cash
Other

At 31 December

Rathbone 1987 Scheme

Equity instruments:
 − United Kingdom
 − Eurozone
 − North America
 − Other

Debt instruments:
 − United Kingdom government bonds
 − Overseas government bonds
 − United Kingdom corporate bonds
 − Overseas corporate bonds

Derivatives:
 − Interest rate swap funds

Cash
Other

At 31 December

2013
Fair
value
£’000

2014
Current
allocation
%

2013
Current
allocation
%

2014
Fair
value
£’000

5,501 
543 
911 
863 
7,818 

5,360 
523 
2,193 

8,076 
52 
391 

5,105 
772 
773 
1,097 
7,747 

5,194 
603 
2,170 

7,967 
41 
278 

48 

48 

50 
– 
2 

50 

– 
2 

100

2013
Current
allocation
%

16,337 

16,033 

100

2014
Fair
value
£’000

2013
Fair
value
£’000

2014
Current
allocation
%

47,805 
11,626 
14,133 
9,540 
83,104 

30,676 
2,003 
14,838 
990 

47,403 
11,229 
15,474 
7,958 
82,064 

23,887 
924 
9,745 
2,860 

55 

63 

48,507 

37,416 

32 

29 

10,015 

10,015 
6,240 
2,716 

5,446 

5,446 
3,604 
1,419 

7 
4 
2 

4 
3 
1 

150,582 

129,949 

100

100

At 31 December 2014 the Rathbone 1987 Scheme held 291 shares (2013: 291) with a nominal value of £10,015,000 (2013: 
£5,446,000) in an inflation–linked interest rate swap fund. The swaps are long–dated and their duration is intended to broadly 
align with the duration of the scheme’s liabilities.

All equity and debt instruments have quoted prices in active markets. All government bonds are issued by governments of the 
United Kingdom, the United States of America, Norway or Singapore, all of which are rated AAA or AA+, based on credit ratings 
awarded by Fitch or Moody’s as at the balance sheet date. ‘Other’ scheme assets comprise commodities and property funds, 
both of which also have quoted prices in active markets. 

120         

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

 
 
Consolidated financial statements Notes to the consolidated financial statements

29 

Long term employee benefits

The four key assumptions affecting the results of the valuation are the discount rate, future inflation, future salary growth  
and mortality. In order to demonstrate the sensitivity of the results to these assumptions, the actuary has recalculated the 
defined benefit obligations for each scheme by varying each of these assumptions in isolation whilst leaving the other 
assumptions unchanged. For example, in order to demonstrate the sensitivity of the results to the discount rate, the actuary  
has recalculated the defined benefit obligations for each scheme using a discount rate that is 0.5% higher than used for 
calculating the disclosed figures. A similar approach has been taken to demonstrate the sensitivity of the results to the other 
key assumptions. A summary of the sensitivities in respect of the total of the two schemes’ defined benefit obligations is 
set out below.

0.5% increase in:
 − discount rate
 − rate of inflation
 − rate of salary growth
1 year increase to longevity at 60

Combined impact on 
schemes’ liabilities

(Decrease)/
increase
£’000

(Decrease)/
increase
%

(18,514)
11,856 
4,548 
5,906 

(10.2)
6.6 
2.5 
3.3 

The total regular contributions made by the group to the Rathbone 1987 Scheme during the year were £2,369,000 
(2013: £2,508,000) based on 14.8% of pensionable salaries (2013: 14.8%). Additional lump sum contributions of £2,795,000 were 
paid in 2014 (2013: £1,750,000). Following the recent triennial valuations, from 1 January 2015, the group will make regular 
contributions of 20.3% of pensionable salaries and the group has committed to make additional contributions to the scheme 
of £3,750,000 in 2015 and £2,750,000 in 2016. Active members of the Rathbone 1987 Scheme are required to make annual 
contributions to the scheme. Currently, these contributions represent an average of 7.8% of pensionable salaries (2013: 7.7%). 
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 £265,000 (2013: £476,000). 
Additional lump sum contributions of £45,000 were paid in 2014 (2013: £10,000). Regular contributions to the Laurence Keen 
Scheme will stop with effect from 1 January 2015.

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014         

121

 
Consolidated financial statements Notes to the consolidated financial statements

30  Share capital and share premium

The following movements in share capital occurred during the year:

At 1 January 2013
Shares issued:
 −  to Share Incentive Plan
 −  to Save As You Earn scheme
 −  on exercise of options

At 1 January 2014
Shares issued:
 −  on placing
 −  to Share Incentive Plan
 −  to Save As You Earn scheme
 −  on exercise of options

At 31 December 2014

Number of
shares

45,954,071 

Exercise/
issue price
pence

Share
capital
£’000

Share
premium
£’000

Total
£’000

2,298 

62,160 

64,458 

131,648 
175,391 
26,554 

1,296.0 – 1,510.0
696.0 – 1,106.0
743.5 – 1,172.0

7 
9 
1 

1,837 
1,215 
272 

1,844 
1,224 
273 

46,287,664 

1,343,000 
180,507 
28,622 
50,476 

47,890,269 

1,814.0
1,634.0 – 1,946.0
934.0 – 1,106.0
743.5 – 1,172.0

2,315 

65,484 

67,799 

67 
9 
1 
3 

23,511 
3,295 
267 
430 

23,578 
3,304 
268 
433 

2,395 

92,987 

95,382 

The total number of issued and fully paid up ordinary shares at 31 December 2014 was 47,890,269 (2013: 46,287,664) 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 1 April 2014, the company issued 1,343,000 shares by way of a placing for cash consideration at £18.14 per share (representing 
no discount to the prevailing market price), which raised £23,578,000, net of £784,000 placing costs, offset against share 
premium arising on the issue.

31  Own shares

The following movements in own shares occurred during the year:

At 1 January 2013
Acquired in the year
Released on vesting

At 1 January 2014
Acquired in the year
Released on vesting

At 31 December 2014

Number of
shares

530,847 
44,191 
(81,190)

493,848 
90,248 
(172,901)

£’000

5,844 
609 
(731)

5,722 
1,655 
(1,846)

411,195 

5,531 

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 32). The number of own shares held as treasury shares by the company at 31 December 2014 was 50,000 (2013: 50,000). 
In addition, 76,082 shares were held in the Employee Benefit Trust at 31 December 2014 (2013: 93,904) and a further 285,113 
(2013: 349,944) shares were held by the trustees of the Share Incentive Plan but were not unconditionally gifted to employees.

122         

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

Consolidated financial statements Notes to the consolidated financial statements

32  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 £150 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 earnings per share up to a maximum of £3,000 per annum. 

For UK employees, SIP dividends are reinvested and used to purchase dividend shares, whilst for Jersey employees dividends 
are paid in cash.

As at 31 December 2014, the trustees of the SIP held 1,274,938 (2013: 1,336,942) ordinary shares of 5p each in Rathbone Brothers 
Plc with a total market value of £26,085,000 (2013: £21,578,000). Of the total number of shares held by the trustees, 281,957 
(2013: 344,751) have been conditionally gifted to employees and 3,156 (2013: 5,193) remain unallocated. Dividends on the 
unallocated shares have been waived by the trustees.

Long Term Incentive Plan

Details of the general terms of this plan are set out in the remuneration report on page 70. 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 £3,259,000 
(2013: £2,310,000) has been recognised for the estimated fair value of future awards.

At 31 December 2014, the trustees held 76,082 (2013: 93,904) ordinary shares of 5p each in Rathbone Brothers Plc with a total 
market value of £1,557,000 (2013: £1,516,000). Dividends on these shares have been waived by the trustees.

Executive bonus scheme

Details of the terms of the executive bonus scheme are set out in the remuneration report on page 69. Shares for plan awards 
will be provided by market purchase or treasury shares.

Savings-related share option or Save As You Earn (SAYE) plan

Under the SAYE plan, employees can contribute up to £500 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 page 70.

Options with an aggregate estimated fair value of £749,000, determined using a binomial valuation model including expected 
dividends, were granted on 1 May 2014 to directors and staff under the SAYE plan. The inputs into the binomial model for 
options granted during 2014, as at the date of issue, were as follows:

Share price (pence)
Exercise price (pence)
Expected volatility
Risk-free rate
Expected dividend yield

2014

1,953 
1,556 
23%
1.6%
2.5%

2013

1,459 
1,106 
32%
0.7%
3.2%

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014         

123

 
Consolidated financial statements Notes to the consolidated financial statements

32 

Share-based payments Savings-related share option or Save As You Earn (SAYE) plan

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

2011
2012
2013
2014

At 31 December

Share option scheme

Exercise 
price
pence

934.0 
984.0 
1,106.0 
1,556.0 

Exercise
period

2014 and 2016
2015 and 2017
2016 and 2018
2017 and 2019

2014
Number
of share
options

19,970 
47,641 
176,931 
150,158 

394,700 

2013
Number
of share
options

47,971 
48,888 
182,894 
– 

279,753 

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 852p 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

2004
2005
2006

At 31 December

Exercise 
price
pence

743.5 
852.0 
1,172.0 

Exercise
period

2007–2014
2008–2015
2009–2016

2014
Number
of share
options

–
2,500 
560 

3,060 

2013
Number
of share
options

12,500 
35,559 
5,477 

53,536 

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

At 31 December

2014
Number
of share
options

333,289 
151,475 
(7,906)
(79,098)

397,760 

2014
Weighted
average
exercise price
pence

 1,024.0 
 1,556.0 
 1,164.0 
 886.0 

 1,251.0 

2013
Number
of share
options

357,224 
187,250 
(9,240)
(201,945)

333,289 

2013
Weighted
average
exercise price
pence

821.0
1,106.0
1,033.0
741.0

1,024.0

The weighted average share price at the dates of exercise for share options exercised during the year was £18.89 (2013: £14.05). 
The options outstanding at 31 December 2014 had a weighted average contractual life of 2.9 years (2013: 2.9 years). Options 
exercisable at 31 December 2014 had a weighted average exercise price of £12.51 (2013: £10.24).

