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Schroders
Annual Report 2017

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FY2017 Annual Report · Schroders
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Annual Report and Accounts 2017

 
 
 
 
 
 
Contents

Strategic report
Schroders at a glance 
Chairman’s statement 
Group Chief Executive’s review 
Market and opportunities 
Our strategy for 2017 and beyond 
Key performance indicators 
Our business model 
Business and financial review 
Our people 
Our impact on society 
Key risks and mitigations 

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Governance
Board of Directors 
Group Management Committee  
and Company Secretary 
Corporate governance report 
Nominations Committee report 
Audit and Risk Committee report 
Remuneration report 
Directors’ report 
Statement of Directors’ responsibilities 

Financial statements
Consolidated financial statements 
Schroders plc financial statements 
Independent auditors’ report 

Shareholder information
Shareholder information 
Five year consolidated financial summary 
Glossary 

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2017 highlights

Profit before tax 
and exceptional items

£800.3m

(2016: £644.7m)

Profit before tax

£760.2m

(2016: £618.1m)

Total dividend per share

113p

(2016: 93p)

Basic earnings per share 
before exceptional items

226.9p

(2016: 186.3p)

Basic earnings per share

215.3p

(2016: 178.3p)

Total equity

£3.5bn

(2016: £3.2bn)

Annual General Meeting Our Annual General Meeting will be held at 11.30 am on 26 April 2018 at 31 Gresham Street, London, EC2V 7QA.

Details of Alternative Performance Measures used throughout the Annual Report and Accounts can be found on page 168.

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

1

Strategic reportGovernanceFinancial statementsShareholder informationAs a global active investment manager, we help institutions and 
individuals meet their financial goals and prepare for the future.

As the world changes, so do our clients’ needs. That’s why we have 
a long history of adapting to suit the times and keeping our focus 
on what matters most to our clients.

From pension funds and insurance companies to individuals, we 
work with a range of clients whose needs are as diverse as they are.

We are undoubtedly at an important crossroads for the asset 
management industry. There are significant shifts in market 
dynamics, product demand and technology.

So, in this world of variety and change, is it possible to deliver 
superior outcomes, tailored to meet individual client needs?

We believe it is.

It’s what matters most to us – knowing and understanding our 
clients and their financial needs, and responding with relevant, 
actively-managed solutions that help them realise their 
financial goals.

It matters because not only does it provide future prosperity for 
our clients, but it also allows us to deliver consistent, sustainable 
earnings for our shareholders. 

And that matters for the success of our business, our employees 
and the communities in which we operate.

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Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

A strong financial position 
matters, because focusing on 
the long term matters most

What makes us different is our long-term approach, 
whether it’s investing in the future growth of the business, 
developing talent or building client relationships.

This long-term perspective comes from our ownership 
structure and strong capital base. It means we can remain 
focused on our strategy and take advantage of opportunities 
in any market environment.

We believe in the long-term benefits of active management for 
our clients. As responsible stewards of their capital, we can also 
deliver long-term benefits for society. These are responsibilities 
we take very seriously.

Read more in the business and financial review starting on page 20.

Total equity (£bn)

£3.5bn

(2016: £3.2bn)

Seed capital and capital
co-invested (£m)

£392m

(2016: £325m)

Regulatory surplus capital (£bn)

£1.4bn

(2016: £1.5bn)

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Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

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Strategic reportBuilding strong relationships matters, 
because being a trusted partner to our 
clients matters most

We build close, lasting relationships with our clients, which give 
us an in-depth understanding of their financial needs.

By combining this deep understanding with comprehensive, 
data-driven market intelligence, we are able to build a clear 
picture of future trends and client demand.

We use these insights to identify and build tailored solutions from our 
broad range of investment strategies or to develop a bespoke approach. 
Rather than taking a traditional view of asset classes, we have established 
a range of strategic capabilities which span the investment universe and 
provide outcomes that are suited to our clients across market cycles.

Read about our strategic capabilities in the market and opportunities section on page 12.

Net new business (£bn)

Assets under management and administration (£bn) 

£9.6bn

(2016: £1.1bn)

£447.0bn

(2016: £395.3bn)

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Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Diversification matters, because 
building a stable, growing business 
matters most

We are a global business, managed locally. Our diverse workforce, 
based across six continents, means we understand what matters 
to our clients, wherever they are in the world.

On behalf of our clients, we invest in a broad range of asset classes 
across equities, fixed income, multi-asset, private assets and alternatives, 
as well as offering a range of wealth management services.

We have a long history of providing solutions for people and institutions 
around the world that help them meet their financial goals.

Our diversified business model allows us to build a robust, dynamic 
business that benefits our clients, our shareholders, our people and the 
communities in which we operate.

Read more about employee diversity in the people section on page 28.

Assets under management and administration (£447.0bn)

Clients

Asset classes

Geographies

Institutional
Intermediary
Wealth Management

57%
30%
13%

Equities
Multi-asset
Fixed Income
Private Assets & Alternatives 
Wealth Management

40%
22%
17%
8%
13%

UK
Asia Pacific
Europe, Middle East and Africa
Americas

41%
23%
22%
14%

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

5

Strategic reportSchroders at a glance

A clear view of our business

We have built an active investment management business with broad capabilities, 
specialist knowledge and deep experience. We are structured to ensure we consistently 
deliver globally but always retain the flexibility to meet local needs. This means that we 
can help our clients achieve their financial ambitions whatever priorities they have and 
wherever they are in the world.

Read more about how our business creates value in our business model on page 18.

Asset Management

We focus on providing investment management services to 
institutions and clients introduced by intermediaries throughout the 
client life cycle. 

We manage segregated accounts and pooled vehicles for a range 
of institutions including local authorities, pension schemes, insurance 
companies and sovereign wealth funds. We also manage assets for 
clients introduced to us by a variety of intermediaries including 
financial advisers, private wealth managers and online platforms. 

We gather the best talent and create specialist teams as well as 
encouraging individual thinking. Our 41 investment teams in 19 
global locations actively manage investments across a broad range 
of asset classes including equities, fixed income, multi-asset, private 
assets and alternatives. This gives our clients a unique lens on the 
investment world and allows us to channel our investors’ insights into 
the right outcomes for our clients’ needs. 

Our client service teams build lasting relationships with current 
and potential clients and intermediaries. This enables us to develop 
a clear view of our clients’ financial objectives and how these will 
evolve and adapt.

The combination of these client relationships, market insights and 
a wide range of investment capabilities allows us to design bespoke 
products and services. We bring together individuals from across the 
business who are dedicated to understanding what our clients need 
to help them meet their financial goals. These solutions are designed 
to tailor fit our clients and are rigorously tested to ensure that they 
are fit for purpose.

Wealth Management

As a long-established wealth manager 
with a focus on preserving and growing 
our clients’ wealth, we provide a full range 
of wealth management services. 

We offer bespoke, discretionary and 
advisory investment services to private 
individuals, family offices, trusts, 
businesses and pension plans. 

Our Cazenove Capital business offers 
discretionary fund management to 
external advisers and their clients. We are 
a leading charity fund manager in the UK. 
Our Benchmark Capital business also 
provides technology-led regulatory and 
administrative services for a network of 
independent financial advisers as well as 
providing platform services.

We are a leader in wealth management in 
the UK and have a strong presence in the 
Channel Islands and Switzerland.

Contribution to the 
Group’s net income

£1,757.9m

Contribution to the 
Group’s net income

£273.3m

Infrastructure
Our infrastructure functions provide critical services that support the business operations and include capabilities across Technology, 
Operations, Finance, Risk, Human Resources, Compliance, Legal, Governance, Internal Audit and Tax.

Group
The overall governance and corporate management of the Group is supported by the Chairman, Group Chief Executive 
and Chief Financial Officer as well as employees involved in corporate development and strategy, and the management 
of the Group’s investment capital and liquidity.

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Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Our people matter

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Our ongoing success is driven by our people. Diversity of thought is in our heritage and 
we encourage our people to think differently and to innovate, but with a clear focus on 
developing our business for the benefit of both our clients and our shareholders. Our 
culture of collaboration means that each time we work with a client, we provide access 
to the expertise and energy of the entire firm.

Read more about how we develop and retain a diverse pool of talent on page 28.

Global talent, local focus

Our footprint

We are a global business that is managed locally. Our teams are based 
around the world, close to our clients and to the markets in which we 
invest. This enables us to understand our clients’ needs and deliver 
targeted outcomes. For over two centuries we have grown and developed 
our expertise to find solutions that meet our clients’ goals. 

A culture of innovation
We are known for our ability to challenge conventional thinking and 
anticipate what lies ahead. We have a long history of innovation, actively 
seeking better ways to deliver value for our clients. 

Developing a deep pool of thought leaders
We seek out talented people who can understand and embrace different 
perspectives. Crucial to our continued success is the development and 
retention of people who can meet our clients’ needs.

Employee opinion survey 2017

94%

proud to be 
associated with 
Schroders

90%

recommend 
Schroders as a 
good place to 
work

93%

believe Schroders 
behaves 
responsibly 
towards its 
clients

We have more than 4,600 employees who are 
central to our ongoing success. 

Employees by geography

UK
Asia Pacific
Europe, Middle East and Africa  
Americas

54%
20%
18%
8%

Global view of our people

4,619 people 
29 countries

Our values

We strive for 
Excellence
Being good at what we do is a 
powerful way to create value for our 
clients and secure a long-term future 
for our business.

We work with
Innovation
We challenge how things are done 
and anticipate future opportunities.

Teamwork
Delivering value for our clients takes 
collaboration and a healthy respect for 
individual skills.

We have
Passion
We’re realistic about what we can achieve, 
but we’re ambitious too and approach 
everything we do with energy and drive.

Integrity
Openness and responsibility fuel our 
long-term client relationships and 
consistently delivering on our promises 
sets us apart.

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

7

Strategic report 
Chairman’s statement

Building a sustainable business 
for the long term

Despite political uncertainties in many parts of the world, investment markets 
performed well in 2017 and it was a record year for Schroders. Profit before tax and 
exceptional items increased 24% to £800.3 million (2016: £644.7 million) and profit before 
tax was up 23% to £760.2 million (2016: £618.1 million). We generated net new business of 
£9.6 billion (2016: £1.1 billion) and assets under management and administration ended 
the year up 13% at £447.0 billion (2016: £395.3 billion).

Dividend
Our policy is to increase dividends progressively in line 
with the trend in profitability and to maintain a payout 
ratio of approximately 50%. Consequently, the Board 
will recommend to shareholders at the Annual General 
Meeting a final dividend of 79 pence per share 
(2016: 64 pence), an increase of 23%. 

The final dividend will be paid on 3 May 2018 to 
shareholders on the register at 23 March 2018. The full 
year dividend of 113 pence per share (2016: 93 pence) 
represents an increase of 22%. 

Our role as asset managers
As one of the largest investment firms in Europe we 
play a vital role in helping a broad range of investors 
meet their financial goals. 

Our objective is to create and preserve value for 
institutions and individuals. In so doing, we actively 
channel capital to companies to support them in 
investing for growth and, as shareholders, we use our 
ownership rights on behalf of clients to engage with 
our investee companies in relation to strategy, risks, 
management succession, governance and 
environmental impact. 

Through this we are aware that we can play a broader 
role, beyond our clients and shareholders, to the 
benefit of a wider range of stakeholders and we take 
this responsibility very seriously, applying the same 
standards to the management of our own business as 
we do to companies in which we invest. 

The Board
In 2017, the Board focused on major topics including 
the five year strategic outlook for the business, risks to 
our strategy, product strategy, capital, talent and 
succession planning, and remuneration strategy. The 
Board pays great attention to the culture of the firm 
which we believe, built over many years, represents a 
key competitive advantage. We consider culture in 
many aspects of our Board discussions, including when 
reviewing acquisition opportunities where cultural 
alignment is a major factor in our decision making.

In November, the Board met in New York for an in 
depth review of our positioning and strategy in the 
North American market, which we believe represents 
an important growth opportunity for the Company. 

Philip Howard, our Senior Independent Director and 
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee, will retire 
as a Director at the Annual General Meeting in April 
having completed nine years on the Board. Philip has 
been an exemplary non-executive Director, giving a 
great deal of his time to the business outside of Board 
meetings and providing a highly constructive level of 
challenge and support to the management team. We 
will miss his deep experience and insights and on 
behalf of the Board I would like to thank him for his 
very significant contribution.

We remain committed to providing an environment 
that is open, collaborative and based on merit, where 
everyone has the opportunity to realise their potential

We were delighted to announce earlier this year that 
Sir Damon Buffini would join the Board effective 
1 February 2018. Damon has a track record of success 
in the field of private equity, supporting a wide range of 
growing companies, and we look forward to benefiting 
from his experience in relation to our overall range of 
growth opportunities and particularly in the field of 
private assets which is one of our priorities.

Ian King, who joined the Board in January 2017, will 
succeed Philip Howard as Senior Independent Director 
and Nichola Pease will succeed Philip as Chairman of 
the Remuneration Committee. Nichola’s long 
experience in the asset management industry and her 
membership of the Remuneration Committee since 
2014 will ensure a smooth transition for this key role.

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Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Our people
Schroders’ success is based on our diversified business 
model, our financial strength and in particular on our 
values and our people. We were therefore pleased to 
see that in our 2017 employee opinion survey 94% of 
our employees said they were proud to be associated 
with Schroders, and we again had very low levels of 
staff turnover. 

We remain committed to developing the extraordinary 
pool of talent we have at Schroders across the world 
and providing an environment that is open, 
collaborative and based on merit, where everyone has 
the opportunity to deliver their best and realise their 
potential. 

To all our employees, those who have been with the 
firm for many years and recent joiners, whether mid 
career or at the beginning of their career, I would like 
to extend the Board’s thanks for their contribution to 
the achievement of a record year in 2017. 

Michael Dobson
Chairman

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

9

Strategic reportGroup Chief Executive’s review

Evolving our business 
in a changing world

I am pleased to present another year of good results for Schroders. We have seen 
assets under management and administration reach a new high of £447.0 billion, 
in part due to generating net new business from clients of £9.6 billion.

We have continued to strategically invest in the future growth of the business, while still 
maintaining strong cost discipline, improving the ratio of total costs to net income by 
three percentage points to 61%. Despite pressure on our revenue margins, we delivered 
record profit before tax and exceptional items of £800.3 million and profit before tax of 
£760.2 million. 

More information on our financial performance is set out in the business 
and financial review starting on page 20.

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Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

During 2017, we have seen markets remain relatively 
benign, despite economic and political uncertainty. 
The year also saw clear challenges facing the 
asset management industry and specifically active 
investment managers such as Schroders. Despite the 
market environment we have attracted £9.6 billion 
of net new assets that we have invested on behalf 
of our clients. 

As an active manager focused on the long term, I believe 
that we have a vitally important role to play as guardians 
of our clients’ savings. Our overall purpose is to build 
their future prosperity by investing responsibly using 
actively-managed solutions to help them meet their 
future financials goals. This requires having a talented 
workforce with the right tools to ensure our active 
security selection and asset allocation delivers continued 
outperformance or the desired outcome.

Our clients trust us to deliver sustainable returns 
through periods of economic prosperity and uncertainty 
– and it is a responsibility that we take very seriously. 

Stewardship
As responsible stewards of capital, we also have 
an important role to play in the wider economy. 
We actively allocate capital to companies across the 
world, promoting growth in all the sectors and regions 
where we invest. 

We engage with companies in which we invest to 
improve levels of governance and to encourage greater 
sustainability. This engagement allows us to facilitate 
improvements in how these companies operate, 
and how they are governed, in the interests of both 
our clients and wider society. More information on 
our approach to sustainable investing can be found 
from page 30.

Client investment performance 
Our key priority remains successfully and consistently 
delivering positive investment outcomes for our clients. 
Investment performance remained strong in 2017, with 
74% of assets outperforming their stated comparator 
over a three year period. Over one year, 70% of assets 
outperformed and over five years, the figure was 84%. 
More information on how we measure investment 
performance is set out in the business and financial 
review on page 23. We strongly believe that we offer 
value for money for our clients and add real value to 
their portfolios. 

During 2017, stock markets were unusually benign, 
rising steadily throughout the year. It is right not to 
expect this to continue. Valuations are high and there 
are new risks emerging in the structure of markets, 
notably the very large flows into Exchange Traded 
Funds. These have not previously been tested in more 
difficult market conditions.

A changing industry
There are a number of well-publicised challenges that 
we face as an industry. Pressures on fee margins have 
not abated and regulatory change and complexity 
continues to increase. The market share of passive 
products continues to grow and we are witnessing 
a number of major asset owners derisking their 
portfolios, moving away from public markets, 
or insourcing asset management capabilities.

Against this backdrop of uncertainty, the asset 
management industry is at a crossroads. We have seen 
some consolidation, as some of our peers have looked 
towards large-scale mergers or acquisitions to achieve 
greater diversification or to drive efficiencies.

We have decided to go in a different direction. We 
believe in the strength of the Schroders proposition 
and the ability to adapt our business for the future 
through investment in the right opportunities, whether 
supporting organic growth or in targeted acquisitions 
aligned with our strategic priorities.

Despite the challenges that exist, we see a number 
of reasons for optimism. There are opportunities which 
can drive the future growth of our business.

Our strategy is to invest for this growth, adapting and 
evolving how we run the firm to meet these challenges 
and embrace the opportunities.

We believe in the strength of our  
proposition and the ability to adapt our  
business for the future

Product strategy
One of the most well-publicised trends in asset 
management is the rise of passively-managed 
strategies. We understand that both active and passive 
products can have a role to play in clients’ portfolios. 
However, we remain a firm believer in the value 
of active management, where investors are seeking 
to achieve outperformance or a specific outcome. 

We remain committed to focusing on areas where 
active management demonstrates clear, repeatable 
advantages. This could be within outcome-oriented 
strategies, which are not typically designed around an 
index. It could be in areas of the world where public 
markets are less efficient, such as within emerging 
markets. Or it could be in areas in which passive 
investment strategies cannot efficiently compete, such 
as illiquid fixed income or private assets.

Changing market dynamics also provide us with the 
opportunity to take a fresh look at our product range. 
With a diverse offering of more than 650 funds across 
41 investment desks, we support our clients by 
identifying the right solution for them. To do so, we 
have restructured our product range around 10 key 
strategic capabilities, which are set out on page 13.

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

11

Strategic reportGroup Chief Executive’s review continued

Regional growth
We have made progress this year in a number of key 
strategic areas which we believe will drive future 
growth. From a regional perspective, I have previously 
highlighted the growth potential in North America and 
Asia Pacific. 

We have seen good underlying traction in growing 
our business in North America. The partnership with 
Hartford Funds that we announced in 2016 has been 
successful, generating net new business of £1.7 billion 
since the relationship began. We are also seeing good 
momentum in generating new business from 
institutional clients. We see more opportunities in 
the region and it continues to be an area of strategic 
focus for us.

In Asia Pacific, we have continued to generate good net 
flows from clients in Japan, one of the largest markets 
in the world and one of the few in the region where our 
market share is relatively small. The Chinese market is 
opening up to foreign investors and represents a very 
significant opportunity for us. We are expanding our 
footprint both through our existing relationship with 
Bank of Communications and through the distribution 
of wholly-owned products to the Chinese retail market, 
where we have recently received a private fund 
management licence.

Private assets and alternatives
Product diversification is one of Schroders’ key 
strengths, as we have broad investment capabilities 
in a range of asset classes.

We have expanded our capabilities further in private 
assets, which we consider to be a key area of strategic 
growth. In 2017 this included the acquisition of Adveq, 
now rebranded Schroder Adveq, and the creation 
of a specialist alternatives sales unit. 

Schroder Adveq is a Swiss-based private equity firm, 
with a strong track record of AUM growth and a high 
quality institutional client base. Private equity displays 
many of the characteristics that make private assets an 
attractive asset class, such as the benefits of active 
investment management, high institutional client 
demand and excellent client longevity. 

This acquisition increased our total AUM in Private 
Assets and Alternatives to £33.3 billion, building upon 
existing capabilities including in real estate, 
infrastructure debt, insurance-linked securities and 
direct lending. 

Technology
We believe that the effective use of leading 
technology and data processing will be critical 
to our future success.

Our focus on embedding technology and data analytics 
across our business allows us to gain insights into 
client behaviour, build conviction in portfolio positions 
and drive efficiencies.

Our data insights teams have grown considerably and 
are embedded within investment teams not just in the 
UK, but also in a number of our overseas offices. These 
data scientists use alternative and non-traditional data 
sets to gain unique insights to complement the work of

Continued on page 15.

12

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Market and opportunities

Continued macro uncertainty
2017 has seen a continuation of many of the themes that have defined recent 
years. Political instability, low interest rates and high market valuations have 
again driven headlines across the world.

While political uncertainty did not diminish in 2017, there was a slowdown 
in the wave of populism that had dominated the previous year. General elections 
in France and the Netherlands were won by the more centrist parties, despite 
populist movements. However, we witnessed independence campaigns in Spain, 
increasing far-right politics in Austria and a German general election that left the 
incumbent party initially struggling to form a coalition government.

In our home market of the UK, a snap general election failed to deliver a majority 
government to any political party. The UK’s planned exit from the European 
Union has continued to dominate the political agenda and a great deal of 
uncertainty remains.

In the US, the administration struggled to push through key legislation, although 
succeeded in passing a tax reform bill that will reduce the headline corporate tax 
rate. In Asia Pacific, escalating tensions on the Korean peninsula threatened to 
destabilise the region. 

Interest rates globally remain at historically low levels, although we have seen 
some central banks take steps towards normalising monetary policy. The Federal 
Reserve has enacted three interest rate increases through 2017 and the Bank 
of England raised rates for the first time in a decade. The European Central Bank 
maintained its Quantitative Easing policy, but tapered purchases throughout 
the year and is expected to continue to do so in 2018.

Regulation continues to be a key focus for the industry. In June, the UK’s Financial 
Conduct Authority (FCA) published the final report of its Asset Management 
Market Study and announced a series of measures to improve competition 
within the industry. In Europe, MiFID II and PRIIPs dominated regulatory 
discussions. Both were implemented at the start of 2018 and aim to provide 
greater investor protection and improve transparency.

Asset class returns in 2017*

125

120

115

110

105

100

95

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

MSCI World equities
BofA Merrill Lynch Global High Yield
BofA Merrill Lynch Global Corporate Investment Grade
US 10-year Treasury bonds

* Returns in US dollar, rebased to 100 at 31 December 2016.

Market and opportunities

A good year for risk assets
Despite these macro concerns, our clients have benefited from 
a benign environment through 2017, with global equity markets 
advancing against a backdrop of positive economic data. Global 
growth rates have continued to improve, albeit in many cases these 
were not matched by wage growth. Inflation rates in most 
developed economies remain relatively low and employment data 
has generally been strong.

Within global equity markets, all of the major indices provided 
positive returns for the year. Emerging markets led the way with 
a near 40% return in US dollar terms. European and US indices also 
performed well, although the latter fell behind when taking the 
depreciation of the US dollar into account.

The positive environment for risk assets was also beneficial for 
credit strategies, with both global high yield and investment grade 
indices providing strong positive returns.

Although equity markets were largely unaffected by macro and 
geopolitical concerns, this was not generally the same in fixed 
income markets, particularly in government debt. As European 
political risk grew at the start of the year, yields rose in French and 
Italian government bonds ahead of elections. However, both ended 
the year positively as political concerns subsided.

There was some volatility within major currencies at the beginning 
of the year but trends became clear through the second quarter. 
The US dollar weakened against most major currencies throughout 
the second half, when measured using effective exchange rates, 
while the euro strengthened. Sterling fluctuated throughout 2017 
but ended the year having strengthened slightly due to some 
positive progress in Brexit negotiations.

Our strategy for changing client demand
Although markets have largely dealt well with macro concerns, 
uncertainty remains and it is possible that the investment 
environment will become more challenging.

Against this backdrop, many of our clients face difficulties in 
deciding where to invest. Increasingly, they are looking to us 
to provide more than just component building blocks for their 
portfolios. Instead, they require complete solutions that help them 
achieve their financial goals.

Our solutions are designed to take advantage of positive returns 
but to also provide protection in more challenging environments, 
consistently delivering specific outcomes.

We have adapted our business towards a more client-centric 
proposition. In 2016, we created an independent Product division 
and a Solutions team who focus on institutional clients’ objectives 
across asset classes. 

We continue to focus on responding to changing client demands 
and in 2017 we reshaped the way we look at our product range. We 
have restructured our product offering to provide a more complete, 
solutions-based view of our range. This new approach moves away 
from a traditional asset class view and instead focuses on delivering 
specific outcomes designed to meet a broad range of client needs.

We have assessed the strategies run by our 41 investment teams 
and identified 10 key themes. These strategic capabilities are 
centred on areas of significant or growing client demand, existing 
investment strength and persistent demand for active 
management.

Our strategic capabilities are listed below and cover a wide range 
of areas, from delivering a consistent income to providing for 
retirement or focusing on sustainability and strong governance.

Currency returns in 2017*

Our ten strategic capabilities

110

105

100

95

90

85

Absolute  
Return

Alpha 
Equity

Credit

Emerging 
Markets

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul Aug Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Income

Multi-Asset 
Solutions

Private 
Assets

Retirement

British pound sterling
Euro
US dollar

* Effective exchange rate, based on a basket of major currencies,
rebased to 100 at 31 December 2016.

Solutions

Sustainability

Read more about our 
strategic capabilities in the 
glossary on page 170 and at 
schroders.com/capabilities.

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

13

Strategic reportGroup Chief Executive’s review continued

Our strategy for 2017 and beyond

Our strategy is focused on sustainable, profitable growth over the long term. This means identifying and 
investing behind opportunities for future growth, while retaining focus on cost discipline with a continual 
drive for improved efficiency.

Our 
priorities

Develop and maintain  
long-term client partnerships

Offer a range of 
innovative products 

Consistently deliver  
outcomes for clients

Innovative product design is crucial 
to our continued future growth.

An increasing number of our clients are 
looking for products that seek to provide 
a financial outcome, which could be a 
level of income, an absolute return or 
derisking of their financial positions such 
as an employer pension obligation.

We are continually looking to expand 
our offering and diversify into new areas 
of investment expertise. 

As an active manager, we are 
committed to delivering consistent, 
repeatable outcomes for our clients.

Whilst many of our strategies seek 
to outperform a stated benchmark 
or peer group, client demand is 
increasing for outcome-oriented 
solutions. 

Sustained outperformance or 
achieving a predefined outcome 
increases value for our clients, builds 
trust and is a driver of new business. 

Why it’s 
important

We focus on helping our clients 
achieve their financial goals and 
building their future prosperity.

Building close partnerships with our 
clients and intermediaries enables us 
to gain a deeper understanding of our 
clients’ financial needs. 

This in-depth understanding allows 
us to continue to develop solutions, 
leading to greater client longevity and 
increased new business opportunities. 

We deliver the whole of the firm to our 
clients, utilising the most relevant 
capabilities or products to provide a 
solution that meets their goals.

We also continually look to develop 
new relationships globally, across 
regions and sales channels.

Key 
performance 
indicators

Progress 
through 2017

 – Net new business

 – Net new business

 – Client investment performance

 – Ratio of total costs to net income

 – Retention of key talent

 – Net new business

 – Total net new business of £9.6 billion

 – In North America, growing 

momentum through our strategic 
relationship with Hartford Funds

 – In Wealth Management, acquisitions 
of the wealth management business 
of C. Hoare & Co. and other 
acquisitions including within 
Benchmark Capital

 – Restructured our product range 
around 10 distinct strategic 
capabilities. More details on our 
capabilities can be found on page 13

 – Continued expansion into private 

assets through the acquisition and 
integration of Adveq

 – Seed and co-investment capital 
at a record level of £392 million

 – 74% of our assets outperformed 

their stated comparator over three 
years. More details on our 
performance reporting can be 
found on page 23

 – Integrated Solutions team, 

constructing bespoke solutions 
to meet institutional clients’ 
financial needs

 – Completed acquisition of Adveq, 

expanding our capabilities in private 
assets and alternatives

 – Launched new strategically important 
products including absolute return, 
income and inflation-linked strategies

Growth 
opportunities

 – Seek to further increase client 

 – Further develop our strategic 

 – Maintain high levels of 

longevity

capabilities approach

outperformance

 – Continue to invest in technology 

 – Maintain high rate of retention 

across the firm

of highly rated employees

 – Continue to attract and retain 

 – Maintain a commitment to 

 – Continue to provide value for 

 – Invest in further automation 

 – Target 33% of female 

business with clients, specifically 
in strategically important growth 
areas, such as North America, 
Japan and China

seeding new products

 – Continue expansion into 

private assets

money and build clients’ future 
prosperity

and robotics

 – Maintain focus on cost discipline 

representation in senior 

management roles by 2019

through the ratio of total costs to 

 – Move to new London-based 

net income

headquarters

Key risks

1

2

6

7

8

14

17

1

2

3

5

6

7

8

9

14

1

2

3

6

7

3

5

6

7

17

19

6

7

14

17

18

20

Read more about how our strategy mitigates these risks from page 34.

14

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Develop leading 

technology

Develop and retain  

a diverse pool of talent

Active asset management is inherently 

Our ongoing success is driven by 

about processing and analysing data 

our people.

to achieve outperformance or 

desired outcomes.

Developing and retaining a diverse 

and talented workforce is key to the 

It is critical to our ongoing success 

stability of our business and the 

that we have leading technology 

delivery of all aspects of our 

across the firm.

business model.

Better use of technology can be 

Diversity of thought is part of our 

employed to innovate and automate 

heritage and it is one of the reasons 

while improving productivity 

we are able to attract high 

and efficiency.

quality talent.

Our focus on investing back into the 

We invest heavily in our people, 

business comes with a strict cost 

offering opportunities to grow their 

discipline and a continual effort to 

knowledge, skills and capabilities.

improve efficiency.

In order for them to succeed we need 

to provide them with a working 

environment that supports 

productivity, innovative thinking 

and collaboration.

 – Invested in technology solutions 

 – 43% of our employees have been 

throughout the business including:

with us for more than six years

 – Expansion of data insights teams

 – Female representation in senior 

 – Ongoing implementation of new 

front office technology platforms

at 29%

management roles ended the year 

 – Upgrading Client Relationship 

Management system

 – Maintained cost discipline to drive 

efficiency, improving ratio of total 

costs to net income from 64% 

to 61%

 – 94% of employees proud to be 

associated with Schroders

 – 94% retention rate of highly rated 

employees

 
Our strategy for 2017 and beyond

Our 

Develop and maintain  

Offer a range of 

priorities

long-term client partnerships

innovative products 

Consistently deliver  

outcomes for clients

Why it’s 

important

We focus on helping our clients 

Innovative product design is crucial 

As an active manager, we are 

achieve their financial goals and 

to our continued future growth.

building their future prosperity.

committed to delivering consistent, 

repeatable outcomes for our clients.

An increasing number of our clients are 

Building close partnerships with our 

looking for products that seek to provide 

Whilst many of our strategies seek 

clients and intermediaries enables us 

a financial outcome, which could be a 

to outperform a stated benchmark 

to gain a deeper understanding of our 

level of income, an absolute return or 

or peer group, client demand is 

clients’ financial needs. 

derisking of their financial positions such 

increasing for outcome-oriented 

This in-depth understanding allows 

as an employer pension obligation.

solutions. 

us to continue to develop solutions, 

We are continually looking to expand 

Sustained outperformance or 

leading to greater client longevity and 

our offering and diversify into new areas 

achieving a predefined outcome 

increased new business opportunities. 

of investment expertise. 

increases value for our clients, builds 

trust and is a driver of new business. 

We deliver the whole of the firm to our 

clients, utilising the most relevant 

capabilities or products to provide a 

solution that meets their goals.

We also continually look to develop 

new relationships globally, across 

regions and sales channels.

Key 

performance 

indicators

Progress 

through 2017

 – Net new business

 – Total net new business of £9.6 billion

 – Restructured our product range 

 – 74% of our assets outperformed 

 – In North America, growing 

momentum through our strategic 

relationship with Hartford Funds

 – In Wealth Management, acquisitions 

of the wealth management business 

of C. Hoare & Co. and other 

acquisitions including within 

Benchmark Capital

around 10 distinct strategic 

their stated comparator over three 

capabilities. More details on our 

years. More details on our 

capabilities can be found on page 13

performance reporting can be 

 – Continued expansion into private 

found on page 23

assets through the acquisition and 

 – Integrated Solutions team, 

integration of Adveq

 – Seed and co-investment capital 

at a record level of £392 million

constructing bespoke solutions 

to meet institutional clients’ 

financial needs

 – Completed acquisition of Adveq, 

 – Launched new strategically important 

expanding our capabilities in private 

products including absolute return, 

assets and alternatives

income and inflation-linked strategies

Growth 

opportunities

longevity

 – Seek to further increase client 

 – Further develop our strategic 

 – Maintain high levels of 

capabilities approach

outperformance

 – Continue to attract and retain 

 – Maintain a commitment to 

business with clients, specifically 

seeding new products

 – Continue to provide value for 

money and build clients’ future 

in strategically important growth 

areas, such as North America, 

Japan and China

 – Continue expansion into 

private assets

prosperity

Develop leading 
technology

Develop and retain  
a diverse pool of talent

Active asset management is inherently 
about processing and analysing data 
to achieve outperformance or 
desired outcomes.

It is critical to our ongoing success 
that we have leading technology 
across the firm.

Our ongoing success is driven by 
our people.

Developing and retaining a diverse 
and talented workforce is key to the 
stability of our business and the 
delivery of all aspects of our 
business model.

Better use of technology can be 
employed to innovate and automate 
while improving productivity 
and efficiency.

Diversity of thought is part of our 
heritage and it is one of the reasons 
we are able to attract high 
quality talent.

Our focus on investing back into the 
business comes with a strict cost 
discipline and a continual effort to 
improve efficiency.

We invest heavily in our people, 
offering opportunities to grow their 
knowledge, skills and capabilities.

In order for them to succeed we need 
to provide them with a working 
environment that supports 
productivity, innovative thinking 
and collaboration.

 – Net new business

 – Net new business

 – Client investment performance

 – Ratio of total costs to net income

 – Retention of key talent

 – Invested in technology solutions 

throughout the business including:

 – 43% of our employees have been 
with us for more than six years

 – Expansion of data insights teams

 – Female representation in senior 

 – Ongoing implementation of new 
front office technology platforms

 – Upgrading Client Relationship 

Management system

 – Maintained cost discipline to drive 
efficiency, improving ratio of total 
costs to net income from 64% 
to 61%

management roles ended the year 
at 29%

 – 94% of employees proud to be 

associated with Schroders

 – 94% retention rate of highly rated 

employees

 – Continue to invest in technology 

 – Maintain high rate of retention 

across the firm

of highly rated employees

 – Invest in further automation 

 – Target 33% of female 

and robotics

 – Maintain focus on cost discipline 
through the ratio of total costs to 
net income

representation in senior 
management roles by 2019

 – Move to new London-based 

headquarters

Key risks

1

2

6

7

8

14

17

1

2

3

5

6

7

8

9

14

1

2

3

6

7

3

5

6

7

17

19

6

7

14

17

18

20

Read more about how our strategy mitigates these risks from page 34.

Read more within the key performance indicator section and Directors’ 
remuneration report from pages 16 and 62 respectively.

our fund managers and analysts. We are also using 
data and analytics to enhance our interactions with 
clients. Our client relationship teams are leveraging 
behavioural analytics to provide insights into client 
behaviour, while real-time market intelligence helps us 
to build a clearer picture of changing client demand.

Effective use of technology can also greatly increase 
efficiency and productivity, vital to our ongoing success 
in an environment of declining revenue margins. 
Increased use of automation and robotics frees up 
resources from straightforward tasks. This allows our 
people to focus on serving clients and growing 
the business.

Wealth Management 
Wealth Management is another area that we see 
driving future growth and making a larger contribution 
to the overall group. We have invested in growing 
the business, both organically and through selective 
acquisitions, and we are starting to see the benefits 
of this come through in the 2017 results. 

We acquired the discretionary assets of around 1,800 
clients from C. Hoare & Co. in February 2017. We have 
also benefited from our 2016 acquisition of Benchmark 
Capital, which allows us to participate further along the 
value chain and get closer to the end consumer in the 
UK. It has also allowed us to increase the IFA network 
through selective acquisitions. These have generated 
strong revenue and net new business growth in 
the year.

People
As always, our achievements have been realised 
through our talented and diverse employees, whose 
integrity and passion are key to our ongoing success. 
We have a strong and distinctive culture which is 
diverse in both approach and outlook.

We have worked throughout the year to protect and 
build upon this culture, promoting diversity and a 
collaborative working environment for all of our 
people. We were one of the first signatories of the 
Women in Finance Charter. We achieved our initial 
target of 30% women within senior management 
during the first quarter of 2017, though at year end the 
figure had fallen back to 29% as a result of minor 
restructurings within the firm. We are now targeting 
33% by the end of 2019. More details on this can be 
found on page 28.

Outlook
Looking ahead, our core focus will remain on helping 
our clients to achieve their financial goals and build 
their future prosperity. 

We will continue to invest for long-term growth, 
whether in allocating more resources to leverage 
opportunities created by the latest technology, 
expanding our geographical footprint or further 
diversifying our product offering.

Although there are challenges facing the industry, 
we believe that there are opportunities for growth and 
that our diversified business model is ideally placed to 
take advantage of these. I look forward to leading our 
continued success.

Peter Harrison
Group Chief Executive

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

15

Strategic report 
Key performance indicators

Tracking our progress

Client investment 
performance (%) 

Net new 
business (£bn) 

Assets under 
management and 
administration (£bn)

Retention of key 
talent (%) 

74%

£9.6bn

£447.0bn

94%

7
8

6
8

7
47
2

7
4

2
4
8

.

7
9

.

1
3
0

.

9
6

.

1
1

.

9
5

9
4

9
4

9
5

9
4

4
4
7
0

.

3
9
5
3

.

3
0
0
0

.

3
1
3
5

.

2
6
2
9

.

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

What we measure

We target at least 60% of our 
AUM to outperform their stated 
comparator over rolling 
three-year periods.

We seek to generate positive 
net new business across 
the business.

We aim to grow AUMA over time 
in excess of market growth, 
through positive investment 
outperformance and net new 
business. As a sterling 
denominated reporter, currency 
movements may also impact 
asset levels.

Developing and retaining 
a diverse pool of talent is key 
to our ongoing success. 
We measure retention of those 
employees who have been rated 
as either outstanding or exceeds 
expectations in their annual 
performance review.

How we performed

Investment performance over 
a three year period continued 
to be strong in 2017, with 74% 
of assets outperforming their 
stated comparator. We have 
been above our target for each 
of the last five years.

Five year investment 
outperformance was 84% and 
the one year figure was 70%.

For more details on how we 
calculate investment 
performance, please see pages 
23 and 168.

We generated net new business 
of £9.6 billion in 2017, gaining 
market share with inflows across 
Asset Management and 
Wealth Management.

AUMA increased by 13% in 2017 
to £447.0 billion, driven by net 
new business, positive 
investment returns and currency 
movements and acquisitions.

We generated £3.4 billion of net 
inflows from clients in the 
Intermediary channel, with 
strong demand for branded 
funds more than offsetting net 
outflows from sub-advised 
mandates.

The Institutional channel 
generated net new business of 
£4.2 billion and there were net 
inflows of £2.0 billion in 
Wealth Management.

Our retention of highly-rated 
employees has consistently 
been over 90%. This represents 
a committed and engaged 
workforce which is aligned with 
Schroders’ values.

16

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Net operating 
revenue (£bn) 

Ratio of total costs 
to net income* (%) 

Basic earnings 
per share* (p) 

Dividend per 
share (p) 

£2.0bn

61%

226.9p

113p

2
0

.

6
4

6
4

6
4

6
3

1
7

.

6
1

1
6
6
8

.

1
4
9
9

.

1
8
6
3

.

1
7
6
9

.

2
2
6
9

.

1
1
3

9
3

8
7

7
8

5
8

1
61

.

.

51
4

.

What we measure

How we performed

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

Net operating revenue is 
primarily revenues generated 
from assets under management 
less cost of sales. We aim to 
grow net operating revenue 
over time as assets under 
management increase.

We target a 65% ratio of total 
costs to net income, recognising 
that in weaker markets the ratio 
may be higher than our 
long-term target.

We aim to grow earnings per 
share consistently, recognising 
the potential impact of market 
volatility on results in the 
short term.

Our policy is to increase 
dividends progressively in line 
with the trend in profitability 
and to maintain a payout ratio of 
approximately 50%. For more 
information, see page 27.

Net operating revenue has 
consistently grown year on year 
as we have seen increases in 
assets under management. In 
2017, we saw a 17% increase in 
net operating revenue to a 
record level of £2.0 billion.

In 2017, this ratio was again 
better than our target at 61%.

In 2017, basic earnings per share 
before exceptional items 
increased by 22% to 226.9 pence.

The Board is recommending a 
final dividend of 79 pence per 
share, bringing the total dividend 
for the year to 113 pence per 
share, an increase of 22%. This 
represents a payout ratio of 50%.

We have made changes to our KPIs from the 2016 Annual Report 
and Accounts.

contributed to greater absolute net operating revenue, which 
is a more appropriate measure of performance.

Net operating revenue margin has been replaced by net 
operating revenue. Our net operating revenue margin has been 
declining over recent years, primarily due to the success of our 
strategy of growing our Fixed Income and Multi-asset capabilities. 
These typically have a lower net operating revenue margin than 
our existing assets under management but increased scale has 

Total compensation ratio has been replaced by retention of key 
talent. Compensation costs are around 70% of our total cost base 
so the compensation ratio is already reflected in the ratio of total 
costs to net income, which remains a KPI. A key part of our 
strategy is developing and retaining a diverse pool of talent so 
we have included the new KPI to reflect this.

* Before exceptional items.

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

17

Strategic reportOur business model

A client-centric value proposition

What we offer

How we do it

Our clients are at the centre of our business. Our resilience 
and ongoing success is built upon our ability to understand 
our clients’ needs. This allows us to anticipate how these 
needs will evolve and to construct products that meet their 
financial goals and build future prosperity.

t i o n s

U

n

d

e

r

s

t

a

anage s o l u
ely m

v
i
t
c
A

Outperformance 
for clients

D

e

v

elop innovative   p r o d u

t s

c

n

d

c

l

i

e
n
t
s

’

g
o
a
l
s

41

29

Investment teams

Countries

4,619

People

We offer actively managed 
investment solutions that 
help build our clients’ future 
prosperity.

We design innovative products and 
bespoke solutions, actively managed 
by our 41 investment teams across a 
diverse range of asset classes 
including equities, fixed income, 
multi-asset, private assets and 
alternatives. 

Within Asset Management, we work 
with a broad range of institutional 
clients, including pension funds, 
insurance companies and sovereign 
wealth funds. We also work with a 
variety of intermediaries, including 
financial advisers, private wealth 
managers and online platforms. 

Within Wealth Management we offer 
bespoke discretionary and advisory 
investment services, lending and 
deposit taking to private individuals, 
family offices, trusts and charities.

We differentiate ourselves from our 
competitors through:

Our long-term focus
Supported by our shareholder 
structure and strong capital base,  
we take a long-term approach  
in everything that we do.

A collaborative culture 
Our culture is based on 
unconditional collaboration  
and a core belief in working  
together to bring the whole  
of the firm to our clients.

Our diversity of thought
An inclusive environment where 
ideas are heard and debated is one 
of the keys to our long-term success.

A data-driven approach
We continue to enhance how we use 
data across all areas of the business, 
including deriving unique investment 
insights, designing innovative 
products and improving 
operational efficiency.

18

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

 
 
Understand clients’ goals
We build principled partnerships with our clients 
in order to fully understand their financial goals. 
This allows us to provide a high level of client 
service and select appropriate products to meet 
their needs.

Develop innovative products
We design innovative products to consistently 
meet our clients’ financial objectives, whether 
that is outperforming a benchmark, providing 
a regular sustainable income or delivering 
an absolute return.

Actively manage solutions
We take an active approach to managing 
investment solutions that build our clients’ 
future prosperity over the long term.

Read more about how our business 
is structured on page 6.

Outperformance for clients
It is only by demonstrating value for money in 
meeting our clients’ financial objectives that we 
can continue to successfully grow our business.

We earn fees charged as a percentage of 
our clients’ assets under management and 
administration. We may also earn other 
revenues, such as performance fees and 
transaction related fees. 

What we deliver for 
other stakeholders

Our client-led approach allows us to deliver for 
a range of global stakeholders, including our 
shareholders, people, wider society, regulators 
and suppliers.

Read more about our stakeholders on page 53.

Shareholders
Our business model focuses on delivering growth over 
the long term, which enables us to generate 
sustainable shareholder returns. Our progressive 
dividend policy has seen a 22% increase in the total 
dividend to 113 pence, or a payout ratio of 50%.

Dividend per share

113p

Read our business and financial review from page 20.

People
We seek to maintain a culture of collaboration 
and innovation, supporting a talented and diverse 
workforce, who are key to our ongoing success. 
We have consistently maintained a high rate 
of retention of our most highly rated people.

Employees proud to be associated 
with Schroders

94%

Read about our people on page 28.

Society
We are committed to acting as responsible stewards 
of capital and promoting sustainability and high levels 
of governance in the companies in which we invest.

We are proud to support the communities  
in which we operate.

Company engagements on environmental, 
social and governance (ESG) issues

1,014

Read about our impact on society from page 30.

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

19

Strategic reportBusiness and financial review

Strategic investment with 
strong cost discipline

2017 has been another successful year for Schroders, as we delivered record pre-tax 
and exceptionals profits of £800.3 million, up 24% on 2016. Our pre-exceptional earnings 
per share for the year are 226.9 pence and we are recommending a final dividend of 79 
pence. This results in a full year dividend of 113 pence, which represents a 50% payout 
ratio. After exceptional items, profit before tax was up 23% to £760.2 million, 
resulting in a 21% increase in basic earnings per share to 215.3 pence. 

Two important areas of strategic investment for us in 
2017 have been the development of a new front office 
technology platform and preparations for the move to 
our new headquarters in London. Both of these are 
expected to complete in 2018. These are important 
initiatives for us as they are both expected to have 
significant benefits to the way in which we work. The 
front office technology platforms are expected to bring 
material improvements to the operational support for 
our fund managers and the new London offices will 
deliver an innovative working environment for our 
people and a leading experience for our clients.

Profit before tax and exceptional items was a new 
record at £800.3 million 

Regulation continues to be an important area of focus, 
requiring investment into our business to meet 
changing requirements. Promoting high compliance 
standards in each of the jurisdictions in which we 
operate continues to be a focus.

With our head office in the UK and a significant 
continental European business, we are closely 
monitoring the progress of Brexit negotiations 
between the UK and the other members of the 
European Union. However, we do not expect the 
outcome to be significant for the Group as our business 
model is already structured around a strong presence 
in continental Europe, with only modest changes 
anticipated in our corporate structure and regulatory 
profile. We are taking the necessary actions to prepare 
the Group for the new environment and considering 
the likely impact of the negotiations as they develop. 
Further information on the potential impact of Brexit is 
set out in the key risks and mitigations report on 
page 42.

The Group Chief Executive’s review on pages 10 to 15 
summarises the key developments in 2017 for 
Schroders and the wider industry. The principal impact 
of these on the financial results derives from the 
growth in the Group’s assets under management and 
administration (AUMA). 

AUMA reached a record high in 2017, increasing by 
13% to close the year at £447.0 billion 
(2016: £395.3 billion). This increase is driven by four 
factors: investment returns for clients, which added 
£31.6 billion (2016: £64.7 billion); net new money 
introduced by clients of £9.6 billion (2016: £1.1 billion); 
new money under management introduced through 
acquisitions of £8.5 billion; and the growth in assets 
under administration of £2.0 billion. 

It is clear that the business environment in which we 
operate is changing and the Group Chief Executive’s 
review sets out some of the challenges that the 
industry is facing. 

We saw some of these changes impact upon our 
financial performance in 2017. For example, reductions 
to our fee margins restricted the growth in our net 
income arising from higher AUMA. However, the 
acquisitions we completed in 2017 and the net new 
business introduced have both been at higher average 
net operating revenue margins, offsetting some of this 
underlying decline. We estimate that net new business 
in 2017 generated annualised net new revenue of 
£63 million, around £24 million of which is in these 
results. 

Overall, we believe that we are well placed to adapt to 
the industry challenges and to continue to grow.

The growth in our net income was partially offset by an 
increase to our cost base, in part driven by our 
investment in strategic priorities, but also as we 
addressed regulatory demands. In this environment 
our continued focus on cost management remains a 
priority. In 2017 the ratio of total costs to net income 
improved by three percentage points to 61%, one 
percentage point of which was due to regulatory 
requirements to defer a greater proportion of pay for 
certain employees (see page 62). The accounting 
impact of this will unwind by around 2019.

20

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

We report both our profits and AUMA in sterling. 
As a net exporter of investment services from the UK, 
we have benefited from the devaluation of sterling 
which followed the UK’s decision to exit from the 
European Union in June 2016. The Group’s revenues 
and AUMA are predominantly denominated in 
non-sterling currencies, whereas the cost base is less 
impacted by currency changes. The weakness in 
sterling in the first half of the year, compared to 2016, 
contributed positively to profit before tax and 
exceptional items by around £27 million.

Overall, we believe we are well placed to deal with the 
industry challenges, including those related to Brexit, 
and remain focused on our strategic priorities 
alongside strong cost discipline.

Based on these strong results, the Board is 
recommending a final dividend of 79 pence per share 
(2016: 64.0 pence), bringing the total dividend for the 
year to 113 pence, an increase of 22% from 2016. 

The following commentary provides a more detailed 
review of our financial results.

Richard Keers
Chief Financial Officer

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

21

Strategic reportBusiness and financial review continued

Assets under management and 
administration (AUMA) 
The Group’s AUMA increased to a record level of 
£447.0 billion in 2017 (2016: £395.3 billion). AUMA 
comprises assets managed or advised on behalf of 
clients (AUM) of £435.7 billion (2016: £386.0 billion) and 
assets where Schroders solely provides administrative 
support through the Benchmark Capital business (AUA) 
of £11.3 billion (2016: £9.3 billion).

Asset Management AUM was up 13% to £389.8 billion 
(2016: £346.4 billion). The increase was driven by the 
positive investment returns we achieved on behalf of 
clients of £29.8 billion, strategic acquisitions of 
£6.0 billion and net new business from our clients of 
£7.6 billion.

In the Intermediary sales channel, we generated net 
new business of £3.4 billion. Our branded fund ranges 
benefited from improved retail investor sentiment 
throughout 2017 and generated positive net new 
business of £7.6 billion. We generated positive net sales 
across all asset classes, with demand led by fixed 
income and equity products. 

In contrast, there were net outflows of £4.2 billion from 
third party funds that are sub-advised by Schroders, 
which are also reported within the Intermediary sales 
channel. These outflows reflected the loss of a large 
sub-advisory mandate in the first half of the year as a 
client in North America chose to internalise its asset 
management activity. We generated positive net 
inflows in sub-advised mandates in all other regions 
and, excluding this mandate, in North America.

Net new business from institutional clients was 
relatively robust as we generated net inflows of 
£4.2 billion. Net inflows in the UK, North America and 
Asia Pacific more than offset a small number of 
individual client redemptions in continental Europe.

North America is a key region of strategic growth for 
the Group. Despite the loss of the sub-advised 
mandate, we have continued to build scale in the 
region in 2017. In late 2016, we entered into a strategic 
relationship with Hartford Funds to manage and 
distribute a ‘Hartford Schroders’ branded fund range to 
clients introduced through the Intermediary sales 
channel in the US. The progress of this relationship is 
encouraging with £1.6 billion of net new money 
invested into this fund range in 2017. Total AUM in the 
Hartford Schroders range was £4.6 billion at 
31 December 2017.

We also generated a further £2.5 billion of net 
investment from institutional clients in the region, 
primarily into equity and multi-asset mandates.

Assets managed on behalf of clients based in North 
America totalled £53.6 billion at 31 December 2017, 
which represented 12% of the Group’s total AUM.