The group recognised total expenses of £5,477,000 in relation to share-based payment transactions in 2014 (2013: £4,833,000).

124         

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

 
Consolidated financial statements Notes to the consolidated financial statements

33  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 
18 to 22. 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 29.

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.

(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 client 
loan book and guarantees given on clients’ behalf.

It is the group’s policy to place funds generated internally and from deposits by clients with a range of high–quality financial 
institutions and the Bank of England. Investments with financial institutions 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 Limited (‘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 (note 17)
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.

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014         

125

 
Consolidated financial statements Notes to the consolidated financial statements

33 

Financial risk management (i) Credit risk

Loans and advances to banks (note 18) and debt and other securities (note 20)
The group has exposures to a wide range of financial institutions through its treasury portfolio, which includes bank deposits, 
certificates of deposit, money market funds and, in 2014, treasury bills. 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 (note 19)
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 overdrafts on clients’ investment management accounts, trade debtors arising from 
the trust, tax and pensions advisory businesses (‘trust and pension debtors’) and other debtors.

(a)  

(b)  

 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.

 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, although some loans may be partially secured by property. 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 2014, the total lending exposure limit for the investment management loan book was £150,000,000  
(2013: £120,000,000), of which £97,201,000 had been advanced (2013: £89,188,000) and a further £14,634,000 had been 
committed (2013: £15,941,000). 

(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 relate to management fees receivable. In 2013, they included a loan made to the 
acquirers of the group’s Jersey trust operations in 2008 (note 19). Such debts do not usually arise within the course of the 
group’s day to day operations and therefore they were not subject to formalised standard lending criteria.

Derivative financial instruments (note 24)
At 31 December 2014, the only derivative financial instruments held by the group were the option contracts in relation to the 
shares in the group’s associates. These options expose the group to credit risk from the potential for non–delivery of the 
£2,000,000 payable by the associate companies’ founders to repurchase the group’s current stake in the associates.

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, are set out in note 19. 

126         

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated financial statements Notes to the consolidated financial statements

33 

Financial risk management (i) Credit risk

Maximum exposure to credit risk

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
 − investment management loan book
 − trust and pension debtors
 − 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

2014 
£’000

727,175 
15,890 
144,399 

3,331 
97,392 
981 
8 

444,974 
1,030 
45,614 

14,634 
578 

2013
£’000

211,000 
19,611 
106,327 

2,424 
89,211 
1,168 
5,000 

623,490 
1,030 
37,334 

15,941 
578 

1,496,006 

1,113,114 

The above table represents the group’s gross credit risk exposure at 31 December 2014 and 2013, 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. 

16.5% of the total maximum exposure is derived from loans and advances to banks and customers (2013: 18.3%) and 29.7% 
represents investments in debt securities (2013: 56.0%).

The credit risk relating to off–balance sheet exposures for financial guarantees reflects the group’s gross potential exposure of 
guarantees held on balance sheet (see note 1.22).

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.

AA+ to AA-

Carrying value

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

2014 
£’000

727,175 

727,175 

2014 
£’000

14,549 
1,341 
– 

15,890 

2013
£’000

211,000 

211,000 

2013
£’000

17,928 
1,642 
41 

19,611 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014         

127

 
Consolidated financial statements Notes to the consolidated financial statements

33 

Financial risk management (i) Credit risk

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 19)

Net carrying value

2014
Loans and
advances
to banks
£’000

2014
Loans and
advances
to customers
£’000

2013
Loans and
advances
to banks
£’000

2013
Loans and
advances
to customers
£’000

144,399 
– 
– 

101,199 
440 
73 

106,327 
– 
– 

144,399 
– 

101,712 
(72)

106,327 
– 

92,105 
602 
3,949 

96,656 
(1,113)

144,399 

101,640 

106,327 

95,543 

No loans and advances have been renegotiated (2013: 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 2014 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

2014 
£’000

63,638 
80,761 
– 

2013
£’000

33,798 
71,690 
839 

144,399 

106,327 

The credit quality of loans and advances to customers that were neither past due nor impaired at 31 December 2014, which are 
all externally unrated, is analysed below between those loans that are subject to standard lending criteria, which are described 
on page 126, 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 2014 (2013: 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 2014

Standard lending criteria

At 31 December 2013

Standard lending criteria

Investment
management
loan book
£’000

Trust and
pension
debtors
£’000

Overdrafts
£’000

Total
loans and
advances to
customers
£’000

Other
debtors
£’000

3,331 

97,392 

468 

8 

101,199 

Investment
management
loan book
£’000

Trust and
pension
debtors
£’000

Overdrafts
£’000

Total
loans and
advances to
customers
£’000

Other
debtors
£’000

2,424 

89,211 

468 

2 

92,105 

128         

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

Consolidated financial statements Notes to the consolidated financial statements

33 

Financial risk management (i) Credit risk

(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 2014 and 2013, 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

2014 
£’000

149 
129 
71 
29 
62 

440 

2013
£’000

159 
176 
151 
72 
44 

602 

Impaired

(c)  
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 2014
Amounts written off
Credit to profit or loss

At 31 December 2014

Gross carrying value of impaired loans and advances to customers

At 31 December 2014

At 31 December 2013

Investment
management
loan book
£’000

Trust and
pension
debtors
£’000

Overdrafts
£’000

– 
– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

97 
(1)
(24)

72 

73 

98 

Total
loans and
advances to
customers
£’000

1,113 
(452)
(589)

Other
debtors
£’000

1,016 
(451)
(565)

– 

– 

72 

73 

3,851 

3,949 

There were no other impaired credit exposures at 31 December 2014 (2013: £nil).

Debt securities
The table below presents an analysis of debt securities by rating agency designation, as at 31 December 2014, based on Fitch or 
Moody’s long term rating designation.

AAA
AA+ to AA-
A+ to A

2014
Government 
securities
£’000

– 
29,967 
– 

2014
Money
market
 funds
£’000

15,000 
– 
– 

2014
Certificates
of deposit
£’000

– 
110,007 
290,000 

15,000 
139,974 
290,000 

2014
Total
£’000

2013
Government 
securities
£’000

29,967 

15,000 

400,007 

444,974 

2013
Money
market
 funds
£’000

47,652 
– 
– 

2013
Certificates
of deposit
£’000

– 
117,021 
458,817 

2013
Total
£’000

47,652 
117,021 
458,817 

47,652 

575,838 

623,490 

– 
– 
– 

– 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014         

129

 
Consolidated financial statements Notes to the consolidated financial statements

33 

Financial risk management (i) Credit risk

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 2014

Cash and balances with central banks
Settlement balances
Loans and advances to banks
Loans and advances to customers:
 − overdrafts
 − investment management loan book
 − trust and pension debtors
 − other debtors
Debt securities:
 − unlisted debt securities and money market funds
Derivative financial instruments
Other financial assets

At 31 December 2013

Cash and balances with central banks
Settlement balances
Loans and advances to banks
Loans and advances to customers:
 − overdrafts
 − investment management loan book
 − trust and pension debtors
 − other debtors
Debt securities:
 − unlisted debt securities and money market funds
Derivative financial instruments
Other financial assets

United
Kingdom
£’000

727,175 
15,434 
144,399 

3,142 
92,430 
909 
8 

Eurozone
£’000

Rest of
the World
£’000

Total
£’000

– 
6 
– 

25 
1,179 
– 
– 

– 
450 
– 

727,175 
15,890 
144,399 

164 
3,783 
– 
– 

3,331 
97,392 
909 
8 

224,974 
1,030 
44,281 

160,000 
– 
522 

60,000 
– 
781 

444,974 
1,030 
45,584 

1,253,782 

161,732 

65,178  1,480,692 

United
Kingdom
£’000

211,000 
18,821 
106,327 

2,150 
85,887 
1,071 
2 

Eurozone
£’000

Rest of
the World
£’000

Total
£’000

– 
140 
– 

23 
609 
– 
– 

– 
650 
– 

211,000 
19,611 
106,327 

251 
2,715 
– 
2,835 

2,424 
89,211 
1,071 
2,837 

229,172 
1,030 
35,690 

279,318 
– 
743 

115,000 
– 
880 

623,490 
1,030 
37,313 

691,150 

280,833 

122,331  1,094,314 

At 31 December 2014, materially all eurozone exposures were to counterparties based in the Netherlands, France and Germany 
(2013: Netherlands, France and Germany) and all Rest of the World exposures were to counterparties based in Switzerland  
(2013: Sweden and Switzerland). At 31 December 2014, the group had exposure to sovereign debt through its holding of UK 
treasury bills (2013: no exposure).