North America is a key region for strategic growth  
and we have continued to build scale there during 2017

In Asia Pacific, we generated net investment from 
clients of £0.9 billion. Redemptions from institutional 
clients in Australia were offset by positive net new 
business from clients in the strategically important 
countries of Japan and mainland China, which together 
generated net inflows of £3.3 billion.

At an asset class level, we continued to see demand for 
fixed income products from both our institutional 
clients and clients introduced through our Intermediary 
sales channel, with combined net inflows of £3.5 billion 
in 2017. Investments into fixed income products now 
represent 18% of our total AUM. Elsewhere, there was 
a greater demand for risk products from clients, with 
£3.1 billion of inflows into equity products from the 
Intermediary sales channel, partially offset by outflows 
from institutional clients in Australia. Demand from 
institutional clients for multi-asset strategies continued, 
with net inflows of £4.6 billion.

£bn

1 January 2017

Gross inflows

Gross outflows

Net flows

Acquisitions

Investment returns**

31 December 2017

Institutional

Intermediary

Asset
Management

Wealth
Management

AUM

226.3

38.4

(34.2)

4.2

6.0

19.3

255.8

120.1

56.7

(53.3)

3.4

-

10.5

134.0

346.4

95.1

(87.5)

7.6

6.0

29.8

389.8

39.6

8.2

(6.2)

2.0

2.5

1.8

45.9

Total

386.0

103.3

(93.7)

9.6

8.5

31.6

435.7

AUA*

9.3

AUMA

395.3

11.3

447.0

* Assets under administration has been restated to exclude assets from which we only derive transactional non-recurring revenues.
** Currency movements decreased assets under management by around £12 billion.

22

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

The acquisition of Adveq in July 2017 added a wide 
variety of private equity investment skills, including 
venture capital, growth capital, buyout, and 
turnarounds through primary or secondary listings. 
Adveq was established over 20 years ago and has a 
successful track record of growth, servicing institutional 
clients in Europe, North America and Asia Pacific. 

Following the acquisition of Adveq we have now 
separately reported the Group’s Private Assets and 
Alternatives AUM, which includes investment 
capabilities in real estate, infrastructure debt, 
insurance-linked securities, securitised credit, hedge 
funds and direct lending as well as the rebranded 
Schroder Adveq private equity business. The Private 
Assets and Alternatives business generated £2.5 billion 
of net inflows in 2017 in addition to the £6.0 billion of 
investment commitments acquired with Schroder 
Adveq. Private Assets and Alternatives represented 8% 
of the Group’s total AUM with £33.3 billion of AUM at 
the end of 2017. 

Wealth Management generated £2.0 billion of net new 
business from clients, with a further £2.5 billion of 
assets added through the acquisition of the wealth 
management business of C. Hoare & Co.

Client investment performance
Our ability to generate positive investment outcomes 
for clients is central to our success as an active 
investment manager. Investment performance over a 
three year period (our KPI) continued to be strong in 
2017, with 74% of assets outperforming their stated 
comparator (2016: 74%). Five year investment 
outperformance was 84% (2016: 85%) and  
the one year figure was 70% (2016: 75%).

Client investment performance is calculated internally 
by Schroders to give shareholders and financial 
analysts general guidance on how our AUM is 
performing. The data is aggregated and is intended to 
provide information for comparison to prior reporting 
periods only. It is not intended for clients or potential 
clients investing in our products. Calculations for 
investment performance are made gross of fees with 
the exception of those for which the stated comparator 
is a net of fees competitor ranking.

When a product’s investment performance is discussed 
or shared with a client or potential client it is specific to 
the strategy or product. For clients introduced through 
our Intermediary sales channel, performance will be 
shown net of fees at the relevant fund share-class level, 
whilst for institutional clients it will typically be shown 
gross of fees with a fee schedule for the strategy 
supplied. We actively monitor the performance of 
our individual products against their stated objectives. 
Further information about the calculation of 
investment performance is provided in the glossary 
on page 168.

The Group’s financial performance
Net income before exceptional items was up 15% to 
£2,068.9 million (2016: £1,793.1 million), mainly as a 
result of increased net operating revenue of 
£2,010.2 million (2016: £1,712.8 million). Net operating 
revenue represents core operating revenues earned on 
the assets managed by Schroders, net of cost of sales.

The increase in net operating revenue was driven 
by higher average AUM, which was up 19%. The effect 
of higher AUM was partially offset by an expected 
reduction to net operating revenue margins, which 
decreased from 48 basis points to 47 basis points, 
excluding performance fees. Continued strong 
investment performance for our clients resulted in 
performance fees of £78.4 million (2016: £41.2 million). 

Assets under management (£435.7bn)

See more analysis on our assets under management on page 5.

Institutional (£255.8bn)

Intermediary (£134.0bn)

Wealth Management clients
by portfolio size (£45.9bn)

UK
Asia Pacific
Europe, Middle East and Africa
Americas

38%
26%
17%
19%

UK
Asia Pacific
Europe, Middle East and Africa
Americas

26%
27%
37%
10%

<£1m
£1m – £5m
£5m – £10m
£10m – £25m
£25m – £50m
£50m – £100m
£100m – £250m
>£250m

14%
18%
10%
16%
12%
9%
7%
14%

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

23

Strategic reportBusiness and financial review continued

Net gains on financial instruments and other income 
before exceptional items decreased by £23.6 million 
to £35.2 million (2016: £58.8 million), mainly as a result 
of certain one-off gains which arose in 2016. We also 
earn other income which includes fees we earn on AUA 
and other income within Benchmark Capital. 

In addition, we have a number of joint ventures and 
associate interests across the world, including with 
Bank of Communications in China and with Axis Bank 
in India. These continued to perform well with our 
share of profits before exceptional items rising to 
£23.5 million (2016: £21.5 million).

The Group’s operating expenses excluding exceptional 
items were £1,268.6 million (2016: £1,148.4 million). 
This represents a ratio of total costs to net income of 
61% which is below our long-term KPI target of 65% 
and three percentage points better than 2016.

Compensation costs are the largest component of our 
cost base, making up around 70% of total operating 
expenses. Excluding exceptional items, compensation 
costs increased to £881.3 million (2016: £791.6 million). 
Compensation costs are managed with reference to 
a total compensation ratio which decreased to 43% 
(2016: 44%) despite an increase in headcount.

This year we have made changes to our remuneration 
approach for employees deemed to be material risk 
takers under the UCITS or AIFM Directives (UCITS / AIF 
MRTs). We have increased bonus deferral levels for 
these employees, to create further alignment with 
clients and shareholders and to meet the requirements 
of those regulations. This has resulted in an increase 
in the proportion of variable remuneration that is 
deferred. Under accounting rules, the cost of 
employees’ deferred remuneration is charged over the 
period in which the remuneration becomes payable. 
This increase in the proportion of remuneration 
deferred has resulted in a reduction of around one 
percentage point in our total compensation ratio for 
2017. This is an accounting benefit and will largely 
unwind over the next two years. Further information 
on our remuneration approach for UCITS / AIF MRTs 
can be found in the Remuneration report on page 62.

24

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Non-compensation costs excluding exceptional items 
increased to £387.3 million (2016: £356.8 million). This 
increase was mainly due to weaker sterling in the first 
half of 2017 compared with the same period in 2016, 
with a proportion of our cost base incurred in 
non-sterling denominations. This has added around 
£10 million of costs. In addition, business acquisitions 
have increased our costs by around £10 million in 2017. 
We have also incurred costs in respect of regulatory 
requirements and investment into other 
strategic priorities.

Pre-exceptional profit before tax was £800.3 million 
(2016: £644.7 million), a 24% increase on the previous 
year. Basic earnings per share before exceptional items 
rose 22% to 226.9 pence (2016: 186.3 pence). After 
exceptional items, the profit before tax was 
£760.2 million (2016: £618.1 million) and basic earnings 
per share was 215.3 pence (2016: 178.3 pence).

The effective tax rate before exceptional items 
increased from 20.5% to 21.4% and after exceptional 
items increased from 20.7% to 21.8%. The increase 
has arisen mainly as a result of the reduction in the 
expected future benefit from deferred tax assets, 
following the decision to decrease the rate of US 
corporation tax effective from 1 January 2018.

Asset Management
Asset Management net operating revenue increased 
17% to £1,743.3 million (2016: £1,489.5 million), 
including performance fees of £77.5 million 
(2016: £38.8 million).

Excluding performance fees, the net operating revenue 
margin on average AUM was 45 basis points (2016: 46 
basis points). This decline was broadly in line with our 
expectations and was mainly due to changes in 
business mix, together with some external 
fee pressures.

In the Institutional sales channel, the net operating 
revenue margin before performance fees remained 
unchanged from 2016 at 32 basis points, with growth 
in higher margin private assets and alternatives and 
positive investment returns offsetting outflows from 
equity strategies. There were £57.6 million of 
performance fees (2016: £27.2 million).

The net operating revenue margin for the Intermediary 
sales channel, before performance fees, declined by 
one basis point to 72 basis points in 2017. The 
combined impact of the loss of a low margin 
sub-advised mandate, inflows into equity funds and 
investment returns in higher margin products partially 
offset structural changes to fee rates in the UK and 
Luxembourg. We generated £19.9 million of 
performance fees (2016: £11.6 million).

Total Asset Management net income increased by 15% 
to £1,757.9 million (2016: £1,534.4 million), including 
£20.8 million of income from our share of profits from 
joint ventures and associates (2016: £16.7 million).

Operating expenses before exceptional items within 
the Asset Management segment increased to 
£1,052.0 million (2016: £962.0 million) as we continued 
to grow the business. Headcount increased to just 
under 3,700, mainly as a result of investment in 
strategic growth opportunities including the acquisition 
of Adveq. Non-compensation costs increased in line 
with business growth and as we continued to make 
strategic acquisitions and investments in technology 
and infrastructure to support the future growth 
of the Group.

Profit before tax and exceptional items rose 23% 
to £705.9 million (2016: £572.4 million). There were 
exceptional items of £17.2 million, principally related 
to the amortisation of acquired intangible assets and 
costs incurred as part of the acquisition of Adveq. After 
exceptional items profit before tax increased by 24% to 
£688.7 million (2016: £553.9 million).

Wealth Management
Wealth Management net income increased by 22% 
to £273.3 million (2016: £224.0 million) mainly driven 
by net operating revenue which was up 20% to 
£266.9 million (2016: £223.3 million).

Net operating revenue within Wealth Management 
comprises management fees, performance fees, 
transaction fees and net banking interest income. 
Management fees increased by £42.3 million to 
£203.8 million, driven by an increase in the average 
AUM on which fees are earned of 27%. There were 
performance fees of £0.9 million (2016: £2.4 million). 
Transaction fees also increased to £40.8 million 
(2016: £38.8 million) and net banking interest rose 
to £21.4 million (2016: £20.6 million). The increase in 
average AUM included the full year impact of the 
acquisition of Benchmark Capital in December 2016 
and the acquisition of the wealth management 
business of C. Hoare & Co. in February 2017.

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

25

Strategic reportBusiness and financial review continued

Net operating revenue margins declined from 65 basis 
points in 2016 to 61 basis points in 2017. This was 
largely due to the acquisition of Benchmark Capital, 
which has brought in business at a lower average fee 
margin than our previous Wealth Management assets 
under management. 

AUA within the Benchmark Capital business 
contributed £6.0 million to other income (2016: nil).

Operating expenses, before exceptional items, 
increased by £25.4 million to £183.0 million 
(2016: £157.6 million). This increase was mainly driven 
by a full year of costs relating to the Benchmark Capital 
business. Compensation costs were also up as we grew 
the business resulting in additional headcount, 
including those acquired with the discretionary wealth 
management business of C. Hoare & Co. 

Profit before tax and exceptional items increased 36% 
to £90.3 million (2016: £66.4 million). Exceptional items 
within Wealth Management comprise mainly 
amortisation of acquired intangible assets and other 
costs incurred in relation to acquisitions. After 
exceptional items, profit before tax grew by 20% to 
£67.4 million (2016: £56.3 million).

Group segment
The Group segment comprises central management 
costs, returns on investment capital, including income 
from financial instruments and our associate interest in 
RWC Partners, together with net returns from seed 
capital investments after hedging and co-investments 
into Schroder Adveq fund ranges.

Net income for the Group segment was £37.7 million 
(2016: £34.7 million). Costs in the Group segment 
increased by £4.8 million to £33.6 million 
(2016: £28.8 million). Profit before tax was £4.1 million 
(2016: £5.9 million) and there were no exceptional 
items in the Group segment (2016: credit of 
£2.0 million).

Financial strength and liquidity
The Group’s net assets increased by £318.2 million 
during 2017 to £3,471.0 million. We generated total 
comprehensive income of £580.4 million 
(2016: £594.4 million) and distributed £267.6 million to 
shareholders in the form of the 2016 final and the 2017 
interim dividends (2016: £236.6 million).

The Group’s total assets and liquidity are impacted 
by the different forms of business that we conduct. 
Certain assets managed on behalf of investors are 
recognised in the Consolidated statement of financial 
position, whilst others are not. The table below sets out 
how these assets are broken down between on-balance 
sheet assets and others that form part of our 
total AUMA.

Within Asset Management, assets that are managed 
for clients are not generally owned by the Group and 
are not recorded in the Group’s Consolidated 
statement of financial position. Certain clients invest 
through life insurance policies that are managed by the 
Life Company. The assets backing these policies are 
owned by the Life Company and are included in the 
Consolidated statement of financial position along with 
a matching policyholder liability.

Wealth Management provides investment 
management, advisory and banking services. Certain 
Wealth Management subsidiaries provide banking 
services. These entities are legally responsible for the 
banking assets and liabilities and the relevant AUM is 
therefore included in the consolidated statement of 
financial position. These assets are managed to earn 
a net interest margin within the Wealth Management 
segment with consideration of the liquidity demands 
that may arise from investors. These assets are not 
made available for general corporate purposes.

Life Company

Other Asset Management

Total Asset Management

Wealth Management

Total AUMA

Investment capital

Seed and co-investment capital

Other assets

Total Group assets excluding clients’ investments

Total Group assets

Statement of 
financial position 
£bn

Not recorded in 
the Statement of 
financial position 
£bn

–

375.8

375.8

53.5

429.3

14.0

–

14.0

3.7

17.7

0.8

0.4

3.6

4.8

22.5

Total 
£bn

14.0

375.8

389.8

57.2

447.0

26

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Dividends
It is our policy to increase dividends progressively in 
line with the trend in profitability, having regard to 
overall Group strategy, capital requirements, liquidity 
and profitability. This approach will enable the Group to 
maintain sufficient surplus capital to take advantage 
of future investment opportunities while providing 
financial security to withstand possible risk scenarios 
and periods of economic downturn. We intend to 
maintain a dividend payout ratio of approximately 50%, 
determined as the total dividend per share in respect of 
the year, divided by the Group’s pre-exceptional basic 
earnings per share.

It is our policy to increase dividends progressively 
in line with the trend in profitability

Circumstances that could adversely impact the Group’s 
ability to pay dividends in line with the policy include a 
combination of significantly increased costs and a 
prolonged deterioration in markets or performance 
leading to reduced revenues and a consequential 
increase in the ratio of costs to net income. 

The distributable profits of Schroders plc are 
£2.7 billion (2016: £2.5 billion) and include retained 
profits of £2.8 billion (2016: £2.6 billion). The Group’s 
ability to pay dividends is however restricted by the 
need to hold regulatory capital and to maintain 
sufficient operating capital to support its ongoing 
business activities. Operating capital requirements 
include co-investments with clients and investing seed 
capital in our funds to support new 
investment strategies.

The Board is recommending a final dividend of 
79 pence per share, bringing the total dividend for the 
year to 113 pence per share, an increase of 22% from 
2016. This represents a payout ratio of 50%. After 
deducting the regulatory capital requirement and 
regulatory capital buffer, there continues to be 
sufficient capital to maintain our current dividend level 
for at least three years before taking account of any 
future profits.

Reflecting these structures, the Group’s total assets 
increased by £1.5 billion to £22.5 billion at 
31 December 2017. Excluding those assets that form 
part of AUM, the Group’s total assets increased to 
£4.8 billion (2016: £4.2 billion). This comprises 
investment capital, seed and co-investment capital, 
and other assets.

Investment capital represents surplus assets held in 
excess of operating requirements. It is managed in 
accordance with limits set by the Board with the aim 
of making a low volatility return. The Group Capital 
Committee is responsible for monitoring the 
investment capital portfolio with consideration of 
potential capital and liquidity demands, including 
dividend distributions.

Investment capital is mainly comprised of investment 
grade corporate bonds, government and government-
guaranteed bonds and our funds. 

Investment capital reduced by £216 million to 
£843 million (2016: £1,059 million). This reduction was 
largely due to acquisitions which more than offset 
investment gains during the year. In addition, capital 
released from the operating businesses was more than 
offset by dividends paid in the year as operating capital 
was retained to develop our property estate and the 
front office technology platforms.

Seed and co-investment capital are represented by 
certain assets that are deployed to develop new 
investment strategies or co-invest selectively alongside 
our clients. These assets increased from £325 million at 
31 December 2016 to £392 million at the end of 2017. 

Other assets increased by £766 million to £3,581 million 
(2016: £2,815 million). These comprise assets that 
support the ongoing operating activities of the Group 
with acquisition related balances.

In 2017 acquisitions, principally comprising Adveq and 
the wealth management business of C. Hoare & Co., 
increased goodwill and intangible assets by 
£212.7 million. We have invested in our property estate 
both in London and other areas and this increased 
those assets by £100.4 million before depreciation. We 
are investing in technology to support our strategic 
priorities, particularly the front office technology 
platforms, which increased software assets by 
£63.7 million before amortisation. Finally, we work 
closely with the UK defined benefit pension scheme 
trustees, who use our asset management capabilities 
to manage the plan assets of the scheme. During 2017, 
the surplus on an accounting basis increased by 
£44.7 million to £162.9 million.

The Group’s liquidity and regulatory capital position 
remains strong and further information on this is set 
out in note 19 of the financial statements.

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

27

Strategic reportOur people

An employer of choice

We are proud of our reputation as an employer of choice. We encourage an open, 
collaborative and meritocratic working environment in which everyone has the 
opportunity to fulfil their potential. We engage employees over the long term by 
providing challenging work and supporting development opportunities. 

Our people strategy is aimed at developing an agile 
workforce as we continue to attract, retain, develop 
and motivate the right people for our current and 
future business needs. We encourage diversity and an 
inclusive workplace to create a positive environment 
for our people. 

Our approach to business is defined in our guiding 
principles, which we share with all employees, and 
includes our values of excellence, innovation, 
teamwork, passion and integrity. Our values are a key 
part of the Schroders culture – they define the high 
standards of behaviour that we expect from our people 
and are embedded in our appraisal process.

Diversity of thought
Talented people who can understand and embrace 
different perspectives are crucial to our continued 
success. This means attracting, retaining and 
developing a diverse team regardless of age, gender, 
sexual orientation, disability, religious beliefs or other 
characteristics. Our Group Chief Executive is committed 
to ensuring we foster an inclusive culture of diversity 
across our global workforce.

As we look to expand our diverse talent pool, we have 
taken a number of key measures, including:

 – Ensuring that our entry level assessment centres 

are gender balanced; 

 – Providing training to managers on diversity issues 

and unconscious bias;

 – Providing internal and external mentoring 
programmes to encourage diversity; and

 – Offering maternity and paternity coaching, shared 
parental leave and flexible working policies to help 
support employees with children.

A series of employee resource groups have been 
established, which are an important part of our 
approach to diversity and inclusion. They include 
gender and sexual orientation, disability, mental 
health, carer and multi-cultural groups that are a key 
feature of our identity as an inclusive place to work. 

We are committed to providing equal employment 
opportunities and combating discrimination. Where 
possible, we monitor the ethnicity, age and gender 
composition of our workforce and those applying 
for jobs.

We were amongst the first signatories to the 2016 
Women in Finance Charter. We achieved our initial 
target of 30% women within senior management 
during the first quarter of 2017, though at year end the 
figure had fallen back to 29% as a result of minor 
restructurings within the firm. We are now targeting 
33% by the end of 2019. More information on female 
representation and our gender pay gap can be found 
on page 78.

In line with our equal opportunities policy, we give fair 
consideration to all employment applications, including 
from disabled people, considering particular aptitudes 
and abilities. If employees become disabled, 
employment continues wherever possible, with 
retraining given if necessary. For the purposes 
of training, career development and progression, 
all employees are treated equally as part of our 
commitment to making Schroders an inclusive place to 
work. More on our approach to diversity and inclusion 
can be found at schroders.com/inclusion.

We are proud to be an accredited London Living Wage 
employer. All of our London-based employees, 
including contractors, are paid above the London 
Living Wage.

Gender diversity
2017 (2016)

Directors of Schroders plc

Senior managers1

Subsidiary directors2

Female

3 (2)

Male

8 (7)

238 (220)

580 (541)

9 (8)

37 (34)

Total senior management

247 (228)

617 (575)

All employees

1,876 (1,634) 2,743 (2,386)

1.  Senior managers excludes the executive Directors of 
Schroders plc and includes some individuals who are 
also subsidiary directors.

2.  Subsidiary directors comprises directors of subsidiaries who 
are not classified above as senior managers or Directors.

Board policy on diversity
The Board recognises the importance of diversity and that it is a wider issue than gender. We believe 
that members of the Board should collectively possess a diverse range of skills, expertise, industry 
knowledge, business and other experience necessary for the effective oversight of the Group. 
The Nominations Committee considers diversity as one of many factors when recommending new 
appointments to the Board. Whilst we currently have three female Directors representing 27% of the 
Board, the Board aims to have a minimum of 33% of Board positions held by women by 2020. We also 
endeavour to only use the services of executive search firms who have signed up to the Voluntary 
Code of Conduct on Gender Diversity.

28

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Employee wellbeing
We have a multi-generational workforce and it is vital 
that our people are provided with the support and 
opportunities they need to optimise their health 
and wellbeing.

As well as being members of several thought-
leadership networks, we provide a comprehensive 
calendar of wellbeing events for our people across 
five key areas: mind, workplace, body, financial and 
work-life balance. There is also extensive resilience and 
mental health training embedded within our learning 
and development programmes.

Engaged and highly motivated employees
During 2017 we carried out a firm-wide Employee 
Opinion Survey. The results demonstrate that our 
employees are engaged with their roles, understand 
our values and believe that we behave responsibly 
towards our clients. 

We have continued to invest in our corporate 
communications during 2017, as we recognise that 
good communication is key to delivering high levels 
of engagement. It helps employees to understand 
and deliver our strategic objectives. We communicate 
regularly through a variety of channels, including 
management briefings, videos, an internal magazine 
and a social intranet. Annual ‘Inside Schroders Live’ 
meetings are held with the Group Chief Executive to 
discuss the progress made by the business and future 
objectives and challenges. Similar events are held 
across our offices globally.

Employees by
length of service

< 4 years
4 years to < 6 years
6 years to < 10 years
≥ 10 years

45%
12%
22%
21%

Employee opinion 
survey 2017

90%

of employees 
recommend Schroders 
as a good place to work

94%

of employees are 
proud to be associated 
with Schroders

93%

believe Schroders 
behaves responsibly 
towards our clients

High ethical standards
We promote high ethical standards and have a strong 
culture of doing the right thing for our clients, our 
employees, our shareholders and other stakeholders. 
If an employee does have any ethical concerns, we 
have a whistleblowing policy, through which they can 
raise them. A widely publicised 24-hour hotline is 
available for employees to report any concerns 
anonymously. Personal securities trading by employees 
is subject to clearly defined internal policies.

Employees are not permitted to solicit or accept any 
inducements that are likely to conflict with their duties. 
We have policies in place and train employees on 
identifying potential tax evasion, gifts and 
entertainment, anti-money laundering, awareness of 
terrorist financing, anti-bribery, market integrity and 
data protection. Due diligence is undertaken before 
entering any material new client relationship and this 
is enhanced for higher risk countries, entities 
or individuals.

Retaining our talented people
We have a highly engaged, experienced and stable 
workforce, with 43% of employees having been with 
the firm for six years or more. Overall turnover in 2017 
was 9% (2016: 9%). We focus on retaining our most 
talented employees and our retention of high 
performing employees remains high at 94% 
(2016: 95%).

Over 23% of roles across the Group were filled with 
internally developed talent (31% in the UK), as we 
provide our employees with the opportunities and 
experience they need to achieve their full potential. 
We invest heavily in developing their knowledge, skills 
and capabilities. Employees have access to a range 
of learning and development programmes in order 
to maintain and increase technical competence in their 
roles and align behaviours with our values.

As part of the Investment 2020 programme, 
Schroders provides opportunities for school leavers 
and graduates across the business. More than half of 
our 2016 trainees progressed to full time roles and the 
majority of those that did not stay at Schroders went 
on to attend university. In 2017 we also introduced our 
inaugural apprenticeship programme, which provides 
permanent roles for school leavers, with 
tailored training.

Competitive remuneration that reflects the 
performance of each employee and of the firm 
is important in retaining our people. Our approach 
is explained in the Remuneration report on pages 62 
to 90.

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

29

Strategic reportOur impact on society

Committed to shaping 
future prosperity

Although our overall purpose is to help our clients build future prosperity, we also 
recognise the responsibility we have to wider society and other key stakeholders. 
We have always believed that demanding high levels of corporate responsibility (CR) 
is the right thing to do for a principle-led business such as Schroders.

More details on how we have engaged with our stakeholders can be found on page 53.

As an asset management firm with relatively simple 
supply chains, predominantly comprising business and 
professional services organisations, we believe that 
there is low risk of slavery or human trafficking taking 
place within our supply chain. Nevertheless, we use a 
combination of supplier due diligence, employment 
policies and employee training to support this. More 
information can be found in our Slavery and Human 
Trafficking Statement at schroders.com/slavery.

Charitable giving
We are proud to support the communities in which 
we operate and actively encourage our employees 
to do the same. We have a long history of positively 
contributing to local communities through donations 
and employee time. In 2017 we donated £2.0 million to 
charitable causes around the world (2016: £1.5 million), 
£783,000 of which was outside the UK (2016: £464,000). 
Our emphasis remains on supporting our employees 
through Give As You Earn payroll giving and in the UK 
29% of our employees donated to charitable causes in 
this way (2016: 29%). We also offer fundraising 
matching to support employee fundraising efforts.

In addition to financial donations, we have provided 
gifts in kind, organised frequent charitable collections 
and encouraged our employees to share their 
knowledge, skills and capabilities with charitable 
organisations through volunteering. To support our 
employees giving back to communities, we offer time 
matching for volunteering hours completed outside of 
working hours, and up to 15 hours of volunteering 
leave a year. Last year employees globally volunteered 
over 1,000 working hours.

Our clients
Social and environmental change is happening faster 
than ever. The challenges posed by climate change, 
inequality and demographics are sizeable. 

For fund managers navigating this backdrop, 
consistently delivering positive investment outcomes 
can be challenging. We believe that taking a 
sustainable approach is key to managing this 
challenge. We focus on identifying well-managed 
businesses, understanding the risks and opportunities 
of environmental and social change, and actively 
engaging to improve company behaviours 
and governance.

We view CR as the management of all of the 
environmental, social, governance (ESG), economic and 
ethical issues that make up our relationships with 
stakeholders and society. The development of our CR 
strategy has continued throughout this year, 
reinforcing our commitment to act responsibly and 
contribute to society.

Following a review of the United Nations’ (UN) 2030 
Agenda, we are supportive of the aims of the 17 
Sustainable Development Goals which represent a 
comprehensive agenda for addressing the world’s 
societal challenges. In 2017, our impact and 
commitment across a number of these areas has been 
demonstrated through work with our communities, 
our clients and the environment. Further information 
on our approach can be found in our Sustainability 
Annual Report at schroders.com/sustainability.

Our communities
Social mobility was a key theme for us in 2017. 
We achieved a top 50 ranking in the UK’s first Social 
Mobility Employer Index for our work supporting high 
achievers from non-privileged backgrounds. 
We partnered with the Social Mobility Foundation 
and disability charity Action For Kids to deliver three 
successful ‘Futures Days’. These provided insight into 
the asset management industry and world of work for 
high-achieving students from low income backgrounds 
and young adults with physical or learning disabilities. 
We also worked with both charities to launch internal 
work placement programmes across the business, and 
Action For Kids awarded Schroders an ‘Inclusive Gold 
Partner’ award at its annual recognition event.

Human rights
We aim for high standards of governance throughout 
the firm. We recognise the responsibility we have 
towards our stakeholders, including our employees 
and society as a whole, as well as the expectations 
of our clients and regulators. Our business model is 
intended to fully comply with applicable human rights 
legislation in the countries in which we operate.

Schroders is strongly opposed to slavery and human 
trafficking and will not knowingly support or conduct 
business with any organisation involved in such 
activities. Our business is undertaken predominantly 
in countries with a clear commitment in this area 
and the vast majority of our major suppliers are 
headquartered in low risk countries. As a responsible 
investor we have examined modern slavery risks across 
our holdings in high risk sectors.

30

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Some examples of fundraising and volunteering undertaken around the world in 2017:

UK
Our London offices joined forces with the 
wider asset management industry to support 
the 2017 CASCAID appeal, raising money for 
Cancer Research UK. After matching, we 
contributed over £200,000 of the total 
£2.4 million raised with a number of 
employee-led events, including a team abseil 
of Broadgate Tower in the City of London. 
Speaking about the initiative, Phil Middleton, 
Co-Head of UK Intermediary and CASCAID 
Ambassador, said: “It has been a fantastic 
initiative getting the whole industry together, 
clients and competitors alike.”

North America
Our US digital team organised a STEM 
(science, technology, engineering and 
mathematics) volunteer day at a lab built for 
children with special educational needs. 
The team spent a day working with children 
on new technology including 3D printers and 
robotic arms. Josh Draper, Developer, said: 
“Spending time volunteering in an area 
outside your normal routine enriches our lives 
beyond anything we can imagine. Using our 
volunteer days gives a real example of how 
employees can leverage this great benefit 
to help others.”

Asia Pacific
In partnership with Hondao Senior Citizen’s 
Welfare Foundation, employees in our Taipei 
office ran a series of free financial fraud 
education seminars for senior citizens. 
To make their sessions more engaging, 
the team partnered with a local opera group 
and produced their own performance to 
encourage audience participation. A Hondao 
employee said: “The senior citizens were so 
involved and enjoyed the experience – it really 
attracted their attention.”

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

31

Strategic reportOur impact on society continued

Our commitment to integrating ESG factors into our 
investment process began in 1998. We now have a 
team of 12 people working across asset classes and 
geographies. ESG factors are integrated in our core 
investment processes and we are launching new funds 
designed to meet client demand for a more sustainable 
investment approach.

Stewardship
In 2017 we engaged with companies more than 1,000 
times on ESG matters – an increase of over 100% from 
two years ago. We have addressed a wide range of 
issues ranging from cyber risk to responsible lending in 
auto finance. We voted at over 5,000 company 
AGMs around the world, and our votes against 
management have increased in recent years.

In 2017 we were ranked as the top European Asset 
Manager for Responsible Investment performance by 
ShareAction. We also received a UNPRI A+ ranking for 
strategy, governance, equity, credit, fixed income and 
sovereign fixed income and an A for real estate. 

We are also a founding signatory of the ‘Climate Action 
100+’ initiative, a five year collaborative engagement 
project to engage over 100 of the world’s largest 
corporate greenhouse gas emitters to improve 
governance on climate change, curb emissions and 
strengthen climate-related financial disclosures.

As well as our quarterly and annual reports, we 
regularly publish thematic research, and our voting 
records at schroders.com/sustainability.

Climate change
Climate change is a major investment risk and one to 
which we are devoting increasing resources. A solution 
will require co-operation across the stakeholder 
groups, including clients, companies and policymakers.

We are committed to reporting in accordance with the 
Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures 
recommendations and have also signed up to a Global 
Investor Statement on Climate Change. This group is 
committed to taking steps towards a low carbon and 
climate resilient investment approach.

In 2017 we wrote to 125 non-disclosing companies 
outlining the importance of transparency and 
disclosure of their exposure to climate risks and 
opportunities. We have also supported 50 climate 
related shareholder resolutions, including co-filing at 
Exxon to request improved disclosure on the impact of 
public climate change policy on the business. 

More information on our approach to climate change 
and related investment issues can be found at 
schroders.com/climatechange.

The environment
As part of our commitment to responsible 
consumption and production, we aim to minimise the 
impact that our own business has on the environment. 
We constantly review opportunities to minimise the 
environmental impact of our operations and to deliver 
continuous improvements in our environmental  
performance.

32

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

In 2015, we set renewable energy targets for the first 
time. We achieved our target of sourcing over 60% of 
our global electricity supply from renewable sources by 
the end of 2016. We have recently signed up to the 
Climate Group and CDP’s RE100 initiative, which brings 
together more than 100 businesses globally. As part of 
this commitment, we are aiming to increase our use of 
renewable energy to 75% by 2020 and 100% by 2025. 
By the end of 2017 we had reached a total of 70% 
renewable energy globally and we anticipate our 
membership of RE100 will help us towards our 
final goal.

We continue to participate in the Dow Jones 
Sustainability Index and the CDP climate change 
program and have demonstrated a continual reduction 
of our electricity consumption, achieving the Carbon 
Saver Gold standard for the last 10 years.

We use DEFRA’s conversion factors to calculate our 
CO2e emissions for all consumption apart from 
overseas electricity, for which we use the International 
Energy Agency’s conversion factors as recommended 
by DEFRA. Our data has been verified and further 
information is disclosed in our CDP submission. Our 
total carbon output in 2017 has reduced by 9.6%.

For the last three years, we have used the 
internationally accepted GHG Protocol Corporate 
Standard for reporting. 

We continue to prepare for the transition to our new 
UK headquarters at 1 London Wall Place, which 
provides opportunities for some notable improvements 
in energy and water usage and access to high quality 
green spaces.

CO2e emissions per employee (tonnes) 

2014

2015

2016

2017

4.9

5.5

4.4

3.4

Total CO2e emissions (tonnes) 

2014

2015

2016

2017

9,055

7,229

659

16,943

12,798

6,496

539

19,833

10,898

5,625

688

10,215

4,702

638

17,211

15,555

Scope 1: Natural gas, oil and company-owned vehicles

Scope 2: Electricity

Scope 3: Business travel

Our approach to tax
We aim to comply with both the spirit and letter of the 
law and are committed to conducting our tax affairs in 
an open and transparent way.

This means that we comply with our tax filing, 
reporting and payment obligations globally. We also 
seek to maintain good relationships with the tax 
authorities in the jurisdictions in which we operate. This 
may take the form of discussing key developments in 
our business and the potential impact of those 
developments on the amount of tax we pay.

From time to time, our views on the appropriate tax 
treatment in any given situation may differ from those 
of the tax authorities. Where this occurs, we work 
constructively and proactively to achieve an early 
resolution. We comply with the UK’s Code of Practice 
on Taxation for Banks and are treated as ‘low risk’ by 
HM Revenue & Customs.

We believe it is important that businesses behave 
responsibly and build trust within society regarding 
their role and contribution on tax. With this in mind, we 
support initiatives to improve international 
transparency on taxation matters, including the 
Organisation for Economic Co-operation and 
Development measures on country-by-country 
reporting and automatic exchange of information.

Our tax strategy, available at  
schroders.com/taxstrategy, sets out our approach to 
tax matters across the Group more generally. This 
strategy is reviewed and approved annually by the 
Audit and Risk Committee.

Taxes borne
Taxes borne include corporate income tax on the 
profits arising in each country, indirect taxes such as 
value added tax on our expenses and payroll taxes on 
our employees’ remuneration.

The total tax borne by the Group in 2017 was 
£250.4 million (2016: £225.3 million).

Taxes collected
Companies also have an important role in collecting 
and administering taxes on behalf of governments, 
where the cost of the tax is borne by others. This 
includes income tax and social security payments 
deducted from our employees’ remuneration and 
indirect taxes charged to our clients.

The total tax collected in 2017 was £238.4 million 
(2016: £228.8 million).

Total taxes borne and collected in 2017 were 
£488.8 million (2016: £454.1 million).

Further information on the taxes borne and collected 
can be found at schroders.com/taxtransparency.

Corporate awards

EuroHedge Absolute UCITS 
Awards – Management Firm 
of the Year

Funds Europe Awards – 
Digital Brand of the Year

Investment Week Marketing 
and Innovation Awards – 
Marketing Team of the Year

Investment Europe Fund 
Manager of the Year Awards 
– Group of the Year

Fitch Rating Investment 
Management Quality 
Rating: Excellent

Magic Circle Awards – Charity 
Investment Manager 
of the Year

Membership and awards

We received the Payroll 
Giving Quality Mark 
Platinum Award.

We have signed up to the 
RE100 initiative, committing 
to increase our use 
of renewable energy 
to 100% by 2025.

We signed the Women in 
Finance Charter in May 2016, 
a pledge for gender balance 
across financial services.

We are an accredited London 
Living Wage Employer.

We are a member of 
the City Mental Health 
Alliance (CMHA).

We are included in the 
FTSE4Good Index series.

We are a member 
of OUTstanding, the 
professional network for 
LGBT+ executives and future 
leaders and their allies.

We participate in the CDP’s 
climate change program.

We are a member 
of The Business 
Disability Forum.

We are a member 
of Working Families, 
the UK’s leading work-life 
balance organisation.

We are a signatory 
and association member 
of UN PRI.

We are included in the 
Dow Jones Sustainability 
Indices (DJSI).

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

33

Strategic reportKey risks and mitigations

Risk management culture focused 
on integrity and good conduct

Lines of defence
The first line of defence against undesirable outcomes 
is the business functions themselves and the line 
managers across Asset Management, Wealth 
Management and Infrastructure. Heads of each 
business area take the lead role with respect to 
identifying potential risks in their area and 
implementing and maintaining appropriate controls to 
manage these risks.

Line management is supplemented by the control and 
oversight functions, including Group Risk, Compliance 
Legal and Governance, Finance, Tax, and Human 
Resources, which constitute the second line of defence. 
The compliance monitoring programme reviews the 
effective operation of relevant key processes against 
regulatory requirements.

Group Internal Audit provides retrospective, 
independent assurance over the operation of controls 
and forms the third line of defence. The internal audit 
programme includes reviews of risk management 
processes and recommendations to improve the 
control environment, supplemented by external 
assurance from the Group’s auditors.

Lines of defence
Overview

External independent assurance

Three lines of defence

3rd line: Internal independent assurance

Group 
Risk
Committee

Group 
Management 
Committee

Audit 
and Risk 
Committee

2nd line: Control and oversight functions

1st line: Business operations and support

The Group is exposed to a variety of risks as a result of 
its business activities. Effective risk management is a 
core competence and we actively monitor the potential 
impact of current and emerging risks. The Group 
places significant focus on the integrity and good 
conduct of employees and the risk management 
framework is underpinned by a strong ethical culture 
with clear oversight responsibilities. This section 
explains how we control and manage the risks in our 
business. It outlines key risks, how we mitigate them 
and our assessment of their potential impact on our 
business in the context of the current environment.

Managing risk
The Board is accountable for risk and oversight of the 
risk management process. It considers the most 
significant risks facing the Group and also uses 
quantitative exposure measures, such as stress tests, 
where appropriate. Non-executive Director oversight of 
the risk management process with respect to 
standards of integrity, risk management and internal 
control is exercised through the Audit and Risk 
Committee, more details of which are on page 60.

It is the responsibility of all employees to uphold the 
control culture of Schroders. We embed risk 
management within all areas of the business. Members 
of the Group Management Committee (GMC) have risk 
management responsibility for their respective 
business areas and we expect individual behaviours to 
mirror the culture and core values of the Group.

The Group Chief Executive and the GMC, as the 
principal executive committee with responsibility for 
the monitoring and reporting of risk and controls, 
regularly review the key risks facing the Group.

The executive Director oversight of risk is delegated by 
the Group Chief Executive to the Chief Financial Officer. 
The Chief Financial Officer has responsibility for the risk 
and control framework of the Group and independent 
monitoring and reporting of risks and controls is 
supported by the Group Head of Risk.

The Chief Financial Officer chairs the Group Risk 
Committee (GRC) which meets ten times a year. The 
GRC supports the Chief Financial Officer and the GMC 
in discharging their risk management responsibilities. 
The committee is attended by the heads of the control 
functions (Group Risk, Compliance, Legal and Internal 
Audit) along with chief operating officers from across 
the business and senior managers from Distribution, 
Product and Wealth Management. Other GMC 
members regularly attend. The GRC reviews and 
monitors the adequacy and effectiveness of the 
Group’s risk management framework, including 
relevant policies and limits. It also reviews trends and 
current exposures to our key risks and considers issues 
as they arise. The GRC and the Wealth Management 
Audit and Risk Committee receive reports relating to 
the risk profile of Wealth Management.

34

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Schroders maintains comprehensive insurance cover 
with a broad range of policies covering a number 
of insurable events.

 – We performed ongoing monitoring of our risk 

appetite measures and metrics and enhanced these 
in certain areas, such as information security.

2017 developments
Management of our key risks has remained a priority 
throughout 2017. In particular, we have focused 
on further enhancing our operational risk framework 
and embedding conduct risk management in our 
business lines.

Specific initiatives were undertaken which cover a wide 
range of activities across the Group and are outlined 
below: 

 – We enhanced our skills and experience in the UK, US 
and Asia Pacific to ensure a smooth transition to our 
new front office technology platform which will 
provide a more comprehensive risk management 
capability.

 – As an integral part of the corporate investment 

process, we have worked alongside our business 
teams performing due diligence on inorganic 
opportunities to fully assess the risks.

 – We expanded our risk framework to consider our 
growing business activities in China, including our 
Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise.

Risk and control assessment process

 – Through our Information Security Risk Oversight 

Committee, we have developed risk appetite metrics 
to ensure we remain in a good position to manage 
cyber threats. We commissioned an external review 
of our security framework, including governance, 
capabilities and strategy, to ensure the inventory of 
planned enhancements remain appropriately 
prioritised.

 – We performed further work to consider model risk 
and to manage user developed tools. We have also 
developed an approach to assess the risks when 
we deploy robotics, as this is a key business 
initiative for us.

 – The Risk and Control Assessment (RCA) process 

continues to be a key part of our Risk Management 
Framework and is summarised in the diagram 
below. In 2017, we broadened the range of risks that 
are included and assessed within RCAs to provide a 
more comprehensive assessment. To support this 
activity we are upgrading our technology to manage 
RCAs, which will improve our aggregation, oversight 
and reporting.

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Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

35

Strategic report 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Key risks
Assessment of key risks
We have identified 21 key risks across Strategic, 
Business, Financial and Operational risk 
categories, as shown on the following page.

These risks have been assessed in light of the 
current environment, taking into consideration 
the views of subject matter experts and risk 
owners within the firm, market conditions, 
regulatory sentiment and changes within 
the business. Threats with uncertain impact, 
probability and timeframe could impact the 
Group. We continuously monitor internal and 
external environments to identify new and 
emerging risks. We then analyse each risk and, 
if needed, develop and apply mitigation and 
management plans.

The Group determines which key risks it 
considers to be heightened, for example those 
that are more costly if they materialise. We then 
undertake further work to actively manage 
these. When considering these risks, we also 
take account of the objectives of regulators 
to ensure market integrity, appropriate 
consumer protection and promotion of 
competition within the industry. The diagram 
on the following page shows the relative 
position of our risks and is an outcome 
of our assessments.

We remain vigilant in considering the impact 
of Brexit on our business model and have 
described this further at the end of this section. 

Key risks and mitigations continued

Viability statement
In accordance with the UK Corporate Governance Code, the Directors have carried 
out a robust assessment of the key risks facing the Group and expect Schroders 
plc will continue to be viable for at least the next five years.

Assessment of prospects
A five year period to December 2022 is in line with the Group’s strategic business 
planning and forecasting period. The Group’s strategic and financial planning process 
includes a detailed review of the business model and key planning assumptions. It is 
led by the Group Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer in conjunction with 
management teams, with the one year outlook most recently updated in February 
2018. Notwithstanding the five year viability horizon, the business plan addresses the 
longer term headwinds that the business currently expects to face, to ensure that the 
business model adapts to the changing environment. The business plan is based on 
the Group’s strategy which is summarised on page 14.

Key assumptions included AUMA growth from both markets and net new business; 
changes to net operating revenue margins due to changes in business mix, planned 
business activity and industry-wide margin pressures; and additional costs comprising 
the expected total compensation cost ratio and non-compensation costs including 
from the Group’s continued investment in technology, increased accommodation 
costs and costs driven by regulatory requirements.

Progress against financial budgets and key objectives are reviewed throughout the 
year by both the Directors and the GMC along with periodic reviews of the capital and 
dividend policy.

Assessment of viability
An assessment of the Group’s viability requires the Directors to consider the 
principal risks that could affect the Group, which are outlined on the following page. 
The Directors review the key risks regularly and consider the options available to the 
Group to mitigate these risks to ensure that the ongoing viability of the Group is 
sustained. Stress testing is performed on the Group’s business plan, based upon a 
number of the Group’s key risks crystallising over the assessment period. The stress 
scenarios are consistent with those used in the Group’s consolidated Internal Capital 
Adequacy Assessment Process and Internal Liquidity Adequacy Assessment Process.

The severe but plausible stress scenarios include the following factors which, where 
relevant, use assumptions more severe than the regulatory stress scenario 
established by the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA):

 – Outflows of our AUMA, or deterioration in the value of our AUMA, as a result of 

a market downturn, foreign exchange movements or poor investment 
performance;

 – a more severe decline in net operating revenue margins reducing projected 

revenues, together with an increase in the ratio of total costs to net income; and

 – the impact of a material operational risk event which could lead to reputational 

damage and outflows of our AUMA.

Having reviewed the results of the stress scenarios, the Directors have concluded 
that the Group would have sufficient capital and liquid resources in the above 
scenarios and that the Group’s ongoing viability would be sustained. In drawing 
this conclusion, the business model was able to adapt to the changes in capital and 
liquid resources. The stress scenario assumptions include maintaining the Group’s 
dividend policy but this and other commitments would be reassessed if the 
circumstances determined this to be necessary over the longer term. Furthermore, 
it is possible that the headwinds could be more severe or come sooner and have 
greater impact than we have determined plausible.

The Directors’ current, reasonable expectation is that Schroders plc will be able to 
continue in operation, meeting its liabilities as they fall due, over a viability horizon 
of at least five years. The Board’s five year viability and longer-term assessment 
is based upon information known today.

36

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Strategic risks
1   Changing investor requirements

2   Market returns

3   Fee attrition

Financial risks*
10   Market risk

11   Credit risk

12   Liquidity risk

4   Regulatory landscape change

13   Risk of insufficient capital

5   Business model disruption

Business risks
6   Reputational risk

7   Investment performance risk

8   Product risk

Operational risks
14   Conduct and regulatory risk

15   Legal risk

16   Tax risk

17   Process and change risk

9   Business concentration risk

18   Fraud risk

19   Technology and information security risk

20   People and employment practices risk

21   Third party service provider risk

Reporting on our 
material risks
The diagram below illustrates our 
key risks. The horizontal axis shows 
the impact of a key risk if it were 
to materialise and the vertical axis 
shows the likelihood of this 
occurring. The scales of each axis 
are set on a relative basis between 
each risk and are based on the 
residual risks.

The risks that we consider to have 
either a higher likelihood of 
impacting the organisation, or with 
a higher likelihood of occurring, are 
shown above the diagonal line. 
Details of these risks, and how we 
manage them, are described in the 
tables on the following pages.

A summary of other key risks is set 
out on pages 42 and 43.

* Financial risks are considered in note 19 of the financial statements.

Risk impact matrix

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g
H

i

i

m
u
d
e
M

w
o
L

3

2

4

17

1

16

5

21

14

19

7

6

15

18

20

11

10

8

9

Low

13

12

Medium

Impact

High

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

37

Strategic reportHow we manage risk

on our business.

best returns for our clients.

Key risks and mitigations continued

Key risks

The table below details our heightened key risks. 

Key risk

Description

Changing investor 
requirements

1

Market returns

2

Fee attrition

3

Growth in demand for investment solutions that are not currently offered by the Group. This may include index 
tracking strategies or certain products where Schroders does not currently offer the investment capability.

Our Product and Solutions function is distinct from Investment and Distribution, in order to focus on development of new product strategies, 

innovation, client engagement and managing our diverse product range.

Regulated clients derisking due to the impact of regulatory capital changes, where clients reallocate investments 
to capabilities that are not currently offered by the Group or at a lower margin.

We continue to focus on developing our investment capabilities, expanding into new investment types and specific areas of expertise, 

and commit seed capital to support product innovation for future growth.

Movement from defined benefit (DB) to defined contribution (DC) pension plans in a number of countries such as 
the UK, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.

We deliver our value proposition using an approach based on our strategic capabilities, focusing attention where we believe we are able to make 

a significant difference for our clients or where we have current or future capabilities.

Consolidation of local authority pensions in the UK, reducing the associated fee pool.

We adapt our business structure and cost base to manage the changing asset allocation requirements of our clients and the impact 

Our income is derived from the assets we manage. A considerable and sustained decline in markets is outside our 
control but may contribute to a significant fall in revenues. 

We have diversified income streams across a range of markets to mitigate a considerable fall in any one area. 

We strive to outperform our competitors with a view to attracting assets which may offset a decline or fall in any given market whilst pursuing 

A lower fee environment and the impact on our business model of margin attrition due to:

Our business is increasing its focus on solutions and other outcome-oriented strategies which diversifies our fee income.

 – Changes in investor demand, driven by derisking, or a focus on lower fee margin products;

We are also increasingly diversifying our product offering, representing our strategic capabilities, to address evolving investor needs, which 

 – Compressed investment returns leading to greater fee sensitivity;

 – Moves towards vertical integration (advice, platform and investment management services, which may lead 

to investor and IFA risk for participants) within the industry, increasing competition and pressure on fee revenue 
as active managers may be disintermediated;

 – Rising costs within the industry, driven by changing and increasing regulatory requirements and technological 

advancement which impact margins;

 – Industry pricing pressures from competitors, forcing fee cuts in order to remain competitive; and

 – Consolidation of preferred distributors or partners, increasing buying power.

supports overall profitability in the long term.

We have increased our access to private and other alternative investment assets and strategies through acquisitions and strategic relationships 

(e.g. infrastructure debt, securitised credit and private equity).

We made a strategic investment into Benchmark Capital which provides the opportunity to engage in business in different parts of the value 

chain in the UK.

Regulatory 
landscape change

4

Regulators have moved their focus from the prudential and misconduct issues affecting investment and retail 
banks, to other parts of the financial system, particularly asset managers. 

Regulatory and legal change is monitored by the Compliance, Legal and Public Policy teams and our Regulatory Change Committee. We engage 

with our regulators in relation to potential and planned changes in regulation.

There is an increased regulatory focus on transparency of objectives, pricing, fees and other indirect costs borne 
by end investors and clients. 

We are actively considering all implications that may arise from Brexit and are planning accordingly. We engage in debates when the 

opportunity arises. More information as to how we will be positioned with respect of our EU activities after Brexit is provided on page 42.

Business model 
disruption

5

The associated operating costs of compliance reduce net profits (e.g. MiFID II, PRIIPs, the potential introduction of 
minimum levels of fund liquidity and the outcomes of other regulatory reviews, such as the UK FCA’s Asset 
Management Market Study, the CMA’s market investigation into investment consultancy and fiduciary management 
services and the FCA’s market study of investment platforms).

The implications of Brexit, especially with respect to any changes to the ability to delegate activities outside the EU, 
remain uncertain, although a transitional period is now more likely.

Changes to intermediary commission and incentive structures and obligations are affecting intermediaries’ product 
selection processes. Regulation of distribution through digital channels and robo-advice may also change.

The rise of technology solutions from competitors that disrupt our value chain including competition from 
quantitative investment technologies that have the potential to assimilate more data and make investment 
decisions, and that may be perceived to realise alpha more efficiently than active managers.

Competitors are consolidating through merger and acquisition activities. They are increasing scale, broadening 
investment capabilities and expanding distribution channels resulting in stronger relative market positions.

Increased investment and asset allocation through robo-advice services, providing automated investment 
capabilities and potentially displacing active management.

Inability to meet demand for products and solution-based offerings due to our capabilities being inadequate relative 
to requirements.

Concentration of risks associated with consolidation of key counterparties that support our business operations 
where alternative providers are not easily identifiable or where there are significant transition challenges.

Our increasingly diverse product offering enables us to meet the changing needs of clients driven by evolving regulation.

We are driving increased efficiencies and insights through technology, including investment in data science to obtain investment insights from 

non-traditional data sources and upgrading our front office systems.

Digital initiatives are in progress to improve client experience, engagement and servicing through our web and mobile platforms, e.g. single 

web platforms and client behaviour analytics.

private assets and alternatives business offerings.

We are undertaking significant investment in our technology platform to support scalability, agility in product offerings, and our expanding 

We monitor the performance of our key counterparties on a regular basis, as well as establishing processes for regularly assessing alternatives.

38

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

1

2

3

4

5

The table below details our heightened key risks. 

Key risk

Description

How we manage risk

Changing investor 

requirements

Growth in demand for investment solutions that are not currently offered by the Group. This may include index 

tracking strategies or certain products where Schroders does not currently offer the investment capability.

Our Product and Solutions function is distinct from Investment and Distribution, in order to focus on development of new product strategies, 
innovation, client engagement and managing our diverse product range.

Regulated clients derisking due to the impact of regulatory capital changes, where clients reallocate investments 

to capabilities that are not currently offered by the Group or at a lower margin.

We continue to focus on developing our investment capabilities, expanding into new investment types and specific areas of expertise, 
and commit seed capital to support product innovation for future growth.

Movement from defined benefit (DB) to defined contribution (DC) pension plans in a number of countries such as 

the UK, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan.

We deliver our value proposition using an approach based on our strategic capabilities, focusing attention where we believe we are able to make 
a significant difference for our clients or where we have current or future capabilities.

Consolidation of local authority pensions in the UK, reducing the associated fee pool.

We adapt our business structure and cost base to manage the changing asset allocation requirements of our clients and the impact 
on our business.

Market returns

Our income is derived from the assets we manage. A considerable and sustained decline in markets is outside our 

We have diversified income streams across a range of markets to mitigate a considerable fall in any one area. 

We strive to outperform our competitors with a view to attracting assets which may offset a decline or fall in any given market whilst pursuing 
best returns for our clients.

control but may contribute to a significant fall in revenues. 

Fee attrition

A lower fee environment and the impact on our business model of margin attrition due to:

Our business is increasing its focus on solutions and other outcome-oriented strategies which diversifies our fee income.

 – Changes in investor demand, driven by derisking, or a focus on lower fee margin products;

 – Compressed investment returns leading to greater fee sensitivity;

 – Moves towards vertical integration (advice, platform and investment management services, which may lead 

to investor and IFA risk for participants) within the industry, increasing competition and pressure on fee revenue 

as active managers may be disintermediated;

 – Rising costs within the industry, driven by changing and increasing regulatory requirements and technological 

advancement which impact margins;

 – Industry pricing pressures from competitors, forcing fee cuts in order to remain competitive; and

 – Consolidation of preferred distributors or partners, increasing buying power.

We are also increasingly diversifying our product offering, representing our strategic capabilities, to address evolving investor needs, which 
supports overall profitability in the long term.

We have increased our access to private and other alternative investment assets and strategies through acquisitions and strategic relationships 
(e.g. infrastructure debt, securitised credit and private equity).

We made a strategic investment into Benchmark Capital which provides the opportunity to engage in business in different parts of the value 
chain in the UK.

Regulatory 

landscape change

Regulators have moved their focus from the prudential and misconduct issues affecting investment and retail 

banks, to other parts of the financial system, particularly asset managers. 

There is an increased regulatory focus on transparency of objectives, pricing, fees and other indirect costs borne 

by end investors and clients. 

Regulatory and legal change is monitored by the Compliance, Legal and Public Policy teams and our Regulatory Change Committee. We engage 
with our regulators in relation to potential and planned changes in regulation.

We are actively considering all implications that may arise from Brexit and are planning accordingly. We engage in debates when the 
opportunity arises. More information as to how we will be positioned with respect of our EU activities after Brexit is provided on page 42.

The associated operating costs of compliance reduce net profits (e.g. MiFID II, PRIIPs, the potential introduction of 

Our increasingly diverse product offering enables us to meet the changing needs of clients driven by evolving regulation.

minimum levels of fund liquidity and the outcomes of other regulatory reviews, such as the UK FCA’s Asset 

Management Market Study, the CMA’s market investigation into investment consultancy and fiduciary management 

services and the FCA’s market study of investment platforms).

The implications of Brexit, especially with respect to any changes to the ability to delegate activities outside the EU, 

remain uncertain, although a transitional period is now more likely.

Changes to intermediary commission and incentive structures and obligations are affecting intermediaries’ product 

selection processes. Regulation of distribution through digital channels and robo-advice may also change.

Business model 

disruption

The rise of technology solutions from competitors that disrupt our value chain including competition from 

quantitative investment technologies that have the potential to assimilate more data and make investment 

decisions, and that may be perceived to realise alpha more efficiently than active managers.

Competitors are consolidating through merger and acquisition activities. They are increasing scale, broadening 

investment capabilities and expanding distribution channels resulting in stronger relative market positions.

Increased investment and asset allocation through robo-advice services, providing automated investment 

capabilities and potentially displacing active management.

Inability to meet demand for products and solution-based offerings due to our capabilities being inadequate relative 

to requirements.

Concentration of risks associated with consolidation of key counterparties that support our business operations 

where alternative providers are not easily identifiable or where there are significant transition challenges.

We are driving increased efficiencies and insights through technology, including investment in data science to obtain investment insights from 
non-traditional data sources and upgrading our front office systems.

Digital initiatives are in progress to improve client experience, engagement and servicing through our web and mobile platforms, e.g. single 
web platforms and client behaviour analytics.

We are undertaking significant investment in our technology platform to support scalability, agility in product offerings, and our expanding 
private assets and alternatives business offerings.

We monitor the performance of our key counterparties on a regular basis, as well as establishing processes for regularly assessing alternatives.

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

39

Strategic reportKey risks and mitigations continued

Key risk

Description

How we manage risk

Reputational risk

The reputation of Schroders is of paramount importance and can be impacted by any of our key risks and by our 
relationships with clients, regulators and shareholders.

High standards of conduct and a principled approach to regulatory compliance are integral to our culture and values. We consider key 

reputational risks when initiating changes in strategy or our operating model.

6

Investment 
performance risk

7

Conduct and 
regulatory risk

14

This may arise from poor conduct or judgements or risk events due to weaknesses in systems or controls.

We have a number of controls and frameworks to address other risks that could affect our reputation including: financial crime, investment risk, 

Ineffective branding and marketing may impact our ability to grow our business.

Reputational risk may also arise from inappropriate client relationships or mandates which have adverse 
implications for the Group.

The management of investment performance risk is a core skill of the Group. This is the risk that portfolios will not 
meet their investment objectives or that there is a failure to deliver consistent and above-average performance.

The risk that clients move their assets elsewhere if we are unable to outperform competitors or our 
investment objectives.

and legal entity boards.

The risks of client detriment arising from inappropriate conduct, conflicts, management practice or behaviour, 
or failing to meet client needs, interests or expected outcomes.

The risk of money laundering, bribery or market abuse shortcomings on the part of fund investors, clients, suppliers 
or our employees.

The risk of fines, penalties, censure or other sanctions arising from failure to identify or meet regulatory requirements.

The risk that new regulations, or changes to existing interpretations of them, have a material effect on the Group’s 
operations, risk profile or cost base and are complex to implement and difficult to manage.

Tax risk

16

The Group and its managed funds are exposed to:

 – compliance and reporting risks, which include the submission of late or inaccurate tax returns;

 – transactional risks, which include actions being taken without appropriate consideration of the potential tax 

consequences; and

 – reputational risks, which cover the wider impact that our conduct in relation to our tax affairs can have on our 

relationships with our stakeholders.

Process and 
change risk

17

The risk of failure of significant business processes, such as mandate compliance, client suitability checks 
and asset pricing.

Poor execution of acquisitions or management of strategic relationships which fail to deliver intended benefits 
in terms of revenue or costs.

Fraud risk

18

Fraud could arise from either internal or external parties who attempt to defraud the firm or our clients 
by circumventing either our processes and controls or the controls operated by our third party providers 
(e.g. within our outsourced transfer agency activities).

Technology risk 
and information 
security

Technology and information security risk relates to the risk that:

Formal governance over information risks has been established across the three lines of defence through the Information Security Risk 

 – our technology systems and support are inadequate or fail to adapt to changing requirements;

 – our systems are penetrated by third parties; or

Oversight Committee. The Group holds insurance to cover cyber risks.

Policies and technical standards, including security awareness training, have been deployed across the Group.

19

 – our data is held insecurely.

Robust project management, assessment of business requirements and management of implementation risks are utilised.

Third party service 
provider risk

21

Third party service provider risk relates to the risk that suppliers may not meet their agreed service level terms.

The Audit and Risk Committee reviews all material outsourced relationships, focusing on significant aspects such as service quality and 

We have a number of outsourced supplier relationships as part of our business model, particularly in respect 
of information technology, fund administration, custody and transfer agency services.

risk management.

Policies are in place that govern our approach to appointing, managing and performing relevant due diligence of third party service providers 

including regular reviews of performance against agreed service levels. Minimum requirements are established for overseeing service provider 

risk and performance, and we perform risk assessments on service providers deemed critical to business operations. 

40

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

client take-on and product development.

We have rebranded to ensure our marketing remains relevant and effective and supports our strategic objectives and product offerings.

We have clearly defined investment processes designed to meet investment targets within stated risk parameters. The Group’s Investment 

Risk Framework provides review and challenge of investment risks, independent of our fund managers, across all asset classes. Investment 

monitoring is performed by fund managers and asset class heads on a regular basis, as well as by asset class risk committees, the GMC 

Recognising that products may not outperform all of the time, we offer clients a diversified product set. Key to investment performance 

is our ability to attract and retain talented people.

We promote a strong compliance culture and we promote good relationships with our regulators. Our Compliance function supports 

management in identifying our regulatory obligations and enabling these to be met through relevant training and procedures. 

Compliance with relevant regulatory requirements is monitored in accordance with a risk-based programme.

Our approach to encouraging appropriate conduct and minimising the risk of client detriment is set out in our conduct risk framework, 

and is built on our culture and values, supported by appropriate governance and reporting.

Risk-based client take-on and review processes are among our key controls to address the risks of money laundering. Financial crime oversight 

is provided by the Financial Crime Committee.

Regulatory and legal change is monitored by the Compliance, Legal and Public Policy teams and our Regulatory Change Committee. We engage 

with our regulators where appropriate in relation to potential and planned changes.

Our approach to managing tax risk is set out in our tax strategy. This is reviewed by the Audit and Risk Committee annually. It is supported 

by a tax governance framework, which aligns to the Group’s wider risk and control framework. Key risks and issues are escalated to the GRC and 

the Audit and Risk Committee.

The Tax function works with management and advisers to monitor the tax position of the Group. Local management, with oversight from our 

Tax function, is generally responsible for identifying and managing the tax position of our managed funds, with the assistance of third party 

service providers. Developments in taxation are monitored by the Tax function and local management. We engage with industry organisations 

and advisers to keep abreast of relevant tax changes.

Our key business processes have been identified and the risks assessed by first line of defence owners through the RCA process.

This process is used to determine the adequacy and effectiveness of key controls; with second line providing oversight and challenge. 

Associated controls are assessed with regard to their design and performance. Output from the RCA process is presented to the GRC.

As part of our due diligence process when we consider an acquisition or strategic partnership, we identify areas to be remediated after 

a transaction is completed. Subject matter experts will be involved throughout the transition.

Policies and procedures are in place to manage fraud risk. Controls in place to manage fraud risk are assessed as part of the RCA process. 

Attempted or any successful frauds are investigated by the Financial Crime team, with oversight from Group Risk.

The Financial Crime Committee provides oversight of the management of Fraud risk and is a sub-committee of the GRC.

This may arise from poor conduct or judgements or risk events due to weaknesses in systems or controls.

Ineffective branding and marketing may impact our ability to grow our business.

Reputational risk may also arise from inappropriate client relationships or mandates which have adverse 

implications for the Group.

Investment 

performance risk

The management of investment performance risk is a core skill of the Group. This is the risk that portfolios will not 

meet their investment objectives or that there is a failure to deliver consistent and above-average performance.

The risk that clients move their assets elsewhere if we are unable to outperform competitors or our 

investment objectives.

Conduct and 

regulatory risk

The risks of client detriment arising from inappropriate conduct, conflicts, management practice or behaviour, 

or failing to meet client needs, interests or expected outcomes.

The risk of money laundering, bribery or market abuse shortcomings on the part of fund investors, clients, suppliers 

or our employees.

The risk of fines, penalties, censure or other sanctions arising from failure to identify or meet regulatory requirements.

The risk that new regulations, or changes to existing interpretations of them, have a material effect on the Group’s 

operations, risk profile or cost base and are complex to implement and difficult to manage.

Tax risk

16

The Group and its managed funds are exposed to:

 – compliance and reporting risks, which include the submission of late or inaccurate tax returns;

 – transactional risks, which include actions being taken without appropriate consideration of the potential tax 

 – reputational risks, which cover the wider impact that our conduct in relation to our tax affairs can have on our 

consequences; and

relationships with our stakeholders.

Process and 

change risk

and asset pricing.

Poor execution of acquisitions or management of strategic relationships which fail to deliver intended benefits 

in terms of revenue or costs.

6

7

14

17

18

19

21

Key risk

Description

How we manage risk

Reputational risk

The reputation of Schroders is of paramount importance and can be impacted by any of our key risks and by our 

relationships with clients, regulators and shareholders.

High standards of conduct and a principled approach to regulatory compliance are integral to our culture and values. We consider key 
reputational risks when initiating changes in strategy or our operating model.

We have a number of controls and frameworks to address other risks that could affect our reputation including: financial crime, investment risk, 
client take-on and product development.

We have rebranded to ensure our marketing remains relevant and effective and supports our strategic objectives and product offerings.

We have clearly defined investment processes designed to meet investment targets within stated risk parameters. The Group’s Investment 
Risk Framework provides review and challenge of investment risks, independent of our fund managers, across all asset classes. Investment 
monitoring is performed by fund managers and asset class heads on a regular basis, as well as by asset class risk committees, the GMC 
and legal entity boards.

Recognising that products may not outperform all of the time, we offer clients a diversified product set. Key to investment performance 
is our ability to attract and retain talented people.

We promote a strong compliance culture and we promote good relationships with our regulators. Our Compliance function supports 
management in identifying our regulatory obligations and enabling these to be met through relevant training and procedures. 
Compliance with relevant regulatory requirements is monitored in accordance with a risk-based programme.

Our approach to encouraging appropriate conduct and minimising the risk of client detriment is set out in our conduct risk framework, 
and is built on our culture and values, supported by appropriate governance and reporting.

Risk-based client take-on and review processes are among our key controls to address the risks of money laundering. Financial crime oversight 
is provided by the Financial Crime Committee.

Regulatory and legal change is monitored by the Compliance, Legal and Public Policy teams and our Regulatory Change Committee. We engage 
with our regulators where appropriate in relation to potential and planned changes.

Our approach to managing tax risk is set out in our tax strategy. This is reviewed by the Audit and Risk Committee annually. It is supported 
by a tax governance framework, which aligns to the Group’s wider risk and control framework. Key risks and issues are escalated to the GRC and 
the Audit and Risk Committee.

The Tax function works with management and advisers to monitor the tax position of the Group. Local management, with oversight from our 
Tax function, is generally responsible for identifying and managing the tax position of our managed funds, with the assistance of third party 
service providers. Developments in taxation are monitored by the Tax function and local management. We engage with industry organisations 
and advisers to keep abreast of relevant tax changes.

The risk of failure of significant business processes, such as mandate compliance, client suitability checks 

Our key business processes have been identified and the risks assessed by first line of defence owners through the RCA process.

This process is used to determine the adequacy and effectiveness of key controls; with second line providing oversight and challenge. 
Associated controls are assessed with regard to their design and performance. Output from the RCA process is presented to the GRC.

As part of our due diligence process when we consider an acquisition or strategic partnership, we identify areas to be remediated after 
a transaction is completed. Subject matter experts will be involved throughout the transition.

Fraud risk

Fraud could arise from either internal or external parties who attempt to defraud the firm or our clients 

by circumventing either our processes and controls or the controls operated by our third party providers 

Policies and procedures are in place to manage fraud risk. Controls in place to manage fraud risk are assessed as part of the RCA process. 
Attempted or any successful frauds are investigated by the Financial Crime team, with oversight from Group Risk.

(e.g. within our outsourced transfer agency activities).

The Financial Crime Committee provides oversight of the management of Fraud risk and is a sub-committee of the GRC.

Technology risk 

and information 

security

Technology and information security risk relates to the risk that:

 – our technology systems and support are inadequate or fail to adapt to changing requirements;

 – our systems are penetrated by third parties; or

 – our data is held insecurely.

Formal governance over information risks has been established across the three lines of defence through the Information Security Risk 
Oversight Committee. The Group holds insurance to cover cyber risks.

Policies and technical standards, including security awareness training, have been deployed across the Group.

Robust project management, assessment of business requirements and management of implementation risks are utilised.

Third party service 

provider risk

Third party service provider risk relates to the risk that suppliers may not meet their agreed service level terms.

We have a number of outsourced supplier relationships as part of our business model, particularly in respect 

of information technology, fund administration, custody and transfer agency services.

The Audit and Risk Committee reviews all material outsourced relationships, focusing on significant aspects such as service quality and 
risk management.

Policies are in place that govern our approach to appointing, managing and performing relevant due diligence of third party service providers 
including regular reviews of performance against agreed service levels. Minimum requirements are established for overseeing service provider 
risk and performance, and we perform risk assessments on service providers deemed critical to business operations. 

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

41

Strategic reportKey risks and mitigations continued

Lower rated key risks
The key risks that appear below the diagonal line in the risk impact matrix are summarised in the following table.

Key risk

Description

Key risk

Description

Product risk

8

The risk that our product or service range is not suitably diversified or viable or does not provide access to strategies 
sought by investors or meet their objectives.

Liquidity risk

Counterparty liquidity exposure arising from client transactions and lending activities, principal cash and 

investment holdings. 

Business 
concentration risk

The risk of insufficiently diversified distribution channels, products, clients, markets, or income streams resulting 
in a decline in fee revenue if investor demands change. 

Risk of insufficient 

capital

capital restrictions.

The risk that the Group is unable to support its strategic business objectives due to its minimum regulatory 

9

Market risk

10

Credit risk

11

Market movements may cause a fall in the value of principal investments and a decline in the value of our 
proprietary assets.

Legal risk

Legal risk may arise from Schroders, clients or suppliers and other third parties failing to meet their legal 

obligations; Schroders taking on unintended obligations; or legal claims.

Counterparty capital exposure arising from client transactions and lending activities, principal cash 
and investment holdings.

People and 

employment

People and employment practices risk may arise from an inability to attract or retain key employees to support 

business activities or strategic initiatives: non-compliance with legislation; or failure to manage 

employee performance.

12

13

15

20

Our business model and Brexit

On 29 March 2017, the British government invoked Article 50, 
beginning the two year countdown to the United Kingdom 
withdrawing from the European Union. Negotiations continue 
but uncertainty remains and there is a range of possible outcomes 
and timeframes for many aspects of the UK’s exit.

Schroders is well positioned to manage the challenges that may 
arise as a result of Brexit. Whilst all the legal and regulatory 
changes of Brexit are not yet clear, our diversified business model 
means that we are well placed in deciding how best to respond 
and to continue to service our clients and grow our business. 
Over 80% of our net operating revenue comes from clients who 
are based outside the EU27.

We have a long standing commitment to continental Europe, with 
a substantial presence involving more than 700 employees across 
nine offices. In Luxembourg, our European operations centre, we 

42

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

 
 
Key risk

Description

Key risk

Description

Product risk

The risk that our product or service range is not suitably diversified or viable or does not provide access to strategies 

sought by investors or meet their objectives.

Liquidity risk

12

Counterparty liquidity exposure arising from client transactions and lending activities, principal cash and 
investment holdings. 

Business 

concentration risk

The risk of insufficiently diversified distribution channels, products, clients, markets, or income streams resulting 

in a decline in fee revenue if investor demands change. 

Risk of insufficient 
capital

The risk that the Group is unable to support its strategic business objectives due to its minimum regulatory 
capital restrictions.

Market risk

Market movements may cause a fall in the value of principal investments and a decline in the value of our 

proprietary assets.

Credit risk

Counterparty capital exposure arising from client transactions and lending activities, principal cash 

and investment holdings.

13

Legal risk

15

People and 
employment

20

Legal risk may arise from Schroders, clients or suppliers and other third parties failing to meet their legal 
obligations; Schroders taking on unintended obligations; or legal claims.

People and employment practices risk may arise from an inability to attract or retain key employees to support 
business activities or strategic initiatives: non-compliance with legislation; or failure to manage 
employee performance.

8

9

10

11

Our business model and Brexit

have around 250 employees in Product, Risk, Compliance and 
other Infrastructure functions, and from there we distribute funds 
not just across borders within the EU, but also more widely across 
the world, delegating portfolio management to a number 
of jurisdictions.

Globally, our two largest fund ranges are in the UK and 
Luxembourg. The UK range is not actively marketed outside 
the UK. The Luxembourg range is predominantly comprised of 
EU27 and other non-UK investors. The UK government has said 
that they will, if necessary, introduce a regime to allow EU27-based 
funds to continue to be offered to clients based in the UK in the 
period immediately after Brexit. 

We have obtained additional permissions in order to ensure that 
we can continue to offer our full range of services to European 
Institutional clients.

Pages 2 to 43 constitute the strategic report, which was approved 
by the Board on 28 February 2018 and signed on its behalf by:

Peter Harrison
Group Chief Executive 

28 February 2018

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

43

Strategic report 
 
Board of Directors

Board of Directors 

Michael Dobson
Chairman (65)
Appointed Chairman in April 2016, having 
been Chief Executive since November 2001. 
He first joined the Board as a non-executive 
Director in April 2001.

Experience: Prior to joining Schroders he was 
Chief Executive of Morgan Grenfell Group and 
a member of the Board of Managing Directors 
of Deutsche Bank AG.

External appointments: Member of the 
President’s Committee of the Confederation 
of British Industry.

Committee membership: Chairman of the 
Nominations Committee.

Peter Harrison
Group Chief Executive (51)
Appointed Group Chief Executive in April 
2016. He was an executive Director and Head 
of Investment from May 2014.

Experience: He began his career at Schroders 
and subsequently held roles at Newton 
Investment Management, JP Morgan Asset 
Management as Head of Global Equities and 
Multi-Asset and at Deutsche Asset 
Management as Global Chief Investment 
Officer. He was Chairman and Chief Executive 
of RWC Partners before re-joining Schroders 
as Global Head of Equities in March 2013.

External appointments: Chairman of the 
Investment Association and a member of the 
Takeover Panel.

Richard Keers
Chief Financial Officer (54)
Appointed a Director and Chief Financial 
Officer in May 2013.

Experience: He is a chartered accountant and 
was a senior audit partner of 
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC) until May 
2013. He became a partner of PwC in 1997 
and has 25 years’ experience in the audits of 
global financial services groups. His 
experience includes time spent in PwC’s New 
York, Sydney, Edinburgh and London offices.

External appointments: Non-executive 
member of Lloyd’s Franchise Board and 
Chairman of its Audit Committee.

Robin Buchanan
Independent non-executive 
Director (65)
Appointed in March 2010.

Sir Damon Buffini
Independent non-executive 
Director (55)
Appointed in February 2018.

Lord Howard of Penrith
Senior Independent Director (72)
Appointed Senior Independent Director in 
April 2015, having been a non-executive 
Director since November 2008.

Experience: He was Deputy to the Chairman 
of Lehman in Europe until 1998 and was the 
Partner in charge of international fixed 
income at Phillips & Drew. He was also 
Chairman of Tarchon Capital Management 
LLP from 1998 until March 2013. He will retire 
from the Board at the 2018 AGM.

Experience: He was the Senior Partner of Bain 
& Company Inc. in the UK for 12 years and 
remains a Senior Adviser. Most recently he 
served as Chairman of PageGroup plc until 
December 2015. He was Dean and President 
of London Business School. He is a chartered 
accountant and holds an MBA from Harvard 
Business School.

External appointments: Senior Adviser to 
Beazley plc having previously held the position 
of Chief Investment Officer until the end of 
2015.

External appointments: Non-executive 
Director of LyondellBasell Industries N.V. He is 
Chairman of the Advisory Board of Access 
Industries and a Director of CICAP Limited.

Committee membership: Chairman of the 
Remuneration Committee. Member of the 
Nominations and Audit and Risk Committees.

Committee membership: Member of the 
Nominations, Audit and Risk, and 
Remuneration Committees.

44

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Experience: He has over 25 years’ experience 
in private equity, joining Schroder Ventures 
in 1988. He was Managing Partner of Permira 
from 1997 to 2007 before becoming 
Chairman. He retired in 2015 and remains a 
Senior Adviser. 

External appointments: A governor of the 
Wellcome Trust, Chairman of the National 
Theatre, Senior Independent Director of the 
PGA Tour and was Chairman of the 
Government’s Patient Capital Review.

Committee membership: Member of the 
Nominations Committee.

Rhian Davies
Independent non-executive 
Director (53)
Appointed in July 2015.

Rakhi Goss-Custard
Independent non-executive 
Director (43)
Appointed in January 2017. 

Ian King
Independent non-executive 
Director (61)
Appointed in January 2017. 

Experience: She is a chartered accountant 
and was a partner at Electra Partners, an 
independent private equity fund manager, 
until June 2015 and then a Senior Adviser until 
March 2017. She previously worked in PwC’s 
audit and insolvency practice before joining 
Electra in 1992.

Committee membership: Chairman of the 
Audit and Risk Committee. Member of the 
Nominations Committee.

Experience: She is an experienced executive 
in digital retailing having spent 11 years at 
Amazon. Prior to joining Amazon, she held 
roles at TomTom and in management 
consultancy in the US.

External appointments: Non-executive 
Director of Kingfisher plc, Rightmove plc, Intu 
Properties plc and Be Heard plc.

Committee membership: Member of the 
Nominations Committee.

Experience: He was Chief Executive of BAE 
Systems plc from 2008 to 2017 having been 
originally appointed to the BAE board as Chief 
Operating Officer, UK and Rest of the World. 
Prior to this, he was Chief Executive of Alenia 
Marconi Systems. He also served as a 
non-executive Director and Senior 
Independent Director of Rotork plc until June 
2014.

External appointments: Senior Adviser to the 
Board of Gleacher Shacklock LLP, Chairman-
designate of Senior plc and lead non-
executive Director for the Department of 
Transport.

Committee membership: Member of the 
Nominations and Remuneration Committees.

Philip Mallinckrodt
Non-executive Director (55)
Appointed as an executive Director in January 
2009 and a non-executive Director on 
1 March 2017.

Experience: He started his career at Credit 
Suisse First Boston in 1985. He first joined 
Schroders in 1994, and then worked for 
Citigroup from 2000 to 2002. He rejoined 
Schroders in 2002 as Head of Corporate 
Development, was Group Head of Wealth 
Management from 2006 to 2016 and then 
Group Head of Private Assets and Wealth 
Management until 1 March 2017.

External appointments: Non-executive 
Director of The Economist and a member of 
the International Advisory Council of the 
Brookings Institution. 

Committee membership: Member of the 
Nominations Committee.

Nichola Pease
Independent non-executive 
Director (56)
Appointed in September 2012.

Experience: She has over 30 years’ experience 
in the asset management and stock broking 
industries. She was the Chief Executive and 
then Deputy Chairman of J O Hambro Capital 
Management Ltd from 1998 until 2008, 
following which she held a number of roles in 
the charity and public sectors.

External appointments: Founder and 
Chairman of Investment 2020 and a Member 
of the Eton College Investment Committee.

Committee membership: Member of the 
Nominations, Audit and Risk, and 
Remuneration Committees.

Bruno Schroder
Non-executive Director (85) 
Appointed in January 1963.

Experience: He is the great-great-grandson of 
John Henry Schroder, co-founder of the 
Schroders businesses in 1804. He joined the 
Schroder Group in London where he worked 
in the Commercial Banking and Corporate 
Finance divisions of J. Henry Schroder Wagg & 
Co Ltd.

External appointments: Director of a 
number of private limited companies.

Committee membership: Member of the 
Nominations Committee.

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

45

GovernanceGroup Management Committee and Company Secretary

Group Management Committee 
and Company Secretary

Peter Harrison
Group Chief Executive (51)
Responsible for the management of the 
overall business and strategic development of 
the Group. 

Richard Keers
Chief Financial Officer (54)
Responsible for financial management, risk 
management, tax, capital and treasury, 
human resources, corporate services and a 
range of operational areas. He is also chair of 
the Group Risk, Group Capital and Global 
Operations Committees.

Stewart Carmichael
Chief Technology Officer (52)
He joined Schroders in March 2015 as Group 
Head of IT. Prior to joining Schroders, he was 
Chief Technology Officer for JP Morgan 
Corporate and Investment Bank in Asia. From 
1993 to 2008 he held numerous senior 
leadership positions at Merrill Lynch.

Karl Dasher
CEO North America and Co-Head 
of Fixed Income (48)
He joined Schroders in 2008 as Global Head of 
Product and became Head of Fixed Income in 
October 2008. He previously worked at SEI 
Investments in various investment roles, 
including Chief Investment Officer.

Lieven Debruyne
CEO Asia Pacific (48)
He joined Schroders in London in 2000 as 
Head of Asian Investment Product before 
moving to Hong Kong in 2005. Prior to joining 
Schroders, he worked for Mees Pierson 
Capital Management as Chief Investment 
Officer and for Fortis Investments.

He is responsible for the Group’s operations in 
North America and is also Co-Head of Fixed 
Income within the Investment division.

He is responsible for the Group’s operations in 
the Asia Pacific region.

Emma Holden
Global Head of Human Resources (43)
She joined Schroders in 2007 and was 
appointed Global Head of Human Resources 
in November 2014. Prior to joining Schroders, 
she held various roles at Corus Group. She 
qualified as a chartered accountant with PwC 
in 1998.

She works with senior management on the 
issues that affect our people and the 
development of talent throughout the 
business.

Johanna Kyrklund
Global Head of Multi-Asset 
Investments (41)
She joined Schroders in 2007 as Head of UK 
Multi-Asset and became Global Head of 
Multi-Asset Investments in 2016. She 
previously worked at Insight Investment and 
Deutsche Asset Management in various fund 
management and asset allocation roles. 

She is responsible for investments on behalf 
of multi-asset clients globally.

Philippe Lespinard
Co-Head of Fixed Income (54)
He joined Schroders in 2010 as Chief 
Investment Officer for Fixed Income. He was 
previously a partner at Brevan Howard and 
Chief Investment Officer at BNP Paribas Asset 
Management.

He is Co-Head of Fixed Income within the 
Investment division.

46

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Richard Mountford
Head of Planning, Adviser to the 
Group Chief Executive (59)
He joined Schroders in 1980 as a graduate 
and held a number of investment and 
management roles before becoming Global 
Head of Intermediary Sales in 2008, Head of 
Asia Pacific in 2012 and Global Head of 
Product in 2016.

Charles Prideaux
Global Head of Product and Solutions 
(51)
He joined Schroders in October 2017. Prior to 
joining Schroders he held senior roles at 
BlackRock including Head of the EMEA 
Institutional Client Business and most recently 
as Head of the European Active Investment 
Platform. 

He is responsible for planning Schroders’ 
organic and inorganic growth initiatives.

He is responsible for our Global Product and 
Solutions business.

Nicky Richards
Global Head of Equities (51)
She began her investment career at Schroders 
as a graduate in 1987. She held a number of 
senior roles in the firm before joining Fidelity 
International and then MLC Investment 
Management in Australia. She re-joined 
Schroders in 2014 as Global Head of Equities. 
She was appointed non-executive Chairman 
of RWC Partners in March 2016.

She is responsible for the Equities investment 
business.

Andrew Ross
Global Head of Wealth 
Management (58)
He joined Schroders in 2013 having been 
Chief Executive of Cazenove Capital 
Management since 2001. Prior to that he was 
Chief Executive of HSBC Asset Management 
(Europe) Limited between 1998 and 2001.

Carolyn Sims
Chief Financial Officer of Wealth 
Management (52)
She joined Schroders in 2013 having been 
Chief Financial Officer of Cazenove Capital 
Management since 2007. Prior to that she was 
Finance Director at Lazard UK between 2004 
and 2007.

John Troiano
Global Head of Distribution (59)
He began his career at Schroders as a 
graduate in 1981. After holding a number of 
senior roles, he was appointed the Deputy 
Head of Distribution in September 2012 and 
was appointed Head of Distribution in 2016.

He is responsible for the Wealth Management 
division.

She is responsible for finance and operations 
within the Wealth Management division.

Members who left the 
Committee in 2017
Geoffrey Blanning and Huw van 
Steenis stood down from the 
Committee on 31 December 2017. 
Their biographies are set out in the 
2016 Annual Report and Accounts. 

Philip Mallinckrodt stood down from 
the Committee and became 
a non-executive Director 
on 1 March 2017.

Howard Trust
General Counsel (63)
He joined Schroders in 2003 from Barclays 
where he held various roles including Group 
General Counsel and Board Secretary.

He is responsible for the Group’s Compliance, 
Legal and Governance function.

Graham Staples
Group Company Secretary (56)
He joined Schroders in 2004. Previously, 
he held senior company secretarial, 
compliance and business development 
roles at NatWest, Barclays, TSB and 
Computershare.

As Secretary to the Board of Schroders 
plc and the GMC, he is responsible for 
the Group’s governance framework and 
advising the Board and GMC on all 
governance matters.

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

47

GovernanceCorporate governance report

A strong governance framework 
is vital to the continued success 
of the firm

I am pleased to introduce our corporate governance report for 2017 in which 
we describe our governance arrangements, the operation of the Board and its 
Committees and how the Board discharged its responsibilities during the year.

Strategy
Strategic opportunities and challenges have been the key area of focus 
at each of our Board meetings during the year. Despite the many 
challenges facing the asset management industry, the Board has 
confidence in the strategic direction of the Company and our ability to 
deliver strong financial performance and long-term shareholder value.

I would like to thank all my colleagues on the Board for their 
contribution during the year.

Michael Dobson
Chairman

28 February 2018

Governance
2017 has been an important year for corporate governance with the 
publication of the UK Government’s Green Paper on Corporate 
Governance, the BEIS Committee inquiry, and the Financial Reporting 
Council’s review of the UK Corporate Governance Code. Our Board 
has, with the Group Company Secretary, been closely monitoring 
these developments and assessing how our own governance 
arrangements may need to evolve. We firmly believe that having a 
strong corporate governance framework is vital to good decision 
making and to the continued success of the Company.

Board Changes
Philip Howard joined the Board in November 2008 and is currently 
Senior Independent Director and Chairman of the Remuneration 
Committee. Philip will stand down at the 2018 AGM. We began the 
search to find Philip’s successor on the Board in 2017, appointing 
MWM Consulting to assist with the recruitment and we were delighted 
to announce that Sir Damon Buffini joined the Board on 
1 February 2018. Ian King will succeed Philip as Senior Independent 
Director and Nichola Pease will succeed him as Chairman of the 
Remuneration Committee. More details on our approach to succession 
are included in the Nominations Committee Report from page 54.

Culture
As I said in my introduction to this report last year, the Board 
understands the importance of a good culture and we continue to 
believe that our culture represents a key competitive advantage. 
Schroders values integrity and always seeks to act in the best interests 
of clients, shareholders and wider stakeholders. Our employees exhibit 
the firm’s values of passion and integrity and we always take a long 
term view in the management of our business.

48

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Directors are expected to attend all meetings of the Board and Committees on which they serve. Details of Board and Committee attendance are 
included in the table below.

2017 Board and Committee 
meeting attendance

Board1

Audit and Risk 
Committee

Remuneration 
Committee

Nominations 
Committee

Michael Dobson

Executive Directors

Peter Harrison

Richard Keers

Non-executive Directors

Philip Howard

Robin Buchanan2

Rhian Davies

Rakhi Goss-Custard

Ian King3

Philip Mallinckrodt

Nichola Pease

Bruno Schroder4

6(6)

6(6)

6(6)

6(6)

6(6)

6(6)

6(6)

6(6)

6(6)

6(6)

5(6)

4(4)

4(4)

4(4)

4(4)

4(4)

4(4)

4(4)

4(4)

3(4)

5(5)

5(5)

5(5)

5(5)

5(5)

4(5) 

2(2)

5(5)

1.  There were five scheduled Board meetings held during the year and one additional Board meeting to discuss the acquisition of Adveq.
2.  Robin Buchanan missed the Remuneration Committee meeting on 12 October 2017 due to a prior commitment.
3.  Ian King was appointed as a member of the Remuneration Committee on 25 July 2017.
4.  Bruno Schroder was unable to attend the Board and Nominations Committee meetings in New York due to illness.

Compliance with the 2016 UK Corporate Governance 
Code (Code)
Throughout 2017, the Company has applied the main principles and 
provisions of the Code with the exception of A.3.1 as Michael Dobson 
was not independent on appointment as Chairman in April 2016. This 
was fully explained in the 2015 Annual Report and Accounts. There has 
been an absolute majority of independent Directors on the Board 
throughout 2017.

Copies of the Code can be obtained from the FRC’s website at  
frc.org.uk.

The Board and its Committees
The Board has collective responsibility for the management, direction 
and performance of the Company. It is accountable to shareholders 
for the creation and delivery of strong, sustainable financial 
performance and long-term shareholder value. In discharging its 
responsibilities, the Board takes appropriate account of the interests 
of our wider stakeholders including clients, employees, regulators and 
society as a whole. Certain decisions can only be taken by the Board, 
including deciding on the Group’s overall strategy, significant new 
business activities and the strategy for management of the Group’s 
investment capital. These are contained in the Schedule of Matters 
Reserved to the Board, which can be found on the Company’s Investor 
Relations website.

The Board has delegated specific responsibilities to Board committees, 
notably the Audit and Risk Committee, the Remuneration Committee 
and the Nominations Committee. The minutes of Committee meetings 
are made available to all Directors. At each Board meeting, the 
Chairman of each Committee provides the Board with an update of the 
work currently being carried out by the Committee they chair. 
Membership of the Committees is detailed in each Committee report. 
The Committees’ terms of reference can be found on the Company’s 
Investor Relations website. 

There is also a Chairman’s Committee whose membership is 
comprised of the non-executive Directors. The Chairman’s Committee 
is not a Committee of the Board and serves as an informal forum for 
the discussion of such matters as the Chairman considers appropriate. 
During the year, the Chairman’s Committee considered Board 
evaluation, the performance of the Group Chief Executive, acquisition 
opportunities and succession. 

Board composition at 31 December 2017

Board composition

Length of tenure*

Executive Directors
Non-independent 
non-executive Directors
Independent non-executive 
Directors

18%

27%

55%

0 – 3 years
3 – 6 years
6 – 9 years
9+ years

37%
18%
27%
18%

*Since date of first election 
by the shareholders

The Board believes that it operates most effectively with an 
appropriate balance of executive Directors, independent non-
executive Directors and Directors who have a connection with the 
Company’s principal shareholder group. No individual or group of 
individuals is in a position to dominate the Board’s decision making. 

The Nominations Committee report contains more detail on our 
approach to Board Composition. Biographies of each of the Directors 
are set out on pages 44 and 45. 

Independence
The Board has an absolute majority of independent Directors. All the 
non-executive Directors are independent in terms of character and 
judgement. Michael Dobson, as former Chief Executive, is not 
considered independent under the Code. Philip Mallinckrodt is not 
considered independent as he is a former executive Director and is a 
member of the principal shareholder group. Bruno Schroder is not 
considered independent as he is a member of the principal 
shareholder group and because he has served on the Board for more 
than nine years.

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

49

Governance 
Corporate governance report continued

The Nominations Committee believes that their judgement and 
experience continues to add value to the Board and the Group. The 
Board will therefore recommend their re-election at the 2018 AGM.

Director appointments and time commitment
The rules providing for the appointment, election, re-election and the 
removal of Directors are contained in the Company’s Articles of 
Association and remain unchanged from the previous year.

In accordance with the Articles of Association, Sir Damon Buffini will 
resign and offer himself for election at the AGM on 26 April 2018. All 
other Directors are required to seek re-election on an annual basis 
unless they are retiring from the Board. Details of the Directors’ length 
of tenure are set out on page 49.

Non-executive Directors’ letters of appointment stipulate that they are 
expected to commit sufficient time to discharge their duties. The 
Board has adopted a policy that allows executive Directors to take up 
one external non-executive directorship. Non-executive Directors are 
required to notify the Chairman before taking on any additional 
appointments. The Board is satisfied that all Directors continue to be 
effective and demonstrate commitment to their respective roles. 

For details of executive Directors’ service contracts, termination 
arrangements and non-executive Directors’ letters of appointment, 
please refer to page 74.

Governance framework

Board
The Board is responsible for the management, direction and performance of the Company.

Chairman
The Chairman is 
responsible for the 
leadership of the Board, 
ensuring its effectiveness 
and setting its agenda. He 
is responsible for creating 
an environment for open, 
robust and effective 
debate. The Chairman is 
also responsible for 
ensuring effective 
communication with 
shareholders and other 
stakeholders. 

Group Chief 
Executive
The Group Chief Executive 
is responsible for the 
executive management 
of the Company and its 
subsidiaries. He is 
responsible for proposing 
the strategy for the Group 
and for its execution. He is 
assisted by members of 
the GMC in the delivery 
of his and the Board’s 
objectives for the 
business.

Non-executive 
Directors
Non-executive Directors 
are expected to provide 
independent oversight 
and constructive 
challenge to the executive 
Directors on issues of 
strategy, performance 
and resources including 
key appointments and 
standards of conduct.

Senior Independent 
Director (SID)
The SID’s role is to act as a 
sounding board for the 
Chairman, oversee the 
evaluation of the 
Chairman’s performance 
and serve as an 
intermediary for the other 
Directors if necessary. He 
is also available as an 
additional point of contact 
for shareholders and 
other stakeholders should 
they wish to raise matters 
with him rather than the 
Chairman or Group Chief 
Executive.

Nominations Committee
Responsible for reviewing and 
recommending changes to the 
composition of the Board and its 
Committees.

Chairman: Michael Dobson

See page 54 for the Committee 
Report.

Audit and Risk Committee
Responsible for overseeing financial 
reporting, risk management and 
internal controls and external audit.

Remuneration Committee
Responsible for the remuneration 
strategy for the Group and the 
remuneration policy for Directors.

Chairman: Rhian Davies

Chairman: Lord Howard

See page 56 for the Committee 
Report.

See page 62 for the Committee 
Report.

Group Management Committee 
The GMC comprises the senior management team and is the principal advisory committee to the Group Chief Executive.

Group Capital Committee
Assists the Chief Financial Officer in the deployment of 
operating, seed, co-investment and investment capital.

Group Risk Committee
Assists the Chief Financial Officer in discharging his 
responsibilities in respect of risk and controls. 

50

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Key areas of focus during the year
At each scheduled Board meeting the Board discusses 
reports from the Group Chief Executive on the performance 
of the business, the Chief Financial Officer on financial 
performance, the Company Secretary on governance 
developments, and, where relevant, a report from each of 
the Board Committees. In addition to these regular matters, 
specific areas of focus by the Board during 2017 included:

Meeting 
dates

Key areas considered

February 

 – An update on our overall strategy

March 

May

 – The strategy for our Asia Pacific 

business

 – Private Assets strategy

 – Annual Report and Accounts 

and dividend proposal 

 – Brand update

 – The acquisition of Adveq 

 – The strategy for evolving our core 

asset management business

 – Wealth Management growth strategy

 – Strategic risks 

 – Capital strategy

 – Product strategy

 – Brexit

 – ICAAP and ILAAP

July

 – Fixed Income strategy 

 – Capital strategy

 – Continental Europe strategy

 – Remuneration strategy

 – Half–year results and dividend proposal

 – Brexit

 – ICAAP

September

 – People strategy 

November

 – Multi-asset growth strategy

 – Group Recovery Plan and 

Resolution Pack

 – Regulation

 – Potential acquisitions 

 – Overall North America strategy for 
Asset Management, Investment, 
Distribution and Product Divisions

 – Latin America business review

 – 2018 budget

Throughout the year, the Board continued to focus on the 
development of our overall strategy for the Group and the key 
individual drivers of growth over the next five years. As part of this, 
the Board had a two day strategy meeting in May. Particular focus was 
given to our competitive environment, the evolution of our core 
business, our capital strategy and an assessment of our strategic risks. 

The November Board meeting was held over two days in our New York 
office. North America is a key region for strategic growth and this visit 
gave the Board the opportunity to meet the senior management team 
and the wider workforce in New York, gain a deeper understanding 
of our operations in North America and experience the culture in the 
business there. 

Priorities for 2018 
The Board has agreed a set of high level objectives for 2018 based on 
our core responsibility of delivering strong, sustainable financial 
performance. These include:

 – Ongoing development of the strategy to enable the continued 

growth of the firm; 

 – Developing our talent to help grow the business;

 – Assessing risks to our business and our business model and how 

we address them;

 – Getting the right engagement with our key stakeholders to inform 

the Board in developing our strategy; and

 – Continuing to focus on Board composition to support the growth of 

the business.

Directors duties – compliance with s172 of the 
Companies Act 2006
Section 172 of the Companies Act 2006 requires directors to promote 
the success of the company for the benefit of the members as a whole 
and in doing so have regard to the interests of stakeholders. 

On page 53, we have set out who we regard as our key stakeholders, 
how we have engaged with them during the year.

Board induction and training
The Company Secretary supports the Chairman and Group Chief 
Executive in providing a personalised induction programme to all new 
Directors. This helps to familiarise them with their duties and the 
Group’s culture and values, strategy, business model, businesses, 
operations, risks and governance arrangements. 

Details of Ian King’s and Rakhi Goss-Custard’s inductions on joining the 
Board are explained on page 54 of the 2016 Annual Report and 
Accounts. Sir Damon Buffini is currently undertaking a similar 
induction programme. Ian King joined the Remuneration Committee 
in July 2017. A tailored induction was provided that focused on relevant 
technical matters including Schroders’ remuneration policies and 
plans; remuneration regulation and governance for asset 
management firms and financial services more broadly; remuneration 
regulations and governance for UK-listed companies; and 
remuneration disclosure requirements.

The Board believes that the ongoing development and briefing 
of Directors is an important aspect of the Board’s agenda. Briefing 
sessions are arranged each year which, during 2017, included 
presentations on investment research, management information 
systems, the US market and our capabilities in North America. 
Members of the Board Committees also receive regular updates on 
technical developments at scheduled Committee meetings.

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

51

GovernanceCompany Secretary
All Directors have access to the advice and services of the Company 
Secretary and can arrange through him to receive professional advice 
independently of the Company, at the Company’s expense.

Shareholder engagement
We operate a complete investor relations programme. During 2017, 
the Group Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer participated in 
a number of roadshows in the UK and the US, meeting with our 
shareholders to discuss the Group’s growth strategy. The Group was 
also represented at several investor conferences. Feedback from these 
meetings and conferences is provided to the Board to ensure that the 
Directors develop an understanding of the views of our major 
shareholders.

We also held a capital markets day in October. This allowed the 
investment community the opportunity to gain a deeper 
understanding of our strategy around the drivers of future growth, as 
well as access to senior management who are responsible for 
delivering this. There were regional presentations on our business in 
continental Europe, Asia Pacific and North America, followed by details 
of our product strategy and of the work of the Data Insights team.

In addition to the capital markets day, the primary means of 
communicating with the Company’s shareholders are through the 
AGM, the Annual Report and Accounts and the annual and interim 
results presentations. All of these are available on the Company’s 
website and the Annual Report and Accounts is posted to all 
shareholders who elect to receive it. Our Group website also contains 
information on the business of the Company, Corporate Governance, 
all regulatory announcements, key dates in the financial calendar and 
other important shareholder information.

The AGM is an opportunity to meet with shareholders, hear their views 
and to answer their questions about the Group and its business. 
All resolutions are voted on by way of a poll. This allows the Company 
to count all votes rather than just those of shareholders attending the 
meeting. All resolutions are voted on separately and the final voting 
results are published as soon as practicable after the meeting. 
Together with the rest of the Board, the Chairmen of the Audit and 
Risk, Remuneration and Nominations Committees will be present 
to answer questions. The 2018 AGM is to be held on Thursday 
26 April 2018 at 11.30 a.m.

Corporate governance report continued

2016 Board evaluation (internal)
The 2016 Board evaluation identified a number of recommendations 
to maintain and improve the Board’s effectiveness:

Recommendations

Actions taken/progress

Continue the focus 
on strategic issues

 – Two day strategy meeting 

in May 2017. 

More opportunities for 
‘first line’ attendees at 
Board and Committee 
meetings

 – Regular Board deep dives into 
different parts of the Group’s 
strategy.

 – Senior Management frequently 

attend the Board and Audit and Risk 
Committee meetings to present on 
agenda items and to expose more 
senior managers to the Board in 
support of succession planning.

Continued emphasis 
on Board and executive 
succession planning

 – Non-executive Director discussion 
on executive succession planning 
carried out.

 – The Nominations Committee 

continues to consider succession 
planning for the executive and 
non-executive Directors.

2017 Board evaluation
The Chairman proposed and the Board agreed that the 2017 
evaluation should be externally facilitated, one year earlier than 
required under the Code. Independent Board Evaluation were selected 
to facilitate the evaluation. They have no other connection with the 
Company. 

Representatives of Independent Board Evaluation attended meetings 
of the Board and principal Committees and also interviewed each of 
the Board members, the Company Secretary and members of the 
senior management team who had attended Board meetings during 
the year. The evaluation focused on strategy and succession planning, 
these being two areas identified for improvement in the 2016 
evaluation. Independent Board Evaluation provided detailed reports 
on the Board, its principal Committees, the Chairman and each 
individual Director. The Chairman discussed the individual reports with 
each Director. Independent Board Evaluation met with the Committee 
Chairmen to discuss the Committee evaluations. The main Board 
report was presented to and discussed by the whole Board. The overall 
conclusion of the evaluation was that the Board is on a positive track 
and performing increasingly well. It set out a number of 
recommendations including:

 – Setting high level Board objectives for the year;

 – Having more informal time outside of Board meetings to strengthen 

Board relationships;

 – Developing the induction process further to help new Directors, 
in particular those from outside the financial services sector; 

 – Having Board update calls between Board meetings;

 – Standardising Board papers further; and 

 – Reviewing recent acquisitions more systematically. 

The Board agreed with these recommendations and has agreed a plan 
to address them.

52

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Stakeholder interests

Stakeholders Why they are important to us

How we have engaged

Clients

 See page 18.

Shareholders

 See page 20.

People

 See page 28.

Regulators

Clients are the centre of our business. Our 
ongoing success is built upon our ability to 
understand their needs.

We look to build and maintain close 
relationships with our clients so that we 
can better understand their financial 
needs and recommend the solutions to 
build their future prosperity.

 – In Asset Management, our Distribution teams consist of 
over 500 people who are focused on forming principled 
partnerships with our clients. We recognise the 
responsibility entrusted to us by our clients.

 – In Wealth Management, our dedicated portfolio managers 
and wealth planning advisers, allow us to develop close 
relationships and ensure that the investment solutions we 
provide are well placed to meet our clients’ financial goals.

We rely on the support and engagement 
of our shareholders in order to deliver our 
strategic objectives and grow the 
business.

 – Our shareholding structure supports the long-term 

approach we take in the management of our business and 
enables the Board and management not to be overly 
influenced by short-term considerations.

Our people are central to the ongoing 
success of our business. 

Schroders is highly diverse in terms of the 
nationalities employed in our local offices 
globally. This is a key strength that 
provides us with local market knowledge 
and a deep understanding of our clients’ 
needs.