130         

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

Consolidated financial statements Notes to the consolidated financial statements

33 

Financial risk management (i) Credit risk

Industry sectors

(b)  
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 2014

Cash and balances with central banks
Settlement balances
Loans and advances to banks
Loans and advances to customers:
 − overdrafts
 − investment management loan book
 − trust and pension debtors
 − other debtors
Debt securities:
 − unlisted debt securities and money market funds
Derivative financial instruments
Other financial assets

At 31 December 2013

Cash and balances with central banks
Settlement balances
Loans and advances to banks
Loans and advances to customers:
 − overdrafts
 − investment management loan book
 − trust and pension debtors
 − other debtors
Debt securities:
 − unlisted debt securities and money market funds
Derivative financial instruments
Other financial assets

(ii)   Liquidity risk

Public sector
£’000

727,175 
–
–

Financial 
institutions
£’000

– 
15,890 
144,399 

Clients 
and other 
corporates
£’000

Total
£’000

– 
– 
– 

727,175 
15,890 
144,399 

–
–
–
– 

– 
–
– 
– 

3,331 
97,392 
909 
8 

3,331 
97,392 
909 
8 

29,967 
–
277

415,007 
– 
2,680 

– 
1,030 
42,627 

444,974 
1,030 
45,584 

757,419

577,976 

145,297  1,480,692 

Public sector
£’000

211,000 
– 
– 

Financial 
institutions
£’000

– 
19,611 
106,327 

Clients 
and other 
corporates
£’000

Total
£’000

– 
– 
– 

211,000 
19,611 
106,327 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

2,424 
89,211 
1,071 
2,837 

2,424 
89,211 
1,071 
2,837 

– 
– 
88 

623,490 
– 
2,633 

– 
1,030 
34,592 

623,490 
1,030 
37,313 

211,088 

752,061 

131,165  1,094,314 

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 Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) (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 conjunction with an amount prescribed by the PRA.

The group does not rely on external funding to finance its activities.

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014         

131

 
Total
£’000

727,447 
15,890 
144,704 
103,256 
448,054 
43,619 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
– 

–  1,482,970 

22,584 
– 
–  1,282,446 
67,764 
– 

Consolidated financial statements Notes to the consolidated financial statements

33 

Financial risk management (ii) Liquidity risk

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 2014

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

727,003 
– 
93,638 
3,530 
15,004 
155 

Not more
than
3 months
£’000

269 
15,890 
40,237 
27,604 
125,550 
42,857 

After 3
months 
but not
more than
1 year
£’000

175 
– 
10,547 
70,160 
307,500 
347 

After 1
year but
not more
than
5 years
£’000

– 
– 
282 
1,962 
– 
254 

Cash flows arising from financial assets

839,330 

252,407 

388,729 

2,498 

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
6 

6 

After 5
years
£’000

No fixed
maturity
date
£’000

Settlement balances
Due to customers
Other financial liabilities

– 
1,198,643 
384 

22,584 
83,803 
30,885 

– 
– 
7,007 

– 
– 
27,402 

– 
– 
2,086 

Cash flows arising from financial liabilities

1,199,027 

137,272 

7,007 

27,402 

2,086 

–  1,372,794 

Net liquidity gap

(359,697) 115,135 

381,722 

(24,904)

(2,080)

– 

110,176 

Cumulative net liquidity gap

(359,697)

(244,562) 137,160 

112,256 

110,176 

110,176 

At 31 December 2013

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

211,005 
– 
61,173 
2,451 
47,668 
122 

Not more
than
3 months
£’000

88 
19,611 
25,231 
28,381 
230,146 
34,408 

After 3
months 
but not
more than
1 year
£’000

– 
– 
20,476 
62,963 
349,025 
320 

Cash flows arising from financial assets

322,419 

337,865 

432,784 

After 1
year but
not more
than
5 years
£’000

– 
– 
– 
434 
– 
219 

653 

After 5
years
£’000

– 
– 
– 
– 
– 
6 

6 

Settlement balances
Due to customers
Other financial liabilities

– 
869,019 
504 

27,626 
22,615 
20,947 

– 
272 
5,786 

– 
– 
18,326 

– 
– 
2,008 

Cash flows arising from financial liabilities

869,523 

71,188 

6,058 

18,326 

2,008 

No fixed
maturity
date
£’000

– 
– 
– 
5,255 
– 
– 

Total
£’000

211,093 
19,611 
106,880 
99,484 
626,839 
35,075 

5,255  1,098,982 

– 
– 
– 

– 

27,626 
891,906 
47,571 

967,103 

Net liquidity gap

(547,104) 266,677 

426,726 

(17,673)

(2,002)

5,255 

131,879 

Cumulative net liquidity gap

(547,104)

(280,427) 146,299 

128,626 

126,624 

131,879 

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 £514,000 of equity investments (2013: £6,333,000) 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.

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 24).

132         

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

Consolidated financial statements Notes to the consolidated financial statements

33 

Financial risk management (ii) Liquidity risk

Off-balance sheet items
Cash flows arising from the group’s off–balance sheet financial liabilities (note 35) 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 2014

Loan commitments
Financial guarantees
Operating lease commitments
Capital commitments

Total off-balance sheet items

At 31 December 2013

Loan commitments
Financial guarantees
Operating lease commitments
Capital commitments

Total off-balance sheet items

Total liquidity requirement

Not more
than
3 months
£’000

14,634 
– 
1,428 
122 

After 3
months 
but not
more than
1 year
£’000

– 
– 
4,354 
– 

After 1
year but
not more
than
5 years
£’000

– 
578 
22,283 
– 

After
5 years
£’000

– 
– 
19,951 
– 

Total
£’000

14,634 
578 
48,016 
122 

16,184 

4,354 

22,861 

19,951 

63,350 

Not more
than
3 months
£’000

15,941 
– 
1,428 
159 

After 3
months 
but not
more than
1 year
£’000

– 
– 
4,411 
– 

After 1
year but
not more
than
5 years
£’000

– 
578 
22,336 
– 

After
5 years
£’000

– 
– 
25,568 
– 

Total
£’000

15,941 
578 
53,743 
159 

17,528 

4,411 

22,914 

25,568 

70,421 

At 31 December 2014

Cash flows arising from financial liabilities
Total off-balance sheet items

On
demand
£’000

Not more
than
3 months
£’000

1,199,027 
– 

137,272 
16,184 

After 3
months 
but not
more than
1 year
£’000

7,007 
4,354 

After 1
year but
not more
than
5 years
£’000

27,402 
22,861 

After
5 years
£’000

Total
£’000

2,086  1,372,794 
63,350 

19,951 

Total liquidity requirement

1,199,027 

153,456 

11,361 

50,263 

22,037  1,436,144 

At 31 December 2013

Cash flows arising from financial liabilities
Total off-balance sheet items

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

Total
£’000

869,523 
– 

71,188 
17,528 

6,058 
4,411 

18,326 
22,914 

2,008 
25,568 

967,103 
70,421 

Total liquidity requirement

869,523 

88,716 

10,469 

41,240 

27,576  1,037,524 

(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 rising and shortens it when the yield 
curve is falling.

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014         

133

 
Consolidated financial statements Notes to the consolidated financial statements

33 

Financial risk management (iii) Market risk

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. 

Interest rate repricing gap

(167,820) 150,007 

165,000 

At 31 December 2014

Assets
Cash and balances with central banks
Settlement balances
Loans and advances to banks
Loans and advances to customers
Investment securities:
 − equity securities
 − unlisted debt securities and money market funds
Derivative financial instruments
Other financial assets

Total financial assets

Liabilities
Settlement balances
Due to customers
Other financial liabilities

Total financial liabilities

At 31 December 2013

Assets
Cash and balances with central banks
Settlement balances
Loans and advances to banks
Loans and advances to customers
Investment securities:
 − equity securities
 − unlisted debt securities and money market funds
Derivative financial instruments
Other financial assets

Total financial assets

Liabilities
Settlement balances
Due to customers
Other financial liabilities

Total financial liabilities

Not more
than
3 months
£’000

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

727,000 
– 
134,280 
100,712 

– 
– 
10,000 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
139,967 
– 
– 

– 
140,007 
– 
– 

– 
165,000 
– 
– 

1,101,959 

150,007 

165,000 

– 
1,269,779 
– 

1,269,779 

– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 

Not more
than
3 months
£’000

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

211,000 
– 
86,087 
94,428 

– 
– 
20,000 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
276,660 
– 
– 

– 
155,000 
– 
– 

– 
191,830 
– 
– 

668,175 

175,000 

191,830 

– 
881,463 
– 

881,463 

– 
271 
– 

271 

– 
– 
– 

– 

Non-
interest-
bearing
£’000

178 
15,890 
119 
928 

514 
– 
1,030 
45,584 

Total
£’000

727,178 
15,890 
144,399 
101,640 

514 
444,974 
1,030 
45,584 

64,243  1,481,209 

22,584 
22,584 
12,647  1,282,426 
56,340 
56,340 

91,571  1,361,350 

(27,328) 119,859 

Non–
interest–
bearing
£’000

5 
19,611 
240 
1,115 

6,333 
– 
1,030 
37,313 

Total
£’000

211,005 
19,611 
106,327 
95,543 

6,333 
623,490 
1,030 
37,313 

65,647  1,100,652 

27,626 
10,163 
38,893 

27,626 
891,897 
38,893 

76,682 

958,416 

(11,035) 142,236 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 

– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 

– 

Interest rate repricing gap

(213,288) 174,729 

191,830 

The banking committee has set an overall pre–tax interest rate exposure limit of £6,000,000 (2013: £6,000,000) 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 2014, an immediate 2% increase in interest rates (across the yield curve) would increase annual interest income 
by £2,909,000 (2013: £3,398,000). The group held no forward rate agreements at 31 December 2014 (2013: none). 