Regulators have a legitimate interest in 
how we treat our clients and run our 
business. We believe that our clients’ 
interests are best served when we work 
constructively with our regulators.

We believe that we have the responsibility 
to demonstrate that we provide value for 
money for our clients and act with 
integrity as good stewards of capital.

 – We held a capital markets day in October 2017 to allow 
the investment community the opportunity to better 
understand our strategy and speak to senior management.

 – In January 2017, we completed a firm-wide Employee 

Opinion Survey. 

 – We communicate regularly though management briefings, 

videos, an internal magazine and a social intranet.

 – Annual ‘Inside Schroders Live’ meetings are held with the 
Group Chief Executive to discuss the progress made by 
the Group and future challenges and objectives. 

 – Launch of our firm-wide employee recognition scheme.

 – As a global business, we nurture positive relationships 

through our local compliance teams with our regulators 
across the world.

 – Regulatory and legal change is monitored by the 

Compliance, Legal and Public Policy teams.

 – The Board receives regular updates on proposed changes 
to financial services regulations that are likely to impact us 
and our clients.

Society

We take our societal responsibilities 
seriously and we are proud to support the 
communities in which we operate.

 – We have a global CR champion network to help us mobilise 
our people, gain local knowledge and give us greater global 
management of our CR initiatives.

 See page 30.

Suppliers

We recognise that there are high 
standards for the management of our 
impact and giving back to the wider 
community.

Integrating ESG considerations into 
our investment decisions allows us to 
deliver long-term sustainable returns and 
contribute to solving environmental and 
societal challenges.

Like many global businesses, we use 
external service partners to supplement 
our own infrastructure to deliver our 
clients’ needs. 

This allows access to lower costs of service 
delivery and the ability to benefit from the 
expertise our partners are able to provide, 
enabling us to focus on the services we 
are best equipped to provide. The Group 
retains responsibility for the performance 
of our third party providers.

 – We encourage our people to volunteer with charitable 

organisations, sharing their skills and insights. They receive 
up to 15 hours’ paid volunteering leave each year and ‘time 
matching’ for volunteering outside work hours.

 – We have set targets to purchase electricity from renewable 
sources. We have exceeded our initial goal of 60% and are 
on track to reach 75% by the end of 2020. We have also set 
a target to purchase 100% renewable energy by 2025.

 – We have a procurement policy which governs the selection 

of major suppliers.

 – We have a supplier relationship management policy. 

Under this policy we segment our suppliers on a risk based 
approach which sets the required control, reporting 
and governance of our supplier base. Key suppliers 
have supplier owners who are responsible for a set 
of governance requirements appropriate to the risk 
level identified.

 – The Audit and Risk Committee reviews our material 

outsourced providers annually.

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

53

GovernanceNominations Committee report

Ensuring diversity in skills, expertise 
and knowledge

Committee membership (meeting attendance is on page 49)

Michael Dobson (Chairman)

Rhian Davies

Robin Buchanan

Sir Damon Buffini

Rakhi Goss-Custard 

Philip Howard

Ian King 

Philip Mallinckrodt

Nichola Pease 

Bruno Schroder

I am pleased to present the Nominations Committee report for 2017.

Responsibilities of the Nominations Committee
The Committee is responsible for keeping under review the 
composition of the Board and its Committees and for ensuring 
appropriate executive and non-executive Director succession plans are 
in place.

The Committee’s terms of reference are available on the Company’s 
Investor Relations website.

Activities of the Nomination Committee
As we indicated in last year’s report, our focus in 2017 was to identify 
potential candidates to succeed Philip Howard in 2018. 

Along with the Group Company Secretary, I met with each member of 
the Committee and the Group Chief Executive to discuss the required 
skills and experience for potential non-executive candidates. High on 
our list of priorities was experience in financial markets.

At our meeting in July we agreed the role profile and appointed MWM 
Consulting to conduct the search for potential candidates. MWM 
Consulting is a signatory to the Voluntary Code of Conduct on Gender 
Diversity and is independent of Schroders.

After discussing an initial long list of candidates I interviewed five 
candidates, four of whom went on to meet the Nominations 
Committee and the Group Chief Executive. In January 2018 we 
announced the appointment of Sir Damon Buffini. We look forward to 
benefiting from his broad and highly successful experience in the field 
of private equity in relation to our overall range of strategic 
opportunities, and particularly in the area of private assets which is 
one of our growth priorities.

In addition to Board succession, the Nominations Committee also 
considered the composition of the principal Board Committees, 
particularly in the context of Philip Howard’s impending retirement. 
In July 2017 Ian King joined the Remuneration Committee. It was 
agreed by the Nominations Committee in February 2018 that Nichola 
Pease would succeed Philip Howard as Chairman of the Remuneration 
Committee. Her long experience in the asset management industry 
and her membership of this Committee since 2014 means she is well 
placed to take over from Philip in this important role.

Following Philip Howard’s retirement there will be three independent 
non-executive Directors on the Audit and Risk Committee but we have 
concluded that we do not need to make an additional appointment to 
this Committee at present.

In February 2018 the Committee considered the role of Senior 
Independent Director and proposed that Ian King succeed Philip 
as Senior Independent Director.

The Committee has confirmed that the non-executive Directors 
standing for re-election at this year’s AGM continue to perform 
effectively, both individually and collectively as a Board, and that each 
one demonstrates the required commitment to their roles. 

As Robin Buchanan, Philip Mallinckrodt and Bruno Schroder have 
served on the Board for more than six years, the proposal for their 
re-election was given particular consideration. The Committee agreed 
that these Directors continue to provide a valuable contribution to the 
Board’s deliberations and recommends their re-election. As required 
by the UK Listing Rules, the appointment of independent Directors 
must be approved by a simple majority of all shareholders and by a 
simple majority of the independent shareholders. Further details are 
set out in the 2018 Notice of AGM.

54

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Diversity
Diversity for us goes beyond gender or ethnic background. We look 
for diversity of skills and experience which is vital for an effective Board 
and management team and this will continue to be the primary 
criterion by which we select candidates for the Board. 

Nevertheless, the Board understands the importance of increasing 
gender and diversity. Whilst we currently have three female Directors 
representing 27 per cent of the Board, we aim to have a minimum of 
33 per cent of Board positions held by women by 2020. We also 
endeavour only to use the services of executive search firms who have 
signed up to the Voluntary Code of Conduct on Gender Diversity. The 
full Board diversity policy is on page 28 and also our website.

Evaluating the performance of the Committee
As part of the Board evaluation process in 2017 we used an external 
firm, Independent Board Evaluation. Their assessment was that the 
Nominations Committee was working efficiently and effectively. 
The evaluation process is set out in detail on page 52.

Priorities for 2018
During 2018 we will consider Board composition and succession 
planning for senior management and non-executive Directors. 
In particular, we will conduct a search for a successor to Robin 
Buchanan, who is scheduled to retire as a Director in 2019.

Michael Dobson
Chairman of the Nominations Committee

28 February 2018

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

55

GovernanceAudit and Risk Committee report

Adapting, growing and evolving 
in the face of challenges

Committee membership (meeting attendance is on page 49)

Rhian Davies (Chairman)

Philip Howard

Robin Buchanan

Nichola Pease

that a change of auditor can bring new challenge but also a 
heightened risk to audit quality. 

Over the past year the Committee and EY have been focused on 
ensuring that preparatory work is undertaken to ensure there is a 
smooth transition and that a high level of audit quality is retained in 
their first year, as EY take a fresh look at our controls, estimates and 
judgements. 

During 2017, both EY and management have invested significant time 
preparing for the more detailed planning activities that will be 
undertaken once EY are appointed. Given the Committee’s 
responsibilities relating to financial reporting, risks and controls, the 
external auditor is a valuable partner for us and we look forward to the 
insights that EY will bring. 

As we transition to EY, I would like to place on record our thanks to 
PwC for their work as external auditors since their appointment in 
1959. They have brought independent and objective thought and 
demonstrated professional scepticism in challenging our accounts 
production including our estimates and judgements. We are grateful 
for their contribution for ensuring the integrity of our financial 
statements.

I am grateful to all members of the Committee for their support 
in 2017 and I look forward to continuing our work in 2018.

Rhian Davies
Chairman of the Audit and Risk Committee

28 February 2018

I am pleased to present the Committee’s report for the year ended 
31 December 2017. The Committee plays a key role in overseeing the 
integrity of the Company’s financial statements and robustness of the 
Group’s systems of internal control and financial and risk management 
systems.

An important part of our role is to provide non-executive oversight to 
ensure management has an appropriate focus on high quality 
reporting. In 2017, the Group received a letter from the FRC, 
requesting information regarding investment performance metrics 
presented by asset management companies in their annual reports. 
We were able to confirm that we had already considered improving 
our disclosures and these changes had been adopted in the interim 
results announcement in July 2017. 

In October, we were pleased to receive a further letter from the FRC 
that welcomed the changes that had been made to our disclosures 
and the explanations that had been provided in responding to the 
FRC’s inquiry. The FRC also acknowledged the limitations of their 
review compared with a more detailed investigation, but concluded 
that the matter was closed and did not warrant further inspection. The 
actions taken in 2017 reflect the importance placed by the Group on 
enhancing the disclosures where that is considered to be appropriate. 
The Committee has an important oversight role to ensure the Group’s 
focus on high quality corporate reporting continues.

As described in last year’s Annual Report and Accounts, the Committee 
conducted an audit tender process and recommended to the Board 
the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP (EY) as the Group’s new external 
auditor for the year ending 31 December 2018, replacing 
PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (PwC). A resolution will be proposed at 
the 2018 AGM for shareholders to approve the appointment of EY. 

Throughout 2017 we have received regular reports on the work 
performed to prepare for the transition of the external audit to EY. The 
Committee recognises the importance of the external auditor in 
providing assurance over the integrity of the financial statements and 

56

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Responsibilities of the Committee
The principal role of the Committee is to assist the Board in fulfilling 
its oversight responsibilities in relation to financial reporting, financial 
controls and audit, risk and internal controls.

Private meetings were also held with the Chief Financial Officer 
and the heads of the Compliance, Risk and Internal Audit functions. 
These meetings provided an opportunity for any matters to be raised 
confidentially.

All members of the Committee are independent non-executive 
Directors. Biographical details and the experience of Committee 
members are set out on pages 44 and 45. The Board has determined 
that, by virtue of their previous experience gained in other 
organisations, members collectively have the competence relevant 
to the sector in which the Group operates. In addition, the Board 
considers that Rhian Davies, a chartered accountant, has the recent 
and relevant financial experience required to chair the Committee.

At the invitation of the Chairman of the Committee, the Chairman, 
Group Chief Executive, Chief Financial Officer and Bruno Schroder 
attended most meetings. Other regular attendees who advised the 
Committee were the Group Financial Controller, the heads of 
Compliance, Risk and Internal Audit and the General Counsel. Other 
members of senior management were also invited to attend as 
appropriate. The Chairman of the Committee also met with the 
Chairman of the Wealth Management Audit and Risk Committee who 
is an independent non-executive Director of Schroder & Co. Limited 
and provides a report to each Committee meeting on matters related 
to the Wealth Management business.

Representatives from PwC, attended all of the Committee’s scheduled 
meetings. During 2017, two private meetings were held with PwC 
without management present.

The Committee’s primary activities are the oversight of:

Financial reporting, 
financial controls 
and audit

 – The content and integrity 
of financial and Pillar 3 
reporting

 – The appropriateness of 

accounting estimates and 
judgements

 – The effectiveness of the 

financial control 
framework

 – The effectiveness of the 

external auditor

 – Independence of the 

external auditor

 – Recommending to the 

Board the appointment 
of the external auditor

Risk and 
internal controls

 – The Group’s risk and control 

framework, including the Group’s 
whistleblowing procedures and 
the Money Laundering Reporting 
Officer’s reports

 – The Group’s ICAAP, ILAAP, risk 
appetite and recovery and 
resolution planning

 – The Group’s regulatory processes 

and procedures and its 
relationships with regulators

 – The Group’s Internal Audit 

function

 – Emerging and thematic risks 
which may have a material 
impact on the Group’s operations 
in the future

Key areas of focus during the year
The table below summarises the key issues that the Committee considered at each of its meetings during 2017.

Meeting 

Financial reporting,  
financial controls and audit

Risk and internal controls

February

 – Annual Report and Accounts including financial 

 – Key risks and risk management

estimates and judgements

 – Viability statement

 – Pillar 3 disclosures

 – Internal audit control framework review

 – Risk and control framework review

May

 – External audit plan

 – ICAAP and ILAAP

 – External auditor transition update

 – Money Laundering Reporting Officer’s annual report

 – Financial controls in respect of net operating revenue

 – Business continuity

 – Oversight of outsource providers 

 – Client life cycle

July

 – Half-year results including financial estimates and 

 – Key risks

judgements

 – External auditor transition update

 – Risk and control assessments

 – Fiduciary management

 – MiFID II

September

 – External auditor effectiveness review 

 – Conduct and people and employment practices risk

 – Tax strategy

 – Internal Audit 

 – General Data Protection Regulation 

 – Group recovery plan and resolution pack

 – External quality assessment

 – MiFID II

November

 – Financial controls

 – Information security and technology risk

 – Accounting policies and judgements including future 

 – Wealth Management Switzerland

accounting developments

 – EY audit strategy for 2018 and initial observations

 – Policies for safeguarding the independence of the 

external auditor

 – Key risks

 – Insurance

 – 2018 Internal Audit and Compliance monitoring plans 

 – MiFID II

 – Conduct risk

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

57

GovernanceAudit and Risk Committee report continued

Financial reporting, financial controls and audit
The Committee is responsible for reviewing the half-year and annual 
results and the Annual Report and Accounts before recommending 
them to the Board for approval. The Committee reviews whether 
suitable accounting policies have been adopted and whether 
management have made appropriate estimates and judgements 
including those in respect of the valuation of assets and liabilities, the 
determination of defined benefit pension obligations, tax and other 
provisions and the determination of entities that are consolidated into 
the Group where these are subject to judgement.

The Group’s financial control environment is set out in reports 
reviewed by the Committee. The documents provide a comprehensive 
summary of the controls that exist across the Finance function globally 
and support the Group’s risk and control assessments. For more 
details see page 34. 

During the year, the Committee received reports from Finance on the 
operation of the controls over the financial reporting process including 
control enhancements, particularly in respect of revenue, cost of sales 
and accounting for deferred compensation. In 2017, Finance and the 
Committee also focused on the integration and oversight of recently 
acquired businesses including Benchmark Capital and Schroder Adveq. 

The Committee reviewed the report from Finance which set out the 
judgements made in respect of the adoption of new accounting 
standards that are applicable for the Group from the 2018 and 2019 
year ends, along with the Group’s preparations for these changes.

The Committee receives regular reports from PwC on the audit scope, 
progress against the audit plan, their independent assessment of 
management’s conclusions on key areas of estimates and judgement 
and any findings from other audit procedures. The Committee also 
reviews PwC’s audit opinion on the Annual Report and Accounts and 
on their independent report on the half-year results. 

The Committee reviews the Group’s tax strategy annually and it is 
discussed with the external auditors. For more details see page 33. 

The Committee is required to report to shareholders on the process it 
follows in its review of significant estimates and judgemental issues 
that it has considered during the year. These issues are set out on the 
next page.

The Committee considers the Group’s financial projections and the 
application of stress scenarios in order that the Board can make the 
viability statement, as set out on page 36, and to support the going 
concern basis of preparation of the financial statements.

A key focus of the Committee is its work in assisting the Board in 
ensuring that the Annual Report and Accounts when taken as a whole 
is fair, balanced and understandable and whether it provides the 
information necessary for shareholders to assess the Group’s position 
and performance, business model and strategy. The Committee 
considered the key messages being communicated in the Annual 
Report and Accounts, as well as the information provided to the 
Committee and the Board as a whole during the year and their 
discussions on these. The Committee, having completed its review, 
recommended to the Board that, when taken as a whole, the 2017 
Annual Report and Accounts is fair, balanced and understandable and 
provides the information necessary for shareholders to assess the 
Group’s position and performance, business model and strategy.

Non-audit services
The Committee maintains a policy on the engagement of the auditor 
for the provision of non-audit services in order to safeguard their 
independence and objectivity. This prohibits the provision of certain 
non-permitted audit services and contains rules regarding the 
approval of permitted non-audit services. As the Group’s incoming 
auditor, EY have been subject to the policy since 1 January 2017 to 

ensure that there are no engagements that would restrict their 
appointment.

In recognition of the change of auditor, the Committee considered and 
approved new policies that addressed the restrictions on PwC, as the 
outgoing auditor, over the remaining transition period, along with 
longer-term restrictions due to their role as auditor of funds managed 
by Group companies.

Details of the total fees paid to PwC are set out in note 5 to the 
accounts. Non-audit fees, excluding audit related assurance services 
required under regulation, were equivalent to 51% (2016: 37%) of audit 
fees. Non-audit fees payable to EY, as the Group’s incoming auditor, 
during 2017 were equivalent to 20% of audit fees payable to PwC. 

Non-audit services, excluding audit related assurance services 
required under regulation, payable to PwC principally comprise 
controls reports issued under International Standard on Assurance 
Engagements 3402, or similar principles, which are normally 
conducted by the Group’s auditor but are not required by regulation. 
In 2017, PwC also undertook specific work relating to the Group’s 
investigation of robotics and cognitive science and the deployment of 
industry practices to develop operational efficiencies. PwC were 
appointed to these roles as they were successful in competitive tender 
processes and after a full assessment of whether the provision of 
these services was in compliance with independence principles. 

In July the Group acquired Adveq Holding AG (Adveq). Prior to the 
Group’s acquisition PwC were not auditors to Adveq but provided a 
range of non-audit services, some of which are not permitted under 
the Schroders Group policy on non-audit services provided by the 
Group’s external auditor. Where these services were not permitted, the 
services were terminated within three months of acquisition date, as 
allowed under the UK Ethical Standard that governs auditor 
independence. These services comprised accounting and book 
keeping, payroll services, tax compliance, regulatory advice and 
employee tax services. 

Non-audit services payable to EY in 2017 principally comprised 
ongoing services relating to Global Investment Performance Standards 
verification work, and business acquisitions, as well as certain tax and 
other services that are not permitted under the Group’s policy but 
which were completed prior to EY confirming their independence. 
These non-permitted services were identified during the audit tender 
process and have been completed in line with EY’s independence 
transition plan outlined during that process.

The Committee was satisfied that the quantity and type of non-audit 
work undertaken throughout the year did not impair either PwC’s 
independence or EY’s ability to be appointed as the Group’s external 
auditor at the 2018 AGM. This assessment was made based on the 
nature and importance of the services provided with regards to the 
Group’s financial statements and the conclusion that whilst certain 
services were only permitted due to the UK Ethical Standard’s 
transitional arrangements for business acquisitions, appropriate 
procedures were in place to mitigate the risk to PwC’s independence. 

Oversight of the relationship with the external auditor
The Committee places great importance on the quality, effectiveness 
and independence of the external audit process.

The Committee is responsible for evaluating the performance of the 
external auditor. To assist the Committee in fulfilling these 
responsibilities, an assessment of the external auditor was carried out 
with feedback collected from key stakeholders by way of a 
questionnaire. The content of the questionnaire was prepared in 
accordance with the FRC’s guidance and comprises four criteria: 
mindset and culture; skills, character and knowledge; quality control; 
and judgement. The overall quality of the 2016 audit was assessed as 
good and no areas of significant concern were identified. Areas for 
improvement in respect of 2017 were communicated to PwC.

58

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Significant estimates and judgements 

Action

Accounting for the fair value of assets and liabilities in respect 
of business combinations

During the year the Group made a number of acquisitions. These 
acquisitions required estimates to be made in respect of the fair 
value of assets and liabilities acquired and parts of the purchase 
consideration. The main area of judgement was in relation to the 
determination of the fair value of rights to carried interest income 
from private equity vehicles. This included values attributable to 
third parties through the sale and purchase agreement and third 
party interests relating to the value of entities that own the carried 
interest rights.

See note 29 to the accounts.

Carrying value of assets and liabilities 

The Group holds material balances in respect of previously 
completed acquisitions, the UK DB pension scheme surplus and 
certain actual or potential liabilities which are subject to estimation 
regarding their carrying value particularly with respect to mortality 
rates. 

The calculation of the Group’s tax charge each year necessarily 
involves a degree of estimation, given the many jurisdictions in 
which it has operations and the complexity of the applicable rules 
in each of those jurisdictions.

See notes 6, 10, 13, 17, 18 and 25 
to the accounts.

The Committee considered reports from Finance that set out the 
key assumptions used to determine the fair value of assets and 
liabilities acquired, the purchase price consideration and the 
amounts attributable to acquired intangible assets, goodwill and 
third party interests. The Committee considered the work 
performed by Finance and a valuation specialist in establishing the 
key assumptions, including the market growth assumptions, the 
profit before tax and the discount rate. Having considered the 
supporting information, the Committee was satisfied with the 
initial carrying value of the relevant assets and liabilities and the 
basis for reassessing the carrying value of assets and liabilities at 
each reporting date.

The Committee considered reports that set out relevant 
considerations in assessing estimates used in the determination of 
the fair value of certain assets and liabilities.

Acquisition related items comprising goodwill and intangible assets 
were assessed against the performance and outlook of the 
relevant cash generating units and the application of growth 
assumptions and discount rates. 

Finance Reports included key financial assumptions that had been 
used by the independent qualified actuaries, Aon Hewitt Limited, to 
determine the UK DB pension scheme surplus. 

The Group Head of Tax presented an update on the Group’s tax 
strategy and associated governance processes to the Committee in 
September. The Committee reviewed and approved the Group’s 
updated tax strategy, which is published on the Group’s website, 
along with the announcement of the tax position at each reporting 
date.

The basis for determining the carrying value of certain assets and 
liabilities, including those in relation to carried interest rights as 
referred to above, was also considered in the Finance reports. 
Having considered the supporting information, the Committee was 
satisfied with management’s conclusions regarding the carrying 
values of the relevant assets and liabilities and that appropriate 
disclosures have been included in the accounts.

Presentation of profits

Since 2013 the consolidated income statement separately presents 
exceptional items which is permitted by accounting rules for 
specific items of income or expense that are considered material. 
This presentation represents a judgement by the Group that the 
items presented warrant specific disclosure in accordance with 
accounting standards.

The Committee considered and was satisfied with the continued 
presentation of exceptional items within a separate column in the 
consolidated income statement. This presentation is considered 
appropriate as it provides a transparent view of certain items and 
the underlying performance of the business. For 2017, exceptional 
items principally comprised amortisation of acquired intangible 
assets and costs associated with acquisitions and disposals.

See note 1(b) to the accounts.

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

59

GovernanceAudit and Risk Committee report continued

Audit effectiveness is also assessed throughout the year using a 
number of measures including: reviewing the quality and scope of the 
proposed audit plan and progress against the plan; responsiveness to 
changes in our businesses; and monitoring the independence and 
transparency of the audit. 

Following the audit tender process conducted by the Committee in 
2016, EY will be recommended by the Board for appointment as the 
Group’s external auditor for the 2018 financial year at the 2018 AGM. 

The Committee confirms that the Company has complied with the 
provisions of the Competition and Markets Authority Order 2014 
relating to the UK audit market for large companies throughout the 
year under review and as at the date of this report. 

Risk and internal controls
The Board has overall responsibility for the Company’s system of 
internal controls, the ongoing monitoring of risk and internal control 
systems and for reporting on any significant failings or weaknesses.

The system of control is designed to manage rather than eliminate 
the risk of failure to achieve our strategic objectives and can only 
provide reasonable assurance against material misstatement or loss. 
The Board has delegated to the Committee responsibility for 
reviewing the effectiveness and monitoring of the risk and internal 
controls framework.

On behalf of the Board, the Committee carried out the annual 
assessment of the effectiveness of internal controls during 2017, 
including those related to the financial reporting process. The 
Committee also considered the adequacy of the Group’s risk 
management arrangements in the context of the Group’s business 
and strategy. In carrying out its assessment, the Committee 
considered reports from the Group Financial Controller and the heads 
of Compliance, Risk and Internal Audit and also from PwC. This 
enabled an evaluation of the effectiveness of the Group’s internal 
control framework.

Risk
Risk reports set out changes in the level or nature of the risks faced by 
the Group, developments in risk management and operational events, 
including significant errors and omissions. Separate reports allowed 
the Committee to consider a range of factors when determining the 
key risks and uncertainties faced by the Group. These included 
assessments of risk tolerance and stress testing of the Group’s capital 
position, as well as the production of the Group’s ICAAP, ILAAP and the 
Group’s Recovery Plan and Resolution Pack.

The Committee also considers emerging and thematic risks that may 
have a material impact on the Group. During the year, the Committee 
reviewed the Group’s arrangements in the areas of business 
continuity, information security, outsourced providers, client life cycle, 
MiFID II, conduct risk and fiduciary management. Set out on this and 
the following page are summaries of the Committee’s activity in four 
areas where members of the first line of defence attended and 
presented to the Committee in relation to emerging and thematic 
risks.

60

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

MiFID II
In preparation for the implementation of MiFID II in January 2018, 
updates were provided to the Committee to monitor progress and 
discuss any issues. MiFID II has a very broad scope, touching many 
aspects of the business including requirements for investor 
protection, organisation and governance, market trading 
transparency and market infrastructure.

At the July Committee meeting, updates were provided by the 
Chief Technology Officer, the Chief Operating Officer for 
Distribution and the Chief Operating Officer for Portfolio Services 
on how their areas of the business were working towards being 
compliant before the deadline. The thematic risks relevant to the 
project, particularly those connected to third party dependencies, 
were discussed. Technology projects with a long lead time, such as 
elements of the front office technology platform, were realigned 
and configured in order to be MiFID II compliant. The Committee 
noted that although this added pressure to the technology change 
programme, resource was available and the organisation was 
working collaboratively, demonstrating a high level of 
engagement from all areas of the business.

Subsequent programme updates were provided at the September 
and November Committee meetings. The Committee was 
confident that the Group was doing all that it could to be 
compliant by the deadline and that any outstanding challenges 
were common across the industry primarily due to market-wide 
issues and dependencies which would evolve and be completed 
during 2018. 

The Committee will continue to monitor progress of the 
implementation and embedding of MiFID II requirements in 2018.

Information Security 
The Committee recognises the importance of Information Security 
to the Group particularly in the light of high profile cyber attacks 
which have increased in recent years. There has also been greater 
interest from regulators around the world regarding technology. 
An external review of Schroders’ Information Security controls was 
undertaken by PA Consulting which benchmarked the maturity of 
the Group’s Information Security framework against other 
financial services organisations. This showed that there had been 
further strengthening since the last review conducted by KPMG in 
2015 and that Schroders is in the top quartile of financial services 
firms surveyed. 

Given the pace of technology change, the Committee recognises 
that continuous improvement is required to meet the challenges 
of the consistently evolving environment. The Committee will 
continue to review and assess the Group’s capabilities in this area. 

Compliance
Compliance reports describe the status of our relationships and 
dealings with our principal regulators and material changes in the 
regulatory environment in which the Group operates. The reports also 
outline key compliance issues, and the planning and execution of the 
compliance monitoring programme. Compliance monitoring is carried 
out globally to assess the Group’s compliance with local regulatory 
standards and requirements.

The Committee considered the FCA’s Asset Management Market Study 
final report including the proposed remedies with respect to 
governance, costs and charges and the implications this would have 
on the business.

The Committee received reports on the enhancement work that had 
been undertaken in relation to FCA client money rule compliance by its 
outsourced UK fund transfer agency provider and the strengthening of 
our oversight arrangements. The compliance position in relation to 
these arrangements remains under close review.

Outsource providers
The Group retains responsibility for services provided on its behalf 
by third parties. During 2017, the Committee conducted its annual 
review of the Group’s material outsource providers. None of our 
key relationships needed to be changed during 2017. Ongoing 
improvement programmes were in place to address service 
quality issues identified in prior years, including with respect to a 
third-party provider engaged to provide the transfer agency and 
other services for the Group’s UK-domiciled mutual fund ranges.

As in previous years, none of the findings gave the Committee 
reason to believe that there had been any client detriment. 

The Committee will continue to provide oversight of the Group’s 
outsource arrangements as these develop in 2018.

Evaluating the performance of the Committee
The annual evaluation of the Committee’s effectiveness was 
undertaken as part of the overall Board evaluation process by 
Independent Board Evaluation. The findings relating to the Committee 
were discussed with the Committee Chairman. Overall, the Committee 
is considered to be performing well, is rigorous and effective in 
discharging its responsibilities and providing the Board with 
assurance. In terms of areas for possible improvement, achieving 
the right level of detail when considering matters was something 
to focus on. 

Priorities for 2018
As well as considering the standing items of business and overseeing 
the transition of external auditors, the Committee will also focus 
on the following areas during 2018:

 – Cyber security;

 – Conduct and culture;

 – Oversight of outsourced services;

 – GDPR;

 – MiFID II; and

 – The transition to new technology platforms.

Committee’s assessment of internal control and risk 
management arrangements
In light of its work, the Committee was content with the effectiveness 
of the Group’s processes governing financial and regulatory reporting 
and controls, its culture, ethical standards and its relationships with 
regulators. The Committee was also satisfied with the appropriateness 
and adequacy of the Group’s risk management arrangements and 
supporting risk management systems including; the risk monitoring 
processes, internal controls framework and the three lines of defence 
model.

Internal Audit
The Committee has authority to appoint or remove the Group Head of 
Internal Audit, who reports directly to the Chairman of the Committee. 
The Chairman of the Committee is accountable for setting the 
objectives of the Group Head of Internal Audit, appraising his 
performance against those objectives and for recommending his 
remuneration to the Remuneration Committee, with advice from the 
Group Chief Executive.

The Committee also has responsibility for approving the Internal Audit 
budget and being satisfied that the Internal Audit function has 
appropriate resources and continues to be effective. The Committee 
satisfies itself as to the quality, experience and expertise of the 
function through regular interaction with the Group Head of Internal 
Audit, both when the Committee meets and also through other 
meetings outside the formal meeting schedule. 

In 2016, the Committee approved the appointment of an independent 
third party to conduct an effectiveness review of the Internal Audit 
function. The review assessed the Internal Audit function’s 
conformance with the International Standards for the Professional 
Practice of Internal Auditing (Standards) and its compliance with the 
guidance on ‘Effective Internal Audit in the Financial Services Sector’, 
as well as identifying any opportunities for improvement. The findings 
from the review were presented to the September Committee meeting 
and were positive. Within Schroders, Internal Audit is seen as a valued 
assurance function throughout the Group, it is appropriately 
resourced and has generally conformed with the Standards. There 
were some opportunities for improvement, including enhancements 
to audit documentation and agreeing the correct level of coverage for 
future internal audits.

Internal Audit reports to the Committee set out progress against a 
rolling plan of audits approved by the Committee on an annual basis. 
These reports include any significant findings from audits performed 
and their subsequent remediation and recommendations to improve 
the control environment. During the year the Committee agreed to 
proposed amendments to the internal audit plan to meet the evolving 
risks faced by the business. Additional audit work was carried out in 
Luxembourg and on the Fiduciary Management team.

Both the annual compliance monitoring and Internal Audit plans 
are developed on a risk weighted basis to provide proportionate 
reassurance over the Group’s controls for the key risks set out 
on pages 37 to 43.

General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
During 2017, the Committee reviewed the Group’s preparations 
for the introduction of GDPR from 25 May 2018. The Corporate 
General Counsel and the Chief Information Security Officer 
presented to the Committee in September on progress in 
preparing for GDPR.

The obligations under GDPR build on those in existing law already 
applicable to Schroders’ EU-based businesses. In some areas the 
changes introduced require the Group to make adjustments for 
new concepts, particularly around enhanced individual rights. We 
have not identified any fundamental changes to our business 
models that will be required. Areas of focus include business 
development and marketing, human resources and Wealth 
Management, enhancing the functionality of relevant technology 
systems and developing our oversight of material third party 
arrangements.

Preparations for the implementation of GDPR are continuing and 
the Committee will be kept up to date with progress during 2018.

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

61

GovernanceRemuneration report

Paying for performance in a simple 
and transparent way

Structure of the Remuneration report
 – Statement by the Chairman of the Remuneration Committee 

(pages 62 and 63)

 – Remuneration at a glance (pages 64 and 65)

 – Remuneration governance (pages 66 and 67)

 – Remuneration principles (page 68)

 – Directors’ remuneration policy summary (pages 69 to 75)

 – Annual report on remuneration (pages 76 to 90)

As UCITS funds and funds subject to AIFMD represent a significant part 
of the Group, we have included the executive Directors as MRTs under 
these rules (UCITS / AIF MRTs). Our remuneration philosophy remains 
unchanged, supporting our long-term approach by deferring a 
significant part of annual variable remuneration into fund and share 
awards. This provides clear alignment with the long-term interests of 
clients and shareholders, alongside awards under the Long Term 
Incentive Plan (LTIP) and requiring executives to acquire and maintain 
significant shareholdings in the Group.

We continue to operate the executive Directors’ bonuses in line with 
our shareholder-approved Directors’ remuneration policy but to meet 
our regulatory obligations we made the following changes to how we 
implement the policy:

Previous approach Performance-year 2017

The proportion of 
executive Directors’ 
bonuses that was 
deferred was 
approximately 50%.

We have increased the proportion of 
executive Directors’ bonuses deferred to 
approximately 60%, in line with the new 
Directors’ remuneration policy approved 
by shareholders in April 2017.

The upfront portion of 
the bonus (i.e. that 
part that is not 
deferred) was paid in 
cash, in February 
following the end of 
the financial year. 

The deferred portion 
of the bonus was split 
equally between fund 
awards and share 
awards, both of which 
were released three 
years from the date of 
grant.

We pay only half of the upfront portion of 
the bonus in cash. The other half will be 
granted as a fund award, at the same 
time as deferred bonus awards. This 
upfront fund award cannot be exercised 
for six months from the date of grant. It 
is subject to malus terms from the date 
of grant to the date of exercise and then 
clawback terms for 12 months from 
exercise. Unlike the deferred portion of 
any bonus, the upfront fund award is not 
normally at risk of forfeiture if the holder 
leaves the Group.

We have extended the overall deferral 
period for deferred fund awards by six 
months. These awards will be available to 
exercise in three equal instalments after 
1.5, 2.5 and 3.5 years from the date of 
grant. The overall deferral period for 
share awards will remain three years and 
these awards will be available to exercise 
in three equal instalments after 1, 2 and 3 
years from the grant date.

The Committee could 
apply malus terms in 
the event of individual 
misconduct or a 
material misstatement 
of the Group’s results; 
clawback terms could 
apply in the event of 
individual misconduct.

We have adopted a broader description 
of the circumstances in which malus and 
clawback terms could be applied, aligned 
to the UCITS Directive and AIFMD 
requirements, via a malus and clawback 
policy. These revised terms apply to all 
deferred remuneration awards granted 
from March 2018 and are explained in 
more detail on page 71.

Committee membership (meeting attendance is on page 49)

Lord Howard of Penrith 
(Chairman)

Robin Buchanan

Ian King

Nichola Pease

We pay for performance in a simple and transparent way, clearly 
aligned to client and shareholder interests. We believe this philosophy 
is a key driver of the Group’s success over the long term. This view is 
shared by our shareholders, who overwhelmingly voted in favour of 
our Directors’ remuneration policy at our 2017 AGM, recognising the 
important changes we had made to strengthen the alignment of 
executive pay to the financial performance of the Group and the 
interests of clients and shareholders. 

During 2017, we saw another year of strong investment performance 
for our clients, which has again translated into success for our 
shareholders. 2017 was a record year for our financial performance, 
with net income, profit and dividends at an all-time high. The Board 
approved a total compensation ratio of 43% (2016: 44%). On an 
underlying basis the total compensation ratio is unchanged year on 
year, as there is a reduction of around one percentage point due to 
higher levels of bonus deferral for some employees, as described 
below. This benefit will largely unwind over the next two years. We 
kept the underlying total compensation ratio below our target range 
of 45% to 49%, as we remain mindful of ensuring compensation costs 
are appropriate, given the significant challenges our industry faces 
over the long term.

Regulatory changes 
I highlighted last year that we face continued regulatory uncertainty 
that could affect our remuneration approach. In 2017 we made 
changes to our remuneration approach for employees deemed to be 
material risk takers (MRTs) under the UCITS Directive or AIFMD, 
increasing bonus deferral levels to create further alignment with 
clients and shareholders, and to meet the requirements of those 
Directives. 

62

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

We grant deferred bonuses and upfront fund awards for UCITS / AIF 
MRTs, including the executive Directors, under a new deferred 
remuneration plan, the Deferred Award Plan (DAP). The DAP was 
designed specifically for this new bonus structure for relevant MRTs. 
Other employees continue to be granted deferred bonuses under our 
Equity Compensation Plan (ECP). The operation of deferred bonus 
awards granted under the DAP is substantively the same as awards 
that could have been granted under the ECP, other than the 
differences described on the previous page, and is consistent with the 
requirements of the Directors’ remuneration policy.

The Group Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer have seen 
increases in annual bonus awards of 18% and 12% respectively, 
compared with a median bonus increase of 14% for employees who 
worked in the Group for all of 2016 and 2017. The higher year on year 
increase for Peter Harrison in part reflects his only being Group Chief 
Executive for part of the prior year, following his appointment to the 
role on 3 April 2016. More information on the annual bonus awards for 
the executive Directors is outlined on pages 81 to 83. Philip 
Mallinckrodt was not eligible for an annual bonus for 2017, after he 
relinquished his executive responsibilities (see page 85).

2017 performance and pay outcomes
Profit before tax and exceptional items was up 24% to £800.3 million. 
The Board has recommended a 22% increase in the total dividend per 
share for the year. 

Our approach to determine the annual bonus awards for the executive 
Directors is consistent with that for the rest of our employees, taking 
into account a balanced approach to growing the business profitably 
and sustainably, encouraging the longevity of client relationships, 
while retaining and developing our talented people who are key to 
organisational stability and long-term success. 

We strongly believe that formulaic pay can often drive the wrong 
behaviours and the wrong long-term outcomes for clients and 
shareholders. We look to reward appropriately all employees who 
adhere to the firm’s values – excellence, innovation, teamwork, passion 
and integrity – and who demonstrate the behaviours we expect in a 
client-centric culture. Our discretionary approach also ensures we can 
reflect performance on management of risks and adherence to 
compliance controls in pay outcomes (page 89).

For 2017, we have awarded Peter Harrison, our Group Chief Executive, 
a bonus of £6.5 million, reflecting the exceptional strength of the 
Group’s performance this year across both financial and non-financial 
metrics. Ensuring we deliver for our clients is one of the most 
important components of this and client investment performance is a 
key measure of success. We remain significantly ahead of target, with 
74% of assets outperforming their stated comparator over three years 
and 84% over five years. More information on this is set out in the 
business and financial review on pages 20 to 27. Peter has focused on 
our strategic priorities (see pages 14 and 15) and delivered a range of 
important initiatives that will reinforce our future growth potential, 
particularly around product strategy, regional growth and building on 
our existing capabilities in Private Assets and Alternatives. 
Management team stability has been good and Peter’s attention to 
succession planning is building strength and depth for the future.

We have awarded Richard Keers, our Chief Financial Officer, a bonus of 
£2.75 million, reflecting his significant contribution to the Group’s 
performance during 2017 and delivery against his personal objectives. 
His leadership of the Global Operations, Risk and Capital Committees 
and contribution on cost control and efficiency were strong. He drove 
important revenue reporting enhancements and improvements in 
management reporting via digital dashboards. 

The LTIP performance conditions remain highly demanding and, in 
March 2018, we expect LTIP awards granted in 2014 to vest at 50%, 
based on net new business. The earnings per share target will again 
not be met, despite EPS growth of 57% over this period (see page 84). 
Peter Harrison did not receive an LTIP award in 2014, as awards were 
granted only to the executive Directors that year and he joined the 
Board after awards had been granted.

The Group Chief Executive’s pay is 35 times the employee mean 
(2016: 33 times) and 64 times the employee median (2016: 60 times), 
as shown on page 81. The year on year increase in these ratios reflects 
a range of factors. In particular, this was Peter Harrison’s first full year 
as Group Chief Executive. In addition, 2017 has seen significant 
investment to support future growth, and the resulting recruitment 
was skewed towards employees paid less than the firm-wide average.

Diversity and gender pay gap
We are committed to employee diversity. This year we have continued 
working to increase the representation of women in senior 
management roles, having been one of the first signatories of the 
Women in Finance Charter in the UK. We achieved our initial target of 
30% women within senior management during the first quarter of 
2017, though at year end the figure had fallen back to 29% as a result 
of minor restructurings within the firm. We are now targeting 33% by 
the end of 2019. We have published more information on diversity and 
gender pay in a separate report on our website, at schroders.com/
inclusion.

Our analysis of comparable roles continues to show that we reward 
men and women fairly for similar work. Our gender pay gap reflects 
the lower representation of women at senior levels within the 
organisation. Our work to promote senior management diversity is 
reflected in an improvement in our gender pay gap, which we have 
disclosed for the second year (page 78). The gap for median salaries 
and cash allowances narrowed to 31% (2016: 33%), while the gap for 
the mean narrowed to 30% (2016: 31%). The gap for the median bonus 
narrowed to 50% (2016: 59%) and the gap for the mean bonus 
narrowed to 49% (2016: 66%). As part of the year end compensation 
review, we consider bonus outcomes through both a gender and 
ethnicity lens to ensure that recommendations are appropriate and 
help identify any unconscious bias. There remains more to do and we 
are actively identifying additional steps to address this.

Lord Howard of Penrith
Chairman of the Remuneration Committee

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

63

GovernanceRemuneration report continued

Remuneration at a glance

1. How we performed
The charts below provide an overview of Schroders’ performance. Pages 14 and 15 provide information on our strategy for 2017 and beyond and 
pages 16 and 17 give more information on our key performance indicators. Pages 82 to 84 outline the basis for determining annual bonus awards 
for the executive Directors and the expected vesting of LTIP awards granted in March 2014.

Performance of Schroders shares against the FTSE-100 Index and the relative spend on pay
The left-hand chart below compares the performance of Schroders shares with that of the FTSE-100 over nine years to 31 December 2017. 
Over this period the index has returned 143%, compared to a 425% return on Schroders ordinary shares. The right-hand chart shows how net 
income has been utilised over the same period, comparing remuneration costs before exceptional items and shareholder distributions to taxes 
arising and earnings retained. Distributions to shareholders in respect of 2017 formed a slightly larger proportion of the total than for 2016.

Value of £100 invested on 31 December 2008

£600

£500

£400

£300

£200

£100

£0

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

Schroders ordinary shares

  Schroders non-voting ordinary shares 

FTSE-100 Index

£millions

£2,500

£2,000

£1,500

£1,000

£500

£0

Net income 2017, £2,069 million
up 154% since 2009

22%
17%
19%
12%
15%
15%

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

2016

2017

Fixed remuneration
Other operating expenses
Retained earnings

Variable remuneration
Corporate tax and social security
Interim and final dividend

Other key factors in assessing the performance of the Group (see pages 82 to 83)
The following key performance indicators were amongst those that formed part of the Committee’s determination of the executive Directors’ pay. 

Client investment
performance over 3 years (%)

Net new business (£bn)

Assets under management
and administration (£bn)

2016

2017

Target ≥ 60%

Retention of key talent (%)

2016

2017

74

74

95

94

2016

2017

1.1

9.6

2016

2017

Target: positive NNB

Target: AUMA growth in excess of market growth

Ratio of total costs
to net income* (%)

2016

2017

Basic earnings per share* (p)

64

61

2016

2017

395.3

447.0

186.3

226.9

Target ≥ 90%

Target = 65%

Target: grow consistently recognising potential impact 
of market volatility

* Before exceptional items.

Determining the vesting of LTIP awards granted in March 2014 (see page 84)
LTIP awards granted in March 2014 are expected to vest on 1 March 2018, based on two metrics as set out below.

0%

20%

40%

60%

80%

100%

Vesting (% of award)

Earnings
per share (EPS)

Net new
business (NNB)

Growth in composite index

54.4%

+20%

+20%

Schroders EPS growth

£bn

0

10

20
Target 
range

57.4%

30

40

Target 
range

50

60

Schroders cumulative NNB 

48.5bn

Total expected to vest in relation to 2014 to 2017 performance

Criteria met

Partially met

Not met

64

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

0%

50%

50%

2. Executive Directors’ remuneration and shareholdings
The left-hand chart below compares the single total remuneration figures for 2017 and 2016 for each executive Director role. The right-hand chart 
compares each executive Director’s shareholdings with that required under the personal shareholding policy.

Executive Director Single total remuneration figure (£’000)
Group Chief Executive1
Peter Harrison

2016

45%

21%

21%

8%

5%

 6,311

Policy

2017

8%

19%

19%

27%

27%

 7,059

Actual

Chief Financial Officer
Richard Keers

2016

15%

43% 21% 21%

2017

13% 16% 16% 23% 23%

9%

 2,878

Policy

 3,501

Actual

500

847

300

541

Value of shareholding 
vs shareholding policy (% of salary)

Fixed pay

Upfront bonus – cash

Upfront bonus – fund award

Deferred bonus – fund award

Deferred bonus – share award

LTIP vesting2

1.  Peter Harrison was appointed Group Chief Executive on 3 April 2016, prior to which he was an executive Director as Head of Investment. The bar representing 2016 

remuneration in the left-hand chart above reflects his full-year remuneration in respect of 2016.

2.  LTIP vesting represents the estimated value at vesting from awards granted under the LTIP on 10 March 2014, which are expected to vest on 1 March 2018 based 

on performance against the performance conditions over the four financial years ended 31 December 2017.

For more information on the single total remuneration figures see pages 79 to 84 and on the personal shareholding policy see page 87.

3. Executive Directors’ remuneration policy overview
Components of executive Directors’ remuneration:

Component Policy overview

Fixed pay

Base salary
 – Group Chief Executive: £500,000
 – Other executive Directors: £375,000
These rates were last increased on 1 March 2014.

Benefits and allowances
Executive Directors receive benefits on the same basis as other UK employees.

Retirement benefits
Executive Directors may participate in UK pension arrangements or receive cash in lieu of pension on the same basis 
as other employees, 16% of base salary up to a maximum pensionable salary of £250,000, plus a match on employee 
contributions up to a further 2% of pensionable salary.

Upfront 
annual bonus 
award

Annual bonus awards incentivise the achievement of business priorities for the financial year, to align pay with performance 
and promote the long-term success of the Company. As the executive Directors are deemed to be MRTs under the UCITS 
Directive and AIFMD, half of the upfront portion of any annual bonus award (i.e. that part that is not deferred) is paid in 
cash and half granted as an upfront fund award, which cannot be exercised for six months from the date of grant.

Deferred 
annual bonus 
award

Approximately 60% of any annual bonus award is deferred, to align Directors’ interests with those of clients and 
shareholders. The deferred portion is split equally into fund awards, available to exercise in equal instalments after 1.5, 2.5 
and 3.5 years, and share awards, available to exercise in equal instalments after 1, 2 and 3 years.

LTIP

LTIP awards incentivise long-term performance and the achievement of strategic priorities to ensure the sustainable 
growth of the Group. The performance hurdles are highly demanding, based on earnings per share and net new business 
performance over a four-year period. The Committee may reduce the extent to which awards vest if the Group has suffered 
a material failure of risk management or if the Committee considers that the outcome from the performance conditions 
does not appropriately reflect underlying performance. A 12-month holding period applies from the date of vesting for LTIP 
awards granted from 2018, during which they cannot be exercised and malus conditions continue to apply. 

Malus and 
clawback 
policy

Malus terms allow awards to be reduced or lapsed; clawback terms require amounts to be repaid. Under the Group’s malus 
and clawback policy, these terms can be used to risk-adjust deferred remuneration awards in a range of circumstances, 
as described on page 71.

Personal 
shareholding 
policy

To align their interests with those of shareholders, the executive Directors are required to acquire and retain a holding 
of Schroders shares or rights to shares equivalent to 300% of base salary, or 500% of base salary for the Group Chief 
Executive. On stepping down as an executive Director, half that level of shareholding must be maintained for two years.

For more information on the policy see pages 69 to 75 and for more information on implementation of the policy during 2018 see page 90.

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

65

GovernanceRemuneration report continued

Remuneration governance

Responsibilities of the Committee
The responsibilities of the Committee include:

 – Reviewing the Group’s remuneration strategy and recommending 

the Directors’ remuneration policy to the Board

 – Determining the remuneration of executive Directors within the 

policy approved by shareholders

 – Determining the remuneration of the Group Company Secretary, 
reviewing the remuneration of the Heads of Compliance, Risk, 
Internal Audit and the General Counsel, monitoring the level and 
structure of remuneration for other senior employees and material 
risk takers and overseeing remuneration more broadly across the 
Group

 – Recommending to the Board the annual spend on fixed and variable 

remuneration

 – Reviewing the design and operation of share-based remuneration 

and other deferred remuneration plans

 – Overseeing any major change in the employee benefits structure 

throughout the Group

 – Reviewing the remuneration disclosures required and ensuring 

compliance with those requirements

 – Receiving and considering feedback from shareholders and 

representative shareholder bodies

The Committee’s terms of reference are available on our website.

All members of the Committee are independent non-executive 
Directors. Biographical details and the experience of Committee 
members are set out on pages 44 and 45.

At the invitation of the Committee Chairman, the Group Chairman and 
Group Chief Executive attended five meetings, the Chief Financial 
Officer attended four meetings and Bruno Schroder attended two. No 
Director or employee participates in decisions determining his or her 
own remuneration.

The Group Head of Risk, the General Counsel and the Global Head of 
Compliance also advised the Committee on matters that could 
influence remuneration decisions and attended meetings if required. 
The Global Head of Equities attended one meeting to advise the 
Committee on remuneration arrangements within her area. PwC 
attended one meeting to advise the Committee on market practice 
and conditions for directors’ remuneration and compliance with 
remuneration regulations. The Global Head of Human Resources and 
the Head of Compensation and Benefits attended meetings to provide 
advice and support the Committee with secretarial services.

66

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Key areas of focus during the year
The table below summarises the key issues that the 
Committee considered at each of its meetings during 2017. 
Remuneration packages for new hires or severance 
arrangements for roles subject to the Committee’s oversight 
were reviewed at each meeting as required. In addition, the 
Board as a whole reviewed the remuneration strategy in July 
(see page 51).

Meeting 
date

January

Key issues considered

 – Compensation review 2016
 – Remuneration disclosures
 – Material risk taker populations
 – Internal audit of remuneration compliance
 – Forecast vesting of LTIP awards granted 

in 2013

 – Performance conditions for LTIP awards 

to be granted in 2017

 – Corporate governance developments
 – Minor changes to deferred 
compensation plan rules

February

 – Compensation review 2016

May

 – Shareholder and voting agency feedback 

on remuneration

 – Review of advisers to the Committee
 – Alignment of remuneration to client and 

shareholder interests

 – Annual performance objectives of the 

Group Chief Executive
 – Remuneration disclosures
 – Remuneration arrangements 
in particular business areas

 – Regulatory developments

July 
(Board 
meeting)

 – Directors’ remuneration policy
 – Remuneration philosophy for other 

employees

 – UCITS Directive and AIFMD 
remuneration structure

October

 – UCITS Directive and AIFMD 
remuneration structure

December

 – Approval of Equity Incentive Plan awards
 – Compensation review 2017
 – Gender pay gap
 – Remuneration disclosures
 – Regulatory developments

 – Material risk taker population 
 – UCITS Directive and AIFMD 
remuneration structure
 – Compensation review 2017
 – Sustainability of earnings
 – Risk, legal and compliance matters
 – Forecast vesting of LTIP awards granted 

in 2014

 – Remuneration benchmarking for key 

leadership roles

 – Regulatory developments

Shareholder voting on remuneration
At the 2017 AGM, shareholders approved the Directors’ remuneration policy, which applies for three years from the date of approval. 
Shareholders also approved the Remuneration report that was published in the 2016 Annual Report and Accounts. The results of these votes are 
shown below:

To approve the Directors’ remuneration policy  
at the 2017 AGM

To approve the remuneration report  
at the 2017 AGM

6%

94%

  Votes for
  Votes against
(Votes withheld)

5%

95%

2017 AGM voting
 181,963,125
12,623,229
461,454

  Votes for
  Votes against
(Votes withheld)

2017 AGM voting
184,444,561
10,235,976
367,271

To approve the relevant Directors’ remuneration policy

Votes for

Votes against

To approve the relevant remuneration report

Votes for

Votes against

2014 AGM

2017 AGM

92%

94%

8%

6%

2014 AGM

2015 AGM

2016 AGM

2017 AGM

94%

97%

96%

95%

6%

3%

4%

5%

External advisers
The Committee appointed or received advice from the advisers shown in the table below. Advisers were selected on the recommendation of the 
Global Head of Human Resources and the Head of Compensation and Benefits.