134         

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

Consolidated financial statements Notes to the consolidated financial statements

33 

Financial risk management (iii) Market risk

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.

The group does not have any material exposure to transactional foreign exchange risk. The table below summarises the group’s 
exposure to foreign currency translation risk at 31 December 2014. Included in the table are the group’s financial assets and 
liabilities, at carrying amounts, categorised by currency.

At 31 December 2014

Assets
Cash and balances with central banks
Settlement balances
Loans and advances to banks
Loans and advances to customers
Investment securities:
 − equity securities
 − unlisted debt securities and money market funds
Derivative financial instruments
Other financial assets

Total financial assets

Liabilities
Settlement balances
Due to customers
Other financial liabilities

Total financial liabilities

Net on-balance sheet position

Loan commitments

At 31 December 2013

Assets
Cash and balances with central banks
Settlement balances
Loans and advances to banks
Loans and advances to customers
Investment securities:
 − equity securities
 − unlisted debt securities and money market funds
Derivative financial instruments
Other financial assets

Total financial assets

Liabilities
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

727,178 
15,017 
79,835 
100,489 

514 
444,974 
1,030 
45,403 

– 
797 
49,753 
990 

– 
46 
11,561 
161 

– 
30 
3,250 
– 

727,178 
15,890 
144,399 
101,640 

– 
– 
– 
181 

– 
– 
– 
– 

– 
– 
– 
– 

514 
444,974 
1,030 
45,584 

1,414,440 

51,721 

11,768 

3,280  1,481,209 

19,954 
1,219,645 
56,241 

2,497 
48,131 
15 

27 
11,588 
– 

106 

22,584 
3,062  1,282,426 
56,340 

84 

1,295,840 

50,643 

11,615 

3,252  1,361,350 

118,600 

1,078 

14,634 
Sterling
£’000

– 
US dollar
£’000

211,005 
18,342 
74,247 
94,042 

5,647 
623,490 
1,030 
37,141 

– 
1,075 
21,492 
936 

– 
– 
– 
172 

153 

– 
Euro
£’000

– 
7 
4,580 
565 

686 
– 
– 
– 

28 

119,859 

– 
Other
£’000

14,634 
Total
£’000

– 
187 
6,008 
– 

211,005 
19,611 
106,327 
95,543 

– 
– 
– 
– 

6,333 
623,490 
1,030 
37,313 

1,064,944 

23,675 

5,838 

6,195  1,100,652 

26,428 
858,948 
38,870 

971 
22,110 
23 

– 
4,985 
– 

227 
5,854 
– 

27,626 
891,897 
38,893 

924,246 

23,104 

4,985 

6,081 

958,416 

140,698 

15,941 

571 

– 

853 

– 

114 

142,236 

– 

15,941 

A 10% weakening of the US dollar against sterling, occurring on 31 December 2014, would have reduced equity and profit after 
tax by £85,000 (2013: reduced by £44,000). A 10% weakening of the euro against sterling, occurring on 31 December 2014, would 
have reduced equity and profit after tax by £12,000 (2013: reduced by £65,000). 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 2014         

135

 
Consolidated financial statements Notes to the consolidated financial statements

33 

Financial risk management (iii) Market risk

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 20).

At 31 December 2014, the fair value of equity securities recognised on the balance sheet was £514,000 (2013: £6,333,000). A 10% 
fall in global equity markets would, in isolation, result in a pre–tax impact on net assets of £31,000 (2013: £617,000); 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 debt securities (note 20). Debt securities comprise bank and building society 
certificates of deposit, which have fixed coupons and, in 2014, treasury bills. The fair value of debt securities at 31 December 
2014 was £431,496,000 (2013: £577,602,000).  Fair value for held to maturity assets is based on market bid prices, and hence 
would be categorised as level 1 within the fair value hierarchy (see below).

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 2014

Assets
Available for sale securities:
 − equity securities
 − money market funds
Derivative financial instruments

At 31 December 2013

Assets
Available for sale securities:
 − equity securities
 − money market funds
Derivative financial instruments

Level 1
£’000

Level 2
£’000

Level 3
£’000

Total
£’000

514 
– 
– 

– 
15,000 
– 

– 
– 
1,030 

514 
15,000 
1,030 

514 

15,000 

1,030 

16,544 

Level 1
£’000

Level 2
£’000

Level 3
£’000

Total
£’000

5,642 
– 
– 

– 
47,652 
– 

691 
– 
1,030 

6,333 
47,652 
1,030 

5,642 

47,652 

1,721 

55,015 

The group recognises transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy at the end of the reporting period during which the 
change has occurred. There have been no transfers between levels during the year (2013: none).

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.

136         

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

Consolidated financial statements Notes to the consolidated financial statements

33 

Financial risk management Fair values

Level 3 financial instruments
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.

Changing one or more of the key assumptions to reasonably possible alternatives would have the following effects on the fair 
value of the contracts. These effects have been calculated by running the valuation model using the alternative estimates of the 
key assumptions. Any inter-relationship between the assumptions is not considered to have a significant impact within the 
range of reasonably possible alternative assumptions.

10% change in the fees and commissions charged to Vision clients
5 percentage point change in commissions payable 
10% change in the rate of growth in funds under management
5 percentage point shift in probability of occurrence between two highest growth scenarios
1 percentage point change to the discount rate

Impact on fair value of: 

Increase in 
the 
assumption
£’000

Decrease in 
the 
assumption
£’000

266 
(347)
270 
456 
(180)

(214)
605 
(218)
(456)
228 

Changes in the fair values of financial instruments categorised as level 3 within the fair value hierarchy were as follows:

At 1 January
Total unrealised gains and losses recognised in:
 − profit or loss
 − other comprehensive income
Disposals

2014
Available for
sale equity
securities
£’000

2014
Derivative
financial
instruments
£’000

2013
Available for
sale equity
securities
£’000

2013
Derivative
financial
instruments
£’000

2014
Total
£’000

2013
Total
£’000

691 

1,030 

1,721 

614 

784 

1,398 

– 
245 
(936)

– 
– 
– 

– 
245 
(936)

– 
77 
– 

246 
– 
– 

246 
77 
– 

At 31 December

– 

1,030 

1,030 

691 

1,030 

1,721 

Gains relating to the derivative financial instruments are included within ‘other operating income’ and gains relating to the 
available for sale equity securities are included within ‘revaluation of available for sale investment securities’ in other 
comprehensive income.

There were no other gains or losses arising from changes in the fair value of financial instruments categorised as level 3 within 
the fair value hierarchy.

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014         

137

 
Consolidated financial statements Notes to the consolidated financial statements

34  Capital management

Rathbone Brothers Plc’s capital is defined for accounting purposes as total equity. As at 31 December 2014 this totalled  
£270,732,000 (2013: £251,000,000). 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 2014 (2013: £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 for capital purposes as a banking group and performs an Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment Process 
(ICAAP), which is presented to the PRA on an annual basis. Regulatory capital resources for ICAAP purposes are calculated in 
accordance with published 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 PRA’s Pillar 1 and Pillar 2 methodology. The group has adopted the standardised approach to 
calculating its Pillar 1 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 2014 the group’s regulatory capital resources, including retained earnings for 2014, were £112,244,000 (2013: 
£142,309,000). The increase in reserves during 2014 was offset by a large increase in intangible assets following the purchase of 
part of Deutsche Asset & Wealth Management’s London-based private client investment management business and the 
acquisition of Jupiter Asset Management Limited’s private client and charity investment management business (note 25).

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 forecast on a monthly basis to ensure that dividends and investment requirements are  
appropriately managed and appropriate buffers are kept against adverse business conditions. 

No breaches were reported to the PRA during the financial years ended 31 December 2013 and 2014.

138         

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

Consolidated financial statements Notes to the consolidated financial statements

35  Contingent liabilities and commitments

(a) 

 Capital expenditure authorised and contracted for at 31 December 2014 but not provided in the financial statements 
amounted to £122,000 (2013: £159,000).

(b)  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 (2013: £nil).

2014
£’000

578 
14,634 

15,212 

2013
£’000

578 
15,941 

16,519 

(c) 

 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 2014 were £28,034,000, 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

2014
£’000

5,782 
22,283 
19,951 

48,016 

2013
£’000

5,839 
22,336 
25,568 

53,743 

(d)  

 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 is largely out of the group’s control as they result from other 
industry failures.

 There is 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.

   Levies of £1,491,000 have been included within administrative expenses in 2014 (2013: £786,000). It is only possible for the  

group to estimate its share of these losses until invoices are received. In addition to the FSCS levies accrued in the year 
further levy charges may be incurred in future years, although the ultimate cost remains uncertain.

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014         

139

 
 
 
 
 
Consolidated financial statements Notes to the consolidated financial statements

36  Business combinations

Jupiter Asset Management Limited’s private client and charity investment management business
On 1 April 2014, the group announced that it had agreed to purchase Jupiter Asset Management Limited’s private client and 
charity investment management business. The acquisition completed on 26 September 2014 and cash consideration totalling 
£39.6 million was paid; no deferred consideration is payable. At 31 December 2014, the acquisition had added £2.0 billion to the 
group’s funds under management.