Appointed by

The Committee

Services provided to 
the Committee

Information on market conditions and 
competitive rates of pay.

McLagan (Aon) 
Limited 
(McLagan)

PwC

The Company

The Committee did not independently 
engage PwC to provide any services. 
However, advice to management on 
market practice and conditions for 
directors’ remuneration and compliance 
with remuneration regulations was 
discussed at Committee meetings.

Other services 
provided to the 
Group

Fees paid for services 
to the Committee 
during 2017 (£’000)

Information on market 
conditions and 
competitive rates of pay.

Advice to management 
on market practice and 
conditions for directors’ 
remuneration and on 
compliance with 
remuneration 
regulations.

15

30

The Committee is satisfied that the advice received from McLagan was 
independent and objective as it was factual and not judgemental. 
McLagan is part of Aon plc, which also provides advice and services to 
the Company in relation to pension benefit valuations and pension 
actuarial advice. McLagan’s fees were charged on the basis of a fixed 
fee for the preparation of reports setting out the 
information requested.

PwC is the Group’s external auditor. Any non-audit services provided 
by PwC are subject to review in accordance with arrangements for the 
provision of such services, as described in the Audit and Risk 
Committee report on page 58. The Committee did not independently 
engage PwC to provide any services but is satisfied that the advice 
received from PwC was independent and objective as it was factual 
and not judgemental. PwC’s fees for services provided to the Company 
were charged on the basis of time spent.

Evaluating the performance of the Committee
The annual evaluation of the Committee’s effectiveness was 
undertaken as part of the overall Board evaluation process by 
Independent Board Evaluation. The findings relating to the Committee 
were discussed with the Chairman. The Board felt the Committee had 
delivered a Directors’ remuneration policy review with full shareholder 
consultation. The opportunity for the Board to discuss remuneration 
strategy was seen as a major positive. In terms of areas for possible 
improvement, the burden of paperwork on the Committee had 
increased over the past year, which could lead to a level of detail which 
was too granular.

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

67

Governance 
 
Remuneration report continued

Remuneration principles

The overall remuneration policy is designed to promote the long-term 
success of the Group.
The Committee has developed the remuneration policy with the following principles in mind:

Aligned with 
clients

A significant proportion of higher-earning employees’ and material risk takers’ variable remuneration is 
granted as fund awards, which are notional investments in funds managed by the Group, thereby 
aligning the interests of employees and clients. This includes the executive Directors, other members of 
the GMC and other key employees such as senior fund managers.

Aligned with 
shareholders

A significant proportion of variable remuneration is granted in the form of deferred awards over 
Schroders shares, thereby aligning the interests of employees and shareholders. Executive Directors 
and other members of the GMC are required, over time, to acquire and retain a significant holding of 
Schroders shares or rights to shares. On stepping down, the executive Directors are required to 
maintain a level of shareholding for two years.

Aligned with 
financial 
performance

The total spend on remuneration is managed as a percentage of net income, the total compensation 
ratio. This ratio is determined by the Committee and recommended to the Board. This approach aligns 
remuneration with financial performance.

Competitive

Employees receive a competitive remuneration package, which is reviewed annually and benchmarked 
by reference to the external market. This allows us to attract and retain the best talent, who know that 
good performance will be rewarded.

Designed to 
encourage 
retention

Deferred variable remuneration does not give rise to any immediate entitlement. Awards normally 
require the participant to be employed continuously by the Group until at least the third anniversary of 
grant in order to vest in full.

68

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Directors’ remuneration 
policy summary

The Directors’ remuneration policy is summarised on pages 69 to 75. Shareholders approved the policy at the 2017 AGM on 27 April 2017 and 
it is expected to apply for three years from that date. We are required to bring the policy for shareholder approval no later than the 2020 AGM. 
The full Directors’ remuneration policy can be found on pages 75 to 81 of our 2016 Annual Report and Accounts, which is available on our website 
at schroders.com/annualreport2016.

Summary of the remuneration policy for the executive Directors
The table below summarises how the remuneration policy is implemented for the key components of remuneration for the executive 
Directors. The remuneration policy for non-executive Directors is summarised on page 74.

Component, purpose 
and link to strategy

Operation

Base salary 

To help recruit, reward and 
retain talent. Reflects a 
market competitive rate of 
pay taking account of the 
employee’s role and 
responsibilities, skills and 
experience, and ongoing 
contribution.

Benefits and allowances

To help recruit, reward and 
retain talent. Reflects local 
market practice and aims 
to support employee health 
and wellbeing.

SIP 

To help increase the number 
of employee shareholders 
and increase their 
participation as 
shareholders. Provides 
potential UK tax benefits.

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Base salary is paid in cash via payroll. We review base salaries annually but for the executive Directors 
and other higher-paid employees we adjust base salaries infrequently. We last increased the level of 
base salary for the executive Directors on 1 March 2014.

We aim to pay executive Directors base salaries that are competitive with other large international 
asset management firms. As a result, it is likely that salaries will be relatively low when compared to 
other listed financial services firms and FTSE-100 companies.

Executive Directors receive the same benefits in kind as other UK employees. A cash allowance is used 
to fund benefit options under a flexible benefits plan. Available benefits include private healthcare, life 
assurance, accidental death, injury or sickness insurances and tax-efficient charitable donations which 
are matched by the Company (see page 30).

Directors are also covered by the Group’s Directors’ and Officers’ Liability Insurance. Executive 
Directors may also benefit from private use of a car and driver.

Like other employees in the UK, executive Directors are eligible to participate in the Share Incentive 
Plan (SIP). Participating employees use their own funds to acquire Schroders shares (partnership 
shares) and in return receive awards of shares from Schroders (matching shares) of up to £100 per 
month based on the market value of the shares. The value of any SIP matching shares awarded to the 
executive Directors during the year is included within the value reported for benefits and allowances. 

To qualify for maximum tax benefits these shares must be left in the SIP for five years. Participants are 
free to withdraw their partnership shares at any time but forfeit the corresponding matching shares if 
they do so or cease to be in employment within one year of acquiring the relevant partnership shares, 
except in certain circumstances as set out in the rules of the SIP. 79% of UK employees participated in 
the SIP as at 31 December 2017 (2016: 77%).

Retirement benefits

To help recruit, reward and 
retain talent. Reflects local 
market practice and enables 
and encourages provision 
for retirement.

Executive Directors may participate in pension arrangements, or receive cash in lieu of pension, on the 
same basis as other UK employees. Base salary is the only pensionable component of remuneration, 
up to a maximum pensionable salary of £250,000. The Group’s contributions are currently 16% of 
pensionable salary, plus a contribution to match employee contributions up to a further 2% of 
pensionable salary. Employees have flexibility and choice over the balance between employer pension 
contributions and cash in lieu, with options to take as cash some or all of the amount the Company 
would otherwise contribute to the pension plan.

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

69

Governance 
Remuneration report continued

Component, purpose 
and link to strategy

Operation

Annual bonus award

To motivate employees to 
achieve financial, non-
financial and personal 
objectives for the financial 
year, which are consistent 
with the Group’s strategy. 
Helps reward talent for their 
individual contribution. For 
executive Directors, awards 
reflect annual performance 
along with performance over 
a longer timeframe for some 
metrics.

DAP

The Group’s main deferral 
arrangement for annual 
bonus awards to employees 
deemed to be material risk 
takers under the UCITS 
Directive or AIFMD. Aligns 
the interests of employees 
with those of clients and 
shareholders, provides an 
incentive for the employee 
to stay at Schroders and 
makes it more expensive for 
competitors to recruit talent 
from Schroders.

LTIP

To incentivise executive 
Directors to deliver 
long-term performance and 
the achievement of strategic 
priorities, while maximising 
alignment with shareholder 
interests.

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Executive Directors are eligible to be considered for an annual bonus award. Awards in respect of each 
financial year are discretionary and non-pensionable. 

The Committee determines the amount, if any, that is awarded based on a combination of financial 
and non-financial factors, including individual performance objectives, that may vary from year to year 
to ensure alignment with the Group’s strategic goals. The Committee assesses the overall 
performance of the business and of each executive Director and applies its judgement to determine 
an award, taking account of the recommendation of the Chairman in respect of the Group Chief 
Executive and of the Group Chief Executive in respect of other executive Directors. More information 
on the factors considered by the Committee in determining the annual bonus awards for executive 
Directors in respect of performance in 2017 can be found on pages 82 and 83. 

Initially we defer 60% of any annual bonus awarded to the executive Directors. Where an LTIP award 
has been granted during the year, we reduce the deferral in respect of that year by 25% of the grant 
value of the LTIP award. Of the upfront portion (i.e. that part that is not deferred), we pay 50% in cash 
in February following the end of the financial year and grant the other 50% as an upfront fund award 
under the DAP. We grant the deferred portion as a combination of fund and share awards, also under 
the DAP. In 2017, we granted deferrals equally between fund and share awards, subject to a minimum 
fund award of £10,000. These DAP awards are explained below.

This structure for the executive Directors’ annual bonus awards is the same as for other UCITS / AIF 
MRTs, save that the executive Directors deferral is fixed at 60% and is then subject to the LTIP 
adjustment, while for most other MRTs the proportion of bonus deferred varies from 40% to 60%.

We grant DAP awards to the executive Directors on the same basis as those granted to other UCITS / 
AIF MRTs. Fund awards are conditional rights to receive a cash sum based on the value of a notional 
investment in a range of Schroders funds. Share awards are conditional rights to acquire shares in the 
Company at nil cost. Additional shares equivalent to dividends accrue until the award is exercised.

An upfront fund award cannot be exercised for six months from the date of grant. It is not normally 
subject to forfeiture if the holder leaves the Group but is subject to malus terms from the date of 
grant to the date of settlement and then clawback terms for 12 months from the date of settlement.

Deferred fund awards normally require the participant to be employed continuously by the Group 
until 3.5 years from grant to vest in full. These awards are available to exercise in three equal 
instalments after 1.5, 2.5 and 3.5 years from the grant date. If an MRT resigns prior to the final vesting 
date then they normally forfeit part of these awards, as follows:

Years since grant date:

Less than 1.5

1.5 to 2.5

2.5 to 3.5

% lost for fund awards

100%

66.7%

33.3%

Deferred share awards operate on similar terms but the deferral period is three years, rather than 3.5. 
These awards are available to exercise in three equal instalments after 1, 2 and 3 years from the grant 
date. If an MRT resigns prior to the third anniversary of grant the forfeiture terms are as follows:

Years since grant date:

% lost for share awards

Less than 1

100%

1 to 2

66.7%

2 to 3

33.3%

Executive Directors typically receive an LTIP award in March each year. LTIP awards are conditional 
rights to acquire shares in the Company at nil cost. From 2018, awards granted to executive Directors 
are subject to a 12-month holding period from when they vest, during which they cannot be exercised, 
after which they may then be exercised within a 12-month period. 

The Committee sets performance conditions for each award. As for previous awards, the performance 
targets for awards to be granted in 2018 relate to EPS growth, in respect of 50% of each award, and 
NNB in respect of the other 50% (see pages 84 and 90). 

LTIP awards do not give rise to any immediate entitlement and normally require the participant to be 
employed continuously by the Group until the awards vest, following the end of the four-year 
performance period. At that time, the Committee will determine the extent to which the performance 
conditions have been achieved and the extent to which the awards may be exercised. 

For LTIP awards granted from 2018 onwards, when determining vesting the Committee has the 
discretion to reduce the extent to which awards vest if the Group has suffered a material failure of risk 
management or if the Committee judges that the unadjusted outcome from the performance 
conditions does not reflect underlying performance.

70

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Component, purpose 
and link to strategy

Operation

Malus and clawback policy

To allow variable remuneration 
awards to be risk-adjusted in 
certain circumstances.

Under malus terms, deferred remuneration awards granted under the DAP, ECP, Equity Incentive Plan 
(EIP) or LTIP may be reduced or lapsed, at the Committee’s discretion. Under clawback terms, 
amounts paid or released from such awards may be recovered for a period of 12 months from the 
date of payment or release, at the Committee’s discretion. The circumstances in which malus and 
clawback could be applied include a material mistatement of the Group’s financial results, individual 
misconduct or negligence. 

Malus and clawback terms apply to awards granted to the executive Directors, on the same basis as 
for other employees. In addition, executive Directors’ contracts extend clawback terms to the upfront 
cash portion of any annual bonus awards, in the event of individual misconduct. Malus terms apply to 
ECP awards granted since May 2011, to EIP awards granted since July 2013 and to DAP and LTIP 
awards granted at any time. Clawback applies to ECP, EIP and LTIP awards granted since October 
2013 and to DAP awards granted at any time. For awards granted prior to 2018 the circumstances in 
which malus and clawback terms could be applied were more narrowly described.

Personal shareholding policy

To align the interests of senior 
management with those of 
shareholders.

The executive Directors are required, over time, to acquire and retain a holding of Schroders shares or 
rights to shares equivalent to 300% of base salary, or 500% of base salary for the Group Chief 
Executive. On stepping down as an executive Director, a level of shareholding must be maintained for 
two years. The level of shareholding that must be maintained is half the level of shareholding required 
while an executive Director or, if lower, the actual level of shareholding on stepping down.

Each executive Director undertakes not to sell or transfer any Schroders shares until their share 
ownership target has been reached and to ensure that the required shareholding is maintained when 
selling or transferring shares, except that shares may be sold to satisfy tax and social security liabilities 
arising when an award vests or is exercised. For these purposes, rights to shares includes the 
estimated after-tax value of DAP, ECP and EIP share awards but does not include any unvested rights 
to shares awarded under the LTIP, as these are subject to performance conditions.

Shareholder dilution

Deferred remuneration plans involving Schroders shares are non-dilutive to shareholders, as shares 
to satisfy awards are purchased in the market.

Details of our other deferred remuneration plans, the ECP and the EIP, are on page 75. The expectation is that the DAP will be used in place of the 
ECP for future deferred bonus awards to the executive Directors. ECP awards granted to the executive Directors during 2017 are shown on page 
86. Directors are not eligible to be granted awards under the EIP.

Considerations when determining the remuneration approach for UCITS / AIF MRTs
As set out in the Committee Chairman’s statement on page 62, from 2017 we have changed the remuneration approach for employees deemed 
to be MRTs under the UCITS Directive or AIFMD, to meet the requirements of those Directives. The executive Directors’ bonuses continue to 
operate in line with the Directors’ remuneration policy approved by shareholders in April 2017. However, as UCITS funds and funds subject to 
AIFMD represent a significant part of the Group, we have included the executive Directors as MRTs under these rules. 

For the executive Directors, as UCITS / AIF MRTs, we have adjusted our remuneration policy implementation for performance-year 2017 and for 
future years as follows: 

 – We have increased the proportion of executive Directors’ annual bonus awards that is deferred, from approximately 50% to approximately 60%.

 – We continue to split the executive Directors’ deferred annual bonus awards equally between fund awards and share awards, creating alignment 

with clients and shareholders.

 – Previously all of the upfront portion of any annual bonus award (i.e. that part that is not deferred) was paid in cash. This year we paid only half 

of the upfront bonus in cash and granted the other half as an ‘upfront fund award’. Upfront fund awards are granted at the same time as 
deferred bonus awards and cannot be exercised for six months from grant. This further aligns the interests of the executive Directors with our 
clients. Unlike the deferred portion of any bonus, an upfront fund award is not normally at risk of forfeiture if the holder leaves the Group.

 – We also extended the overall deferral period for deferred fund awards by six months. These awards will be available to exercise in three equal 
instalments after 1.5, 2.5 and 3.5 years from the date of grant. The overall deferral period for share awards remains three years and these 
awards will be available to exercise in three equal instalments after 1, 2 and 3 years from the grant date.

 – We created a new deferred remuneration plan, the DAP, and used this to grant deferred bonuses and upfront fund awards for MRTs, including 
the executive Directors. The plan we previously used to grant deferred bonuses, the ECP, is sufficiently flexible for us to grant awards under this 
new approach but we designed the DAP specifically with the new approach in mind. Prior shareholder approval of the DAP is not required as 
any awards to the executive Directors under this plan will only be in respect of the deferral of bonus. Employees who are not deemed to be 
UCITS / AIF MRTs continue to be granted deferred bonuses under the ECP.

 – We adopted a broader description of the circumstances in which malus and clawback terms could be applied, which include a material 

mistatement of the Group’s financial results, individual misconduct or negligence.

These changes in approach are reflected in the remuneration policy summary for the executive Directors on pages 69 to 71.

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

71

GovernanceRemuneration report continued

Executive Directors’ remuneration policy illustrations
The diagram below illustrates the structure of the executive Directors’ remuneration, including the timing of when they receive each component 
of their total remuneration, across the following:

 – Fixed components of pay, for salary, benefits and allowances based on when they are paid or enjoyed, and for retirement benefits on when 

contributions are made or cash in lieu paid;

 – The different components of any annual bonus award, showing for each portion when it will be paid or available to exercise; and

 – The LTIP performance and holding periods, based on the LTIP awards to be granted following the financial year end.

Compensation value

LTIP

4-year deferral, subject to performance conditions, followed by a 1-year holding period

Holding period

Shares

DAP awards

80% of total 
annual 
bonus award

3.5-year deferaral

3-year deferral

2.5-year deferral

2-year deferral

Funds

Shares

Funds

Shares

1.5-year deferral

Funds

1-year deferral

Shares

6-month 
holding 
period

Upfront 
fund 
award

Cash (20% of 
total annual 
bonus award)

Fixed pay

Cash

Deferred portion of any annual bonus 
award granted half as a deferred fund 
award, available to exercise in equal 
instalments after 1.5, 2.5 and 3.5 years 
from grant, and half as a deferred share 
award, available to exercise in equal 
instalments after 1, 2 and 3 years 
from grant.

Upfront portion of any annual bonus 
award paid half in cash in February after 
year end and half granted as an upfront 
fund award that is subject to a six-month 
holding period.

2017

Feb

Sep

Mar

Sep

Mar

Sep

Mar

Sep

Mar

Sep

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

Mar

2023

Time

The table below provides more information on each of the components of pay illustrated above.

Component of 
pay

LTIP

Deferral and holding periods

Malus applies until 
paid / settled

Clawback  
applies

Vests after the 4-year performance period, 
followed by a 1-year holding period

May be exercised from when 
the holding period ends for 
a 12-month period

For 12 months from settlement. 
This period may be extended 
in certain circumstances

Deferred bonus – 
fund award

Deferred for 1.5, 2.5 or 3.5 years, 
so normally available to exercise from 
September of years 1, 2 or 3 following grant

May be exercised from when 
the deferral period ends to 
the 5th anniversary of grant

For 12 months from settlement. 
This period may be extended 
in certain circumstances

Deferred bonus – 
share award

Deferred for 1, 2 or 3 years,  
so normally available to exercise from 
March of years 1, 2 or 3 following grant

May be exercised from when 
the deferral period ends to 
the 10th anniversary of grant

For 12 months from settlement. 
This period may be extended 
in certain circumstances

Upfront bonus – 
fund award

Six-month holding period, so normally 
available to exercise from September 
following the year end

May be exercised from when 
the holding period ends to 
the 5th anniversary of grant

For 12 months from settlement. 
This period may be extended in 
certain circumstances

Upfront bonus – 
cash

Paid in February following  
the year end

Conditions comparable with 
malus terms apply until the 
date of payment

For 12 months from the payment 
date. This period may be 
extended in certain circumstances

Fixed pay

Paid during the  
performance-year

Not applicable

Not applicable

72

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Remuneration policy scenarios
The potential value of each component of remuneration for the executive Directors is illustrated below. These scenario charts show, for each of 
the executive Director roles, the relative split of fixed components of remuneration, annual bonus awards and LTIP awards, in accordance with 
the Directors’ remuneration policy. The lowest, average and highest remuneration over the nine years ended 31 December 2017 has been used 
as an indication of the earnings potential for each role. Over the same period, profit before tax and exceptional items has ranged from 
£137.5 million to £800.3 million. Future remuneration will be determined based on performance, as described elsewhere in this report.

Group Chief Executive (£’000)
Peter Harrison

Fixed pay

100%

9-year lowest

20%

17% 17%

23% 23%

18%

18%

25%

25%

5%

18%

18%

26%

26%

6%

9-year average

9-year highest

9%

6%

Chief Financial Officer (£’000)
Richard Keers

Fixed pay

100%

9-year lowest

30% 16% 16% 19% 19%

9-year average

9-year highest

16%

12%

16%

16%

22%

22% 8%

16%

16%

22%

22%

12%

Fixed pay
Upfront bonus – cash

Upfront bonus – fund award
Deferred bonus – fund award

Deferred bonus – share award
LTIP

559

2,867

6,467

9,073

429

1,377

2,627

3,579

The remuneration policy illustrations above are based on actual fixed pay and annual bonus awards for each role over the nine years ended 
31 December 2017 and the LTIP awards due to be granted in March 2018 (see page 90), as follows:

Fixed pay

In these scenarios, fixed pay consists of base salary, benefits and allowances and retirement benefits. 
Salary is the annual salary effective from 1 March 2018. Benefits and allowances and retirement benefits 
are the anticipated annualised amounts from 1 March 2018.

Annual bonus award

£’000

Group Chief Executive

Chief Financial Officer

Base salary

Benefits and
allowances

Retirement
benefits

Total fixed pay

500

375

14

9

45

45

559

429

Lowest

Average

Highest

Being the lowest over the last 
nine years of the sum of actual 
annual bonus award and actual 
fixed pay each year, less the 
fixed pay value shown above.

Being the mean over the last 
nine years of the sum of actual 
annual bonus award and actual 
fixed pay each year, less the 
fixed pay value shown above.

Being the highest over the last 
nine years of the sum of actual 
annual bonus award and actual 
fixed pay each year, less the 
fixed pay value shown above.

In all three scenarios the annual bonus award is then partly paid in cash, part granted as an upfront fund 
award and part subject to deferral into fund and share awards, as outlined in the policy.

LTIP

Assuming no vesting.

Being the face value of the 
award to be granted in March 
2018, assuming 50% vesting.

Being the face value of award 
to be granted in March 2018, 
assuming 100% vesting.

The total remuneration values used in these scenarios for the Group Chief Executive reflect the remuneration awarded to Peter Harrison 
in respect of 2016 and 2017 performance and to Michael Dobson in respect of performance in 2009 to 2015. For the Chief Financial Officer 
they reflect the remuneration awarded to Richard Keers for performance in 2013 to 2017 and to his predecessor Kevin Parry for performance 
in 2009 to 2012.

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

73

GovernanceRemuneration report continued

Summary of the remuneration policy for the non-executive Directors
The table below sets out the remuneration policy for non-executive Directors, who only receive fixed pay and benefits.

Component

Operation

Further information

Fees

To reflect the skills, 
experience and time 
required to undertake 
the role.

Fees for the Chairman and other non-executive 
Directors (see page 86) are determined by the Board 
based on market information for comparable asset 
managers and other financial services groups and the 
constituent companies of the FTSE-100 Index. 
Non-executive Directors do not participate in decisions 
concerning their fees.

Benefits

To enable the non- 
executive Directors to 
undertake their roles.

Non-executive Directors’ benefits are principally 
expenses incurred in connection with the Group’s 
business and reflect business needs. Non-executive 
Directors may receive private use of a driver, car 
parking, meals, travel costs, tax on reimbursed 
benefits and, in the case of Bruno Schroder, private 
health care and medical benefits. Michael Dobson 
receives life insurance benefits on the same terms 
as UK employees and private health care and medical 
benefits for him and his family.

Although Directors’ fees are reviewed biennially the 
Board membership fee had not increased since 2011. 
It was decided that this fee should be increased to 
£80,000 with effect from 1 July 2017. This equates 
to an annualised increase of 2.3%, compared to an 
average annualised salary increase for employees 
of 4.4% over the same period. The fee for the Senior 
Independent Director was increased to £20,000, not 
having been adjusted since it was introduced in 2011. 
The Chairman’s fee, and the fees for Committee 
Chairmanship and membership, were unchanged.

Schroders does not pay retirement or 
post-employment benefits to non-executive Directors. 
They do not participate in any of the Group’s incentive 
arrangements. Michael Dobson, Philip Mallinckrodt 
and Bruno Schroder have accrued pension benefits, 
as former executives. Michael Dobson and Bruno 
Schroder have been in receipt of a pension since May 
2012 and April 2007 respectively. All three have ceased 
accruing any further entitlement.

Recruitment of new Directors
On appointment, the Committee aims to pay executive Directors 
remuneration that is appropriate in level and structure to attract, 
motivate, retain and reward Directors of the quality required to run 
the Group successfully, while avoiding paying more than is necessary. 

The level of base salary is likely to be set at the same level as for other 
Directors, provided this is justifiable by reference to the candidate’s 
skills and experience, and taking into account remuneration in their 
most recent role, internal relativities and external market rates for 
roles with similar responsibilities. Benefits and allowances, retirement 
benefits and SIP participation will be provided to new executive 
Directors on a similar basis as to other employees. If the Group hires a 
new executive Director internationally then relocation support may be 
offered, on a similar basis to that which would be offered for other 
employees. 

New executive Directors would be eligible to be considered for annual 
bonus awards and LTIP awards in the same way as existing Directors. 
The Group does not award guaranteed annual bonuses to executive 
Directors. 

New non-executive Directors receive fees and benefits in line with the 
policy for other non-executive Directors. Non-executive Directors are 
engaged under letters of appointment. They do not have service 
contracts. When recruiting new non-executive Directors, the Board’s 
policy is that letters of appointment will have a mutual notice period 
of six months.

Directors’ service contracts 
and letters of appointment
Each of the executive Directors has a rolling service contract with 
a mutual notice period of six months. Each of the non-executive 
Directors has a letter of appointment with a mutual notice period of 
six months, with the exception of Bruno Schroder who does not have 
a notice period.

Letters of appointment and service contracts are available for 
shareholders to view at the Company’s registered office on business 
days between the hours of 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. and will be available 
at the AGM.

Summary of the policy on 
termination arrangements
When an executive Director leaves the Group, the Committee will 
review the circumstances and apply the treatment that it believes is 
appropriate. Any payments will be determined in accordance with the 
terms of the service contract between the Group and the employee, 
as well as the rules of any deferred remuneration plans and the 
Directors’ remuneration policy. There are no contractual provisions for 
non-executive Directors to receive compensation upon termination.

Base salary, benefits and allowances, and retirement benefits for 
executive Directors will continue to be paid through the notice period, 
as will fees for non-executive Directors. The Committee also has the 
discretion to make a payment in lieu of notice to executive Directors, 
normally based on salary only. The treatment of shares acquired 
or awarded under the SIP will be in accordance with the plan rules.

74

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Departing executive Directors do not have a contractual entitlement 
to an annual bonus award. If a departing Director works during the 
notice period to achieve the Group’s goals and supports an effective 
transition of responsibilities, the Committee may recommend to the 
Board that a discretionary payment be made to reflect the Director’s 
contribution during the proportion of the financial year worked. 
Any such payment will normally be subject to the same deferral 
arrangements as an annual bonus award, provided this is permitted 
under applicable law and regulations and except in the case of death, 
ill health or injury when payment may be fully in cash, at the 
Committee’s discretion.

The treatment of awards under the DAP, ECP and EIP held by 
departing executive Directors will be in accordance with the relevant 
plan rules. In certain circumstances, those rules permit participants to 
retain some or all of their unvested awards following the termination 
of their employment, for example if the employee is leaving due to ill 
health or injury, or otherwise at the discretion of the Committee. Any 
unvested awards that are retained will vest on their normal vesting 
date except in the case of death, and ill health at the Committee’s 
discretion, when they vest immediately. The treatment of LTIP awards 
is similar except that in all cases any vesting remains subject to 
satisfaction of the associated performance conditions and will be 
reduced pro-rata for the proportion of the performance period 
worked, and that the Committee does not have the discretion to 
accelerate vesting for those leaving due to ill health.

On stepping down, executive Directors are required to maintain for 
a period of two years a holding of shares or interests in shares equal 
in number to half that which applied under the personal shareholding 
policy prior to stepping down, or the number actually held on stepping 
down if lower.

Other deferred remuneration plans
The DAP and LTIP are explained in the executive Directors’ 
remuneration policy summary, on page 70. The boxes on the right 
provide more information on our other deferred remuneration plans, 
the ECP and the EIP.

Equity Compensation Plan (ECP)
The ECP is one of the Group’s main deferral arrangements for 
annual bonus awards, alongside the DAP. ECP awards relate to 
the past year’s performance and are not subject to any further 
performance conditions. ECP awards do not give rise to any 
immediate entitlement and normally require the participant to 
be employed until the third anniversary of grant in order to vest 
in full, except in certain circumstances such as death, ill health 
or otherwise at the Committee’s discretion.

Deferred bonuses for employees who are not UCITS / AIF MRTs 
are delivered as a combination of ECP fund awards and ECP share 
awards. ECP fund awards are conditional rights to receive a cash 
sum based on the value of a notional investment in a range of 
Schroders funds. ECP share awards are conditional rights to 
acquire shares in the Company at nil cost. Additional shares 
equivalent to dividends accrue until the award is exercised. 

Equity Incentive Plan (EIP)
The EIP is an additional deferred remuneration plan, used 
to reward exceptional performance and potential. EIP awards 
do not give rise to any immediate entitlement and normally 
require the participant to be employed continuously by the Group 
until the fifth anniversary of grant. If a participant resigns before 
the fifth anniversary of grant, awards are normally forfeited in full. 
Malus and clawback terms apply. Executive Directors are not 
eligible to be granted new EIP awards.

EIP fund awards are conditional rights to receive a cash sum based 
on the value of a notional investment in a range of Schroders 
funds. EIP share awards are conditional rights to acquire shares in 
the Company at nil cost. Additional shares equivalent to dividends 
accrue until the award is exercised. 

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

75

GovernanceRemuneration report continued

Annual report on remuneration

Pages 76 to 90 constitute the Annual report on remuneration. 
Shareholders will have an advisory vote on this, together with pages 
62 to 67, at the AGM. Where required, this information has been 
audited by PwC.

This section sets out remuneration disclosures for 2017, across 
Schroders as a whole and specifically for the executive and non- 
executive Directors, and compares this to remuneration for 2016. The 
Directors’ remuneration was compliant with the policy approved by 
shareholders at the 2017 AGM.

This section also sets out the context for the Directors’ remuneration, 
including the main performance metrics that the Committee 
considered when setting the overall annual bonus pool and 
information on how annual bonus awards were allocated across the 
Group, along with details of the key performance criteria considered 
when determining executive Directors’ annual bonus awards. Returns 
to shareholders over the last nine years are compared with the total 
remuneration of the Group Chief Executive over the same period. 
Directors’ rights under fund and share awards and the share interests 
of Directors and their connected persons are also detailed.

Aligning pay and performance across Schroders
Group performance (audited)
Net income excluding exceptional items increased 15% in 2017 
reflecting continued net new business wins and positive investment 
returns for clients. The Group saw record profit before tax and 
exceptional items of £800.3 million, up 24%, and basic earnings per 
share before exceptional items of 226.9 pence, up 22%. The Board is 
recommending a final dividend of 79.0 pence, bringing the total 
dividend for the year to 113.0 pence, an increase of 22%.

Net new business was £9.6 billion (2016: £1.1 billion), with net inflows 
across all channels. AUMA ended the year at a record high of 
£447.0 billion (2016: £395.3 billion) and 74% (2016: 74%) of our AUM 
outperformed their stated comparator in the three years to 
31 December 2017.

Further information on the Group’s operating and financial 
performance can be found in the Strategic report, beginning on  
page 6. Within the Strategic report, the table on pages 14 and 15 
outlines the Group’s strategy and how our objectives are aligned with 
those of our clients. Pages 16 and 17 show our performance against 
our key performance indicators over the five years to 
31 December 2017.

Aligning remuneration costs with financial 
performance
The total spend on remuneration is derived from the total 
compensation ratio, measuring total remuneration expense against 
net income. This ensures that the interests of employees are aligned 
with the Group’s financial performance.

The Committee received a report on the underlying strength and 
sustainability of the business and reports on risk, legal and compliance 
matters from the heads of those areas. These were considered as part 
of the 2017 compensation review.

The Committee determined the annual bonus pool for the year ended 
31 December 2017 based on a total compensation ratio of 43% 
(2016: 44%). On an underlying basis the total compensation ratio is 
unchanged year on year, as we have around a 1% benefit from higher 
levels of bonus deferral for our UCITS / AIF MRTs. The underlying total 
compensation ratio is below our target range of 45% to 49%, as the 
Committee and the Board as a whole remain mindful of the significant 
challenges the asset management industry faces. From 2016 to 2017, 
headcount is up 11% and fixed remuneration costs are up 15%. The 
annual bonus pool was up 12%, assuming constant currency rates. 

Key performance metrics

Key remuneration metrics

Net income*

+8%

Headcount

+15%

Profit before tax*

+6%

Fixed remuneration costs*

Earnings per share*

+5%

Annual bonus pool

-7%

+24%

Dividend per share

+7%

2016 vs 2015
2017 vs 2016

*  Before exceptional items.

+22%

22%

Total remuneration costs*

2016 vs 2015
2017 vs 2016

+10%

+11%

+16%

+15%

+12%

+8%

+11%

76

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Relative spend on pay
The charts below illustrate the relative spend on pay for 2017 compared with 2016. The values are taken from the financial statements and show 
how remuneration costs before exceptional items compare with shareholder distributions, taxes arising and earnings retained, in order to 
illustrate how net income is utilised. Distributions to shareholders in respect of 2017 formed a slightly larger proportion of the total than for 2016.

2016 (% vs 2015) 

2017 (% vs 2016)

14%

23%

14%

11%

13%

5%

20%

Fixed remuneration
Variable remuneration
– upfront
Variable remuneration 
– deferred
Other operating expenses
Corporate tax and 
social security
Retained earnings
Interim dividend paid and
final dividend recommended

15%

22%

£403.6m +16%
£234.1m
+1%

£90.2m

-1%

15%

£356.8m
£196.1m

+13%
+4%

£258.7m
£253.6m

+5%
+7%

12%

5%

12%

19%

Fixed remuneration
Variable remuneration
– upfront
Variable remuneration 
– deferred
Other operating expenses
Corporate tax and 
social security
Retained earnings
Interim dividend paid and
final dividend recommended

£464.4m +15%
£239.9m
+2%

£105.7m

+17%

£387.3m
£242.9m

+9%
+24%

£319.8m
£308.9m

+24%
+22%

The annual bonus pool and annual bonus award allocations across the Group
The Group Chief Executive allocates the overall pool between the divisions or functions headed by GMC members, taking into consideration the 
objectives, both financial and non-financial, that were set at the beginning of the year. Variable remuneration awards for individual employees, 
other than those determined by the Committee or the Group Chief Executive, are recommended to the Group Chief Executive by members of the 
GMC, taking account of individual performance against objectives, the performance of the relevant business area and the levels of reward for 
comparable roles in the market. 

The Committee determines the remuneration for the executive Directors and Group Company Secretary, monitors and reviews remuneration for 
other GMC members, control function heads and other MRTs, and also provides oversight of the compensation review overall. For 2017, the 
Committee was satisfied that the process was rigorous and that the allocation of the pool and the individual bonus awards took account of both 
financial and non-financial performance, including conduct and behaviours as described on page 89.

The table below compares the annual bonus pools for 2017 and 2016, divided into amounts paid in cash, upfront fund awards and amounts 
deferred. The 2016 figures are also shown after adjusting to reflect the foreign exchange rates used during the 2017 compensation review, to 
provide a better comparison of what was awarded to employees each year.

This year we have made changes to our remuneration approach for employees deemed to be UCITS / AIF MRTs (see page 62). These include 
increased bonus deferral levels for these employees and the use of upfront fund awards for half of that portion of any bonus that is not deferred. 
The impact of these changes is reflected in the figures shown above.

Total compensation ratio

Annual bonus awards paid in cash

Annual bonus awards granted in upfront fund awards

Annual bonus awards deferred into fund awards

Annual bonus awards deferred into share awards

Bonus pool

Proportion of bonus pool that is deferred

Number of bonus-eligible employees

Mean annual bonus award per bonus-eligible employee

Median annual bonus award per bonus-eligible employee

Group Chief Executive’s bonus as a % of the bonus pool

Aggregate bonuses to executive Directors as a % of the bonus pool

1.  Adjusted to reflect the same foreign exchange rates as those used for the 2017 figures.
2.  Restated from £17,806 to include bonuses paid to employees who left employment prior to the bonus payment date.

2017

43%

£m

208.7

31.2

59.1

61.4

360.4

33%

3,914

£92,070

£20,000

1.8%

2.6%

Adjusted
20161

n/a

£m

241.9

0.0

36.6

42.6

321.1

25%

3,622

£88,643

£18,293

1.7%

4.0%

2016

44%

£m

234.1

0.0

35.6

41.3

311.0

25%

3,622

£85,857

£18,0002

1.8%

4.2%

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

77

Governance 
 
 
Remuneration report continued

Comparison of the percentage change in base salary, 
benefits and annual bonus award
The chart below compares, for each of base salary, benefits and 
annual bonus award, the percentage change from 2016 to 2017 for 
the Group Chief Executive with the average year on year percentage 
change across employees of the Group taken as a whole 
(except where noted).

Comparison of the percentage change in value from 
2016 to 2017

Base salary1

+7%

+3%

Benefits2

Bonus3

+18%

+18%

+13%

+11%

Peter Harrison
Employees of the Group

1.  For base salary, employees of the Group are those who were in employment 
for the full year to 31 December 2017 and represents the average salary 
increase during 2017.

2.  For benefits, employees of the Group are those who were in employment in 
the UK for the full year to 31 December 2017 and represents the average 
change in benefits value during 2017.

3.  For bonus, employees of the Group are bonus-eligible employees who worked 

in the Group for all of 2017 and 2016 (see page 77).

The Group Chief Executive received no salary increase in 2017. The 
salary increase shown reflects the impact of increasing Peter 
Harrison’s salary to £500,000 partway through 2016, from his 
appointment as Group Chief Executive on 3 April 2016. Salary increases 
across the Group during 2017 were targeted at employees whose 
roles had increased in scope materially during the year and those 
whose fixed pay significantly lagged behind market rates. Particular 
attention was also given to those on lower salaries, for whom fixed pay 
forms a greater proportion of total remuneration.

Peter Harrison’s annual bonus award for 2017 was 18% higher than for 
2016, reflecting the exceptional performance during the year and that 
he was appointed Group Chief Executive partway through 2016, 
having previously been an executive Director as Head of Investment. 
The mean annual bonus award increase for bonus-eligible employees 
who worked in the Group for all of 2017 and 2016 was 11%, as shown 
above, and the median was 14%. Individual annual bonus awards for 
2017 compared with 2016 varied from an increase in excess of 100% to 
a reduction of bonus to nil, reflecting our pay for 
performance philosophy.

The increase in Peter Harrison’s benefits reflects the cost of benefits 
linked to salary, after his salary was increased during 2016, a general 
increase in the cost of certain benefits and slightly greater private use 
of a car and driver. The increase for other UK employees reflects a 
range of factors, in particular a general increase in the cost of certain 
benefits and the cost of benefits linked to salary.

Gender pay
Schroders was one of the first signatories of the Women in Finance 
Charter in the UK, as part of our commitment to promote diversity of 
thought and ensure Schroders is an inclusive place to work. The focus 
of our commitment is broader than gender and more information on 
our approach to diversity can be found on page 28. 

We originally committed to increase the representation of women in 
senior management from 25% at the end of 2015 to 30% by the end of 
2019. We made good progress and increased female representation to 
more than 30% for most of 2017, though by the end of 2017 this had 
fallen below 30% again as a result of minor restructurings within the 
firm. As a result of the progress made, we increased this target to 33% 
female representation in senior management by the end of 2019. We 
have increased female representation on the GMC from 7% to 19% 
since the end of 2015. Our focus is developing the pipeline of female 
talent immediately below the GMC, where female representation is 
currently also 19%. 

The data below illustrates the representation issue by looking at the 
proportion of employees by gender according to quartile pay bands. 
This is based on hourly fixed pay for each employee, reflecting base 
salary and cash allowances.

The proportion of female vs male employees according to quartile pay bands

Top quartile of employees 
based on hourly fixed pay

Second quartile

Third quartile

Bottom quartile

Total workforce

22% females, 78% males

38% females, 62% males

47% females, 53% males

59% females, 41% males

41% females, 59% males

Our analysis of pay levels for comparable roles shows that male and 
female employees are paid fairly for similar work. However, the lower 
representation of women at senior levels within the Group, which is an 
issue across the financial services sector, is reflected in the gender pay 
gap shown below. This looks across the total workforce and sets out 
the gender pay gap for both hourly fixed pay, as described above, and 
total variable pay, consisting of the annual bonus awarded in respect 
of 2017 plus any other deferred remuneration awards during the year. 

Hourly fixed 
pay

The amount by which the male 
median exceeds the female 
median, as a % of the male median

The amount by which the male 
mean exceeds the female mean, 
as a % of the male mean

Total variable 
pay

The amount by which the male 
median exceeds the female 
median, as a % of the male median

The amount by which the male 
mean exceeds the female mean, 
as a % of the male mean

Schroders globally

31%  
(2016: 33%)

30% 
(2016: 31%)

50%
(2016: 59%)

49%
(2016: 66%)

The proportion of female and male 
employees who received variable 
pay

93% of females, 
95% of males 
(2016: 95% / 96%)

These gender pay gaps have narrowed since last year as we have 
increased female representation at more senior levels but there is still 
more work to do. More information on our Diversity and Inclusion 
action plan and on gender pay at Schroders, including our UK 
disclosures, can be found on our website, schroders.com/inclusion.

78

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

 
Single total remuneration figure for each executive Director (audited)
The total remuneration of each of the executive Directors for the years ended 31 December 2017 and 31 December 2016 is set out below.

£’000

Base salary

Benefits and allowances

Retirement benefits

Total fixed pay

Annual bonus award

LTIP vested

Total variable pay

Peter Harrison

Richard Keers

Philip Mallinckrodt

Total

2017

500

14

45

559

6,500

–

6,500

2016

468

12

45

525

5,500

286

5,786

2017

375

9

45

429

2,750

322

3,072

2016

375

8

45

428

2,450

–

2,450

2017

64

21

8

93

–

–

–

2016

375

20

40

435

1,750

129

1,879

2017

939

44

98

2016

1,218

40

130

1,081

1,388

9,250

322

9,700

415

9,572

10,115

Total remuneration

7,059

6,311

3,501

2,878

93

2,314

10,653

11,503

Methodology for determining the single total remuneration figure:

Base salary

Represents the value of salary earned and paid during the financial year. As disclosed in the 2016 Annual 
report on remuneration, the Committee increased Peter Harrison’s salary to £500,000 with effect from his 
appointment as Group Chief Executive on 3 April 2016. This salary is the same as was paid to his predecessor.

Benefits and allowances

Includes one or more of: private healthcare, life assurance, permanent total disability insurance, SIP matching 
shares, car parking, private use of a company driver and cash in lieu of discontinued benefits. 

Retirement benefits
– see page 84

Annual bonus award
– see pages 81 to 83

LTIP vested
– see page 84

Represents the aggregate of contributions to defined contribution pension arrangements and cash in lieu 
of pension for Peter Harrison and Richard Keers and cash in lieu of pension for Philip Mallinckrodt. The table 
on page 84 shows how the retirement benefits figures above are comprised for each Director.

Represents the total value of the annual bonus award for performance during the relevant financial year. 
Page 81 breaks down the bonus into cash paid through the payroll, as well as the upfront fund awards, 
deferred fund awards and deferred share awards that will be granted in March 2018. Pages 82 and 83 set out 
the basis on which annual bonus awards for 2017 were determined.

Represents the estimated value that is expected to vest on 1 March 2018 from LTIP awards granted on 
10 March 2014. More information on the performance achieved, how vesting will be determined and the value 
shown is provided on page 84. The comparative value shown for 2016 represents the actual value that vested 
on 1 March 2017 from LTIP awards granted on 27 March 2013. The 2016 LTIP vested values disclosed last year 
were estimates, as the Annual Report and Accounts was finalised prior to the vesting date.

For Philip Mallinckrodt, the remuneration reported in the table above was paid for his contribution during 2016 and the period of 2017 that he 
was an executive Director. His fees as a non-executive Director are reported in the table of non-executive Directors’ remuneration on page 85. 

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

79

GovernanceRemuneration report continued

Competitive positioning
We compete for talent in a global marketplace. Most of our key 
competitors are headquartered outside the UK, particularly in the US, 
and many are not publicly listed and are therefore subject to lower 
standards of transparency. It is against this backdrop that the 
Committee determines both our pay structures and levels of pay, to 
ensure that we are able to attract, motivate, reward and retain the 
best talent.

Remuneration levels for employees, including the executive Directors, 
are reviewed annually and benchmarked by reference to the external 
market to ensure they remain appropriately competitive. The chart 
below illustrates the competitive positioning of pay for each executive 
Director, while the table on the right provides additional commentary 
on the remuneration benchmarking approach in each case. Total 
compensation (abbreviated in the chart to total comp.) reflects base 
salary at the year end, annual bonus award for 2017 and the grant-
date face value of any LTIP award granted during the year (see page 
86), assuming 50% vesting. The market data used in benchmarking 
these roles was provided independently by external advisors and 
reflects competitor pay for 2016, which is the most up-to-date data 
available, whereas the competitive position shown for Schroders in 
each case reflects remuneration awarded for 2017.

In considering competitiveness, the Committee focuses on levels of 
pay for comparable roles at other large international asset 
management firms, though the benchmark peer group is adjusted for 
some roles to provide a more appropriate comparison. This 
benchmarking is used to establish a frame of reference for what 
competitors are paying comparable roles, rather than as the start 
point or a primary factor when remuneration decisions are made. As 
outlined on pages 82 and 83, annual bonus awards are based on the 
Committee’s assessment of the overall performance of the business 
and of each executive Director. The policy is to aim to pay executive 
Directors base salaries that are competitive with other large 
international asset management firms. As a result, it is likely that 
salaries will be relatively low when compared to other listed financial 
services firms, as can be seen below for the FTSE-100 financial 
services firms.

Role

Group Chief 
Executive

Chief Financial Officer

Commentary

Approximately half of the global asset 
manager comparator roles are from 
non-listed businesses, including firms 
owned by a bank or insurance group and 
privately owned businesses, whereas 
Schroders is an independent publicly-listed 
company. Schroders differs from most of 
the global asset managers in including 
Wealth Management within the Group 
Chief Executive’s remit, alongside Asset 
Management. As a result, the Schroders 
Group Chief Executive role sits amongst 
the more complex of the roles making up 
this competitive benchmark.

The peer group for this role includes large 
UK-listed insurers in place of bank or 
insurance-owned asset managers where 
asset management finance would report 
into a group finance function. The 
Schroders Chief Financial Officer has wider 
responsibilities than the market norm, 
covering financial management, risk 
management, capital and treasury, human 
resources, corporate communications and 
direct responsibility for a range of 
operational areas, as well as firm-wide 
operational oversight.

Group Chief Executive
Peter Harrison

Chief Financial Officer
Richard Keers

Global asset
managers

FTSE-100
financial services

Global asset
managers

FTSE-100
financial services

Top quartile

2nd quartile

3rd quartile

Bottom quartile

Base
salary

Total
 comp.

Base
salary

Total
 comp.

Base
salary

Total
 comp.

Base
salary

Total
 comp.

Positioning of remuneration at Schroders relative to the market benchmarks

80

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Performance of Schroders shares against the FTSE-100 Index and the Group Chief Executive’s total remuneration

The graph on the right compares the total 
shareholder return of Schroders shares with 
that of the FTSE-100, of which Schroders is a 
longstanding constituent. Over the last nine 
years, the index has returned 143%, compared 
to a 425% return for Schroders ordinary shares 
and 402% for Schroders non-voting ordinary 
shares. This graph also shows the Group Chief 
Executive’s single total remuneration figure 
over the nine years ended 31 December 2017, 
for comparison. The table below sets this out in 
figures, as well as how variable pay plans have 
paid out each year. It also shows the ratio of 
those single total remuneration figures to the 
mean and median total remuneration awarded 
to employees as a whole and to other members 
of the GMC.

Schroders ordinary shares
Schroders non-voting ordinary shares
FTSE-100 Index

Group Chief Executive’s total remuneration

8
0
0
2
r
e
b
m
e
c
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o
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e
t
s
e
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0
0
1
£
f
o
e
u
a
V

l

600

500

400

300

200

100

0

10

8

6

4

2

0

l

a
t
o
t
e
g
n
i
s

l

’

s
e
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i
t
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c
e
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e
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r
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m
£
(
e
r
u
g
fi
n
o
i
t
a
r
e
n
u
m
e
r

Financial year

2009

2010

2011

2012

2013

2014

2015

20163

20164

2017

Michael Dobson

Peter Harrison

Single total remuneration figure (£’000)

2,867 6,267 5,570 4,870 8,414 8,155 8,905 2,451 6,311 7,059

Annual bonus award (actual award as a 
% of nine-year highest bonus)1

LTIP (vesting as a % of maximum)2

Ratio of single total remuneration 
figure to employees as a whole5

Ratio of single total remuneration 
figure to GMC members5

30% 73% 65% 56% 81% 87% 100% 25% 70% 82%

n/a

n/a

n/a

n/a 100% 50% 50% 50% 50%

n/a

to employee mean

23 x

37 x

32 x

30 x

45 x

44 x

47 x

13 x

33 x

35 x

to employee median

44 x

85 x

67 x

60 x

99 x

92 x

93 x

23 x

60 x

64 x

to GMC mean 

2.0 x

2.5 x

2.3 x

2.8 x

3.5 x

2.9 x

3.3 x

1.3 x

3.3 x

3.3 x

to GMC median

2.4 x

2.8 x

2.5 x

2.8 x

3.8 x

3.1 x

3.4 x

1.3 x

3.4 x

3.1 x

1.  No maximum annual bonus opportunity was in place so each annual bonus award is shown as a percentage of the highest bonus award over the last nine years.
2.  The years from 2009 to 2012 are shown as ‘n/a’ as the LTIP was introduced in May 2010 and the first award vested on 5 March 2014 based on the four-year 

performance period ending on 31 December 2013. 2017 shows as ‘n/a’ as Peter Harrison did not receive an LTIP award in 2014 and so has no LTIP due to vest in 2018.

3.  The 2016 remuneration for Michael Dobson reflects the actual remuneration that he received for that part of 2016 that he served as Chief Executive.
4.  Peter Harrison was appointed Group Chief Executive on 3 April 2016. The 2016 remuneration value above reflects his full-year single total remuneration figure.
5.  Restated to reflect actual single total remuneration figures (see page 79).

Variable pay – annual bonus award (audited)
The table below sets out details of how the annual bonus award for each executive Director for performance during 2017 was delivered. These 
values are reflected in the single total remuneration figure for each executive Director on page 79.

DAP award

2017 (£’000)

Peter Harrison

Richard Keers

Upfront cash 
bonus award

Upfront  
fund award

Deferred
fund award1

Deferred 
share award1

Total  
DAP award

Total annual 
bonus award

Percentage of 
total remuneration

1,337

575

1,337

575

1,913

800

1,913

800

5,163

2,175

6,500

2,750

92%

79%

1.  Deferred DAP awards granted to each executive Director were, in aggregate, reduced by 25% of the face value at grant of any LTIP award granted in 2017 

(see page 84).