The acquired business’ net assets at the acquisition date were as follows:

31 December 2014  

Intangible assets
Goodwill

Total net assets acquired

Satisfied by:
Cash consideration

Total consideration

Carrying 
amounts
£’000

Fair value 
adjustments
£’000

Recognised 
values
£’000

–
–

–

28,794 
10,766 

28,794 
10,766 

39,560 

39,560 

39,560 

39,560 

Included within the consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the year ended 31 December 2014 is operating income 
of £2,578,000 and a profit before tax of £1,782,000 relating to the acquired business.  

Goodwill of £10,766,000 arises as a result of expected synergies once the business is fully integrated into the group and future  
growth of the group’s business as a result of this acquisition. Any impairment of goodwill in future periods is expected to be 
deductible for tax purposes.

Acquisition-related costs totalling £670,000 for legal and professional advice have been recognised in transaction costs (note 12) 
in the year in relation to this transaction (2013: £nil).

Rooper & Whately 

On 1 May 2014, the group acquired the trade and assets of Rooper & Whately, a partnership that provides legal services, to add 
depth to the range of its advisory services. Total cash consideration of £569,000 was paid in two tranches in May 2014. Deferred, 
contingent consideration of £30,000 is also payable in February 2015.

The acquired business’ net assets at the acquisition date were as follows:

31 December 2014  

Loans and advances to customers
Prepayments, accrued income and other assets
Intangible assets
Goodwill
Accruals, deferred income and other liabilities

Total net assets acquired

Satisfied by:
Cash consideration
Deferred contingent consideration

Total consideration

Carrying 
amounts
£’000

Fair value 
adjustments
£’000

Recognised 
values
£’000

41 
223 
–   
–   
(195)

69 

–   
–   
303 
227 
–   

530 

41 
223 
303 
227 
(195)

599 

569 
30 

599 

140         

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

Consolidated financial statements Notes to the consolidated financial statements

36 

Business combinations Rooper & Whately

Included within the consolidated statement of comprehensive income for the year ended 31 December 2014 is operating income 
of £407,000 and a loss before tax of £42,000 relating to the acquired business.  

The fair value of acquired loans and advances to customers and prepayments, accrued income and other assets is equal to the 
contractual amounts receivable, all of which are expected to be collected.

Goodwill of £227,000 arises as a result of expected synergies once the business is fully integrated into the group and future 
growth of the group’s business as a result of this acquisition. Any impairment of goodwill in future periods is expected to be 
deductible for tax purposes.

Acquisition-related costs totalling £20,000 for legal and professional advice have been recognised in transaction costs (note 12) 
in the year in relation to this transaction (2013: £nil).

If the group had made both acquisitions on 1 January 2014, the group operating income and profit before tax would have been 
£217,254,000 and £51,016,000 respectively.

37  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 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 page 68.

Short term employee benefits
Post-employment benefits
Other long term benefits
Share-based payments

2014 
£’000

8,089 
132 
948 
1,582 

2013
£’000

6,063 
640 
546 
2,867 

10,751 

10,116 

Dividends totalling £93,000 were paid in the year (2013: £84,000) in respect of ordinary shares held by key management 
personnel and their close family members.

As at 31 December 2014, the group had no outstanding interest–free season ticket loans (2013: none) issued to key 
management personnel.

At 31 December 2014, key management personnel and their close family members had gross outstanding deposits of £838,000 
(2013: £436,000) and gross outstanding banking loans of £3,859,000 (2013: £6,488,000), all of which (2013: 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.

The group’s transactions with the pension funds are described in note 29. At 31 December 2014, £55,000 was payable to the  
Laurence Keen Scheme (2013: £nil) and £55,000 was due from the Rathbone 1987 Scheme (2013: £nil).

The group managed 21 unit trusts and OEICs during 2014 (2013: 22 unit trusts and OEICs). Total management charges of 
£23,061,000 (2013: £19,169,000) were earned during the year, calculated on the bases published in the individual fund 
prospectuses, which also state the terms and conditions of the management contract with the group. Management fees owed 
to the group as at 31 December 2014 totalled £2,076,000 (2013: £1,785,000).

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.

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014         

141

 
Consolidated financial statements Notes to the consolidated financial statements

38  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 17)
Loans and advances to banks (note 18)
Available for sale investment securities (note 20)

At 31 December

2014 
£’000

727,178 
93,638 
15,000 

835,816 

Available for sale investment securities are amounts invested in money market funds, which are realisable on demand.

Cash flows arising from issuing ordinary shares comprise:

Share capital issued (note 30)
Share premium on shares issued (note 30)
Shares issued in relation to share-based schemes for which no cash consideration was received

2014 
£’000

80 
27,503 
(1,655)

25,928 

2013
£’000

211,005 
61,171 
47,652 

319,828 

2013
£’000

17 
3,324 
(609)

2,732 

39  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.

142         

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

Company financial statements

144  Company statement of changes in equity 
145  Company balance sheet 
146  Company statement of cash flows 
147  Notes to the company financial statements
147  40  
41  

Significant accounting policies 
Critical accounting judgements and key sources of 
estimation and uncertainty 
Profit for the year

42  

148  43   Dividends 

44  
149  45  

Investment in subsidiaries
Investment in associates and related derivatives 

46   Other investments

Trade and other receivables

150  47  
151  48   Deferred tax
152  49  
153  50  
51  
52  
154  53  
163  54 
55  
164  56  
57 
58  

Trade and other payables
Provisions for liabilities and charges 
Employee benefits 
Share capital, own shares and share-based payments
Financial instruments
Capital management  
Contingent liabilities and commitments
Related party transactions 
Cash and cash equivalents 
Events after the balance sheet date

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014  

143

 
  
 
Company financial statements

Company statement of changes in equity
for the year ended 31 December 2014

Note

Share  
capital  
£’000

Share 
premium 
£’000

Available for 
sale reserve 
£’000

Own  
shares  
£’000

Retained 
earnings 
£’000

Total  
equity  
£’000

At 1 January 2013 At 1 January 2013
Profit for the year

Net remeasurement of defined 
  benefit asset
Revaluation of available for sale

investment securities:

 − net gain from changes in fair value
 − net profit on disposal transferred to 
  profit or loss during the year
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 2014
Profit for the year

Net remeasurement of defined 
  benefit liability
Revaluation of available for sale

investment securities:

 − net gain from changes in fair value
 − net profit on disposal transferred to 
  profit or loss during the year
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

51

20

48

43

52

52

52

48

51

20

48

43

52

52

52

48

2,298 

62,160 

2,948 

(5,844)

35,345 
25,938 

96,907 
25,938 

2,188 

2,188 

2,072 

(5)

(298)

– 

– 

1,769 

17 

3,324 

2,072 

(5)

(788)

(1,086)

– 

1,400 
(22,096)

3,169 
(22,096)
3,341 

(609)
731 

2,315 

65,484 

4,717 

(5,722)

2,918 

(731)
33 

2,918 
(609)
– 
33 

42,807  109,601 
38,826 
38,826 

(17,466)

(17,466)

959 

(6,820)

3,493 

4,665 

– 

(13,973)
(23,793)

(18,662)
(23,793)
27,583 

(1,655)
1,846 

374 

(1,846)
248 

374 
(1,655)
– 
248 

959 

(6,820)

1,172 

– 

– 

(4,689)

80 

27,503 

At 31 December 2014

2,395 

92,987 

28 

(5,531)

42,643  132,522 

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

144         

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

 
 
 
Company financial statements

Company balance sheet
as at 31 December 2014

Non-current assets
Investment in subsidiaries
Investment in associates
Other investments
Trade and other receivables
Deferred tax 
Employee benefits

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

 Note

2014  
£’000

2013  
 £’000

44

45

46

47

48

51

47

49

50

51

52

52

52

120,483 
1,216 
10,514 
–   
4,818 
–   

137,031 

58,145 
1,196 
5,732 

65,073 

77,608 
1,216 
41,333 
3,865 
313 
1,614 

125,949 

24,567 
46 
5,233 

29,846 

202,104 

155,795 

(46,878)
(8,994)

(55,872)

9,201 

(13,710)

(69,582)

132,522 

2,395 
92,987 
28 
(5,531)
42,643 

(40,840)
(5,354)

(46,194)

(16,348)

–   

(46,194)

109,601 

2,315 
65,484 
4,717 
(5,722)
42,807 

Equity shareholders' funds

132,522 

109,601 

The financial statements were approved by the board of directors and authorised for issue on 18 February 2015 and were signed 
on its behalf by:

P L Howell 
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 2014         

145

 
 
Company financial statements

Company statement of cash flows
for the year ended 31 December 2014

Cash flows from operating activities
Profit before tax
Net profit on disposal of available for sale investment securities
Interest and dividends received
Net (recoveries)/impairment charges on impaired loan notes
Net charge for provisions
Defined benefit pension scheme charges 
Defined benefit pension scheme contributions paid
Share-based payment charges

Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
 − net decrease/(increase) in trade debtors
 − net (increase)/decrease in prepayments, accrued income and other assets
 − net increase/(decrease) 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
Inter-company dividends received
Other dividends received
Liquidation of subsidiary, net of cash transferred
Investment in subsidiaries
Capitalisation of subordinated loans to group undertakings 
Purchase of other investments
Proceeds from sale of investments

Net cash generated from/(used in) investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities
Issue of ordinary shares
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

47

50

51

51

52

44

44

44

52

43

57

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

2014  
£’000

37,618 
(6,820)
(44,165)
(565)
102 
3,332 
(5,474)
5,477 

(10,495)

3,400 
(33,150)

4,471 

(35,774)
470 

(35,304)

171 
43,899 
104 
250 
(43,125)
–   
(10,037)
41,863 

33,125 

25,928 
(23,793)

2,135 

(44)
5,070 

5,026 

2013  
 £’000

25,042 
(5)
(27,977)
256 
158 
3,188 
(4,744)
4,833 

751 

(270)
45,674 

(1,423)

44,732 
914 

45,646 

808 
27,000 
157 
– 
(30,000)
15,000 
(35,100)
37 

(22,098)

2,732 
(22,096)

(19,364)

4,184 
886 

5,070 

146         

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

 
Company financial statements 

Notes to the company financial statements

40  Significant accounting policies

Statement of compliance

The separate 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 European Union, and IAS27 
Separate Financial Statements.

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.

Developments in reporting standards and interpretations 

Developments in reporting standards and interpretations are set out in note 1.1 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, foreign currency, 
retirement benefit obligations, taxation, cash and cash equivalents and share-based payments are set out in note 1 to the 
financial statements.

41  Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation and uncertainty 

The critical accounting judgement and key source of estimation and uncertainty arise from the company’s defined benefit 
pension schemes. This is described in note 2 to the financial statements.

42  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 
2014 of £38,826,000 (2013: £25,938,000).

Auditor’s remuneration for audit and other services to the company are set out in note 10 to the financial statements.

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014         

147

 
Company financial statements Notes to the company financial statements

42 

Profit for the year 

The average number of employees, on a full time equivalent basis, during the year was as follows:

Investment Management:
 − investment management services
 − advisory services
Unit Trusts
Shared services

43  Dividends 

2014 

531 
73 
32 
232 

868 

2013

493 
70 
30 
227 

820 

Details of the company’s dividends paid and proposed for approval at the AGM are set out in note 15 to the financial statements.

44  Investment in subsidiaries

At 1 January 2013
Additions
Capitalisation of subordinated loan

At 1 January 2014
Additions
Disposals

At 31 December 2014

Equities
£’000

45,858 
15,000 
15,000 

75,858 
43,125 
(250)

118,733 

Subordinated 
loans to 
group 
undertakings 
£’000

16,750 
–
(15,000)

1,750 
–
–

1,750 

Total 
£’000

62,608 
15,000 
–

77,608 
43,125 
(250)

120,483

On 25 September 2014, 575,000 ordinary shares of £1 each in Rathbone Investment Management were issued to the company 
at a price of £75 per share for cash consideration.

On 4 December 2014, the company redeemed the 250,000 redeemable cell shares held in Harlequin Insurance PCC Limited.

Equities

At 31 December 2014, the principal subsidiary undertakings, whose results principally affected the figures shown in these 
consolidated financial statements, were as follows:

Subsidiary undertaking

Country of incorporation

Activity and operation

Rathbone Investment Management Limited
Rathbone Investment Management International Limited*
Rathbone Trust Company Limited
Rathbone Unit Trust Management Limited*
Rathbone Pension & Advisory Services Limited

*   Held by subsidiary undertaking

England & Wales
Jersey
England & Wales
England & Wales
England & Wales

Investment management and banking services
Investment management
Trust and tax services
Unit trust management
Pension advisory services

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.

148         

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

 
 
Company financial statements Notes to the company financial statements

44 

Investment in subsidiaries

Subordinated loans to group undertakings

The amounts subject to subordinated loan agreements are shown below.

Counterparty 

Repayment date

Rathbone Pension & Advisory 

Not less than 2 years written notice or subject to 

Services Limited

regulatory approval

Rathbone Investment Management 

Not less than 2 years written notice but subject to 

International Limited

approval by the Jersey Financial Services Commission

2014
£’000

250 

1,500 

1,750 

2013
£’000

250 

1,500 

1,750 

The fair value of the subordinated loans is not materially different from 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 company has not had any defaults of principal, interest or other breaches with respect to its subordinated loans 
during the year.

Rathbone Pension & Advisory Services Limited (RPAS) has made an application to the FCA to repay the subordinated loan 
in the first half of 2015, on satisfactory transfer of the continuing RPAS business to a fellow group company. 

45  Investment in associates and related derivatives 

The company owns 19.9% of the ordinary share capital of Vision Independent Financial Planning Limited and Castle 
Investment Solutions Limited.

The movements in the company’s investment in associates are as follows:

At 1 January and 31 December

2014
£’000

1,216

2013
£’000

1,216 

As part of the transaction to acquire these holdings, the company also entered into certain option contracts over the equity 
instruments of these companies, as described in note 24. The options are carried at fair value of £1,030,000 at 31 December 2014 
(2013: £1,030,000) (note 47). 

46  Other investments

Available for sale securities

Equity securities – at fair value:
 − listed
 − unlisted
Money market funds – at fair value:
 − unlisted

2014
£’000

514 
–

10,000 

10,514 

2013
£’000

5,642 
691 

35,000 

41,333 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014         

149

 
Company financial statements Notes to the company financial statements

47  Trade and other receivables

Loan notes
Derivative financial instruments (note 45)
Prepayments and other receivables
Amounts owed by group undertakings

Current 
Non–current

2014
£’000

–
1,030 
3,715 
53,400 

58,145 

58,145 
– 

58,145

2013
£’000

2,835 
1,030 
3,533 
21,034 

28,432 

24,567 
3,865 

28,432

Loan notes (‘Notes’) with a nominal value of £5,000,000 that were issued by the acquirer of the group’s Jersey Trust operations 
in 2008 and were carried at amortised cost less provision for impairment, were settled on 28 February 2014 for £3,400,000 in 
cash. As a result, impairment losses of £565,000 have been reversed in the year and the corresponding gain has been included 
in other operating income within profit or loss for the year.

Allowance for losses on loan notes

At 1 January
Amounts written off
(Credit)/charge to profit or loss

At 31 December

2014
£’000

1,016 
(451)
(565)

–

2013
£’000

760 
–
256 

1,016 

150         

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

 
Company financial statements Notes to the company financial statements

48  Deferred tax 

Deferred income taxes are calculated on all temporary differences under the liability method using an effective tax rate of 20.0% 
(2013: 20.0%).

The UK Government has proposed that the UK corporation tax rate be reduced to 20.0% over the next year. At 31 December 2014 
this reduction had been substantively enacted in full. Consequently, deferred tax assets and liabilities are calculated at 20.0%.

As at 1 January 2014
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
 − change in rate

Total

Recognised in equity in respect of:
 − current year
 − change in rate

Total

As at 31 December 2014

Deferred tax assets
Deferred tax liabilities

As at 31 December 2014

Pensions 
£’000

Share-based 
payments 
£’000

Staff-related 
costs 
£’000

Available
for sale
securities
£’000 

(325)

1,731 

85 

(1,178)

(460)
–
32 

(428)

3,754 
(261)

3,493 

–
–

–

65 
–
(2)

63 

–
–

–

260 
–

260 

2,740 

2,054 

(50)
4 
3 

(43)

–
–

–

(13)
1 

(12)

30 

Total
£’000 

313 

(445)
4 
33 

(408)

–
–
–

–

1,260 
(88)

5,014 
(349)

1,172 

4,665 

–
–

–

247 
1 

248 

(6)

4,818 

Share-based 
payments 
£’000

Staff-related 
costs 
£’000

Available
for sale
securities
£’000 

Pensions 
£’000

2,740 
–

2,054 
–

2,740 

2,054 

30 
–

30 

–
(6)

(6)

Total
£’000 

4,824 
(6)

4,818 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014         

151

 
Company financial statements Notes to the company financial statements

48 

Deferred tax

As at 1 January 2013
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
 − change in rate

Total

Recognised in equity in respect of:
 − current year
 − prior year
 − change in rate

Total

As at 31 December 2013

Deferred tax assets
Deferred tax liabilities

As at 31 December 2013

49  Trade and other payables

Accruals, deferred income and other creditors
Amounts owed to group undertakings
Other taxes and social security costs

Pensions 
£’000

Share-based 
payments 
£’000

Staff-related 
costs 
£’000

Available
for sale
securities
£’000 

Total
£’000 

489 

1,520 

–

(880)

1,129 

(362)
–
336 

(26)

(509)
(279)

(788)

–
–
–

–

384 
2 
(196)

190 

–
–

–

80 
2 
(61)

21 

(325)

1,731 

40 
44 
(11)

73 

–
–

–

11 
3 
(2)

12 

85 

Pensions 
£’000

Share-based 
payments 
£’000

Staff-related 
costs 
£’000

–
(325)

1,731 
–

(325)

1,731 

85 
–

85 

–
–
–

–

62 
46 
129 

237 

(480)
182 

(989)
(97)

(298)

(1,086)

–
–
–

–

(1,178)

Available
for sale
securities
£’000 

–
(1,178)

91 
5 
(63)

33 

313 

Total
£’000 

1,816 
(1,503)

(1,178)

313 

2014
£’000

41,662 
– 
5,216 

46,878 

2013
£’000

35,437 
1,113 
4,290 

40,840 

The fair value of trade and other payables is not materially different from their carrying amount. 