Upfront fund awards cannot be exercised for six months from grant but are not normally at risk of forfeiture if the holder resigns and leaves the 
Group. Deferred fund awards normally require the holder to remain in employment for the 3.5 years following grant to vest in full and are 
available to exercise in three equal instalments after 1.5, 2.5 and 3.5 years from grant. Deferred share awards normally require the holder to 
remain in employment for the three years following grant to vest in full and are available to exercise in three equal instalments after 1, 2 and 3 
years from grant.

Philip Mallinckrodt was not eligible for a bonus in respect of his contribution during the period of 2017 that he was Group Head of Private Assets 
and Wealth Management (see page 85).

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

81

Governance 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Remuneration report continued

Basis for determining annual bonus awards (audited)
In determining the annual bonus award for the executive Directors, the Committee made an assessment of the overall performance of the 
business using our key performance indicators, which are aligned to delivering the Group’s strategy, as outlined on pages 16 and 17. An 
assessment of each individual’s performance was also made, including business performance within each individual’s responsibilities, and the 
extent to which they have met annual objectives.

Financial factors such as profitability, cost control and investment performance represent the significant majority of measures the Committee 
considers to ensure that remuneration outcomes are aligned to the value created for shareholders. Both short-term and long-term performance 
are taken into account. Non-financial factors such as risk management, conduct, employee engagement or achievement of key strategic goals in 
any year are also considered, although normally have less prominence in determining the annual bonus award.

Based on its assessment of performance, the Committee applied its judgement to determine annual bonus awards, without attaching a weighting 
to each performance factor or setting a value payable for achievement of each target. The Group Chief Executive’s recommendation was taken 
into account for the Chief Financial Officer. At the Group level, the executive Directors successfully met or exceeded almost all targets.

Group-wide metrics for determining the executive Directors’ annual bonus awards:

Criteria

Target

Performance in 2017

Extent to which target has been met

61% (2016: 64%).
43% (2016: 44%).

The Group has again delivered record 
financial performance in 2017 with good 
management control of its cost base.

74% (2016: 74%).

Investment performance remains strong 
over one, three and five years.

Trend in profit for 
the year and 
appropriate cost 
control

Client investment 
performance*

Net new business*

Talent retention* 
and succession 
planning

Diversity and 
inclusion

Ratio of total cost to 
net income 65%.
Total compensation 
ratio 45% to 49% 
depending on market 
conditions.

At least 60% 
outperformance over 3 
years.

Achieve budgeted new 
business flows.

Retention of at least 
90% of key talent.
Identify and implement 
succession plans for 
key employees.

33% female 
representation within 
senior management by 
the end of 2019 
(original target was 
30% representation).

£9.6bn (2016: £1.1bn).

94% retention (2016: 
95%).

Exceeded 30% for most 
of 2017, though ended 
the year at 29% (2016: 
29%).

Risk management 
and good conduct

Key issues considered 
by Audit and Risk 
Committee.

No significant issues 
identified during the 
year.

Share price 
performance

Total shareholder 
returns in excess of 
that of the FTSE-100 
Index.

21%, 43% and 139% 
return on ordinary 
shares over one, three 
and five years versus 
FTSE-100 returns of 12%, 
32% and 57% 
respectively.

Net new business was well ahead of budget, 
with net inflows across all channels and 
regions, with the exception of North America, 
where we saw a large outflow from a single 
client.

Retention of key talent remains above target. 
Succession plans for key employees were 
reviewed by the Board in September 2017. 
The new Head of Private Assets was internally 
appointed. 

We exceeded our 30% target for most of 
2017 and have increased our target to 33%. 
At the year end this ratio had fallen to 29%, 
as a result of minor restructurings within the 
firm. Improving diversity further remains 
important.

Regulatory change, especially MiFID II and 
PRIIPS, has been successfully managed. See 
also the Audit and Risk Committee Report 
(page 60) and information on conduct, 
compliance and risk management in 
remuneration (page 89). 

Schroders continues to create value for 
shareholders over the long term.

Investment in 
future growth 
opportunities

Delivery against 
strategic priorities.

Good progress continues to be made. The acquisition of Adveq, a 
high-quality specialist private equity solutions business, accelerated the 
growth of our Private Assets and Alternatives business and complements 
existing capabilities.

* Included in the key performance indicators on pages 16 and 17.

82

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

In addition to those Group-wide metrics, the performance factors outlined below, which have not been audited, were considered in determining 
individual Directors’ remuneration.

Individual performance criteria for determining the executive Directors’ annual bonus awards:

Executive 
Director

Criteria

Performance in 2017 and extent to which the Committee judged 
each performance criterion had been met

Peter 
Harrison

Overall performance of the 
Group

Progress in seven identified 
areas of growth: Asia, North 
America, Fixed Income, 
Multi-asset, New Products 
and Solutions, Technology, 
and Private Assets and 
Alternatives

Grow our Equities business

Grow our Wealth 
Management business

Group performance is outlined on the previous page, significantly ahead of 
budget, with excellent cost control, despite an acceleration in growth 
initiatives.

Progress is being made across all of these growth drivers. We have seen 
good underlying traction in growing our business in North America, 
including our partnership with Hartford funds. In Asia Pacific we recently 
received a private fund management licence in China, alongside our existing 
relationship with the Bank of Communications. We are using data and 
analytics to gain unique investment insights and to enhance our interactions 
with clients.

Our core Equities business has grown and we are building strong capabilities 
in Sustainability and Data Insights, which differentiate us from peers. 
Succession for key roles has been handled well.

The acquisition and integration of the wealth management business of  
C. Hoare & Co. was successfully completed. The Wealth Management 
business returned to significant growth in 2017, including net inflows of 
£2.0bn.

Retain and develop key 
talent and ensure succession 
plans are in place for all key 
roles

We had only a limited number of regretted leavers in 2017. Staff turnover 
remains low, achieved in part through an emphasis on a socially progressive 
approach. There remains further work to be done on planning senior 
management succession.

Review and strengthen 
product strategy

Richard 
Keers

Empower data-driven 
decision making

Our ten strategic capabilities describe what matters most to our clients, 
distinct from asset class or investment team (see page 13). We launched new 
strategically important products (see page 14). The new Schroders brand 
was awarded ‘Digital Brand of the Year’ at the Funds Europe Awards.

Revenue reporting was enhanced. New digital business management 
dashboards have provided greater financial insight and now need increased 
adoption across the firm. 

Accurate, appropriate, clear 
and timely reporting

Positive feedback from the Audit and Risk Committee, external auditors, 
analysts, shareholders and other industry bodies.

Deliver the Global 
Operations Committee 
strategy

Oversee a strong risk and 
control function

Cost control and efficiency

Strong leadership of the Global Operations Committee. A clear emphasis on 
collaboration and progression, demonstrating insight and a good grasp of 
the key issues. The transition to a new investment technology platform is 
progressing well and will be completed in 2018.

The Group Risk and Capital Committees are operating well under his 
leadership. No significant issues were reported in the year, with further 
improvements to internal risk-assessment processes. See the Audit and Risk 
Committee report from page 56.

Costs have been closely monitored and controlled. A programme of 
automation and robotics was launched in Spring 2017, freeing up employee 
resources from straightforward tasks, and will be further developed in 2018. 

Criteria met

Partially met

Not met

The metrics and targets outlined above and on the previous page represent the most material criteria by which the Group’s performance and the 
performance of the executive Directors were assessed. The other key performance indicators set out in the Strategic report on pages 16 and 17 
were taken into account, as these are used to measure our performance over the long term. The Committee members and the Board as a whole 
also review performance across a broad range of other metrics as part of their normal course of business throughout the year and during the 
year end process. Performance against many of these metrics is disclosed in the half-year and full-year results announcements and in the Annual 
Report and Accounts.

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

83

GovernanceRemuneration report continued

Variable pay – determining vesting of prior LTIP awards (audited)
The LTIP awards granted on 10 March 2014, covering the 2014 to 2017 performance period, are expected to vest on 1 March 2018. The criteria for 
determining the extent of vesting are set out below. The composite index against which earnings per share performance was measured for these 
awards was set at the time that they were granted, as 60% equities, measured by the Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI) All Country 
Index, and 40% fixed income, measured by the Barclays Capital Global Aggregate Index.

Despite the strong performance of Schroders since awards were granted, only 50% of awards are expected to vest as the very demanding EPS 
target will not be met.

Performance measure

EPS
If the growth of adjusted EPS in the fourth year compared to 
the year prior to grant exceeds the defined composite index by:

 – less than 20%
 – equal to 20%
 – between 20-40%
 – 40% or greater

no vesting
12.5% vests
straight-line basis
50% vests

Maximum % 
of award

Performance achieved

Vesting % 
of award

50 The four-year growth in the MSCI All Countries Index 

0

was 70.1% and in the Barclays Capital Global 
Aggregate Index was 30.8%. Weighting them 60% and 
40% respectively, growth of the composite index was 
54.4%. Four-year growth in adjusted EPS was 57.4%, 
which exceeds the composite index by 3.0% but is 
insufficient to trigger any vesting.

NNB cumulative over the four-year performance period:

50 The four-year cumulative NNB from 2014 to 2017 was 

50

 – less than £15 billion
 – equal to £15 billion
 – between £15-25 billion
 – £25 billion or greater

no vesting 
12.5% vests 
straight-line basis
50% vests

£48.5 billion, which is sufficient to trigger full vesting 
of this part of the LTIP award.

Total expected to vest in relation to 2014 to 2017 performance

50

The Audit and Risk Committee independently reviewed key estimates made by management in respect of material provisions and contingent 
liabilities, to ensure these are reasonable, and this is reflected in these LTIP calculations.

Value at vesting of prior LTIP awards (audited)
The following table shows, for each Director, the estimated value vesting from LTIP awards granted on 10 March 2014, based on the average 
closing mid-market share price over the three months ended 31 December 2017 and the expected vesting percentage shown above. For each 
executive Director, the total value that is expected to vest is reflected in the single total remuneration figures on page 79.

Individual

Date of grant

Richard Keers

10 March 2014

Michael Dobson

10 March 2014

Philip Mallinckrodt 10 March 2014

Grant date face 
value of LTIP award
£’000

Expected date 
of vesting

Estimated total value 
of LTIP award shares 
£’000

Proportion expected 
to vest in relation to 
2014-2017 
performance

Number of shares 
expected to vest

Estimated 
value vesting
£’000

500

800

500

1 March 2018

1 March 2018

1 March 2018

644

1,031

608

50%

28%

40%

9,293

8,364

9,683

322

290

241

The proportion expected to vest for Michael Dobson and Philip Mallinckrodt have been reduced pro-rata for the proportion of the performance 
period that each of them remained an employee of the Group.

Fixed pay – retirement benefits (audited)
The following table gives details of retirement benefits provided to executive Directors for the years ended 31 December 2017 and 
31 December 2016. For the executive Directors, the sum of employer contributions and cash in lieu each year is reflected in the single total 
remuneration figures on page 79. Employer contributions represent contributions paid into defined contribution (DC) pension arrangements 
during the year and exclude any contributions made by the Directors. There has been no defined benefit (DB) pension accrual since 30 April 2011. 
Accrued DB pensions are subject to actuarial reduction on early retirement so there is no enhanced benefit entitlement in these circumstances.

£’000

Peter Harrison

Richard Keers

Philip Mallinckrodt

2017 employer 
contributions

2017 cash in lieu
of pension1

2017 retirement 
benefits total

2016 employer 
contributions

2016 cash in lieu
of pension1

2016 retirement 
benefits total

Accrued DB 
pension at 
31 December
2017

Normal 
retirement
age2

10

–

–

35

45

8

45

45

8

20

10

–

25

35

40

45

45

40

–

–

77

60

60

60

1.  Peter Harrison and Richard Keers received a combination of employer contributions to the Group’s DC pension arrangement and cash in lieu of pension 

contributions. Philip Mallinckrodt received cash in lieu of pension during the period when he served as an executive Director.

2.  Normal retirement age is the earliest age at which a Director can elect to draw their pension under the rules of the Schroders Retirement Benefits Scheme without 

the need to seek the consent of the Company or the pension scheme trustee.

84

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Fees from external appointments
The executive Directors are permitted to retain for their own benefit fees they receive from any external non-executive directorships, provided the 
directorships do not relate to any interest held by the Group. Richard Keers served as a non-executive member of the Franchise Board of Lloyd’s 
throughout 2017, for which he received fees of £77,500, including in respect of his membership and chairmanship of the Franchise Board’s audit 
committee during the year. These fees do not relate to the Group and so are not included in the single total remuneration figures on page 79.

Executive Director board changes in 2017 and treatment of remuneration (audited)
On 1 March 2017, Philip Mallinckrodt relinquished his executive responsibilities, after more than 20 years with Schroders. As disclosed in the 2016 
Annual Report and Accounts, he waived his contractual notice period and was not eligible for a bonus in respect of his contribution during the 
period of 2017 that he was Group Head of Private Assets and Wealth Management. His annual bonus award of £1.75m in respect of his 
contribution during 2016 was subject to standard deferral, via the ECP awards shown on page 86, and includes malus and clawback terms. As a 
member of the principal shareholder group, he continues on the Board of the Company as a non-executive Director. Information on his fees and 
benefits in that role can be found below.

The Committee considered Philip’s long service, his contribution to the Group and the significant value created for shareholders. In light of this, 
the Committee exercised its discretion under the rules of the ECP and LTIP to allow Philip to retain his unvested awards, outlined on pages 87 and 
88, when his executive role with the Company came to an end. Once vested, each award will be exercisable within a 12-month period following 
vesting. These awards remain subject to malus and clawback terms. His unvested ECP awards result from the deferral of bonuses relating to 2016 
and prior years. The vesting of LTIP awards remains subject to the satisfaction of the associated performance conditions and these awards have 
been reduced pro-rata for the proportion of the performance period that he remained an employee of the Group (see page 88).

Non-executive Directors’ remuneration (audited)
The total remuneration of each of the non-executive Directors for the years ended 31 December 2017 and 31 December 2016 is set out below.

£’000

Basic fee

Committee 
chairman

Committee 
member

Taxable 
benefits

SID1

Total

Basic fee

Committee 
chairman

Committee 
member

SID1

Taxable 
benefits

2017

2016

Michael Dobson

625

Robin Buchanan

Rhian Davies

Rakhi Goss-Custard

Lord Howard

Ian King

Philip Mallinckrodt

Nichola Pease

75

75

75

75

75

63

75

Bruno Schroder

103

1.  Senior Independent Director.

–

–

25

–

20

–

–

–

–

–

40

20

–

40

9

–

40

–

–

–

–

–

15

–

–

–

–

8

–

–

–

–

–

1

–

3

633

115

120

75

150

84

64

115

106

465

70

70

–

70

–

–

70

98

–

–

17

–

20

–

–

–

–

–

40

20

–

40

–

–

40

–

–

–

–

–

10

–

–

–

–

8

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

2

Total

473

110

107

–

140

–

–

110

100

The remuneration reported for Michael Dobson for 2016 was paid for the period that he was Chairman. 

Ian King and Rakhi Goss-Custard were appointed to the Board with effect from 1 January 2017 and on 1 March 2017 Philip Mallinckrodt 
relinquished his executive responsibilities and continued on the Board of the Company as a non-executive Director. On appointment as non-
executive Directors their fees were set at the same level as for other non-executive Directors. 

The benefits for Michael Dobson are private healthcare and medical benefits for him and his family and occasional private use of a driver. Benefits 
for Philip Mallinckrodt are private healthcare for part of 2017 under the transitional arrangements after he relinquished his executive 
responsibilities. Benefits for Bruno Schroder are private healthcare and medical benefits.

Michael Dobson and Philip Mallinckrodt each received an LTIP award on 10 March 2014, when they were in executive roles on the Board. These 
LTIP awards are expected to vest on 1 March 2018. The estimated value expected to vest to Michael and Philip are £290,000 and £241,000 
respectively (see page 84).

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

85

GovernanceRemuneration report continued

Non-executive Directors’ fees are as shown below. Board member fees were increased with effect from 1 July 2017 from £70,000 to 80,000, having 
last been increased in 2011. At the same time, the Senior Independent Director’s fee increased from £10,000 to £20,000, having not been 
increased since it was introduced in 2011.

Chairman

Board member1

Senior Independent Director

Audit and Risk Committee Chairman2

Audit and Risk Committee member

Nominations Committee Chairman

Nominations Committee member

Remuneration Committee Chairman2

Remuneration Committee member

£

625,000 

80,000

20,000 

25,000

20,000

nil 

nil 

20,000

20,000 

1.  Bruno Schroder also receives an additional annual fee of £28,000 for services to the Group.
2.  In addition to the Committee membership fee.

ECP and LTIP awards granted during 2017 (audited)
The following awards under the ECP were granted to Directors on 6 March 2017 in respect of deferred bonuses for performance during 2016. 
No further performance conditions need to be met for awards to vest but ECP awards normally require the participant to remain in employment 
with the Group until the third anniversary of grant in order to vest in full. ECP fund awards are conditional rights to receive a cash sum based on 
the value of a notional investment in a range of Schroders funds. ECP share awards were granted as nil-cost options. These awards were included 
in 2016 in the single total remuneration figures disclosed last year and form part of the prior year value shown in this year’s single total 
remuneration figures on page 79. They are also shown in the tables of Directors’ rights under fund and share awards on pages 87 and 88.

Face value at grant (£’000)

Individual

Basis of award granted

Fund
awards

Share
awards

Total ECP
award

Share price 
at grant

Number of
shares

Performance conditions

Peter Harrison

Richard Keers

Philip Mallinckrodt

Deferral of bonus awarded for 
performance in 2016

1,350 1,350

2,700

£30.71

43,959

594

419

594

419

1,188

£30.71

19,335

838

£22.54

18,580

Awarded for performance in 2016. No 
further performance conditions apply.

The following awards under the LTIP were granted to Directors on 6 March 2017 as nil-cost options. These awards do not appear in the single 
total remuneration figure on page 79 as they are subject to performance conditions and will not vest until 2021. They are shown in the table 
of Directors’ rights under share awards on page 88.

Individual

Peter Harrison

Richard Keers

Basis of award 
granted as % 
of salary

Vesting maximum 
as % of face value

% of face value that 
would vest at 
threshold1

Face value at grant 
(£’000)

Share price
at grant

Number of
shares

End of performance 
period

120

107

100

100

25

25

600

400

£30.71

£30.71

19,537 31 December 2020

13,025 31 December 2020

1.  Performance under both the EPS and NNB performance measures at the threshold level to achieve non-zero vesting.

All ECP share awards and LTIP awards were granted over ordinary shares, except for the award granted to Philip Mallinckrodt, which was granted 
over non-voting ordinary shares. The share price used to determine the number of shares under each ECP share award and LTIP award is the 
mid-market closing share price on the last trading day prior to the date of grant and this is the price used to calculate the face value shown. The 
vesting of the LTIP awards is subject to the performance conditions set out on page 84. The composite index against which EPS performance will 
be measured for these awards is as follows:

Index

Morgan Stanley Capital International All Countries Asia Pacific

Morgan Stanley Capital International Emerging Markets

Morgan Stanley Capital International All Countries World

Morgan Stanley Capital International Europe

FTSE All Share

Barclays Capital Global Aggregate

Weighting
%

15.0

7.5

15.0

5.0

7.5

50.0

86

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Personal shareholding policy (audited)
To align the interests of senior management with those of 
shareholders, the executive Directors and the other members of the 
GMC are required, over time, to acquire and retain a holding of 
Schroders shares or rights to shares equivalent to 300% of base salary 
or, in the case of the Group Chief Executive, 500% of base salary. Each 
executive Director and GMC member undertakes not to sell any 
Schroders shares until their share ownership target has been reached.

For these purposes, rights to shares include the estimated after-tax 
value of unvested ECP or EIP share awards (shown as ‘unvested ECP 
or EIP awards’ on page 88), LTIP awards expected to vest on 
1 March 2018 and DAP share awards in respect of performance in 
2017 (see page 81) but do not include other unvested rights to shares 
from LTIP awards, as these are subject to performance conditions.

Each executive Director had achieved the current shareholding 
targets as at 27 February 2018, based upon the mid-market closing 
share price on that date. At this share price, a 10% share price 
movement equates to a change in the value of these shareholdings of 
£424,000 for the Group Chief Executive and £203,000 for the Chief 
Financial Officer.

The chart below compares the value of each executive Director’s 
shareholdings for these purposes as at 27 February 2018 with the 
shareholding required under the personal shareholding policy, 
as a percentage of salary.

Value of shareholding vs shareholding policy 
(% of salary)

Group Chief Executive
Peter Harrison

Policy

Actual

Chief Financial Officer
Richard Keers

Policy

Actual

500

847

300

541

Directors’ rights under fund and share awards and Directors’ share interests
This section outlines Directors’ rights at 31 December 2017 from fund and share awards granted under the Group’s deferred remuneration plans. 
It goes on to set out the total interests in shares of the Directors and their connected persons at 31 December 2017.

Directors’ rights under fund awards (audited)
Directors had the following rights under fund awards, based on the award values at grant:

Peter Harrison

At 31 December 2016

Richard Keers

Granted

Vested

Exercised

At 31 December 2017

At 31 December 2016

Granted

Vested

Exercised

At 31 December 2017

Michael Dobson

At 31 December 2016

Vested

Exercised

At 31 December 2017

Philip Mallinckrodt

At 31 December 2016

Granted

Vested

Exercised

At 31 December 2017

Unvested ECP 
awards
£’000

Vested ECP
awards
£’000

2,650

1,350

(725)

–

3,275

1,419

594

(313)

–

1,700

5,144

(1,544)

–

3,600

1,306

419

(400)

–

1,325

–

–

725

(725)

–

–

–

313

(313)

–

–

1,544

(1,544)

–

381

–

400

(244)

537

Total
£’000

2,650

1,350

–

(725)

3,275

1,419

594

–

(313)

1,700

5,144

–

(1,544)

3,600

1,687

419

–

(244)

1,862

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

87

GovernanceRemuneration report continued

Directors’ rights under share awards (audited)
Directors had the following rights to shares under the Group’s deferred remuneration plans, in the form of nil-cost options.

Unvested LTIP
awards1

Unvested ECP or
EIP awards2

Vested ECP, EIP 
or LTIP awards

Peter Harrison
(Ordinary shares)

At 31 December 2016

Granted

Dividend-equivalent accrual

Vested

Lapsed where LTIP conditions were not met

Richard Keers
(Ordinary shares)

Michael Dobson
(Ordinary shares)

Exercised

At 31 December 2017

At 31 December 2016

Granted

Dividend-equivalent accrual

Vested

Exercised

At 31 December 2017

At 31 December 2016

Dividend-equivalent accrual

Vested

Lapsed where LTIP conditions were not met

Philip Mallinckrodt
(Non-voting ordinary 
shares)

Exercised

At 31 December 2017

At 31 December 2016

Granted

Dividend-equivalent accrual

Vested

Lapsed where LTIP conditions were not met

Exercised

Lapsed due to LTIP pro-rating on end of employment

At 31 December 2017

59,410

19,537

–

(9,389)

(9,390)

–

60,168

42,713

13,025

–

–

–

55,738

43,733

–

(9,536)

(9,536)

–

24,661

67,237

–

–

(5,793)

(5,794)

–

(23,072)

32,578

125,153

43,959

4,189

(31,604)

–

–

141,697

55,417

19,335

1,827

(14,781)

–

61,798

197,537

4,038

(64,990)

–

–

136,585

68,383

18,580

2,618

(24,790)

–

–

–

–

–

962

40,993

–

(9,389)

32,566

21,136

–

451

14,781

(21,136)

15,232

170,169

7,165

74,526

–

(9,536)

242,324

212,081

–

8,735

30,583

–

(29,451)

–

Total

184,563

63,496

5,151

–

(9,390)

(9,389)

234,431

119,266

32,360

2,278

–

(21,136)

132,768

411,439

11,203

–

(9,536)

(9,536)

403,570

347,701

18,580

11,353

–

(5,794)

(29,451)

(23,072)

64,791

221,948

319,317

1.  These awards will only vest to the extent that the relevant performance conditions are met. Includes LTIP awards granted on 10 March 2014, which were unvested as 

at 31 December 2017. These awards are expected to partially vest on 1 March 2018 (see page 84) and any balance will lapse.

2.  No performance conditions apply for these awards. Although executive Directors are not eligible to receive EIP awards, Peter Harrison received an EIP award in 

December 2013, prior to his appointment as an executive Director in May 2014.

During the year, the aggregate gain on nil-cost options for Peter Harrison was £295,000, for Richard Keers was £660,000, for Michael Dobson was 
£302,000 and for Philip Mallinckrodt was £675,000. These related to awards settled in shares.

Payments to former Directors (audited)
Massimo Tosato stepped down from the Board and ceased to be an employee of Schroders at the end of 2016. As disclosed in the 2016 
Remuneration report, the Committee exercised its discretion at that time to allow him to retain his unvested LTIP awards. The LTIP awards 
remained subject to performance conditions and in addition those awards have been reduced pro-rata for the proportion of the performance 
period that he remained an employee of the Group. The value that vested on 2 March 2017 from the LTIP award granted to Massimo Tosato on 
27 March 2013 was £143,000 after pro-rating. He was also granted awards in 2014 and 2015, which are due to vest in future years.

88

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Directors’ share interests (audited)
The Directors and their connected persons had the following interests in shares in the Company at 31 December 2017:

Executive Directors

Peter Harrison

Richard Keers

Non-executive Directors

Michael Dobson

Robin Buchanan

Rhian Davies

Rakhi Goss-Custard

Lord Howard of Penrith

Ian King

Philip Mallinckrodt1

Nichola Pease

Bruno Schroder1

Number of shares at 31 December 2017

Ordinary shares

Non-voting
ordinary shares

5,425

455

–

–

140,191

187,821

–

–

669

–

–

80,985,757

30

13,881,416

9,839

1,000

–

5,000

2,641

6,343,553

951

1,482,417

1.  The interests of Philip Mallinckrodt and Bruno Schroder set out above include their beneficial interests (and those of their connected persons) in their respective 

capacities as members of a class of potential discretionary beneficiaries under certain settlements made by members of the Schroder family.

Between 31 December 2017 and 27 February 2018, the only movements in the Directors’ share interests were the acquisition under the SIP of 15 
ordinary shares by Peter Harrison, 14 ordinary shares by Richard Keers and 4 ordinary shares by a connected person of Nichola Pease who is an 
employee of Schroders.

Conduct, compliance and risk management in remuneration
Schroders’ core values are excellence, innovation, teamwork, passion and integrity. We expand on these in our guiding principles, to more clearly 
articulate the behaviours that we expect from our employees. Pages 28 and 29 provide more information on these and other key elements of our 
people strategy.

Performance management and remuneration are important tools to reinforce expected standards of behaviour. During the annual performance 
appraisal, line managers assess each employee’s behaviours, to identify those whose behaviour exemplifies our values as well as any employees 
whose behaviour falls short of the standards that we expect. To drive positive change and reinforce those behavioural expectations, we also 
operate a global employee recognition scheme, which provides an opportunity to recognise employees who champion our values.

The Group’s control functions independently review potential conduct or cultural issues, to identify any instances where performance or 
behaviours have fallen short of our expectations. Any issues identified in this way are fed into the performance appraisal and compensation 
review processes, providing a further opportunity to ensure that attitudes to risk and compliance and behaviours in line with our values are 
reflected in the determination or allocation of the bonus pool and in individual employee performance ratings and remuneration outcomes.

We identify employees whose professional activities can have a particular risk impact on the Group, or on certain regulated subsidiaries. Our 
approach to identifying these MRTs takes account of the different regulatory requirements and guidance that apply across the Group. Our MRTs 
are subject to enhanced scrutiny and oversight, including enhanced control function oversight of their activities and direct oversight of their 
remuneration by the Committee. Some MRTs, specifically those identified under the UCITS Directive or AIFMD, are subject to higher levels of 
bonus deferral and a higher proportion of remuneration in fund awards, creating greater alignment with clients and shareholders (see page 62).

To ensure the Committee is adequately informed of risks facing the Group and the management of those risks, the Chairman of the Committee 
serves on the Audit and Risk Committee. The Committee also receives reports from the heads of Risk, Legal and Compliance as part of its 
consideration of remuneration proposals.

The Committee reviewed the Group’s regulatory disclosures, in the context of the applicable FCA and PRA requirements. The remuneration 
disclosures required under the Capital Requirements Directive are incorporated into the Group’s Pillar 3 disclosures and are available at 
schroders.com/ir. Other regulatory remuneration disclosures can be found at schroders.com/remuneration-disclosures.

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

89

GovernanceRemuneration report continued

Implementation of remuneration 
policy for 2018
Basis for determining executive Directors’ annual 
bonus awards for performance in 2018
Executive Directors’ annual bonus awards for performance in 2018 will 
be based on broadly the same performance metrics as were 
considered for 2017 (see pages 82 and 83), including ESG factors. The 
process to determine awards will be unchanged. Targets are 
commercially sensitive and so both the targets and performance 
against those targets will be disclosed retrospectively in the 2018 
Annual report on remuneration.

The Committee is satisfied that the Directors’ remuneration policy and 
its implementation do not raise ESG risks by inadvertently motivating 
the wrong behaviours in the executive Directors.

LTIP awards to be granted in 2018
In accordance with the Directors’ remuneration policy, the Committee 
intends to grant LTIP awards over shares with the following values to 
the executive Directors in March 2018:

Director

Peter Harrison

Richard Keers

LTIP face value at grant

£600,000 

£400,000 

The vesting of these awards will be based on EPS and NNB 
performance conditions and targets as outlined on page 84. The 
Committee has reviewed the make-up of Schroders AUM at 
31 December 2017 to determine the indices and weightings that will 
make up the composite index against which EPS performance will be 
measured, as a proxy for the market movement of Schroders AUM. For 
awards to be granted in March 2018, the following weighted basket of 
indices will be used:

Weighting
%

15.0

7.5

15.0

7.5

5.0

50.0

Index

Morgan Stanley Capital International All Countries Asia Pacific

Morgan Stanley Capital International Emerging Markets

Morgan Stanley Capital International All Countries World

Morgan Stanley Capital International Europe

FTSE All Share

Barclays Capital Global Aggregate

By Order of the Board.

Lord Howard of Penrith

Chairman of the Remuneration Committee 

28 February 2018

90

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Directors’ report

The information contained in the sections of this Annual Report and 
Accounts identified below forms part of this Directors’ report:

 – Strategic report

 – Board of Directors

 – Corporate governance report, including the Nominations 

Committee report and the Audit and Risk Committee report

 – The Statement of Directors’ responsibilities.

Share capital
Schroders has developed under stable ownership for more than 200 
years and has been a public company whose ordinary shares have 
been listed on the London Stock Exchange since 1959. The Company’s 
share capital is comprised of ordinary shares of £1 each and non-
voting ordinary shares of £1 each. The ordinary shares have a 
premium listing on the London Stock Exchange and the non-voting 
ordinary shares have a standard listing on the London Stock Exchange.

226,022,400 ordinary shares (80% of the total issued share capital) 
were in issue throughout the year. The Company has no authority to 
issue or buy back any ordinary shares. Each ordinary share carries the 
right to attend and vote at general meetings of the Company. 
56,739,223 non-voting ordinary shares (20% of the total issued share 
capital) were in issue at the beginning of 2017. No shares were held 
in treasury.

The non-voting ordinary shares were created in 1986 to facilitate the 
operation of an employee share plan without diluting the voting rights 
of ordinary shareholders. The non-voting ordinary shares carry the 
same rights as ordinary shares except that they do not provide the 
right to attend and vote at general meetings of the Company and that, 
on a capitalisation issue, they carry the right to receive non-voting 
ordinary shares rather than ordinary shares.

When the non-voting ordinary shares were created the ratio of 
ordinary shares to non-voting ordinary shares was 4:1. The Company 
has at times issued non-voting ordinary shares, principally in 
connection with the Group’s employee share plans or as consideration 
for an acquisition. The Company has not intended and does not intend 
to increase the issued non-voting ordinary share capital over the 
medium term and therefore has, at times, bought back non-voting 
ordinary shares.

Following the acquisition of Benchmark Capital in December 2016 for 
which Schroders plc issued 233,623 non-voting ordinary shares in part 
consideration, the Company entered into a share buy-back 
programme during 2017 to repurchase 233,623 non-voting 
ordinary shares.

The Company completed the share buy-back programme in March 
2017, purchasing 233,623 shares, at a cost of £5.4 million, representing 
0.4% of the issued non-voting ordinary share capital. Of the shares 
repurchased, all were cancelled immediately, restoring the initial ratio 
of ordinary shares to non-voting ordinary shares to 4:1.

At the 2017 AGM shareholders renewed the Directors’ authority to 
issue 5,000,000 non-voting ordinary shares in order to provide the 
Directors with the flexibility to issue non-voting ordinary shares or to 
grant rights to subscribe for, or convert securities into, non-voting 
ordinary shares. Shareholders also gave approval for the Company to 
buy back up to 14,100,000 non-voting ordinary shares, which will 
expire at the 2018 AGM. Renewal of these authorities will be sought at 
the 2018 AGM which will be held at 11.30 a.m. on 26 April 2018.

Under the terms of the Schroders Employee Benefit Trust and the 
Schroder US Holdings Inc. Grantor Trust, ordinary and non-voting 
ordinary shares are held on trust on behalf of employee share plan 
participants. The trustees of these trusts may exercise the voting rights 
in any way they think fit. In doing so, they may consider the financial 
and non-financial interests of the beneficiaries and their dependents. 
As at 27 February 2018, being the latest practicable date before the 
publication of this Annual Report and Accounts, the Schroders 
Employee Benefit Trust and the Schroder US Holdings Inc. Grantor 
Trust together held 8,748,057 ordinary shares and 319,317 non-voting 
ordinary shares.

Under the terms of the Share Incentive Plan, as at 27 February 2018, 
616,602 ordinary shares were held in trust on behalf of plan 
participants. At the participants’ direction, the trustees can exercise the 
voting rights over ordinary shares in respect of participant 
share entitlements.

There are no restrictions on the transfer of the Company’s shares 
save for:

 – Restrictions imposed by laws and regulations;

 – Restrictions on the transfer of shares imposed under the Company’s 
Articles of Association or under Part 22 of the UK Companies Act 
2006, in either case after a failure to supply information required to 
be disclosed following service of a request under section 793 of the 
UK Companies Act 2006; and

 – Restrictions on the transfer of shares held under certain employee 

share plans while they remain subject to the plan.

The Company is not aware of any agreement between shareholders 
that may restrict the transfer of securities or voting rights. 

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

91

GovernanceDirectors’ report

Member

Vincitas Limited1

Veritas Limited1

Flavida Limited2

Fervida Limited2

Harris Associates L.P.3

Lindsell Train Limited3

Class of shares

No. of voting rights held

% of voting rights held

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

Ordinary

60,724,609

36,795,041

60,951,886

39,724,396

11,443,978

11,312,070

26.87

16.28

26.97

17.58

5.06

5.01

1.  Vincitas Limited and Veritas Limited are trustee companies which act as trustees of certain settlements made by members of the Schroder family. Vincitas Limited and 

Veritas Limited are party to the Relationship Agreement.

2.  The interests of Flavida Limited include interests in voting rights in respect of all the shares in which Vincitas Limited is interested as trustee. Flavida Limited is party to 

the Relationship Agreement. The interests of Fervida Limited include interests in voting rights in respect of all the shares in which Veritas Limited is interested as 
trustee. Fervida Limited is party to the Relationship Agreement.

3.  Harris Associates L.P. and Lindsell Train Limited are not party to the Relationship Agreement.

Dividends
The Directors are recommending a final dividend of 79 pence per 
share which, if approved by shareholders at the AGM, will be paid on 
3 May 2018 to shareholders on the register of members at close of 
business on 23 March 2018. Details on the Company’s dividend policy 
are set out on page 27. Dividends payable in respect of the year, 
subject to this approval, along with prior year payments, are set 
out below.

Ordinary shares and
non-voting ordinary shares

Interim

Final

Total

2017

£m

pence

pence

34.0

92.9

79.0*

217.0

113.0

309.9

29.0

64.0

93.0

2016

£m

78.9

174.7

253.6

*  Subject to approval by shareholders at the 2018 AGM.

The Schroders Employee Benefit Trust and the Schroder US Holdings 
Inc. Grantor Trust have waived their rights to dividends paid on both 
the ordinary and non-voting ordinary shares in respect of 2017 and 
future periods. See notes 8 and 22 to the financial statements.

Corporate Responsibility
Details of the Company’s employment practices, including diversity 
and employee involvement can be found in the Strategic report from 
page 28. 

We are committed to minimising the environmental impact of our 
operations and to delivering continuous improvement in our 
environmental performance. See page 32 for more details on our total 
CO2e emissions data.

Indemnities and Insurance
At the 2007 AGM, shareholders authorised the Company to provide 
indemnities to, and to fund defence costs for, Directors in certain 
circumstances. All Directors at the time shareholder approval was 
received were granted specific deeds of indemnity and any Director 
appointed subsequently has been granted such an indemnity. This 
means that, on their appointment, new Directors are granted an 
indemnity as defined in the Companies Act 2006 in respect of any third 
party liabilities that they may incur as a result of their service on the 
Board. All Directors’ indemnities were in place during the year and 
remain in force.

Substantial shareholdings
As at 31 December 2017, the Company had received notifications, in 
accordance with rule 5.1.2R of the Disclosure Guidance and 
Transparency Rules, of interests in 3% or more of the voting rights 
attaching to the Company’s issued share capital, as set out in the table 
above. There had been no changes to these notifications or additional 
notifications as at the date of this report.

Relationship Agreement
The Schroder family interests are in shares owned directly or indirectly 
by trustee companies which act as trustees of various trusts settled by 
family individuals, in shares owned by family individuals, and in shares 
owned by a family charity. The trustee holdings include the interests 
(43.15%) held by Vincitas Limited and Veritas Limited, as disclosed in 
the table above, and further interests (1.6%) held by two other trustee 
companies which are not required to be disclosed under the 
Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules.

If aggregated, the total interests covered by the Relationship 
Agreement including shares held by the trustee companies, individuals 
and the family charity amount to 108,323,711 of the Company’s 
ordinary shares (47.93%).

Following changes made to the UK Listing Rules in May 2014, 
companies with a shareholder or shareholders who could, when acting 
in concert, exercise 30% or more of the voting rights of a company at a 
general meeting, are required to enter into a binding agreement with 
that shareholder or shareholders. This is intended to ensure that the 
parties to the agreement comply with certain independence provisions 
as set out in the Listing Rules. Accordingly, on 14 November 2014, the 
Company entered into such an agreement (the ‘Relationship 
Agreement’) with a number of shareholders who own or control the 
ordinary shares (and associated voting rights) referred to above.

In accordance with Listing Rule 9.8.4(14), the Board confirms that for 
the year ended 31 December 2017:

 – the Company has complied with the independence provisions 

included in the Relationship Agreement; and

 – so far as the Company is aware, the independence provisions 

included in the Relationship Agreement have been complied with by 
the other parties to the Relationship Agreement and their 
associates.

92

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Directors’ and Officers’ Liability Insurance is maintained by the 
Company for all Directors.

As part of the integration of Cazenove Capital, the Cazenove Capital 
Management Limited Pension Scheme was merged with the Schroders 
Retirement Benefits Scheme with effect from 31 December 2014. 
Pursuant to that merger, a qualifying pension scheme indemnity (as 
defined in section 235 of the Companies Act 2006) provided by 
Schroders plc for the benefit of the Directors of Cazenove Capital 
Management Pension Trustee Limited, a subsidiary of the Company, 
was put in place at that time and remains in force.

This indemnity provision covers, to the extent permitted by law, certain 
losses or liabilities incurred by the Directors of Cazenove Capital 
Management Pension Trustee Limited in connection with that 
company’s activities as trustee of the Cazenove Capital Management 
Limited Pension Scheme.

Directors’ conflicts of interest 
The Company has procedures in place to identify, authorise and 
manage conflicts of interest, including of Directors of the Company, 
and they have operated effectively during the year. In circumstances 
where a potential conflict arises, the Board (excluding the Director 
concerned) will consider the situation and either authorise the 
arrangement in accordance with the Companies Act 2006 and the 
Company’s Articles of Association or take other appropriate action. 

All potential conflicts authorised by the Board are recorded in a 
conflicts register which is maintained by the Company Secretary and 
reviewed by the Board on an annual basis. Directors have a continuing 
duty to update the Board with any changes to their conflicts 
of interest.

Change of control
Directors’ and employees’ employment contracts do not normally 
provide for compensation for loss of office or employment as a result 
of a change of control. However, the provisions of the Company’s 
employee share schemes may cause awards granted to employees 
under such schemes to vest on a change of control.

The Company is not party to any significant agreements that would 
take effect, alter or terminate on a change of control of the Company.

Political donations
No political donations or contributions were made or expenditure 
incurred by the Company or its subsidiaries during the year (2016: nil) 
and there is no intention to make or incur any in the current year.

UK Listing Authority Listing Rules (LR) – compliance 
with LR 9.8.4C
The majority of the disclosures required under LR 9.8.4 are not 
applicable to Schroders. The table below sets out the location of the 
disclosures for those requirements that are applicable:

Applicable sub-paragraph within LR 9.8.4

(12) Details of any arrangements under which a 
shareholder has waived or agreed to waive any 
dividends. 

(13) Where a shareholder has agreed to waive 
future dividends, details of such waiver together 
with those relating to dividends which are payable 
during the period under review.

(14) A statement made by the Board that the 
Company has entered into an agreement under LR 
9.2.2A, that the Company has, and, as far as it is 
aware, the other parties to the agreement have, 
complied with the provisions in the agreement.

Disclosure 
provided

See page 92

See pages 
92, 107 and 
129

See page 92

Going concern
The Group’s business activities, together with the factors likely to affect 
its future development, performance and position are set out in the 
Strategic report. In addition, the financial statements include 
information on the Group’s approach to managing its capital and 
financial risk; details of its financial instruments and hedging activities; 
and its exposures to credit and liquidity risk.

The Group has considerable financial resources, a broad range of 
products and a geographically diversified business. As a consequence, 
the Directors believe that the Group is well placed to manage its 
business risks in the context of the current economic outlook.

Accordingly, the Directors have a reasonable expectation that the 
Company and the Group have adequate resources to continue in 
operational existence for the foreseeable future. They therefore 
continue to adopt the going concern basis in preparing the Annual 
Report and Accounts.

In addition, the Directors have assessed the Company’s viability over a 
period of five years. The results of this assessment are set out on 
page 36.

By Order of the Board.

Graham Staples

Company Secretary

28 February 2018

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

93

GovernanceStatement of 
Directors’ responsibilities

In addition, each of the Directors considers that this Annual Report 
and Accounts, taken as a whole, is fair, balanced and understandable 
and provides the information necessary for shareholders to assess 
the Company’s performance, business model and strategy.

The Directors are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of 
the audited financial information on the website at schroders.com. 

Legislation in the UK governing the preparation and dissemination of 
financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions. 

Forward-looking statements
This Annual Report and Accounts and the Schroders website may 
contain forward-looking statements with respect to the financial 
condition, performance and position, strategy, results of operations 
and businesses of the Company and the Group. Such statements and 
forecasts involve risk and uncertainty because they are based on 
current expectations and assumptions but relate to events and 
depend upon circumstances in the future and you should not place 
reliance on them. Without limitation, any statements preceded or 
followed by or that include the words ‘targets’, ‘plans’, ‘believes’, 
‘expects’, ‘confident’, ‘aims’, ‘will have’, ‘will be’, ‘will ensure’, ‘estimates’ 
or ‘anticipates’ or the negative of these terms or other similar terms 
are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. There are 
a number of factors that could cause actual results or developments to 
differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking 
statements and forecasts. Forward-looking statements and forecasts 
are based on the Directors’ current view and information known to 
them at the date of this Annual Report and Accounts. The Directors 
do not make any undertaking to update or revise any forward-looking 
statements, whether as a result of new information, future events 
or otherwise. Nothing in this Annual Report and Accounts should be 
construed as a forecast, estimate or projection of future financial 
performance. 

The Directors are responsible for preparing the Annual Report and the 
Consolidated financial statements in accordance with applicable law 
and regulations.

The Companies Act 2006, being the applicable law in the UK, requires 
the Directors to prepare financial statements for each financial year. 
The Directors have prepared the Group and the Company financial 
statements in accordance with International Financial Reporting 
Standards (IFRS) as adopted by the European Union (EU). The financial 
statements are required by law to give a true and fair view of the state 
of affairs of the Company and the Group and of the profit or loss of the 
Group for that period.

In preparing those financial statements the Directors are required to:

 – Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently.

 – Make estimates and judgements that are reasonable and prudent. 

 – State that the financial statements comply with IFRS as adopted by 
the EU, subject to any material departure disclosed and explained 
in the financial statements.

 – Prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis, unless 

it is inappropriate to presume that the Group will continue in 
business, in which case there should be supporting assumptions 
or qualifications as necessary.

The Directors are also required by the Disclosure and Transparency 
Rules of the FCA to include a management report containing a fair 
review of the business and a description of the principal risks and 
uncertainties facing the Company and the Group.

The Directors are responsible for keeping proper books of accounting 
records that are sufficient to show and explain the Company’s 
transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the 
financial position of the Company and the Group and to enable them 
to ensure that the financial statements and the Remuneration report 
comply with the Companies Act 2006 and, as regards the Group 
financial statements, Article 4 of the International Accounting 
Standards Regulation. They are also responsible for safeguarding the 
assets of the Company and the Group and hence for taking reasonable 
steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and 
other irregularities.

Directors’ statement
Each of the Directors, whose name and functions are listed in the 
Board of Directors section of this Annual Report and Accounts, 
confirms that, to the best of each person’s knowledge and belief:

 – The consolidated financial statements, prepared in accordance with 
IFRS as adopted by the EU and in accordance with the Companies 
Act 2006, give a true and fair view of the assets, liabilities, financial 
position and profit of the Company and the Group.

 – The Directors’ report contained in this Annual Report and Accounts 
which comprises the sections described on page 91, includes a fair 
review of the development and performance of the business and 
the position of the Company and the Group and a description of the 
principal risks and uncertainties that they face.

 – So far as the Director is aware, there is no relevant audit information 

of which the Company’s auditors are unaware.

 – The Director has taken all the steps that ought to have been taken 

as a Director in order to make himself or herself aware of any 
relevant audit information and to establish that the Company’s 
auditors are aware of that information.

94

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017

Financial statements

Financial statements contents

Consolidated financial statements 
Consolidated income statement 
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income 
Consolidated statement of financial position 
Consolidated statement of changes in equity 
Consolidated cash flow statement 

Notes to the accounts
Segmental reporting 
1. 
Revenue 
2. 
Cost of sales 
3. 
Net gains on financial instruments and other income 
4. 
Operating expenses 
5. 
Tax expense 
6. 
Earnings per share 
7. 
Dividends 
8. 
Trade and other receivables 
9. 
Financial assets 
10. 
Associates and joint ventures 
11. 
12. 
Property, plant and equipment  
13.  Goodwill and intangible assets 
14.  Deferred tax 
15.  Unit-linked liabilities and assets backing unit-linked liabilities 
16. 
17. 
18. 
19. 
20.  Derivative contracts 
21. 
22.  Own shares 
23. 
24. 
25. 
26. 
27. 
28. 
29. 

Reconciliation of net cash from operating activities 
Commitments 
Retirement benefit obligations 
Share-based payments 
Related party transactions 
Interests in structured entities 
Business combinations 

Trade and other payables 
Financial liabilities 
Provisions and contingent liabilities 
Financial instrument risk management 

Share capital and share premium 

Presentation of the financial statements 

Schroders plc financial statements
Schroders plc – Statement of financial position 
Schroders plc – Statement of changes in equity 
Schroders plc – Cash flow statement 

Significant accounting policies 
Expenses and other disclosures 
Trade and other receivables 
Trade and other payables 

Schroders plc – Notes to the accounts
30. 
31. 
32. 
33. 
34.  Deferred tax 
35. 
36.  Own shares 
37. 
38.  

Related party transactions 
Subsidiaries and other related undertakings 

Financial instrument risk management 

Independent auditors’ report 

96
96
97
98
99

100
103
103
104
105
106
107
107
108
108
111
113
114
115
116
117
118
119
121
126
128
129
130
131
132
135
138
139
141

143

145
146
147

147
148
148
148
149
149
149
150
151

160

95

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017Financial statementsFinancial statements

Consolidated income statement
for the year ended 31 December 2017

Revenue

Cost of sales

Net operating revenue

Net gains on financial instruments and other income

Share of profit of associates and joint ventures

Net income

Operating expenses

Profit before tax

Tax

Profit after tax1

Earnings per share

Basic

Diluted

Dividends per share2

2017

2016

Before 
exceptional 
items
£m

Exceptional
items3
£m

Before 
exceptional 
items
£m

Exceptional
items3
£m

Total
£m

2,511.7

(501.5)

2,010.2

–

–

–

2,511.7

2,144.9

(501.5)

(432.1)

2,010.2

1,712.8

–

–

–

Notes

2

3

Total
£m

2,144.9

(432.1)

1,712.8

4

11

35.2

23.5

2,068.9

(3.5)

(1.8)

(5.3)

31.7

21.7

58.8

21.5

2,063.6

1,793.1

(1.4)

(2.0)

(3.4)

57.4

19.5

1,789.7

5

(1,268.6)

(34.8)

(1,303.4)

(1,148.4)

(23.2)

(1,171.6)

800.3

(40.1)

760.2

644.7

(26.6)

618.1

6(a)

(171.6)

628.7

5.8

(34.3)

(165.8)

594.4

(132.4)

512.3

4.5

(22.1)

(127.9)

490.2

7

7

8

226.9p

222.4p

(11.6)p

(11.4)p

215.3p

211.0p

186.3p

182.4p

(8.0)p

(7.9)p

178.3p

174.5p

98.0p

87.0p

Consolidated statement of comprehensive income
for the year ended 31 December 2017

Profit after tax

Items that may be reclassified to the income statement on fulfilment of specific conditions:

Net exchange differences on translation of foreign operations after hedging

Net fair value movement arising from available-for-sale financial assets

Net fair value movement arising from available-for-sale financial assets held by associates

Tax on items taken directly to other comprehensive income

Items reclassified to the income statement:

Net realised gains on disposal of available-for-sale financial assets

Net realised gains on disposal of available-for-sale financial assets held by associates

Items that will not be reclassified to the income statement:

Actuarial gains/(losses) on defined benefit pension schemes

Tax on items taken directly to other comprehensive income

Other comprehensive (losses)/income for the year net of tax1

Total comprehensive income for the year net of tax1

1.  Non-controlling interest is presented in the Consolidated statement of changes in equity.
2.  Prior year final dividend and current year interim dividend paid during the year.
3.  See note 1(b) for a definition and further details of exceptional items.

Notes

2017
£m

594.4

2016
£m

490.2

4

11

6(b)

4

11

25

6(b)

(34.4)

(8.9)

(1.6)

0.7

101.3

19.3

(4.8)

(2.9)

(44.2)

112.9

(3.3)

(1.4)

(4.7)

42.3

(7.4)

34.9

(5.2)

(1.4)

(6.6)

(2.0)

(0.1)

(2.1)

(14.0)

104.2

580.4

594.4

96

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017Consolidated statement of financial position
at 31 December 2017

Assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Trade and other receivables

Financial assets

Associates and joint ventures

Property, plant and equipment

Goodwill and intangible assets

Deferred tax

Retirement benefit scheme surplus

Assets backing unit-linked liabilities

Cash and cash equivalents

Financial assets

Total assets

Liabilities

Trade and other payables

Financial liabilities

Current tax

Provisions

Deferred tax

Retirement benefit scheme deficits

Notes

2017
£m

2016
£m

9

10

11

12

13

14

25

15

16

17

18

14

2,947.0

739.0

3,480.8

143.9

162.8

825.8

39.3

162.9

3,318.9

648.2

3,105.0

125.0

66.4

607.1

66.0

118.2

8,501.5

8,054.8

572.5

13,413.9

13,986.4

466.7

12,460.9

12,927.6

22,487.9

20,982.4

937.7

3,955.3

78.1

44.0

0.1

15.3

883.3

3,902.0

71.8

33.1

0.2

11.6

5,030.5

4,902.0

Unit-linked liabilities

15

13,986.4

12,927.6

Total liabilities

Net assets

Total equity1

19,016.9

17,829.6

3,471.0

3,152.8

3,471.0

3,152.8

1.  Non-controlling interest is presented in the Consolidated statement of changes in equity.

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 28 February 2018 and signed on its behalf by:

Richard Keers

Director

Bruno Schroder

Director

97

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017Financial statementsFinancial statements

Consolidated statement of changes in equity
for the year ended 31 December 2017

Attributable to owners of the parent

Share 
capital
£m

Share 
premium
£m

Own 
shares 
£m

Notes

Net 
exchange 
differences 
reserve
£m

Associates 
and joint 
ventures 
reserve
£m

Fair 
value 
reserve
£m

Profit  
and loss  
reserve
£m

Non- 
controlling 
interest 
£m

Total 
£m

Total
equity 
£m

At 1 January 2017

282.7

124.2

(163.6)

187.7

50.1

19.3

2,638.0

3,138.4

14.4

3,152.8

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive 
(losses)/income1

Total comprehensive 
(losses)/income for the year

Shares cancelled

Own shares purchased

Share-based payments

21

22

26

Tax in respect of share schemes

6(c)

Other movements

Dividends

8

–

–

–

(0.2)

–

–

–

–

–

Transactions with shareholders

(0.2)

Transfers

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

5.4

(56.6)

–

–

–

–

(51.2)

52.5

At 31 December 2017

282.5

124.2

(162.3)

153.4

–

21.7

–

571.3

593.0

1.4

594.4

(34.3)

(3.0)

(11.5)

34.9

(13.9)

(0.1)

(14.0)

(34.3)

18.7

(11.5)

606.2

579.1

1.3

580.4

–

–

–

–

(0.3)

–

(0.3)

(2.7)

65.8

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(5.2)

–

–

(56.6)

60.5

5.2

–

60.5

5.2

(0.3)

–

–

–

–

0.1

–

(56.6)

60.5

5.2

(0.2)

(267.6)

(267.6)

(3.5)

(271.1)

(207.1)

(258.8)

(3.4)

(262.2)

4.7

(54.5)

–

–

–

12.5

2,982.6

3,458.7

12.3

3,471.0

Attributable to owners of the parent

Share 
capital
£m

Share 
premium
£m

Own 
shares 
£m

Notes

Net  
exchange 
differences 
reserve
£m

Associates 
and joint 
ventures 
reserve
£m

Fair  
value  
reserve 
£m

Profit  
and loss  
reserve 
£m

Non- 
controlling 
interest 
£m

Total 
£m

Total
equity 
£m

At 1 January 2016

282.5

119.4

(175.5)

86.8

45.7

8.1

2,428.6

2,795.6

–

2,795.6

Profit for the year

Other comprehensive  
income/(losses)1

Total comprehensive income 
for the year

Shares issued

Own shares purchased

Share-based payments

21

22

26

Tax in respect of share schemes

6(c)

Other movements

Dividends

8

–

–

–

–

–

–

0.2

4.8

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

(59.1)

–

–

–

–

Transactions with shareholders

0.2

4.8

(59.1)

Transfers

–

–

71.0

–

19.5

–

470.2

489.7

0.5

490.2

100.9

(6.2)

11.2

(2.1)

103.8

0.4

104.2

100.9

13.3

11.2

468.1

593.5

0.9

594.4

–

–

–

–

(0.9)

–

(0.9)

(8.0)

50.1

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

51.5

0.9

5.0

(59.1)

51.5

0.9

–

–

–

–

(11.5)

(12.4)

13.5

5.0

(59.1)

51.5

0.9

1.1

(236.6)

(236.6)

–

(236.6)

(195.7)

(250.7)

13.5

(237.2)

(63.0)

–

–

–

19.3

2,638.0

3,138.4

14.4

3,152.8

At 31 December 2016

282.7

124.2

(163.6)

187.7

1.  Other comprehensive (losses)/income reported in the net exchange differences reserve represent foreign exchange gains and losses on the translation of foreign 

operations net of hedging. Other comprehensive (losses)/income reported in the associates and joint ventures reserve and the fair value reserve represent post-tax 
fair value movements on available-for-sale assets held. Other comprehensive income/(losses) reported in the profit and loss reserve represent post-tax actuarial 
gains/(losses).

98

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017Consolidated cash flow statement
for the year ended 31 December 2017

Net cash from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities

Net acquisition of businesses and associates

Net acquisition of property, plant and equipment and intangible assets

Acquisition of financial assets

Disposal of financial assets

Non-banking interest received

Distributions received from associates and joint ventures

Net cash used in investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities

Acquisition of own shares

Dividends paid

Other flows

Net cash used in financing activities

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

Opening cash and cash equivalents

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

Effect of exchange rate changes

Closing cash and cash equivalents

Closing cash and cash equivalents consists of:

Cash and cash equivalents available for use by the Group

Cash held in consolidated pooled investment vehicles

Cash and cash equivalents presented within assets

Cash and cash equivalents presented within assets backing unit-linked liabilities

Closing total cash and cash equivalents

Notes

23

2017
£m

585.1

2016
£m

563.7

11

22

8

(185.1)

(172.6)

(2,004.5)

1,853.5

26.1

2.7

(84.8)

(65.2)

(1,398.6)

1,215.6

29.4

8.7

(479.9)

(294.9)

(56.6)

(271.1)

(0.9)

(328.6)

(59.1)

(236.6)

(0.3)

(296.0)

(223.4)

(27.2)

3,785.6

(223.4)

(42.7)

3,519.5

2,909.8

37.2

2,947.0

572.5

3,519.5

3,622.1

(27.2)

190.7

3,785.6

3,286.9

32.0

3,318.9

466.7

3,785.6

99

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017Financial statementsFinancial statements

Notes to the accounts

1. Segmental reporting
(a) Operating segments

The Group has three business segments: Asset Management, Wealth Management and the Group segment. The Asset Management 
segment principally comprises investment management including advisory services in respect of equity, fixed income, multi-asset, real 
estate and private assets and alternatives products. The Wealth Management segment principally comprises investment management, 
wealth planning and banking services provided to high net worth individuals and charities within the Cazenove Capital business and the 
Benchmark Capital business which includes an independent financial adviser network. The Group segment principally comprises the Group’s 
investment capital and treasury management activities, corporate development and strategy activities and the management costs 
associated with governance and corporate management.

Segment information is presented on the same basis as that provided for internal reporting purposes to the Group’s chief operating decision 
maker, the Group Chief Executive.

Operating expenses include an allocation of costs between the individual business segments on a basis that aligns the charge with the 
resources employed by the Group in particular business areas. This allocation provides management information on the business 
performance to manage and control expenditure.

Year ended 31 December 2017

Fee income

Wealth Management interest income earned

Revenue

Fee expense

Wealth Management interest expense incurred

Cost of sales

Net operating revenue

Net (losses)/gains on financial instruments and other income

Share of profit of associates and joint ventures

Net income

Operating expenses

Profit before tax and exceptional items

Year ended 31 December 2016

Fee income

Wealth Management interest income earned

Revenue

Fee expense

Wealth Management interest expense incurred

Cost of sales

Net operating revenue

Net gains on financial instruments and other income

Share of profit of associates and joint ventures

Net income

Operating expenses

Profit before tax and exceptional items

Asset  
Management
£m

Wealth 
Management
£m

Group
£m

2,223.1

–

2,223.1

(479.8)

–

(479.8)

1,743.3

(6.2)

20.8

1,757.9

(1,052.0)

705.9

256.3

32.3

288.6

(10.8)

(10.9)

(21.7)

266.9

6.3

0.1

273.3

(183.0)

90.3

Asset 
Management
£m

Wealth 
Management
£m

1,902.7

–

1,902.7

(413.2)

–

(413.2)

1,489.5

28.2

16.7

1,534.4

(962.0)

572.4

210.6

31.6

242.2

(7.9)

(11.0)

(18.9)

223.3

0.7

–

224.0

(157.6)

66.4

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

35.1

2.6

37.7

(33.6)

4.1

Group
£m

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

29.9

4.8

34.7

(28.8)

5.9

Total
£m

2,479.4

32.3

2,511.7

(490.6)

(10.9)

(501.5)

2,010.2

35.2

23.5

2,068.9

(1,268.6)

800.3

Total
£m

2,113.3

31.6

2,144.9

(421.1)

(11.0)

(432.1)

1,712.8

58.8

21.5

1,793.1

(1,148.4)

644.7

Segment assets and liabilities are not required to be presented as such information is not presented on a regular basis to the Group’s chief 
operating decision maker.

100

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 20171. Segmental reporting continued
(b) Exceptional items

Exceptional items are significant items of income and expenditure that have been separately presented by virtue of their nature to enable a 
better understanding of the Group’s financial performance. Exceptional items relate principally to acquisitions undertaken by the Group, 
including amortisation of acquired intangible assets.

Year ended 31 December 2017

Profit before tax and exceptional items

Exceptional items within net income:

Net gains on financial instruments and other income

Amortisation of acquired intangible assets relating to associates and joint ventures

Exceptional items within operating expenses:

Amortisation of acquired intangible assets

Other expenses

Asset 
Management
£m

Wealth 
Management
£m

705.9

90.3

Group
£m

4.1

Total
£m

800.3

(3.5)

(1.6)

(5.1)

(9.4)

(2.7)

(12.1)

–

(0.2)

(0.2)

(18.3)

(4.4)

(22.7)

–

–

–

–

–

–

(3.5)

(1.8)

(5.3)

(27.7)

(7.1)

(34.8)

Profit before tax and after exceptional items

688.7

67.4

4.1

760.2

Year ended 31 December 2016

Profit before tax and exceptional items

Exceptional items within net income:

Net gains on financial instruments and other income

Amortisation of acquired intangible assets relating to associates and joint ventures

Exceptional items within operating expenses:

Amortisation of acquired intangible assets

Deferred compensation arising directly from acquisitions

Other expenses

Asset  
Management
£m

Wealth 
Management
£m

572.4

66.4

Group
£m

5.9

(1.4)

(2.0)

(3.4)

(11.5)

–

(3.6)

(15.1)

–

–

–

(8.1)

–

(2.0)

(10.1)

–

–

–

–

2.0

–

2.0

7.9

Profit before tax and after exceptional items

553.9

56.3

Total
£m

644.7

(1.4)

(2.0)

(3.4)

(19.6)

2.0

(5.6)

(23.2)

618.1

101

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017Financial statementsFinancial statements

Notes to the accounts

1. Segmental reporting continued
(c) Geographical information
Net operating revenue by country is presented below based on the location of clients:

Country

United Kingdom

United States

Italy

Switzerland

Hong Kong

Australia

Germany

Japan

Singapore

Other

Total

The Group’s non-current assets are located in the following countries:

Country

United Kingdom

Switzerland

China

United States

India

Singapore

Other

Total

Net operating revenue

2017
£m

702.9

160.1

134.1

134.0

120.2

98.6

85.0

76.4

56.4

2016
£m

618.3

135.8

117.6

118.0

101.6

99.4

53.5

64.6

51.7

442.5

2,010.2

352.3

1,712.8

Non-current assets1

2017
£m

726.3

166.8

87.3

65.6

19.7

19.1

47.9

2016
£m

544.8

39.1

73.9

62.0

19.9

17.3

41.7

1,132.7

798.7

1. Comprises the following non-current assets: property, plant and equipment, goodwill and intangible assets, associates and joint ventures and prepayments.

(d) Non-cash items

Year ended 31 December 2017

Operating expenses include the following non-cash items:

Share-based payments

Depreciation and amortisation

Net provisions charged

Year ended 31 December 2016

Operating expenses include the following non-cash items:

Share-based payments

Depreciation and amortisation

Net provisions charged

Asset 
Management
£m

Wealth 
Management
£m

(52.9)

(44.7)

(9.6)

(4.3)

(18.7)

(1.0)

Asset 
Management
£m

Wealth 
Management
£m

(44.5)

(37.8)

(7.3)

(3.7)

(8.6)

(1.0)

Group
£m

(3.3)

–

(2.0)

Group
£m

(3.3)

–

–

Total
£m

(60.5)

(63.4)

(12.6)

Total
£m

(51.5)

(46.4)

(8.3)

Where applicable, exceptional items are included in the non-cash items presented above.

102

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 20172. Revenue

The Group’s primary source of revenue is fee income from investment management activities performed within both the Asset Management
and Wealth Management segments. Fee income includes management fees, performance fees and other income. Revenue also includes 
interest income earned within the Wealth Management segment.

Management fees are generated through investment management agreements and are generally based on an agreed percentage of the
valuation of AUM. Management fees are recognised as the service is provided and it is probable that the fee will be received.

Performance fees are earned from some arrangements when contractually agreed performance levels are exceeded within specified 
performance measurement periods. They are only recognised at the end of these performance periods, when a reliable estimate of the fee
can be made and it is almost certain that the fee will be received.

Other income principally comprises revenues for other services which are typically driven by levels of AUM, along with revenues which vary 
according to the volume of transactions. Other income is recorded as the relevant services are provided and the receipt of income is almost
certain.

Within Wealth Management, earning a net interest margin is a core activity. Interest income earned as a result of placing loans and deposits
with other financial institutions, advancing loans and overdrafts to clients and holding debt and other fixed income securities is recognised 
within revenue. Interest income is recognised as it is earned using the effective interest method, which allocates interest at a constant rate 
of return over the expected life of the financial instrument based on the estimated future cash flows.

Revenue comprises:

Management fees

Performance fees

Other income

Wealth Management interest income earned

3. Cost of sales

2017
£m

2016
£m

2,155.6

1,848.3

78.4

245.4

32.3

41.2

223.8

31.6

2,511.7

2,144.9

Fee expenses incurred by the Group that vary in proportion to the relevant AUM are presented as cost of sales. These expenses include 
commissions, external fund manager fees and distribution fees payable to financial institutions, investment platform providers and financial
advisers that distribute the Group’s products. Fee expense is generally based on an agreed percentage of the value of the investments 
placed with the Group and is recognised in the income statement as the service is received.

Wealth Management pays interest to clients on deposits taken. For Wealth Management, earning a net interest margin is a core activity.
Interest payable in respect of these activities is therefore recorded separately from interest payable elsewhere in the business and is 
reported as part of cost of sales. Interest payable is recognised using the effective interest method (see note 2).

Cost of sales comprises:

Fee expense

Wealth Management interest expense incurred

2017
£m

490.6

10.9

501.5

2016
£m

421.1

11.0

432.1

103

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017Financial statementsFinancial statements

Notes to the accounts

4. Net gains on financial instruments and other income

The Group holds financial instruments to support its Group capital strategies which comprise operating capital, seed and co-investment 
capital and other investible equity. Operating capital is retained in the Group’s operating entities to meet minimum local regulatory capital 
requirements and other capital required for day-to-day operational purposes. Operating capital principally comprises cash and cash 
equivalents and other low-risk financial instruments as well as financial instruments held to hedge fair value movements on certain deferred 
fund awards. Seed and co-investment capital represents strategic investments in the Group’s products to develop new investment strategies,
co-invest selectively alongside clients and finance growth initiatives. Seed and co-investment capital is financed from investment capital and, 
where practical, the market risk on seed capital investments is hedged. Investible equity held in excess of operating requirements is 
transferred to investment capital which is managed centrally in accordance with limits approved by the Board. 

A portion of the Group’s financial instruments held at fair value are carried at fair value through profit or loss (FVP). FVP financial instruments
are those that are initially designated as such and those that are held for regular trading. Net gains and losses on FVP financial instruments 
principally comprise market returns on investments in debt securities, equities, pooled investment vehicles and any gains and losses on 
derivatives (which mainly arise from hedging activities). Net gains and losses on certain FVP financial instruments held to hedge deferred 
employee cash awards are presented separately and are included within operating expenses (see note 5). This presentation better reflects 
the substance of these transactions and provides more relevant information about the Group’s net income and operating expenses.

The remainder of the Group’s investments held at fair value are classified as available-for-sale (AFS). This classification is typically selected 
when the investment is expected to be held for the long term but not necessarily to maturity and where short-term volatility does not reflect
long-term expected returns. Generally, unrealised gains and losses on AFS investments are recorded in other comprehensive income, but 
the cumulative gains and losses are transferred to the income statement if the investment is impaired, sold or otherwise realised. The fair 
value reserve in the statement of changes in equity represents the difference between the cost (or, if the asset has been reclassified or 
impaired, the fair value at the date of reclassification or impairment) and the fair value of financial assets that are classified as AFS. Any
impairments of loans and receivables are also included in the income statement. The Group reviews its AFS investments and loans and 
receivables for impairment at the end of each reporting period.

Net finance income is derived from interest on non-banking activities, principally generated from cash and deposits with banks, but also as a
result of holding investments in debt securities. Debt securities and cash held outside of Wealth Management entities are managed mainly
by Group Treasury to earn competitive rates of return and provide liquidity throughout the Group. Significant amounts of the Group’s cash 
and interest-earning securities are held within Wealth Management and are managed by the Wealth Management treasury team. Interest 
earned on the assets held within Wealth Management is included in revenue; interest incurred on the liabilities assumed is included in cost 
of sales. Interest is recognised using the effective interest method (see note 2).

Other income includes amounts arising from assets under administration within Benchmark Capital, gains and losses on foreign exchange
and rent receivable from subletting properties.

Net gains and losses on financial instruments and other income are:

Net gains on financial instruments held at fair value through profit 
or loss

Net fair value movements on available-for-sale financial assets

Net exchange differences on available-for-sale financial assets

Net transfer on disposal of available-for-sale financial assets

Net gains/(losses) on available-for-sale financial assets

Net finance income

Other income

2017

2016

Income 
statement
£m

Other 
comprehensive 
income
£m

Income 
statement
£m

Other 
comprehensive 
income
£m

Total
£m

Total
£m

5.6

–

–

3.3

3.3

9.7

13.1

–

5.6

14.2

–

14.2

(8.6)

(0.3)

(3.3)

(8.6)

(0.3)

–

(12.2)

(8.9)

–

–

9.7

13.1

–

–

5.2

5.2

18.8

19.2

18.5

0.8

(5.2)

14.1

–

–

18.5

0.8

–

19.3

18.8

19.2

Net gains/(losses) on financial instruments and other income

31.7

(12.2)

19.5

57.4

14.1

71.5

Net gains on financial instruments held to hedge employee deferred 
cash awards – presented within operating expenses

13.2

–

13.2

25.6

–

25.6

Net gains/(losses) on financial instruments and other income – net 
of hedging 

44.9

(12.2)

32.7

83.0

14.1

97.1

104

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 20175. Operating expenses

Operating expenses represent the Group’s administrative expenses and are recognised as the services are provided. Certain costs, including 
leases and capitalised costs, are charged evenly over the life of the relevant contract or useful life of the asset. The biggest component of the
Group’s operating expenses is employee benefits, as shown below. Other costs include accommodation, information technology, marketing 
and outsourcing costs.

The control of total costs, including compensation costs, is a key performance objective of the Group. Compensation costs are managed 
to a target total compensation ratio of between 45% to 49%. Targeting a total compensation ratio range provides some flexibility to manage the 
overall cost base in response to market conditions. Total costs are managed to a target long-term KPI ratio of total costs to net income of 65%.

Employee benefits expense includes salaries and wages, together with the cost of other benefits provided to employees such as pension 
and bonuses. Employee benefits expense is presented net of gains and losses on financial instruments held to hedge deferred employee
cash awards (see note 4). The Group makes some performance awards to employees which are deferred over a specified vesting period. 
Such awards are charged to the income statement over the performance period and the vesting period. The Group holds investments that
are linked to these performance awards in order to hedge the related expense. Gains and losses on these investments are netted against 
the relevant costs in the income statement but are presented separately below.

Further detail on other types of employee benefit can be found elsewhere within these financial statements: see note 25 for pension costs,
and note 26 for more detail on compensation that is awarded in Schroders plc shares.

(a) Employee benefits expense and number of employees

Salaries, wages and other remuneration

Social security costs

Pension costs

Employee benefits expense

Net gains on financial instruments held to hedge deferred cash awards

Employee benefits expense – net of hedging

2017
£m

784.0

71.3

41.5

896.8

(13.2)

883.6

2016
£m

714.9

63.7

37.9

816.5

(25.6)

790.9

The employee benefits expense net of hedging of £883.6 million (2016: £790.9 million) includes a £2.3 million charge (2016: credit of £0.7 million) 
that is presented within exceptional items, which comprises £2.1 million (2016: £1.3 million) of restructuring costs and £0.2 million (2016: credit 
of £2.0 million) in relation to deferred compensation costs relating to acquisitions.

Information about the compensation of key management personnel can be found in note 27. Details of the amounts paid to or receivable 
from Directors along with the number of Directors who exercised share options in the year is provided in the Remuneration report on pages 
62 to 90.

The monthly average number of employees of the Company and its subsidiary undertakings during the year was:

Full-time employees

Contract and temporary employees

Employed as follows:

Asset Management

Wealth Management

Group

(b) Audit and other services

Fees payable to the auditor for the audit of the Company and Consolidated financial statements

Fees payable to the auditor and its associates for other services:

Audit of the Company’s subsidiaries

Audit-related assurance services

Other assurance services

Tax advisory services

Tax compliance services

Other non-audit services

2017
Number

4,013

384

4,397

3,526

831

40

4,397

2017
£m

0.6

2.7

1.1

–

0.1

–

1.2

5.7

2016
Number

3,643

277

3,920

3,251

640

29

3,920

2016
£m

0.5

2.5

0.9

0.5

0.1

0.2

0.3

5.0

105

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017Financial statementsFinancial statements

Notes to the accounts

6. Tax expense

The Group is headquartered in the UK and pays taxes according to the rates applicable in the countries and states in which it operates. Most 
taxes are recorded in the income statement (see part (a)) and relate to taxes payable for the reporting period (current tax). The charge also 
includes benefits and charges relating to when income or expenses are recognised in a different period for tax and accounting purposes or 
specific treatment relating to acquisitions (deferred tax – see note 14). Some current and deferred taxes are recorded through other 
comprehensive income (see part (b)), or directly to equity where the tax arises from changes in the value of remuneration settled as shares 
(see part (c)).

(a) Analysis of tax charge reported in the income statement

UK current year charge

Rest of the world current year charge

Adjustments in respect of prior year estimates

Total current tax

Origination and reversal of temporary differences

Adjustments in respect of prior year estimates

Effect of changes in Corporation Tax rates

Total deferred tax

2017
£m

79.9

84.2

(5.0)

159.1

(4.9)

0.9

10.7

6.7

2016
£m

54.0

89.0

(0.3)

142.7

(10.4)

(2.0)

(2.4)

(14.8)

Tax charge reported in the income statement

165.8

127.9

(b) Analysis of tax charge reported in other comprehensive income

Current income tax on movements in available-for-sale financial assets

Deferred tax on actuarial gains/(losses) on defined benefit pension schemes

Deferred tax on other movements through other comprehensive income

Deferred tax – effect of changes in Corporation Tax rates

Tax charge reported in other comprehensive income

(c) Analysis of tax credit reported in equity

Current income tax credit on Equity Compensation Plan and other share-based remuneration

Deferred tax (credit)/charge on Equity Compensation Plan and other share-based remuneration

Deferred tax – effect of changes in Corporation Tax rates

Tax credit reported in equity

2017
£m

(0.7)

7.1

0.3

–

6.7

2017
£m

(4.2)

(1.6)

0.6

(5.2)

2016
£m

2.9

(0.3)

–

0.4

3.0

2016
£m

(4.2)

3.6

(0.3)

(0.9)

(d) Factors affecting tax charge for the year
The UK standard rate of corporation tax reduced from 20% to 19% on 1 April 2017 resulting in a UK effective tax rate of 19.25% (2016: standard 
rate of 20%). The tax charge for the year is higher (2016: higher) than a charge based on the UK effective rate. The differences are explained 
below:

Profit before tax

Less post-tax profits of associates and joint ventures

Profit before tax of Group entities

2017
£m

760.2

(21.7)

738.5

2016
£m

618.1

(19.5)

598.6

Profit before tax of consolidated Group entities multiplied by corporation tax at the UK effective rate of 19.25% 
(2016: standard rate of 20%)

142.2

119.7

Effects of:

Different statutory tax rates of overseas jurisdictions

Permanent differences including non-taxable income and non-deductible expenses

Net movement in timing differences for which no deferred tax is recognised

Deferred tax adjustments in respect of changes in Corporation Tax rates

Prior year adjustments

Tax charge reported in the income statement

106

12.4

3.5

1.1

10.7

(4.1)

12.1

1.7

(0.9)

(2.4)

(2.3)

165.8

127.9

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 20176. Tax expense continued

Estimates and judgements
The calculation of the Group’s tax charge involves a degree of estimation and judgement. Liabilities relating to open and judgemental 
matters, including those in relation to deferred taxes, are based on the Group’s assessment of the most likely outcome based on the 
information available. The Group engages constructively and transparently with tax authorities with a view to early resolution of any 
uncertain tax matters. Where the final tax outcome of these matters is different from the amounts provided, such differences will impact the 
tax charge in a future period and the tax charge includes an estimate reflecting the potential additional liability, if any. Such estimates are 
based on assumptions made on the probability of potential challenge within certain jurisdictions and the possible outcome based on 
interpretation and local tax laws. 

Amounts recorded within the 2017 tax charge related to these judgements were not material (2016: same).

7. Earnings per share

This key performance indicator shows the portion of the Group’s profit after tax that is attributable to each share (excluding own shares held 
by the Group). The calculation is based on the weighted average number of shares in issue during the year. The diluted figure recalculates 
that number as if all share options that would be expected to be exercised, as they have value to the option holder, had been exercised in 
the period. Shares that may be issued are not taken into account if the impact does not reduce earnings per share.

Reconciliation of the figures used in calculating basic and diluted earnings per share:

Weighted average number of shares used in calculation of basic earnings per share

Effect of dilutive potential shares – share options

Effect of dilutive potential shares – contingently issuable shares

Weighted average number of shares used in calculation of diluted earnings per share

2017
Number
Millions

275.4

5.6

0.1

281.1

2016
Number
Millions

274.7

5.6

0.2

280.5

The pre-exceptional earnings per share calculations are based on profit after tax excluding non-controlling interest of £3.7 million 
(2016: £0.5 million). After exceptional items, the profit after tax attributable to non-controlling interest was £1.4 million (2016: £0.5 million).

8. Dividends

Dividends are distributions of profit to holders of the Group’s share capital, usually announced with the Group’s half-year and annual results. 
Dividends are recognised only when they are paid or approved by shareholders. The reduction in equity in the year therefore comprises the 
prior year final dividend and the current year interim dividend.

Prior years final dividend paid

Interim dividend paid

Total dividends paid

2018

£m

Pence per 
share

2017

2016

£m

174.7

92.9

267.6

Pence per  
share

64.0

34.0

98.0

£m

157.7

78.9

236.6

Pence per  
share

58.0

29.0

87.0

Current year final dividend recommended

216.0

79.0

Dividends of £9.3 million (2016: £9.2 million) on shares held by employee benefit trusts have been waived; dividends may not be paid on treasury 
shares. The Board has recommended a 2017 final dividend of 79.0 pence per share (2016 final dividend: 64.0 pence), amounting to £216.0 million 
(2016 final dividend: £174.7 million). The dividend will be paid on 3 May 2018 to shareholders on the register at 23 March 2018 and will be 
accounted for in 2018.

In addition, the Group paid £3.5 million of dividends to holders of non-controlling interests in subsidiaries of the Group during 2017 (2016: nil), 
resulting in total dividends paid of £271.1 million (2016: £236.6 million).

107

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017Financial statementsFinancial statements

Notes to the accounts

9. Trade and other receivables

Trade and other receivables includes prepayments and deposits with banks in the form of bullion as well as amounts the Group is due to 
receive from third parties in the normal course of business. Trade and other receivables, other than deposits with banks in the form of 
bullion which are recorded at fair value, are recorded initially at fair value and subsequently at amortised cost (see note 10), after the 
deduction of provisions for any impairment. Prepayments arise where the Group pays cash in advance for services. As the service is 
provided, the prepayment is reduced and the operating expense recognised in the income statement. Amounts due from third parties 
include fees yet to be received as well as settlement accounts for transactions undertaken on behalf of funds and investors.

Non-current
£m

2017

Current
£m

Total
£m

Non-current
£m

2016

Current
£m

Total
£m

67.2

160.1

325.4

26.8

28.1

11.8

Trade and other receivables held at amortised cost:

Fee debtors

Settlement accounts

Accrued income1

Prepayments

Other receivables

Current tax

–

–

19.6

0.2

1.9

–

63.7

182.0

373.7

27.2

30.4

13.8

63.7

182.0

393.3

27.4

32.3

13.8

21.7

690.8

712.5

–

–

–

0.2

2.0

–

2.2

67.2

160.1

325.4

26.6

26.1

11.8

617.2

619.4

Trade and other receivables held at fair value:

Deposits with banks in the form of bullion

–

26.5

26.5

–

28.8

28.8

1.  Includes receivables arising from the acquisition of Adveq Holding AG (see note 29).

The fair value of trade and other receivables held at amortised cost approximates to their carrying value. Deposits with banks in the form of 
bullion are categorised as level 1 in the fair value hierarchy (see note 10).

21.7

717.3

739.0

2.2

646.0

648.2

10. Financial assets

The Group holds financial assets including equities, debt securities, pooled investment vehicles and derivatives to support its Group capital 
strategies and its Wealth Management book along with client loans. The Group also enters into derivatives on behalf of Wealth Management 
clients, referred to as client facilitation (see note 20).

The Group initially records all financial assets at fair value, which is normally the cost of acquiring the asset or, in the case of loans, the 
amount loaned to clients. The Group holds each financial asset either at fair value (‘fair value through profit or loss’ and ‘available-for-sale’) or 
at amortised cost (‘held to maturity’ and ‘loans and receivables’). Fair value is explained on page 109. Amortised cost is the basis of moving 
the initial value at which the financial instrument is recognised to the maturity value on a systematic basis using a fixed interest rate 
(effective interest rate), taking account of repayment dates and initial premiums or discounts. The carrying value of amortised cost financial 
instruments is adjusted for impairments. Impairment is normally determined based on an assessment of the estimated future cash flows on 
a discounted basis using the original effective interest rate compared with contractual amounts.

Hedge accounting
Where derivatives are held for risk management purposes, the Group designates certain derivatives as fair value hedges or hedges of a net 
investment in a foreign operation. In these scenarios, and where relevant conditions are met, hedge accounting is applied and the Group 
formally documents the relationship between the derivative and any hedged item, its risk management objectives and its strategy for 
undertaking the various hedging transactions. It also documents its assessment, both at hedge inception and on an ongoing basis, of 
whether the derivatives that are used in hedging transactions are highly effective in offsetting changes in the fair value of hedged items.

For fair value hedges which meet the conditions for hedge accounting, any gain or loss from remeasuring the hedging instrument at fair 
value is recognised immediately in the income statement. Any gain or loss on the hedged item attributable to the hedged risk is adjusted 
against the carrying amount of the hedged item and recognised in the income statement whereas, for an available-for-sale asset, it would 
otherwise have been recorded in other comprehensive income. Hedge accounting is discontinued when the hedging instrument no longer 
qualifies for hedge accounting or the instrument is derecognised.

In respect of hedges of a net investment in a foreign operation, the portion of the gain or loss on the hedging instrument that is determined 
to be an effective hedge is recognised directly in other comprehensive income. The ineffective portion is recognised in the income 
statement. On disposal of the foreign operation, the cumulative gain or loss on the hedging instrument recognised directly in other 
comprehensive income is transferred to the income statement.

108

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 201710. Financial assets continued

Held to maturity

Loans and receivables

Fair value through profit or loss – derivatives

Fair value through profit or loss – other investments

Available-for-sale

Non-current
£m

–

2017

Current
£m

10.2

Total
£m

10.2

Non-current
£m

2.8

2016

Current
£m

146.7

Total
£m

149.5

215.9

1,266.1

1,482.0

179.6

1,174.0

1,353.6

13.4

32.0

172.3

433.6

31.9

916.4

822.6

45.3

948.4

994.9

17.2

0.7

58.2

23.2

779.4

723.2

40.4

780.1

781.4

3,047.2

3,480.8

258.5

2,846.5

3,105.0

The fair value of held to maturity financial assets and loans and receivables held at amortised cost approximates to their carrying value.

Estimates and judgements – fair value measurements
The Group holds financial instruments that are measured at fair value. Fair value is the amount for which an asset could be exchanged, or a 
liability settled, between knowledgeable, willing parties in an arm’s length transaction.

The fair value of financial instruments may require some estimation or may be derived from readily available sources. The degree of 
estimation involved is reflected below, although this does not necessarily indicate that the fair value is more or less likely to be realised.

For investments that are actively traded in financial markets, fair value is determined by reference to official quoted market prices. For 
investments that are not actively traded, fair value is determined by using quoted prices from third parties such as brokers, market makers 
and pricing agencies.

Financial assets that have no quoted price principally consist of investments in private equity funds, derivatives and client loans in Wealth 
Management. The determination of fair value for these instruments requires significant estimation, particularly in determining whether 
changes in fair value have occurred since the last formal valuation.

The Group’s financial instruments have been categorised using a fair value hierarchy that reflects the extent of judgements used in the 
valuation. These judgements may include determining which valuation approach to apply as well as determining appropriate assumptions. 
For level 2 and 3 investments, the judgement applied by the Group gives rise to an estimate of fair value. The fair value estimate of level 2 
and 3 investments are set out below, with no individual input giving rise to a material component of the carrying value for the Group. These 
levels are based on the degree to which the fair value is observable and are defined as follows:

 – Level 1 fair value measurements are those derived from quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities and 

principally comprise investments in quoted equities and government debt, daily-priced funds and exchange-traded derivatives;

 – Level 2 fair value measurements are those derived from prices that are not traded in an active market but are determined using valuation 
techniques, which make maximum use of observable market data. The Group’s level 2 financial instruments principally comprise foreign 
exchange contracts, certain debt securities, asset and mortgage backed securities, and loans held at fair value. Valuation techniques may 
include using a broker quote in an inactive market or an evaluated price based on a compilation of primarily observable market 
information utilising information readily available via external sources. For funds not priced on a daily basis, the net asset value which is 
issued monthly or quarterly is used; and

 – Level 3 fair value measurements are those derived from valuation techniques that include inputs for the asset or liability that are not 
based on observable market data and principally comprise investments in private equity funds. These are measured by applying 
appropriate valuation techniques in accordance with International Private Equity and Venture Capital Guidelines. The valuation review is a 
continual process throughout the year.

Estimates and judgements – impairment of financial assets
The Group’s financial assets categorised as available-for-sale are assessed for impairment by considering the extent to which the fair value 
of an investment is below cost and to the length of time that the fair value of an instrument has been below cost.

In determining whether financial assets are impaired, the Group applies judgement to determine whether there are any indicators that 
counterparties are experiencing financial difficulty or that the fair value is otherwise unlikely to recover in the long term. The Group monitors 
its Wealth Management loans on a daily basis and exercises judgement periodically in determining whether a loan should be impaired. This 
includes, amongst other steps, assessing the financial condition of the borrower and the value of the loan compared to the collateral 
pledged by the borrower. There were no material judgements with respect to impairment of financial assets made in 2017 (2016: same).

109

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017Financial statementsFinancial statements

Notes to the accounts

10. Financial assets continued
The Group’s financial assets held at fair value (excluding those held in the Life Company – see note 15) at the year end date are 
analysed as follows:

Equities

Pooled investment vehicles

Debt securities

Derivative contracts

Loans

Level 1
£m

135.1

657.9

450.5

2.6

–

1,246.1

2017

Level 2
£m

0.2

8.5

631.9

29.3

0.7

670.6

Level 3
£m

12.4

46.1

–

13.4

–

71.9

Total
£m

147.7

712.5

1,082.4

45.3

0.7

1,988.6

No financial assets were transferred between levels during 2017. During 2016, £703.3 million of debt securities were transferred from level 1 to 
level 2 as a result of a change to the methodology applied by the Group’s third party pricing provider. This change did not represent degradation 
in the quality of assets held.

Equities

Pooled investment vehicles

Debt securities

Derivative contracts

Loans

Movements in financial assets categorised as Level 3 during the year were:

At 1 January 

Exchange translation adjustments 

Total (losses)/gains recognised in the income statement

Total (losses)/gains recognised in other comprehensive income1

Additions2 

Disposals 

At 31 December 

1.  Reported within net fair value movement arising from available-for-sale financial assets.
2.  Additions during the year primarily relate to the acquisition of Adveq Holding AG (see note 29).

Level 1
£m

149.6

461.0

176.7

0.6

–

787.9

2016

Level 2
£m

2.6

8.5

722.7

22.7

0.7

757.2

Level 3
£m

17.8

20.6

1.3

17.1

–

56.8

2017
£m

56.8

(0.1)

(3.0)

(6.8)

36.0

(11.0)

71.9

Total
£m

170.0

490.1

900.7

40.4

0.7

1,601.9

2016
£m

33.6 

3.9 

0.3 

1.9 

23.7 

(6.6) 

56.8 

110

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 201711. Associates and joint ventures

Associates are entities in which the Group has an investment and over which it has significant influence, but not control, through 
participation in the financial and operating policy decisions. Joint ventures are entities in which the Group has an investment where it, along 
with one or more other shareholders, has contractually agreed to share control of the business and where the major decisions require the 
unanimous consent of the joint partners. In both cases, the Group’s income statement reflects its share of the entity’s profit or loss after tax 
and amortisation of intangible assets, the statement of other comprehensive income records the Group’s share of gains and losses arising 
from the entity’s available-for-sale financial assets, the statement of financial position records the Group’s share of the net assets of the 
entity plus any goodwill and intangible assets that arose on purchase less subsequent amortisation and the statement of changes in equity 
records the Group’s share of other equity movements of the entity. Goodwill and intangible assets are reviewed regularly for impairment.

The associates and joint ventures reserve in the statement of changes in equity represents the Group’s share of profits in its investments yet 
to be received (for example, in the form of dividends or distributions), less any amortisation of intangible assets. Certain associates are held 
at fair value where permitted by IAS 28. The fair value of these holdings are disclosed within this note but their value is recorded within 
financial assets (see note 10).

(a) Investments in associates and joint ventures accounted for using the equity method

At 1 January

Exchange translation adjustments

Additions

Disposals

Profit for the year after tax

Losses recognised in other comprehensive income

Other movements in reserves of associates and joint ventures

Distributions of profit

At 31 December

2017

Associates1
£m

Joint ventures
£m

123.1

(2.7)

5.9

–

20.9

(3.0)

(0.3)

(2.1)

141.8

1.9

–

–

–

0.8

–

–

(0.6)

2.1

2016

Associates2
£m

Joint ventures3
£m

Total
£m

125.0

(2.7)

5.9

–

21.7

(3.0)

(0.3)

(2.7)

104.9

10.7

3.5

–

19.0

(6.2)

(0.9)

(7.9)

143.9

123.1

Total
£m

109.2

10.8

3.5

(2.2)

19.5

(6.2)

(0.9)

(8.7)

125.0

4.3

0.1

–

(2.2)

0.5

–

–

(0.8)

1.9

1.  On 21 August 2017, the Group increased its holding in Safe Harbor Re Holdings LLC (Safe Harbor), a long-term insurer with operations based in Bermuda. Following 
this transaction, Safe Harbor is accounted for as an associate. Safe Harbor was previously accounted for as an available-for-sale financial asset and £2.6 million was 
transferred to investments in associates following the transaction. On 7 June 2017 and 29 September 2017 the Group acquired two further associates, Robertson 
Baxter Limited and Kellands (Bristol) Limited respectively.

2.  On 22 March 2016, the Group entered into a strategic relationship with a Dutch direct lending platform, NEOS Finance Group B.V. (NEOS). Schroders acquired a 25% 

holding in the business, which is accounted for as an associate.

3.  On 1 February 2016, the Group increased its holding in Secquaero Advisors AG (Secquaero) from 30.0% to 50.1%. Accordingly, from 1 February 2016, Secquaero was 
consolidated into the Group as a subsidiary. Prior to this date, Secquaero was accounted for as a joint venture. This change in ownership is required to be accounted 
for as a disposal of a joint venture and an acquisition of a subsidiary.

Information about the significant associates held by the Group at 31 December 2017 is shown below. The companies are unlisted.

Name of associate

Status

Nature of its 
business

Principal place of 
business

Class of share

RWC Partners Limited (RWC)

Associate Investment 

England

Ordinary shares

management

Bank of Communications Schroder Fund 
Management Co. Ltd. (BoCom)

Associate Investment 

China

Ordinary shares

management

Axis Asset Management Company Limited (Axis) Associate Investment 

India

Ordinary shares

management

Percentage 
owned by the 
Group

43%

30%

25%

111

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017Financial statementsFinancial statements

Notes to the accounts

11. Associates and joint ventures continued
Summarised financial information in respect of the Group’s associates set out below:

Non-current assets

Current assets

Non-current liabilities

Current liabilities

Total equity

RWC
£m

BoCom
£m

5.0 295.9

53.6 108.5

2017

Axis
£m

14.9

39.9

Other
£m

Total
£m

RWC
£m

BoCom
£m

2.7 318.5

0.4

51.4

7.3 209.3

44.0 254.0

2016

Axis
£m

13.5

27.3

Other
£m

Total
£m

2.8

68.1

4.5 329.8

–

–

(9.9)

(7.2)

(17.1)

–

–

(5.4)

(2.8)

(8.2)

(25.1) (113.6)

(15.3)

(1.6) (155.6)

(12.6)

(59.2)

(11.9)

(0.4)

(84.1)

33.5 290.8

29.6

1.2 355.1

31.8 246.2

23.5

4.1 305.6

Group’s share of net assets

Goodwill and intangible assets

Carrying value held by the Group

14.4

10.2

24.6

87.3

–

87.3

7.4

12.1

19.5

1.3 110.4

 13.7

 73.9

9.1

31.4

10.4 141.8

10.2

23.9

–

73.9

 5.9

14.0

19.9

2.0

3.4

 95.5

27.6

5.4 123.1

Net income

38.8 154.9

81.0

1.4 276.1

36.2 133.0

53.4

0.3 222.9

Profit/(loss) for the year

Other comprehensive loss

Total comprehensive income/(loss)

4.9

61.5

–

(10.1)

4.9

51.4

8.6

–

8.6

0.2

75.2

11.1

49.8

–

(10.1)

–

(20.7)

5.6

–

(0.4)

66.1

–

(20.7)

0.2

65.1

11.1

29.1

5.6

(0.4)

45.4

Group’s share of profit/(loss) for the year before amortisation

2.1

18.4

2.2

(0.2)

22.5

4.8

14.9

1.4

(0.1)

21.0

Amortisation charge

–

–

(1.6)

–

(1.6)

–

–

(2.0)

–

(2.0)

Group’s share of profit/(loss) for the year

2.1

18.4

0.6

(0.2)

20.9

4.8

14.9

(0.6)

(0.1)

19.0

Group’s share of other comprehensive loss

–

(3.0)

–

–

(3.0)

–

(6.2)

–

–

(6.2)

Group’s share of total comprehensive income/(loss)

2.1

15.4

0.6

(0.2)

17.9

 4.8

 8.7

 (0.6)

 (0.1)

 12.8

(b) Investments in associates measured at fair value
Where the Group holds units in pooled investment vehicles which give the Group significant influence, but not control, through participation in 
the financial and operating policy decisions, the Group records such investments at fair value. Information about the Group’s principal associates 
measured at fair value is shown below. The investments are recorded as financial assets within the Group’s statement of financial position.

Summarised financial information in respect of the Group’s associates held at fair value is set out below:

2017

Hartford Schroder 
Emerging 
Markets 
Multi-Sector Bond 
Fund
£m

Schroder Global 
Equity Fund
£m

Schroder US 
Equity Income 
Maximiser Fund
£m

Schroder Liquid 
Alternatives 
Investimento No 
Exterior Fundo De 
Investimento
£m

Schroder 
Advanced Beta 
Global Equity 
Value Fund
£m

76.1

(0.1)

76.0

6.5

6.1

6.1

USA

24%

362.7

(0.5)

362.2

5.4

5.3

5.3

UK

23%

75.5

–

75.5

1.1

1.0

1.0

UK

23%

12.0

(0.2)

11.8

0.1

0.1

0.1

Brazil

22%

334.5

(3.0)

331.5

17.4

17.4

17.4

UK

27%

Current assets

Current liabilities

Total equity

Net income

Profit for the year

Total comprehensive income

Country of incorporation

Percentage owned by the Group

112

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 201711. Associates and joint ventures continued

2016

Hartford 
Schroder 
Emerging 
Markets 
Multi-Sector 
Bond Fund
£m

47.7

(0.1)

47.6

6.2

5.9

5.9

Current assets

Current liabilities

Total equity

Net income

Profit for the year

Total comprehensive income

SISF  
Global 
Unconstrained 
Bond Fund 
£m

Schroder  
Global Shariah  
Equity Fund 
£m

Schroder  
Specialist Value  
UK Equity Fund 
£m

Schroder All  
Maturities  
Corporate  
Bond Fund 
£m

Schroder  
Institutional  
Sterling Bond  
Fund 
£m

Schroder  
Global Equity  
Fund 
£m

Schroder  
QEP Global  
Emerging  
Markets Fund 
£m

50.9

(1.7)

49.2

3.2

2.7

2.7

20.1

(3.1)

17.0

1.2

0.5

0.5

102.0

(0.1)

101.9

889.8

(2.5)

887.3

24.5

98.1

24.5

24.5

UK

32%

97.9

97.9

UK

25%

10.4

(0.2)

10.2

7.0

6.9

6.9

UK

23%

345.9

(4.5)

341.4

632.9

(0.6)

632.3

72.7

14.5

72.7

72.7

UK

21%

14.2

14.2

UK

30%

Country of incorporation

USA Luxembourg

Indonesia

Percentage owned by the Group

39%

29%

25%

12. Property, plant and equipment

The Group’s property, plant and equipment provide the infrastructure to enable the Group to operate and principally comprise leasehold 
improvements, freehold land and buildings and computer equipment. Assets are initially stated at cost, which includes expenditure 
associated with acquisition. The cost of the asset is recognised in the income statement as a depreciation charge on a straight line basis over 
the estimated useful life, with the exception of land as it is assumed to have an indefinite useful life.

2017

2016

Leasehold 
improvements 
£m

Land and 
Buildings 
£m

Other 
assets 
£m

Total 
£m

Leasehold 
improvements 
£m

Land and 
Buildings 
£m

Cost

At 1 January

Exchange translation adjustments

Additions

Disposals

At 31 December

Accumulated depreciation

At 1 January

Exchange translation adjustments

Depreciation charge for the year

Disposals

At 31 December

89.7

(1.1)

81.4

(4.0)

166.0

(50.5)

0.5

(4.5)

4.0

(50.5)

3.9

0.2

19.0

–

23.1

–

–

(0.1)

–

(0.1)

61.2

(0.8)

13.0

(1.0)

72.4

(37.9)

0.5

(11.7)

1.0

(48.1)

154.8

(1.7)

113.4

(5.0)

261.5

(88.4)

1.0

(16.3)

5.0

(98.7)

65.0

3.8

21.2

(0.3)

89.7

(45.0)

(2.6)

(3.0)

0.1

(50.5)

3.4

0.5

–

–

3.9

–

–

–

–

–

Other 
assets 
£m

45.2

4.0

12.3

(0.3)

61.2

(26.8)

(2.7)

(8.7)

0.3

(37.9)

Total 
£m

113.6

8.3

33.5

(0.6)

154.8

(71.8)

(5.3)

(11.7)

0.4

(88.4)

Net book value at 31 December

115.5

23.0

24.3

162.8

39.2

3.9

23.3

66.4

113

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017Financial statementsFinancial statements

Notes to the accounts

13. Goodwill and intangible assets

Intangible assets (other than software) arise when the Group acquires a business and the fair value paid exceeds the fair value of the net 
tangible assets acquired. This premium reflects additional value that the Group determines to be attached to the business. Identifiable 
acquired intangible assets relating to business combinations include technology, contractual agreements to manage client funds and gain 
additional access to new or existing clients, geographies and brand names. Where such assets can be identified, they are classified as 
acquired intangible assets and charged to the income statement over time.

Consideration paid to acquire the business in excess of the acquisition date fair value of net tangible and identifiable intangible assets is 
known as goodwill. Goodwill is not charged to the income statement unless its value has diminished. Assessment of whether goodwill has 
become impaired is based on the expected future returns of the relevant cash-generating unit (CGU) as a whole.

Software purchased and developed for use in the business is also classified as an intangible asset. The cost of purchasing and developing 
software is taken to the income statement over time as an amortisation charge within operating expenses. The treatment is similar to 
property, plant and equipment and the asset is normally amortised on a straight line basis over three to five years, but can have estimated 
useful lives of up to 10 years.

Cost

At 1 January

Exchange translation adjustments

Additions

Disposals

At 31 December

Accumulated amortisation

At 1 January

Exchange translation adjustments

Amortisation charge for the year

Disposals

At 31 December

2017

Acquired 
intangible 
assets
£m

Software
£m

Total
£m

Goodwill
£m

2016

Acquired 
intangible 
assets
£m

Software
£m

Total
£m

186.6

116.2

(3.6)

64.3

–

(1.0)

63.7

(1.5)

757.7

(12.8)

276.4

(1.5)

359.1

136.7

13.2

82.6

–

5.9

44.0

–

80.8

3.1

32.3

–

576.6

22.2

158.9

–

Goodwill
£m

454.9

(8.2)

148.4

–

595.1

247.3

177.4

1,019.8

454.9

186.6

116.2

757.7

–

–

–

–

–

(97.3)

1.7

(27.7)

–

(53.3)

(150.6)

0.5

(19.4)

1.5

2.2

(47.1)

1.5

(123.3)

(70.7)

(194.0)

–

–

–

–

–

(73.9)

(4.0)

(19.4)

–

(35.3)

(2.7)

(15.3)

–

(109.2)

(6.7)

(34.7)

–

(97.3)

(53.3)

(150.6)

Carrying amount at 31 December

595.1

124.0

106.7

825.8

454.9

89.3

62.9

607.1

Of the total goodwill of £595.1 million (2016: £454.9 million), £410.8 million (2016: £320.2 million) is allocated to Asset Management and 
£184.3 million (2016: £134.7 million) to Wealth Management.

The Group acquired £64.3 million (2016: £44.0 million) of intangible assets as a result of business combinations completed in 2017, £33.9 million 
of which related to the acquisition of Adveq Holding AG in the Asset Management segment and £26.5 million of which related to the acquisition 
of the wealth management business of C. Hoare & Co. A further £3.9 million was added to the Wealth Management segment from other 
completed acquisitions (see note 29).

Estimates and judgements
The Group estimates the fair value of acquired intangible assets based on estimated profits, taking account of synergies, derived from 
contractual relationships that existed at the acquisition date. This assessment involved assumptions relating to potential future revenues, 
appropriate discount rates and the expected duration of client relationships. The Group also made estimates to determine the fair value of 
certain other identifiable assets and liabilities, which included judgement principally with respect to the determination of carried interest 
receivable and related liabilities and specifically the assumed growth rates, realisation dates and appropriate discount rates. The difference 
between the fair value of the consideration and the value of the identifiable assets and liabilities acquired, including intangible assets, was 
accounted for as goodwill (see note 29).

At each reporting date, the Group applies judgement to determine whether there is any indication that goodwill or an acquired intangible 
asset may be impaired. If any indication exists and a full assessment determines that the carrying value exceeds the estimated recoverable 
amount at that time, the assets are written down to their recoverable amount.

The recoverable amount of goodwill is determined using a discounted cash flow model, details of which are provided on page 115. Any 
impairment is recognised immediately in the income statement and cannot be reversed. Goodwill acquired in a business combination is 
allocated to the CGUs that are expected to benefit from that business combination. For all relevant acquisitions, it is the Group’s judgement 
that the lowest level of CGU used to determine impairment is segment level for Asset Management. The Benchmark Capital business within 
Wealth Management is assessed separately from the rest of Wealth Management.