152         

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

Company financial statements Notes to the company financial statements

50  Provisions for liabilities and charges

As at 1 January 2013
Net charge to profit or loss
Other movements
Utilised/paid during the year

As at 31 December 2013
Net charge to profit or loss
Other movements
Utilised/paid during the year

As at 31 December 2014

Payable within 1 year
Payable after 1 year

Deferred, 
variable costs 
to acquire 
client 
relationship
intangibles 
£’000

8,238 
–
3,884 
(7,700)

4,422 
–
8,230 
(4,692)

7,960 

2,914 
5,046 

7,960 

Property–
related
£’000

774 
158 
–
–

932 
102 
–
–

1,034 

11 
1,023 

1,034 

Total
£’000

9,012 
158 
3,884 
(7,700)

5,354 
102 
8,230 
(4,692)

8,994 

2,925 
6,069 

8,994 

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 provisions consist of £1,034,000 in relation to dilapidation provisions expected to arise on leasehold premises 
held by the company (2013: £932,000). Dilapidation provisions are calculated using a discounted cash flow model; during the 
year, the impact of discounting has increased the provisions by £102,000 (2013: £124,000).

Provisions payable after one year are expected to be settled within two years of the balance sheet date (2013: two years), except 
for the property–related provisions of £1,023,000 (2013: £932,000). These are expected to be settled within 22 years of the 
balance sheet date (2013: 23 years), which corresponds to the longest lease for which a dilapidations provision is being held.

51  Employee benefits

Details of the defined benefit pension schemes operated by the company are provided in note 29 to the financial statements.

52  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 30 and 31 to the consolidated financial statements. Details of options on the company’s shares and  
share–based payments are set out in note 32 to the consolidated financial statements.

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014         

153

 
Company financial statements Notes to the company financial statements

53  Financial instruments

The company’s risk management policies and procedures are integrated with the wider Rathbones group’s risk management 
process. The Rathbones 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) 
(ii) 
(iii) 

credit risk;
liquidity risk; 
 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 51.

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’s financial assets are categorised as follows:

Trade and other receivables
Trade and other receivables relate to amounts placed with subsidiaries, loans provided to subsidiaries and derivative 
financial instruments.

Derivative financial instruments relate to option contracts over shares in the company’s associates (note 45). These options 
expose the company to credit risk from the potential for non–delivery by the associate companies’ founders, who are 
private individuals.

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.

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 Limited (‘Fitch’) or Moody’s Corporation (‘Moody’s’). 

Cash and cash equivalents (balances at banks)
The company has exposure to financial institutions through its bank deposits (reported within cash equivalents). 

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. 

154         

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

Company financial statements Notes to the company financial statements

53 

Financial instruments (i) Credit risk

No impairment losses arose during the year. In 2013, impairment provisions for credit risk related solely to loan notes (note 47).

Maximum exposure to credit risk

Other investments:
 − money market funds
Trade and other receivables:
 − loan notes
 − amounts owed by group undertakings
 − derivative financial instruments
 − other financial assets
Balances at banks 

2014
£’000

10,000 

–  
55,150 
1,030 
1,001 
5,732 

72,913 

2013
£’000

35,000 

5,000 
22,784 
1,030 
856 
5,231 

69,901 

The above table represents the gross credit risk exposure of the company at 31 December 2014 and 2013, 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 (2013: all within normal terms and 
conditions of lending).

Amounts owed by 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 47)

Net carrying value

2014
£’000

57,181 

–

57,181 
–

57,181 

2013
£’000

24,650 

3,851 

28,501 
(1,016)

27,485 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014         

155

 
Company financial statements Notes to the company financial statements

53 

Financial instruments (i) Credit risk

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

2014
£’000

5,732 
–

5,732 

2013
£’000

4,392 
839 

5,231 

Debt securities
The table below presents an analysis of debt securities by rating agency designation, as at 31 December 2014, based on Fitch or 
Moody’s long term rating designation.

AAA

2014
Money
market
 funds
£’000

2014
Total
£’000

2013
Money
market
 funds
£’000

2013
Total
£’000

10,000 

10,000 

35,000 

35,000 

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 2014

Other investments:
 − money market funds
Trade and other receivables:
 − amounts owed by group undertakings

 − derivative financial instruments
 − other financial assets
Balances at banks 

At 31 December 2013

Other investments:
 − money market funds
Trade and other receivables:
 − loan notes
 − amounts owed by group undertakings
 − derivative financial instruments
 − other financial assets
Balances at banks 

United 
Kingdom 
£’000 

10,000 

55,111 

1,030 
611 
5,732 

72,484 

United 
Kingdom 
£’000 

35,000 

–
22,681 
1,030 
487 
5,231 

64,429 

Rest of 
the World 
£’000 

–

39 

–
358 
–

397 

Rest of 
the World 
£’000 

–  

2,835 
103 
–
349 
–

3,287 

Total 
£’000 

10,000 

55,150 

1,030 
969 
5,732 

72,881 

Total 
£’000 

35,000 

2,835 
22,784 
1,030 
836 
5,231 

67,716 

At 31 December 2014, all Rest of the World exposures were to counterparties based in Jersey and the United States of America  
(2013: Jersey and the United States of America). At 31 December 2014, the company had no exposure to sovereign debt 
(2013: none).

156         

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

Company financial statements Notes to the company financial statements

53 

Financial instruments (i) Credit risk

Industry sectors

(b)  
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 2014

Other investments:
 − money market funds
Trade and other receivables:
 − amounts owed by group undertakings
 − derivative financial instruments
 − other financial assets
Balances at banks 

At 31 December 2013

Other investments:
 − money market funds
Trade and other receivables:
 − loan notes
 − amounts owed by group undertakings
 − derivative financial instruments
 − other financial assets
Balances at banks 

(ii)   Liquidity risk

Financial 
institutions 
£’000 

10,000 

31,283 
–
2 
5,732 

47,017 

Financial 
institutions 
£’000 

35,000 

–
5,593 
–
11 
5,231 

45,835 

Clients  
and other 
corporates 
£’000  

–

23,867 
1,030 
967 
–

25,864 

Clients  
and other 
corporates 
£’000  

–  

2,835 
17,191 
1,030 
825 
–

21,881 

Total 
£’000 

10,000 

55,150 
1,030 
969 
5,732 

72,881 

Total 
£’000 

35,000 

2,835 
22,784 
1,030 
836 
5,231 

67,716 

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 (2013: £nil) and does not rely on external funding 
for its activities.

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014         

157

 
Company financial statements Notes to the company financial statements

53 

Financial instruments (ii) Liquidity risk

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.

Cash flows arising from financial liabilities

202 

21,792 

4,212 

22,853 

2,070 

Net liquidity gap

68,229 

(21,382)

(3,407)

(20,517)

(2,064)

Cumulative net liquidity gap

68,229 

46,847 

43,440 

22,923 

20,859 

20,859 

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

10,002 

– 

– 

– 

53,398 
5 
5,026 

68,431 

13 
397 
– 

410 

40 
341 
424 

805 

1,803 
251 
282 

2,336 

– 

– 
6 
– 

6 

202 

21,792 

4,212 

22,853 

2,070 

– 

– 
– 
– 

– 

– 

– 

– 

10,002 

55,254 
1,000 
5,732 

71,988 

51,129 

51,129 

20,859 

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

35,011 

–   

–

–

–
21,034 
–
5,075

61,120 

–
13 
299
– 

312 

– 
40 
320 
156 

516 

– 
1,803 
219 
– 

2,022 

–

– 
– 
6 
– 

6 

–

35,011

5,255 
– 
– 
– 

5,255 
22,890 
844 
5,231 

5,255 

69,231 

At 31 December 2014

Cash flows arising from financial assets
Other investments:
 − money market funds
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:
 − other financial liabilities

At 31 December 2013

Cash flows arising from financial assets
Other investments:
 − money market funds
Trade and other receivables:
 − loan notes
 − 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

1,269

17,070

1,833 

17,955 

1,994 

1,113 
156

– 
17,070

– 
1,833 

– 
17,955 

– 
1,994 

– 
– 

– 

1,113 
39,008 

40,121 

Net liquidity gap

59,851 

(16,758)

(1,317)

(15,933)

(1,988)

5,255 

29,110 

Cumulative net liquidity gap

59,851 

43,093 

41,776 

25,843 

23,855 

29,110 

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 £514,000 of equity investments (2013: £6,333,000) 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.

158         

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

Company financial statements Notes to the company financial statements

53 

Financial instruments (ii) Liquidity risk

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 55) 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 2014
At 31 December 2013

Total liquidity requirement

At 31 December 2014

Cash flows arising from financial liabilities
Total off–balance sheet items

Not more 
than 
3 months 
£’000 

1,382 
1,400 

After 
3 months 
but not 
more than 
1 year 
£’000 

4,216 
4,272 

After
1 year but 
not more 
than 
5 years 
£’000  

21,581 
21,644 

After 
5 years 
£’000   

Total 
£’000 

19,141 
24,606 

46,320 
51,922 

On 
demand 
£’000 

202 
–

Not more 
than 
3 months 
£’000 

21,792 
1,382 

After 
3 months 
but not 
more than 
1 year 
£’000 

4,212 
4,216 

After
1 year but 
not more 
than 
5 years 
£’000  

22,853 
21,581 

After 
5 years 
£’000   

Total 
£’000 

2,070 
19,141 

51,129 
46,320 

Total liquidity requirement

202 

23,174 

8,428 

44,434 

21,211 

97,449 

At 31 December 2013

Cash flows arising from financial liabilities
Total off–balance sheet items

On 
demand 
£’000 

1,269 
–

Not more 
than 
3 months 
£’000 

17,070 
1,400 

After 
3 months 
but not 
more than 
1 year 
£’000 

1,833 
4,272 

After
1 year but 
not more 
than 
5 years 
£’000  

17,955 
21,644 

After 
5 years 
£’000   

Total 
£’000 

1,994 
24,606 

40,121 
51,922 

Total liquidity requirement

1,269 

18,470 

6,105 

39,599 

26,600 

92,043 

(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.

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014         

159

 
Company financial statements Notes to the company financial statements

53 

Financial instruments (iii) Market risk

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 2014

Assets
Other investments:
 − equity securities
 − money market funds
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:
 − other financial liabilities

Total financial liabilities

Interest rate repricing gap

At 31 December 2013

Assets
Other investments:
 − equity securities
 − money market funds
Trade and other receivables:
 − loan notes
 − 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

Not more
than
3 months
£’000 

Non–
interest
bearing
£’000 

Total 
£’000 

–
10,000 

514 
–

514 
10,000 

1,750 
–
–
5,727 

53,400 
1,030 
969 
5 

55,150 
1,030 
969 
5,732 

17,477 

55,918 

73,395 

–

–

39,705 

39,705 

39,705 

39,705 

17,477 

16,213 

33,690 

Not more
than
3 months
£’000 

Non–
interest
bearing
£’000 

Total 
£’000 

–
35,000 

6,333 
–

6,333 
35,000 

2,835 
1,750 
–
–
5,069 

–  
21,034 
1,030 
836 
162 

2,835 
22,784 
1,030 
836 
5,231 

44,654 

29,395 

74,049 

–
–

–

1,113 
30,547 

1,113 
30,547 

31,660 

31,660 

44,654 

(2,265)

42,389 

A 1% parallel increase/decrease in the sterling yield curve would result in an increase/decrease in profit after tax and equity 
of £36,000 (2013: £467,000).

160         

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

Company financial statements Notes to the company financial statements

53 

Financial instruments (iii) Market risk

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 translation risk at 31 December 2014. Included in the table are the company’s financial 
assets and liabilities, at carrying amounts, categorised by currency.

At 31 December 2014

Assets
Other investments:
 − equity securities
 − money market funds
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:
 − other financial liabilities

Total financial liabilities

Net on–balance sheet position

At 31 December 2013

Assets
Other investments:
 − equity securities
 − money market funds
Trade and other receivables:
 − loan notes
 − 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

Sterling 
£’000 

US dollar 
£’000  

Euro 
£’000  

Total 
£’000 

514 
10,000 

55,150 
1,030 
788 
5,732 

73,214 

39,694 

39,694 

33,520 

Sterling 
£’000 

5,647 
35,000 

2,835 
22,784 
1,030 
664 
5,231 

73,191 

1,113 
30,547 

31,660 

–
–

–
–
181 
–

181 

11 

11 

170 

US dollar 
£’000  

–
–

–
–
–
172 
–

172 

–
–

–

–
–

–
–
–
–

–

–

–

–

Euro 
£’000  

514 
10,000 

55,150 
1,030 
969 
5,732 

73,395 

39,705 

39,705 

33,690 

Total 
£’000 

686 
–

6,333 
35,000 

–
–
–
–
–

2,835 
22,784 
1,030 
836 
5,231 

686 

74,049 

–
–

–

1,113 
30,547 

31,660 

41,531 

172 

686 

42,389 

A 10% weakening of the US dollar or euro against sterling, occurring on 31 December 2014, would have reduced equity and profit 
after tax by £13,000 or £nil respectively (2013: £13,000 or £53,000 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.

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 46).

At 31 December 2014, the fair value of equity securities recognised on the balance sheet was £514,000 (2013: £6,333,000). A 10% 
fall in global equity markets would, in isolation, result in a pre–tax impact on net assets of £31,000 (2013: £617,000); there would 
be no impact on profit after tax. A 10% rise in global markets would have had an equal and opposite effect.

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014         

161

 
Company financial statements Notes to the company financial statements

53 

Financial instruments

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 44).

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 2014

Assets
Available for sale securities:
–     equity securities
 − money market funds
Derivative financial instruments

Total financial assets

At 31 December 2013

Assets
Available for sale securities:
–     equity securities
 − money market funds
Derivative financial instruments

Level 1 
£’000  

Level 2

£’000   

Level 3 
£’000   

Total 
£’000 

514 
–
–

–
10,000 
–

–
–
1,030 

514 
10,000 
1,030 

514 

10,000 

1,030 

11,544 

Level 1 
£’000  

Level 2
£’000   

Level 3 
£’000   

Total 
£’000 

5,642 
–
–

–
35,000 
–

691 
–
1,030 

6,333 
35,000 
1,030 

5,642 

35,000 

1,721 

42,363 

The company recognises transfers between levels of the fair value hierarchy at the end of the reporting period during which the 
change has occurred. There have been no transfers between levels during the year (2013: 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 33 to the 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 unrealised gains and losses recognised in:
 − profit or loss
 − other comprehensive income
Disposals

2014
Available for
sale equity
securities
£’000

2014
Derivative
financial
instruments
£’000

2013
Available for
sale equity
securities
£’000

2013
Derivative
financial
instruments
£’000

2014
Total
£’000 

2013
Total
£’000 

691 

1,030 

1,721 

614 

784 

1,398 

–
245 
(936)

–
–
–

–
245 
(936)

–
77 
–

246 
–
–

246 
77 
–

At 31 December

–

1,030 

1,030 

691 

1,030 

1,721 

162         

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

Company financial statements Notes to the company financial statements

54  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 2014, together with movements during the year then 
ended, is set out in the company statement of changes in equity.

There were no changes in the company’s approach to capital management during the year.

55  Contingent liabilities and commitments

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 2014 were £28,034,000, 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

2014
£’000

5,598 
21,581 
19,141 

46,320 

2013
£’000 

5,672 
21,644 
24,606 

51,922 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014         

163

 
Company financial statements Notes to the company financial statements

56  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

2014
£’000

1,642 
17 
15 
372 

2,046 

2013
£’000 

1,262 
97 
15 
1,364 

2,738 

Dividends totalling £93,000 were paid in the year (2013: £84,000) 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 its subsidiaries:

Interest
Charges for management services
Dividends received

2014 
Receivable 
£’000 

53 
111,157 
43,899 

2014 
Payable 
£’000  

2013 
Receivable 
£’000 

2013 
Payable 
£’000  

–
103 
–  

486 
95,374 
27,000 

–
250 
–

250 

155,109 

103 

122,860 

The company’s balances with fellow group companies at 31 December 2014 are set out in notes 44, 47 and 49. 

The company’s transactions with the pension funds are described in note 51. At 31 December 2014, no amounts were due from 
the pension schemes (2013: £nil).

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.

57  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

2014
£’000

 5,026 

2013
£’000 

 5,070 

58  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.

164         

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

Further information

166  Five year record 
167  Corporate information
168  Our offices

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014  
Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014         

165
165

 
 
  
 
 
Further information

Five year record

Underlying operating income
Underlying profit before tax
Profit before tax
Profit after tax
Equity dividends paid and proposed

Basic earnings per share

Diluted earnings per share

Dividends per ordinary share

Equity shareholders' funds

Total funds under management

2014
£’000

200,803
61,504
45,658
35,637
24,863

75.9p

75.3p

52.0p

2013
£’000 

2012
£’000 

2011
£’000

2010
£’000 

176,409
50,510
44,204
34,751
22,645

76.1p

75.6p

49.0p

155,581
44,829
38,504
28,983
21,220

66.5p

65.9p

47.0p

144,452
46,219
39,152
28,706
20,001

66.7p

65.9p

46.0p

127,184
38,503
30,083
21,552
19,067

49.8p

49.4p

44.0p

 270,732 

 251,000 

 229,493 

 190,653 

 185,374 

£27.2bn

£22.0bn

£18.0bn

£15.9bn

£15.6bn

166         

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

Further information

Corporate information

Investment Management

Unit Trusts

Principal trading names

Direct employees

Offices

Websites

Rathbone Investment Management
Rathbone Investment Management International
Rathbone Greenbank Investments
Rathbone Pension & Advisory Services
Rathbone Trust Company 

616

14

www.rathbones.com
www.rathboneimi.com
www.rathbonegreenbank.com

Rathbone Unit Trust Management

32

1

www.rathbones.com
www.rutm.com

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 2014         

167

 
Unit Trusts office

1 Curzon Street 
London 
W1J 5FB 
Tel +44 (0)20 7399 0000

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 9AG  
Tel +44 (0)1590 647 657

Earl Grey House  
75 – 85 Grey Street  
Newcastle upon Tyne  
NE1 6EF 
Tel +44 (0)191 255 1440 

Fiennes House 
32 Southgate Street 
Winchester 
SO23 9EH 
Tel +44 (0)1962 857 000

Further information 

Our offices

Head office

Investment Management offices

1 Curzon Street 
London 
W1J 5FB 
Tel +44 (0)20 7399 0000

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

26 Esplanade 
St Helier 
Jersey 
JE1 2RB 
Channel Islands 
Tel +44 (0)1534 740 500

168 

Rathbone Brothers Plc Report and accounts 2014

See cover artwork

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 75% recycled  
fibre and 25% 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

+44 (0)20 7399 0000 
rathbones.com

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