The recoverable amount of acquired intangible assets is the greater of fair value less costs to sell and the updated discounted valuation of 
the remaining net residual income stream. Any impairment is recognised immediately in the income statement but may be reversed if 
relevant conditions improve.

114

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 201713. Goodwill and intangible assets continued
The recoverable amounts of the CGUs are determined from value-in-use calculations applying a discounted cash flow model. The key 
assumptions on which the Group’s cash flow projections are based include long-term market growth rates of 2% per annum (2016: 2%), a pre-tax 
discount rate of 11% (2016: 10%), expected fund flows and expected changes to margins. The results of the calculation indicate that goodwill is 
not impaired.

The sensitivity of the carrying amounts of goodwill to the methods and assumptions used in estimating the recoverable amounts of the CGUs is 
small. This is due to the amount of goodwill allocated to the relevant CGU relative to the size of the relevant future profitability estimate.

Movements in the growth rate and/or the discount rate of 1% would not lead to any impairment. A comparison of actual results to the projected 
results used to assess goodwill impairment in prior years reveals that the Group would have recognised no changes (2016: nil) to its goodwill 
asset in the year as a result of inaccurate projections.

14. Deferred tax

Deferred tax assets and liabilities represent amounts of tax that will become recoverable and payable in future accounting periods. They 
arise as a result of temporary differences, where the time at which profits and losses are recognised for tax purposes differs from the time at 
which the relevant transaction is recorded. A deferred tax asset represents a tax reduction that is expected to arise in a future period based 
on past transactions. A deferred tax liability represents taxes which will become payable in a future period as a result of a current or prior 
year transaction.

Deferred tax liabilities also arise on certain acquisitions where the amortisation of the acquired intangible asset does not result in a tax 
deduction. The deferred tax liability is established on acquisition and is released to the income statement to match the intangible asset 
amortisation.

Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured at the tax rates that are expected to apply to the period when the asset is realised or the 
liability is settled, based on tax rates (and tax laws) that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the year end date.

2017

2016

Accelerated 
capital 
allowances
£m

Deferred 
employee 
awards
£m

 Pension 
schemes
£m

Other net 
temporary 
differences
£m

 Total
£m

Accelerated 
capital 
allowances
£m

Deferred 
employee 
awards
£m

 Pension 
schemes
£m

Other net 
temporary 
differences
£m

At 1 January

Income statement (charge)/credit

Income statement credit/(charge) due 
to changes in tax rates

(Charge)/credit to other 
comprehensive income

Charge to other comprehensive income 
due to changes in tax rates

Credit/(charge) taken to equity

(Credit)/charge to equity due to changes 
in tax rates

Business combinations (see note 29)

Exchange translation adjustments

At 31 December

3.5

(4.7)

92.7

(20.1)

(10.3)

65.8

3.7

(0.3)

5.3

4.0

1.1

(11.2)

0.1

(0.7)

(10.7)

–

–

–

–

–

0.2

0.1

–

–

1.6

(0.6)

–

(2.5)

(7.1)

(0.3)

(7.4)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

1.6

(0.6)

(10.9)

(10.9)

(0.3)

(2.6)

83.7

(27.4)

(17.2)

39.2

1.9

2.1

0.1

–

–

–

–

–

(0.6)

3.5

79.9

(20.8)

6.9

(0.8)

(7.7)

4.2

 Total
£m

53.3

12.4

0.9

1.6

(0.2)

2.4

–

–

(3.6)

0.3

–

8.3

0.3

(0.4)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

0.3

(0.4)

(3.6)

0.3

(7.1)

(7.1)

0.5

8.2

92.7

(20.1)

(10.3)

65.8

A deferred tax asset of £19.7 million (2016: £31.3 million) relating to realised and unrealised capital losses has not been recognised as there is 
insufficient evidence that there will be sufficient taxable gains in the future against which the deferred tax asset could be utilised.

A deferred tax asset of £7.2 million (2016: £10.2 million) relating to losses and other temporary differences has not been recognised as there is 
insufficient evidence that there will be sufficient taxable profits against which these losses and temporary differences can be utilised.

The aggregate amount of gross temporary differences regarding investments in subsidiaries is £3.4 million (2016: £5.1 million). Deferred tax has 
not been provided as the relevant parent company is able to control the timing of the reversal of the temporary differences and it is probable 
that the temporary differences will not reverse in the foreseeable future.

After offsetting deferred tax assets and liabilities where appropriate within territories, the net deferred tax asset comprises:

Deferred tax assets

Deferred tax liabilities

2017
£m

39.3

(0.1)

39.2

2016
£m

66.0

(0.2)

65.8

115

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017Financial statementsFinancial statements

Notes to the accounts

15. Unit-linked liabilities and assets backing unit-linked liabilities

The Group operates a unit-linked life assurance business through the wholly-owned subsidiary, Schroder Pension Management Limited 
(referred to as the ‘Life Company’). The Life Company provides investment products through a life assurance wrapper. The investment 
products do not provide cover for any insurance risk and are therefore recognised and accounted for as financial instruments and presented 
as financial liabilities due to Life Company investors (policyholders) within unit-linked liabilities.

The investment product is almost identical to a unit trust. The Group earns fee income from managing the investment, which is included in 
revenue. As it is a life assurance product, the contractual rights and obligations of the investments remain with the Group and the AUM is 
therefore included on the Group’s statement of financial position, together with the liability to investors.

Financial assets and liabilities held by the Life Company are measured at fair value through profit or loss. Other balances include cash and 
receivables, which are measured at amortised cost (see note 10). The Life Company’s assets are regarded as current assets as they represent 
the amount available to Life Company investors (or third party investors in other funds) who are able to withdraw their funds on call, subject 
to certain restrictions in the case of illiquidity. Gains and losses from assets and liabilities held to cover investor obligations are attributable 
to investors in the Life Company or third party investors in the funds. As a result, any gain or loss is offset by a change in the obligation to 
investors.

Unit-linked liabilities comprise:

Financial liabilities due to Life Company investors

Financial liabilities due to third party investors1

2017
£m

10,591.4

3,395.0

13,986.4

2016
£m

10,273.3

2,654.3

12,927.6

1.  In accordance with accounting standards, the Group is deemed to hold a controlling interest in certain funds as a result of the investments held by the Life 

Company. This results in all of the assets and liabilities of those funds being consolidated within the Group’s statement of financial position and the third party 
interest in the fund being recorded as a financial liability due to third party investors.

The Group has no primary exposure to market risk, credit risk or liquidity risk in relation to the investments due to Life Company investors. The 
risks and rewards associated with its investments are normally borne by the investors in the Life Company’s investment products or third party 
investors in the funds and not by the Life Company itself.

Fair value measurements of Life Company financial assets and liabilities
Each of the Life Company’s financial assets and liabilities has been categorised using a fair value hierarchy. These levels are based on the degree 
to which the fair value is observable and are defined in note 10.

The Life Company’s financial instruments at the year end date are analysed as follows:

Assets backing unit-linked liabilities

Unit-linked liabilities

Level 1
£m

9,576.3

13,906.1

Level 2
£m

3,704.5

42.8

2017

Level 3
£m

54.6

–

2016

Assets backing unit-linked liabilities

Unit-linked liabilities

Level 1
£m

9,063.0

12,840.9

Level 2
£m

3,289.2

49.2

Level 3
£m

44.5

–

Financial  
instruments  
not at fair  
value
£m

651.0

37.5

Financial  
instruments  
not at fair  
value
£m

530.9

37.5

Total
£m

13,986.4

13,986.4

Total
£m

12,927.6

12,927.6

116

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 201715. Unit-linked liabilities and assets backing unit-linked liabilities continued
The types of instruments found in each of the levels 1 and 3 for the Life Company are the same as those listed for the non-Life Company 
instruments in note 10. Level 2 investments principally comprise commercial papers, certificates of deposit, forward foreign exchange contracts 
and certain debt securities. No financial assets were transferred from level 1 to level 2 during the year. During 2016, £1,927.7 million of debt 
securities were transferred from level 1 to level 2 during the year as a result of a change to the methodology applied by the Group’s third party 
pricing provider. This change did not represent a degradation in the quality of assets held.

The fair value of financial instruments not held at fair value approximates to their carrying value in 2016 and 2017.

Movements in financial assets categorised as level 3 during the year were:

At 1 January

Exchange translation adjustments

Gains recognised in the income statement

Additions

Disposals

At 31 December

16. Trade and other payables

2017
£m

44.5

1.5

4.8

14.1

(10.3)

54.6

2016
£m

43.4

6.5

4.8

0.9

(11.1)

44.5

Trade and other payables at amortised cost represent amounts the Group is due to pay in the normal course of business and deferred 
income, being fees received in advance of services provided. Amounts the Group is due to pay in the normal course of business are made up 
of creditors and accruals. Accruals represent costs, including remuneration, that are not yet billed or due for payment, but for which the 
goods or services have been received.

Trade and other payables at fair value comprise deferred cash awards (deferred employee remuneration payable in cash) and bullion 
deposits by customers.

Trade and other payables are initially recorded at fair value, and are subsequently measured at amortised cost or fair value (see note 10), as 
shown below.

Trade and other payables at amortised cost:

Settlement accounts

Trade creditors

Social security

Accruals and deferred income

Other payables

Trade and other payables at fair value:

Deferred cash awards

Bullion deposits by customers

Non-current
£m

2017

Current
£m

Total
£m

Non-current
£m

2016

Current
£m

–

–

26.0

10.7

2.5

39.2

73.7

–

73.7

186.8

10.6

59.6

457.4

20.0

734.4

63.9

26.5

90.4

186.8

10.6

85.6

468.1

22.5

773.6

137.6

26.5

164.1

–

–

22.2

9.2

0.6

32.0

78.5

–

78.5

169.8

6.3

53.3

447.6

23.2

700.2

43.8

28.8

72.6

Total
£m

169.8

6.3

75.5

456.8

23.8

732.2

122.3

28.8

151.1

112.9

824.8

937.7

110.5

772.8

883.3

The fair value of trade and other payables held at amortised cost approximates to their carrying value. The fair value of bullion deposits by 
customers is derived from level 1 inputs. The fair value of deferred cash awards is derived from level 1 inputs, being equal to the fair value of the 
units in funds to which the employee award is linked.

117

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017Financial statementsFinancial statements

Notes to the accounts

The Group’s trade and other payables contractually mature in the following time periods:

Less than 1 year1

1 – 2 years

2 – 5 years

More than 5 years

2017
£m

824.8

58.9

51.3

2.7

2016
£m

772.8

60.9

49.0

0.6

112.9

110.5

937.7

883.3

1.  Settlement accounts are generally settled within four working days and trade creditors have an average settlement period of 20 working days 

(2016: 19 working days).

17. Financial liabilities

The Group’s financial liabilities principally comprise deposits by Wealth Management clients and banking counterparties. They also include 
derivatives held for client facilitation or interest rate matching in Wealth Management (see note 20), and the hedging of risk exposures 
within investment capital. Other financial liabilities mainly comprise liabilities that arise from third party interests in structured entities as a 
result of co-investment arrangements (at amortised cost) and third party interests in consolidated funds (at fair value). Consolidation occurs 
when the Group is deemed to control a fund, usually in respect of Life Company or seed capital investments. When a fund is consolidated, 
the Group accounts for the fund in its statement of financial position as if it were wholly-owned by the Group, but records an additional 
liability representing the fair value of the proportion of the fund owned by third party investors. Where the investment is held by the Life 
Company, the fair value of the proportion of the fund owned by third party investors is shown as part of unit-linked liabilities (see note 15).

Following the acquisition of Adveq Holding AG (see note 29), the Group has financial liabilities which were initially recorded at fair value, and 
subsequently at amortised cost or at fair value (see note 10), as shown below.

Financial liabilities at amortised cost:

Client accounts

Deposits by banks

Other financial liabilities held at amortised cost1

Financial liabilities at fair value:

Derivative contracts (see note 20)

Other financial liabilities held at fair value through profit 
or loss

2017

2016

Non-current
£m

Current
£m

Total
£m

Non-current
£m

Current
£m

Total
£m

50.3

–

23.4

73.7

3,635.4

3,685.7

68.1

3,632.2

3,700.3

59.3

3.0

59.3

26.4

–

–

62.5

1.8

62.5

1.8

3,697.7

3,771.4

68.1

3,696.5

3,764.6

–

24.2

24.2

72.4

72.4

87.3

111.5

159.7

183.9

–

45.6

45.6

22.3

69.5

91.8

22.3

115.1

137.4

146.1

3,809.2

3,955.3

113.7

3,788.3

3,902.0

1.  Includes liabilities arising from the acquisition of Adveq Holding AG (see note 29).

For the maturity profiles of client accounts, deposits by banks and derivative contracts see notes 19 and 20.

The fair value of financial liabilities held at amortised cost approximates to their carrying value.

Estimates and judgements
The carrying value of financial liabilities may involve estimation or be derived from readily available sources. Financial liabilities have been 
categorised using a fair value hierarchy that reflects the extent of estimates and judgements used in the valuation. The Group’s financial 
liabilities categorised as level 3 principally consist of contingent consideration and other financial liabilities arising from prior acquisitions 
completed by the Group.

The carrying values of level 3 financial liabilities are typically derived from an estimate of the expected future cash flows required to settle 
the liability. These estimates are typically derived from the projected performance of the acquired businesses for a number of years into the 
future. For the Life Company, the fair values of level 3 financial liabilities are derived from the value of the related assets backing the liability 
(see note 15).

118

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 201717. Financial liabilities continued

Fair value measurements
The Group holds financial liabilities that are measured at fair value. Each instrument has been categorised within one of three levels using a fair 
value hierarchy as defined in note 10. 

The Group’s financial liabilities held at fair value (excluding those held in the Life Company – see note 15) at the year end date are analysed as 
follows:

Derivative contracts

Other financial liabilities held at fair value through profit or loss

Level 1
£m

4.9

87.3

92.2

2017

Level 2
£m

19.3

–

19.3

Level 3
£m1

–

72.4

72.4

Total
£m

24.2

159.7

183.9

1.  The movement in Level 3 financial liabilities during 2017 comprises £32.2 million with regards to the acquisition of Adveq Holding AG (see note 29) partly offset by 

other movements of £4.0 million.

Derivative contracts

Other financial liabilities held at fair value through profit or loss

18. Provisions and contingent liabilities

Level 1
£m

1.4

69.5

70.9

2016

Level 2
£m

20.9

1.4

22.3

Level 3
£m

–

44.2

44.2

Total
£m

22.3

115.1

137.4

Provisions are liabilities where there is uncertainty over the timing or amount of settlement and therefore usually require the use of 
estimates. They are recognised when three conditions are fulfilled: when the Group has a present obligation (legal or constructive) as a 
result of a past event, when it is probable that the Group will incur a loss in order to settle the obligation, and when a reliable estimate can 
be made of the amount of the obligation. They are recorded at the Group’s best estimate of the cost of settling the obligation. Any 
differences between those estimates and the amounts for which the Group actually becomes liable are taken to the income statement as 
additional charges where the Group has underestimated and credits where the Group has overestimated. Where the estimated timing and 
settlement is longer-term, the amount is discounted using a rate reflecting specific risks associated with the provision.

Contingent liabilities are potential liabilities where there is even greater uncertainty, which could include a dependency on events not within 
the Group’s control, but where there is a possible obligation. Contingent liabilities are only disclosed and are not included within the 
statement of financial position.

(a) Provisions

At 1 January 2017

Exchange translation adjustments

Provisions utilised

Additional provisions charged in the year

Unused amounts reversed in the year

At 31 December 2017

Current – 2017

Non-current – 2017

Current – 2016

Non-current – 2016

Dilapidations 
and onerous 
leases
£m

Legal, 
regulatory and 
other
£m

18.5

(0.3)

(0.2)

0.6

–

18.6

16.2

2.4

18.6

5.0

13.5

18.5

14.6

0.3

(1.5)

12.4

(0.4)

25.4

9.0

16.4

25.4

8.0

6.6

14.6

Total
£m

33.1

0.0

(1.7)

13.0

(0.4)

44.0

25.2

18.8

44.0

13.0

20.1

33.1

119

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017Financial statementsFinancial statements

Notes to the accounts

18. Provisions and contingent liabilities continued
The Group’s provisions are expected to mature in the following time periods:

Less than 1 year

1 – 2 years

2 – 3 years

3 – 4 years

4 – 5 years

More than 5 years

2017
£m

25.2

16.8

0.6

0.6

0.2

0.6

2016
£m

13.0

17.9

1.3

0.2

0.2

0.5

18.8

20.1

44.0

33.1

The provision for dilapidations and onerous leases covers lease commitments with a weighted average maturity of one year (2016: two years).

Legal and regulatory obligations associated with the Group’s business arise from past events that are estimated to crystallise mainly within two 
years (2016: two years). These matters are ongoing.

Estimates and judgements
The timing and amount of settlement of each legal claim or potential claim, regulatory matter and constructive obligation is uncertain. 
The Group has performed an assessment of the timing and amount, and reviews this assessment periodically. For some provisions, 
including the provision for onerous leases, there is greater certainty as the cash flows have largely been determined. However, the onerous 
lease provision also includes an assessment of potential cash inflows (where these are not contractually binding) from subletting 
arrangements. Potential legal claims, regulatory related costs and other obligations to third parties arise as a consequence of normal 
business activity. They can arise from actual or alleged breaches of obligations and may be covered by the Group’s insurance arrangements, 
but subject to insurance excess. In certain circumstances, legal and regulatory claims can arise despite there being no error or breach. 
Our risk management and compliance procedures are designed to mitigate, but are not able to eliminate, the risk of losses occurring. 
Where such claims and costs arise there is often uncertainty over whether a payment will be required and the quantum and timing of that 
payment. As a result there is also uncertainty over the timing and amount of any insurance recovery, although this does not change the 
likelihood of insurance cover being available, where applicable. The Group makes periodic assessments of all cash flows, including taking 
external advice where appropriate, to determine an appropriate provision. Some matters may be settled through commercial negotiation 
as well as being covered in whole or in part by the Group’s insurance arrangements. The Group has made provisions based on the 
reasonable expectation of likely outflows. However the results of negotiations and insurance cover may result in different outcomes.

At 31 December 2017, there are no key judgements that would result in any material provisions being recognised or disclosed in the 
financial statements. The estimates of provisions included in the financial statements at 31 December 2017 are based on estimates of 
reasonable ranges of likely outcomes applying assumptions regarding the probability of payments being due and the settlement value. The 
aggregate reasonable ranges have been assessed as not materially different to the carrying values.

(b) Contingent liabilities

Assets pledged as collateral security

Guarantees and irrevocable letters of credit

2017
£m

29.6

25.8

55.4

2016
£m

32.4

29.7

62.1

Transactions giving rise to contingent liabilities are principally in Wealth Management and are only entered into by the Group once it has 
received sufficient high quality collateral from the client. Assets pledged as collateral security reflect the value of instruments that the Group is 
required to hold with clearing agents in order to support the execution of the Group’s security transactions. The pledged assets provide collateral 
in the event of the Group not settling trades within agreed time frames.

120

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 201719. Financial instrument risk management

The Group allocates its total assets less liabilities, its net assets or capital, between operating capital, investment capital, seed and co-
investment capital and other capital. The Group Capital Committee (GCC) is responsible for the management of capital and sets objectives 
for how it is deployed. This note explains how the Group manages its capital, setting out the nature of the risks the Group faces as a result 
of its operations, and how these risks are quantified and managed.

The Group’s primary exposure to financial instrument risk is derived from the financial instruments that it holds as principal. In addition, 
due to the nature of the business, the Group’s exposure extends to the impact on investment management and other fees that are 
determined on the basis of a percentage of AUM and are therefore impacted by financial instrument risk exposure of our clients – the 
secondary exposure. This note deals only with the direct or primary exposure of financial risks from the Group’s holding of financial 
instruments (see the Key Risks and Mitigations report on page 34).

The Group is exposed to multiple forms of risk including: (i) the risk that money owed to the Group will not be received (credit risk); (ii) the 
risk that the Group may not have sufficient cash available to pay its creditors as they fall due (liquidity risk); and (iii) the risk that the value 
of assets will fluctuate as a result of movements in factors such as market prices, interest rates and foreign exchange rates (market risk). 
The management of such risks is embedded in managerial responsibilities fundamental to the wellbeing of the Group.

The Life Company provides investment products through a life assurance wrapper. The financial risks of these products are largely borne by 
the third party investors, consistent with other investment products managed by the Group. However, since the Life Company provides the 
investment products, both the investments and the third party obligations are recorded in the statement of financial position. Financial 
instrument risk management disclosures in respect of the Life Company’s financial instruments are set out in note 15.

(a) Capital
The Group’s capital comprises: working capital employed in the Group’s general operating activities, investment capital held in excess of 
operating requirements and other items that are not investible or available for the Group’s operating and regulatory requirements. The Group 
holds sufficient capital to support its business strategy and to meet its regulatory and working capital requirements. 

Schroders plc is regulated by the PRA as a consolidated banking group. It is required to maintain minimum Pillar 1 regulatory capital of 
£583 million (2016: £526 million). The Group’s total capital requirement is £799 million (2016: £727 million). In addition the Group is required 
to hold capital in its insurance entities, and to maintain buffers in accordance with EU regulation. Including these amounts, the Group’s overall 
regulatory capital requirement was £899 million at 31 December 2017 (2016: £773 million). This amount is included within working capital set 
out in the table below. Reflecting the current regulatory transitional period, the Group’s overall regulatory capital requirement increased to 
£944 million on 1 January 2018 (1 January 2017: £814 million). The Group’s regulatory surplus capital, comprising the Group’s total equity less 
regulatory deductions and the regulatory capital requirement, was £1.4 billion (2016: £1.5 billion). The Group and all regulated entities within the 
Group complied with minimum regulatory capital requirements during the year. 

Total capital comprises:

Working capital – regulatory and other

Working capital – seed and co-investment

Investment capital – liquid

Investment capital – illiquid1

Other items2

Total equity

2017
£m

1,090

392

696

147

1,146

3,471

2016
£m

879

325

915

144

890

3,153

1.  Includes RWC Partners Limited and Schroder Ventures Investment Limited associates.
2.  Comprises goodwill, intangible assets, pension scheme surplus, other associates and joint ventures and deferred tax.

(i) Working capital
The Group’s policy is for subsidiaries to hold sufficient capital to meet their regulatory and working capital requirements and to maintain 
an appropriate standing with counterparties. Globally, local regulators oversee the activities of, and impose minimum capital and liquidity 
requirements on the Group’s operating entities. 

Working capital is also deployed through certain subsidiaries to support new investment strategies and growth opportunities and to co-invest 
alongside the Group’s clients.

(ii) Investment capital
Capital held in excess of working capital requirements is transferred to investment capital where investible. Investment capital is managed with 
the aim of achieving a low-volatility return. It is mainly held in government and government-guaranteed bonds, investment grade corporate 
bonds, cash equivalents and funds managed by the Group. These liquid investments are available to support the organic development of 
existing and new business strategies and to respond to other investment and growth opportunities as they arise, such as acquisitions. 
Investment capital also includes certain illiquid legacy investments.

(iii) Other items
Other items comprises assets that are not investible or available to meet the Group’s general operating or regulatory requirements. It includes 
assets that are actually or potentially inadmissible for regulatory capital purposes such as goodwill and intangible assets.

121

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017Financial statementsFinancial statements

Notes to the accounts

19. Financial instrument risk management continued
The categorisation of the Group’s assets and liabilities (the difference between which represents the Group’s capital) analysed by accounting 
treatment is summarised below:

2017

At fair value through profit or loss

Loans and 
receivables/ liabilities 
at amortised cost 
£m

Held to  
maturity 
£m

Held for  
trading 
£m

Designated as at 
fair value through 
profit or loss
£m

Available-
for-sale 
£m

Non-financial  
instruments  
and other
£m

2,947.0
671.3
1,340.5
141.5
–
–
–
–
–
651.0
5,751.3

688.0
3,771.4
–
44.0
–
–
37.5
4,540.9

–
–
–
10.2
–
–
–
–
–
–
10.2

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
800.4
161.3
–
–
–
–
–
–
961.7

–
24.2
–
–
–
–
–
24.2

–
–
32.0
–
–
–
–
–
–
13,335.4
13,367.4

137.6
159.7
–
–
–
–
13,948.9
14,246.2

–
–
73.8
921.1
–
–
–
–
–
–
994.9

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
67.7
–
–
143.9
162.8
825.8
39.3
162.9
–
1,402.4

112.1
–
78.1
–
0.1
15.3
–
205.6

2016

At fair value through profit or loss

Loans and 
receivables/ liabilities 
at amortised cost 
£m

Held to 
maturity 
£m

Held for 
trading
£m

Designated as at 
fair value through 
profit or loss 
£m

Available-
for-sale 
£m

Non-financial  
instruments  
and other
£m

3,318.9
580.8
1,134.7
218.9
–
–
–
–
–
530.9
5,784.2

656.7
3,764.6
–
33.1
–
–
37.5
4,491.9

–
–
–
149.5
–
–
–
–
–
–
149.5

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
–
501.5
318.3
–
–
–
–
–
–
819.8

–
22.3
–
–
–
–
–
22.3

–
–
0.7
–
–
–
–
–
–
12,396.7
12,397.4

122.3
115.1
–
–
–
–
12,890.1
13,127.5

–
–
199.0
582.4
–
–
–
–
–
–
781.4

–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–

–
67.4
–
–
125.0
66.4
607.1
66.0
118.2
–
1,050.1

104.3
–
71.8
–
0.2
11.6
–
187.9

Total
£m

2,947.0
739.0
2,246.7
1,234.1
143.9
162.8
825.8
39.3
162.9
13,986.4
22,487.9

937.7
3,955.3
78.1
44.0
0.1
15.3
13,986.4
19,016.9

3,471.0

Total
£m

3,318.9
648.2
1,835.9
1,269.1
125.0
66.4
607.1
66.0
118.2
12,927.6
20,982.4

883.3
3,902.0
71.8
33.1
0.2
11.6
12,927.6
17,829.6

3,152.8

Assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other receivables
Financial assets – non-debt securities
Financial assets – debt securities
Associates and joint ventures
Property, plant and equipment
Goodwill and intangible assets
Deferred tax
Retirement benefit scheme surplus
Assets backing unit-linked liabilities
Total assets

Liabilities
Trade and other payables
Financial liabilities
Current tax
Provisions
Deferred tax
Retirement benefit scheme deficits
Unit-linked liabilities
Total liabilities

Capital

Assets
Cash and cash equivalents
Trade and other receivables
Financial assets – non-debt securities
Financial assets – debt securities
Associates and joint ventures
Property, plant and equipment
Goodwill and intangible assets
Deferred tax
Retirement benefit scheme surplus
Assets backing unit-linked liabilities
Total assets

Liabilities
Trade and other payables
Financial liabilities
Current tax
Provisions
Deferred tax
Retirement benefit scheme deficits
Unit-linked liabilities
Total liabilities

Capital

122

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 201719. Financial instrument risk management continued
(b) Credit risk, liquidity risk and market risk
Financial instruments give rise to credit, liquidity and market risk exposures. Settlement of financial instruments (on both a principal and agency 
basis) gives rise to operational risk. The execution and effectiveness of the Group’s risk management process is, therefore, critical to its 
soundness and profitability and considerable resources are dedicated to this area. Risk management is the direct responsibility of the Board, 
with responsibility for oversight delegated to the Audit and Risk Committee. The Group applies the three lines of defence model to risk 
management, which includes financial instrument risk. More details on this are set out in the Key Risks and Mitigations report and the Audit and 
Risk Committee report on pages 34 and 56.

(i) Credit risk
Credit risk is the risk that a counterparty to a financial instrument, loan or commitment will cause the Group financial loss by failing to discharge 
an obligation. For this purpose, the impact on fair value of a credit loss arising from credit spread price changes in a portfolio of investments is 
excluded. This risk is addressed within Pricing risk.

The Group has exposure to credit risk from its normal activities where it is exposed to the risk that a counterparty will be unable to pay, in full, 
amounts when due. The Group carefully manages its exposure to credit risk by: approving lending policies that specify the type of acceptable 
collateral and minimum lending margins; setting limits for exposures to individual counterparties and sectors; and by taking security. The Group’s 
maximum exposure to credit risk is represented by the carrying value of its financial assets. In addition the Group holds collateral on its loans and 
advances to clients and certain derivative positions. The Group also holds collateral on some short-term advances to counterparties, as part of its 
liquidity management. The collateral accepted includes investment-grade securities that can be sold or repledged without default of the provider.

At 31 December 2017 the fair value of collateral which could be sold or repledged but had not been, relating solely to these arrangements, was 
£591.4 million (2016: £495.5 million).

A breakdown of the Group’s relevant financial assets by credit rating is set out below:

Cash and cash equivalents

Debt securities at amortised cost

Debt securities at fair value

Credit rating:

AAA

AA+

AA

AA-

A+

A

A-

BBB+ and lower

Not rated

2017 
£m

495.0

39.5

2016 
£m

533.9

15.9

1,051.4

1,178.6

341.4

453.9

410.6

54.9

89.2

11.1

279.5

765.4

187.5

274.1

67.2

16.8

2017 
£m

10.2

–

–

10.0

40.0

71.5

–

20.0

–

2016 
£m

2017 
£m

2016 
£m

33.5

43.1

63.0

10.0

130.0

80.0

7.3

1.5

–

191.0

10.3

195.3

87.4

110.7

57.8

107.6

298.2

24.1

66.2

10.2

124.8

57.2

65.1

68.4

117.5

336.7

54.6

900.7

2,947.0

3,318.9

151.7

368.4

1,082.4

Wealth Management activities
All customer credit requests are presented to the relevant Wealth Management approval authorities and counterparty exposures are monitored 
daily against limits. Loans, overdrafts and advances to clients are secured on a range of assets including real estate (both residential and 
commercial), cash, client portfolios and life insurance policies. The Group does not usually provide loans, overdrafts and advances to clients 
on an unsecured basis. Where disposal of non-cash collateral is required, in the event of default, the terms and conditions relevant to the specific 
contract and country will apply. Portfolios held as collateral are marked to market daily and positions compared to clients’ exposures. Credit 
limits are set following an assessment of the market value and lending value of each type of collateral, depending on the perceived risk 
associated with the collateral. Clients are contacted if these limits are breached, or if collateral is not sufficient to cover the outstanding 
exposure.

The amount of change in the year in the fair value of loans and receivables held at fair value through profit or loss that is attributable to changes 
in credit risk is nil (2016: nil) and nil (2016: nil) cumulatively.

Wealth Management takes a conservative approach to its treasury investments placing them with, or purchasing debt securities issued by, 
UK and overseas banks and corporates, central banks, supranational banks and sovereigns.

Debt securities held within the Wealth Management treasury book are classified as loans and receivables, held to maturity or available-for-sale 
financial assets and are unsecured. Policies covering various counterparty and market risk limits are set and monitored by the relevant Wealth 
Management asset and liability management committees. All instruments held within Wealth Management have an investment grade credit 
rating.

Other activities
Fee debtors and other receivables arise as a result of the Group’s asset management activities and amounts are monitored regularly. Historically, 
default levels have been insignificant and unless a client has withdrawn its funds, there is an ongoing relationship between the Group and the client.

Fee debtors past due but not yet impaired as at 31 December 2017 were £21.9 million (2016: £29.8 million), the majority of which is less than 90 
days past due (2016: less than 90 days past due). Factors considered in determining whether impairment has taken place include how many days 
past the due date a receivable is, deterioration in the credit quality of a counterparty, and knowledge of specific events that could influence a 
debtor’s ability to pay.

123

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017Financial statementsFinancial statements

Notes to the accounts

19. Financial instrument risk management continued
The Group seeks to manage its exposure to credit risk arising from debt securities and derivatives within the investment portfolio by adopting 
a conservative approach and through ongoing credit analysis. Cash is held with well-rated banks, government and government-guaranteed 
bonds are rated A- or better, corporate bond portfolios have an investment grade mandate, and exposure to sub-investment grade debt is low. 

Derivative positions are taken in exchange-traded securities where there is minimal credit risk. Forward foreign exchange positions generally 
have a maturity of one month.

The Group’s cash and cash equivalents in the non-Wealth Management entities are invested primarily in current accounts, on deposit with 
well-rated banks, and invested in money market funds.

(ii) Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Group cannot meet its obligations as they fall due or can only do so at a cost. The Group has a clearly defined 
liquidity risk management framework in place in the form of a Consolidated Group Internal Liquidity Adequacy Assessment Process (ILAAP). 
The Group policy is that its subsidiaries should trade solvently, comply with regulatory liquidity requirements, and have adequate liquidity for 
all activities undertaken in the normal course of business. In particular, all companies should maintain sufficient liquid funds to meet peak 
working capital requirements. 

Wealth Management activities
The principal liquidity risk the Group faces concerns its Wealth Management liabilities where the settlement of deposits can be impacted by 
client action. The objective of the Group’s liquidity policy is to maintain sufficient liquidity within the relevant entities to meet regulatory and 
prudential requirements, to cover cash flow imbalances and fluctuations in funding, and to ensure the timely repayment of funds to depositors.

The contractual maturity of Wealth Management financial assets and liabilities is set out below:

Less than 1 year 
£m

1–2 years
£m

2–3 years
£m

2017

3–4 years
£m

4–5 years
£m

More than 5 years 
£m

Total 
£m

Assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Loans and advances to banks

Loans and advances to clients1

Debt securities

Other financial assets

Total financial assets

Liabilities

Client accounts

Deposits by banks

Other financial liabilities

Total financial liabilities

2,269.2

765.5

339.5

399.9

11.4

3,785.5

–

–

121.1

124.8

–

245.9

–

–

–

–

–

–

30.6

45.4

15.9

–

–

–

–

–

–

30.6

45.4

15.9

3,635.3

39.0

57.7

11.1

–

–

3,704.1

39.0

1.1

–

–

1.1

10.3

–

–

10.3

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

2,269.2

765.5

552.5

524.7

11.4

4,123.3

3,685.7

57.7

11.1

3,754.5

Cumulative gap

81.4

288.3

317.8

352.9

368.8

368.8

368.8

Assets

Cash and cash equivalents

Loans and advances to banks

Loans and advances to clients1

Debt securities

Other financial assets

Total financial assets

Liabilities

Client accounts

Deposits by banks

Other financial liabilities

Total financial liabilities

Less than 1 year 
£m

1–2 years
£m

2–3 years
£m

2016

3–4 years
£m

4–5 years
£m

More than 5 years 
£m

Total 
£m

2,622.9

598.8

334.5

365.5

17.1

3,938.8

3,632.2

62.5

14.8

3,709.5

–

–

48.5

2.9

0.1

51.5

11.7

–

1.4

13.1

–

–

75.0

–

–

75.0

43.0

–

–

43.0

–

–

9.7

–

–

9.7

1.8

–

–

1.8

–

–

47.0

–

–

47.0

11.6

–

–

11.6

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

2,622.9

598.8

514.7

368.4

17.2

4,122.0

3,700.3

62.5

16.2

3,779.0

Cumulative gap

229.3

267.7

299.7

307.6

343.0

343.0

343.0

1.  Includes loans and advances to clients held at fair value through profit or loss of £0.6 million (2016: £0.6 million).

124

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 201719. Financial instrument risk management continued
Other activities
Liquidity risk in the rest of the Group is low. Excluding the Life Company and consolidated funds, the Asset Management and Group segment 
together hold cash and cash equivalents of £640.6 million (2016: £664.0 million). Financial liabilities relating to other operating entities are 
£200.8 million (2016: £123.0 million), the majority of which are current.

The Group has a committed loan facility of £510.0 million (2016: £200.0 million) that expires on 4 October 2022 and £1.0 million 
(2016: £1.8 million) of loan notes as part of the acquisition of Cazenove Capital that are repayable on 12 July 2018 and subject to early 
redemption rights in certain circumstances. 

(iii) Market risk
Market risk is the risk that the value of assets will fluctuate as a result of movements in factors such as market prices, interest rates and foreign 
exchange rates.

Pricing risk
Pricing risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of financial instruments will fluctuate because of changes in market prices other 
than those arising from interest rate risk or currency risk.

In respect of financial instrument risk, the Group’s exposure to pricing risk is principally through investments held in investment capital, seed 
and co-investment capital, deferred employee compensation in the form of fund awards and some investments held for regulatory capital 
purposes. However, the more significant risk is the impact on the Group’s fee income as this is principally determined on percentages of the fair 
value of AUM. This risk cannot be easily mitigated but is addressed to some extent by ongoing net new business.

The Group does not hedge exposure to pricing risk except for seed capital, where practical to do so, and also in respect of deferred employee 
compensation awards in the form of interests in funds managed by the Group. Where financial instruments are held to hedge deferred 
compensation awards this is normally offset by changes in the amounts payable to employees (see note 5).

Interest rate risk
Interest rate risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of financial instruments will fluctuate because of changes in market interest 
rates.

Wealth Management activities
In Wealth Management, interest rate risk is monitored against policies and limits set by the relevant risk committee on a daily basis. Interest rate 
risk is managed within the set limits by matching asset and liability positions and through the use of interest rate swaps.

Sensitivity-based and stress-based models are used for monitoring interest rate risk. These involve assessing the impact of a prescribed basis 
point rise in interest rates, together with extreme scenarios for the stress tests. The impact is calculated regularly for each currency and in 
aggregate.

Other activities
Cash held by the other operating companies is not normally expected to be placed on deposit for longer than three months and is not exposed 
to significant interest rate risk.

The Group’s capital includes investments in government bonds and corporate investment-grade bonds managed by the Group’s fixed income 
fund managers. The market risk (including interest rate risk) exposure of these investments is actively monitored against limits set by the Group 
Capital Committee.

Foreign exchange risk
Foreign exchange risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of financial instruments will fluctuate because of changes in foreign 
exchange rates.

Wealth Management activities
In Wealth Management, some loans and advances to clients, client deposits and a proportion of the treasury activities are undertaken in foreign 
currencies. This is managed by the treasury departments within agreed limits that are set and monitored by the relevant risk committees.

Other activities
The Group’s policy in relation to revenue, expenditure and capital currency exposure in Asset Management activities is generally not to hedge. 
The Group’s revenue is earned and expenditure incurred in many currencies and the resulting exposure is considered to be a normal part of the 
Group’s business activities.

The Group also has exposure to foreign currency through investments in currencies other than sterling. The Group uses forward foreign 
exchange contracts with third parties to mitigate this exposure. The gain or loss on the hedging instruments is included in the statement of 
other comprehensive income or the income statement, as appropriate. The use of such instruments is subject to the approval of the GCC.

125

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017Financial statementsFinancial statements

Notes to the accounts

19. Financial instrument risk management continued
The Group’s gross and net exposure to foreign currencies is set out below:

Swiss franc

US dollar

Euro

Singapore dollar

Chinese renminbi

Hong Kong dollar

Australian dollar

Other

Total currency exposures

Sterling

The sensitivities to market risk are estimated as follows:

2017

2016

Gross exposure 
£m

Hedged 
£m

Net exposure 
£m

Gross exposure 
£m

Hedged 
£m

Net exposure 
£m

317

310

203

136

90

64

24

105

1,249

2,222

3,471

–

(34)

(4)

–

–

–

–

–

(38)

38

–

317

276

199

136

90

64

24

105

1,211

2,260

3,471

170

360

196

129

75

63

30

105

1,128

2,025

3,153

–

(61)

(5)

–

–

–

–

(1)

(67)

67

–

170

299

191

129

75

63

30

104

1,061

2,092

3,153

Variable1

Interest rates2

US dollar against sterling

Euro against sterling

FTSE-All Share Index3

31 December 2017

31 December 2016

A reasonable  
change in the  
variable within  
the next 
calendar year 
%

Increase/ 
(decrease) in  
post-tax profit 
£m

Increase/ 
(decrease)  
in other  
components  
of equity 
£m

A reasonable  
change in the  
variable within  
the next  
calendar year 
%

Increase/ 
(decrease) in  
post-tax profit 
£m

Increase/ 
(decrease)  
in other 
components  
of equity 
£m

-increase

-decrease

-strengthen

-weaken

-strengthen

-weaken

-increase

-decrease

0.50

(0.50)

10

(8)

10

(6)

20

(20)

3

(3)

1

(1)

6

(4)

14

(14)

–

–

18

(14)

13

(8)

1

(1)

0.50

(0.25)

10

(6)

7

(8)

20

(20)

4

(2)

1

(1)

4

(4)

6

(32)

–

–

19

(14)

9

(9)

27

1

1.  The underlying assumption is that there is one variable increase/decrease with all other variables held constant.
2.  Assumes that the fair value of assets and liabilities will not be affected by a change in interest rates.
3.  Assumes that changes in the FTSE-All Share Index correlate to changes in the fair value of the Group’s equity investments. This sensitivity analysis includes the 

impact of the Group’s adoption of IFRS 9 ‘Financial Instruments’ on 1 January 2018 (see page 143).

These sensitivities concern only the impact on financial instruments and exclude indirect impacts of the variable on fee income and certain costs 
which may be affected by the variable. The changes used in the sensitivity analysis were provided by the Group’s Global Economics team who 
determine reasonable assumptions.

20. Derivative contracts
(a) The Group’s use of derivatives

The Group holds derivatives for risk management, client facilitation, and within its investment portfolios to provide exposure to market 
returns. The Group most commonly uses forward foreign exchange contracts where it agrees to buy or sell specified amounts of a named 
currency at a future date, allowing the Group effectively to fix exchange rates so that it can avoid unpredictable gains and losses on 
receivables and payables in foreign currencies. The Group uses equity contracts to hedge market-related gains and losses on its seed capital 
investments where the purpose of investing is to help establish a new product rather than gain additional market exposure. Interest rate 
contracts are used to hedge exposures to fixed or floating rates of interest.

Risk management: the Group actively seeks to limit and manage its exposures to risk where that exposure is not desired by the Group. 
This may take the form of unwanted exposures to a particular currency, type of interest rate or other price risk. By entering into derivative 
contracts, the Group is able to mitigate or eliminate such exposures. The principal risk that the Group faces through such use of derivative 
contracts is credit risk.

Client facilitation: the Group’s Wealth Management entities are involved in providing portfolio management, banking and investment advisory 
services, primarily to private clients. In carrying out this business, they transact as agent or as principal in financial assets and liabilities (including 
derivatives) in order to facilitate client portfolio requirements. Wealth Management’s policy is to hedge, as appropriate, exchange rate and 
interest rate risk on its client facilitation positions. This does not eliminate the possibility of credit risk.

For details of how the Group manages its exposure to credit risk, see (b) below and note 19.

126

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 201720. Derivative contracts continued
(b) Derivatives used by the Group
Currency forwards are contractual obligations to receive or pay amounts based on changes in currency rates or to buy or sell foreign currency or 
a financial instrument on a future date at a specified price. For currency forward contracts, the maximum exposure to credit risk is represented 
by the fair value of the contracts.

Currency and interest rate swaps are commitments to exchange one set of cash flows for another. Swaps result in an economic exchange of 
currencies or interest rates (for example, fixed rate for floating rate) or a combination of all these (i.e. cross-currency interest rate swaps). No 
exchange of principal takes place, except in the case of certain currency swaps. The Group’s credit risk represents the potential cost of replacing 
the swap contracts if counterparties fail to perform their obligations. This risk is monitored on an ongoing basis with reference to the current fair 
value, a proportion of the notional amount of the contracts, and the liquidity of the market. To control the level of credit risk taken, the Group 
assesses counterparties in accordance with its internal policies and procedures.

Foreign exchange, equity and interest rate options are contractual agreements under which the seller grants the purchaser the right, but not the 
obligation, either to buy (a call option) or sell (a put option) at or by a set date or during a set period, a specific amount of a foreign currency or a 
financial instrument at a predetermined price. The seller receives a premium from the purchaser and assumes foreign exchange, equity or 
interest rate risk. Options may be either exchange-traded or negotiated between the Group and a customer or market counterparty.

The Group is exposed to credit risk on purchased options only, and only to the extent of their carrying amount, which is their fair value.

Futures contracts are standardised contracts to buy or sell specified assets for an agreed price at a specified future date. Contracts are 
negotiated at a futures exchange which acts as an intermediary between the two parties. For futures contracts, the maximum exposure to credit 
risk is represented by the fair value of the contracts.

The fair value of derivative instruments becomes favourable (assets) or unfavourable (liabilities) as a result of fluctuations in market interest 
rates, indices, foreign exchange rates and other relevant variables relative to their terms. The aggregate contractual amount of derivative 
financial instruments held, the extent to which instruments are favourable or unfavourable, and thus the aggregate fair values of derivative 
financial assets and liabilities, can fluctuate significantly from time to time. The fair values are set out below:

Interest rate contracts

Forward foreign exchange contracts

Equity contracts

Net-settled derivative contracts1 maturing/repricing2 in:

Less than 1 year

1 – 3 years

3 – 5 years

More than 5 years

Gross-settled derivatives3 maturing/repricing2 in:

Less than 1 year:

Gross inflows

Gross outflows

Difference between future contractual cash flows and fair value

1.  Comprise interest rate and equity contracts.
2.  Whichever is earlier.
3.  Comprise forward exchange contracts.

2017

2016

Assets
£m

Liabilities
£m

–

22.1

23.2

45.3

–

(11.8)

(12.4)

(24.2)

Assets
£m

0.2

21.3

18.9

40.4

Liabilities
£m

(0.1)

(19.0)

(3.2)

(22.3)

2017

2016

Assets
£m

Liabilities
£m

Assets
£m

Liabilities
£m

9.8

–

13.4

–

23.2

1,283.8

(1,273.2)

11.5

22.1

(12.4)

–

–

–

(12.4)

813.5

(817.9)

(7.4)

(11.8)

1.9

0.1

–

17.1

19.1

(3.3)

–

–

–

(3.3)

896.5

1,605.0

(892.1)

(1,609.1)

16.9

21.3

(14.9)

(19.0)

45.3

(24.2)

40.4

(22.3)

127

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017Financial statementsFinancial statements

Notes to the accounts

21. Share capital and share premium

Share capital represents the number of issued ordinary and non-voting ordinary shares in Schroders plc multiplied by their nominal value of 
£1 each. Share premium substantially represents the aggregate of all amounts that have ever been paid above nominal value to Schroders 
plc when it has issued ordinary and non-voting ordinary shares. There are certain circumstances in which the share premium can be reduced 
but these have not arisen in 2016 or 2017. The Company has no authority to issue, buy back, or cancel ordinary shares in issue (including 
those held in trust) and has authority limited by shareholder resolution to issue or purchase non-voting ordinary shares, which may either 
be cancelled or held in treasury.

At 1 January 2017

Shares cancelled

At 31 December 2017

Number  
of shares  
Millions

Ordinary  
shares 
£m

282.7

(0.2)

282.5

226.0

–

226.0

Non-voting  
ordinary  
shares 
£m

56.7

(0.2)

56.5

Total  
shares 
£m

282.7

(0.2)

282.5

Share  
premium 
£m

124.2

–

124.2

During the year, 233,623 non-voting ordinary shares were bought back by the Group for a value of £5.4 million and cancelled.

At 1 January 2016

Shares issued

At 31 December 2016

Number  
of shares  
Millions

282.5

0.2

282.7

Ordinary  
shares 
£m

226.0

–

226.0

Non-voting  
ordinary  
shares 
£m

56.5

0.2

56.7

Total  
shares 
£m

282.5

0.2

282.7

Share  
premium 
£m

119.4

4.8

124.2

On 21 December 2016, Schroders plc issued 233,623 non-voting ordinary shares as part of the consideration paid for the acquisition 
of Benchmark Capital Limited.

Issued and fully paid:

Ordinary shares of £1 each

Non-voting ordinary shares of £1 each

2017  
Number  
of shares  
Millions

2016  
Number  
of shares  
Millions

226.0

56.5

282.5

226.0

56.7

282.7

The difference between the share classes
The non-voting ordinary shares carry the same rights as ordinary shares except that they do not confer the right to attend and vote at any 
general meeting of the Company, and that on a capitalisation issue they carry the right to receive non-voting ordinary shares rather 
than ordinary shares.

128

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 201722. Own shares

Own shares are recorded by the Group when non-voting ordinary shares are acquired by the Company, or ordinary or non-voting ordinary 
shares are acquired through employee benefit trusts. There are two main reasons why this may happen: first, the Group may wish to hold 
some of its shares in treasury to settle option exercises or for other permitted purposes. Second, it enables the Group to meet share-based 
remuneration awards to employees in the form of shares (see note 26) in a way that does not dilute the percentage holdings of existing 
shareholders. Own shares are held at cost and their purchase reduces the Group’s net assets by the amount spent. When shares vest 
unconditionally or are cancelled, they are transferred from own shares to the profit and loss reserve at their weighted average cost.

Movements in own shares during the year were as follows:

At 1 January

Own shares purchased

Own shares cancelled

Awards vested

At 31 December

2017
£m

(163.6)

(56.6)

5.4

52.5

2016
£m

(175.5)

(59.1)

–

71.0

(162.3)

(163.6)

During the year 1.8 million own shares (2016: 2.2 million own shares) were purchased and held for hedging share-based awards. 2.4 million 
shares (2016: 3.3 million shares) awarded to employees vested in the period and were transferred out of own shares.

The total number of shares in the Company held within the Group’s employee benefit trusts comprise:

Ordinary shares

Non-voting ordinary shares

Ordinary shares:

Cost

Fair value

Non-voting ordinary shares:

Cost

Fair value

Total:

Cost

Fair value

Number of  
vested  
shares  
Millions

2017

Number of 
unvested  
shares  
Millions

2.0

0.2

2.2

6.9

0.1

7.0

Vested  
shares 
£m

2017

Unvested  
shares 
£m

160.6

243.2

1.7

2.4

32.4

67.2

2.6

5.6

35.0

72.8

Total  
Millions

8.9

0.3

9.2

 Total 
£m

193.0

310.4

4.3

8.0

Number of 
vested  
shares  
Millions

2.0

0.2

2.2

2016

Number of 
unvested  
shares  
Millions

7.5

0.1

7.6

Vested  
shares 
£m

2016

Unvested  
shares 
£m

161.3

224.8

2.3

3.0

31.2

61.2

2.3

4.7

33.5

65.9

162.3

245.6

197.3

318.4

Total  
Millions

9.5

0.3

9.8

 Total 
£m

192.5

286.0

4.6

7.7

163.6

227.8

197.1

293.7

129

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017Financial statementsFinancial statements

Notes to the accounts

23. Reconciliation of net cash from operating activities

This note should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated cash flow statement. It provides a reconciliation to show how profit before 
tax, which is based on accounting rules, translates to cash flows.

Profit before tax

Adjustments for income statement non-cash movements:

Depreciation of property, plant and equipment and amortisation of intangible assets

Net gains taken through the income statement on financial instruments

Share-based payments

Net charge for provisions

Other non-cash movements

Adjustments for which the cash effects are investing activities:

Net finance income

Share of profit of associates and joint ventures

Adjustments for statement of financial position movements:

Increase in loans and advances within Wealth Management

Increase in trade and other receivables

Increase in deposits and customer accounts within Wealth Management

Increase/(decrease) in trade and other payables, other financial liabilities and provisions

Adjustments for Life Company movements:

Net increase in financial assets backing unit-linked liabilities

Net increase in unit-linked liabilities

Tax paid

Net cash from operating activities

2017
£m

760.2

63.4

(22.1)

60.5

12.6

(9.6)

104.8

(9.7)

(21.7)

(31.4)

(236.4)

(43.2)

38.9

35.2

(205.5)

2016
£m

618.1

46.4

(45.0)

51.5

8.3

(6.1)

55.1

(18.8)

(19.5)

(38.3)

(232.9)

(70.7)

550.4

(42.2)

204.6

(953.0)

(1,744.1)

1,058.8

105.8

1,607.7

(136.4)

(148.8)

(139.4)

585.1

563.7

130

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 201724. Commitments

Commitments represent amounts the Group has contractually committed to pay to third parties but which do not yet represent a liability. 
Commitments at the year end do not impact on the Group’s financial results for the year.

The Group leases office space and equipment. Lease agreements can commit the Group to significant future expenditure and the table 
below discloses the Group’s commitments to make such payments. Such commitments are not recorded on the Group’s statement of 
financial position in advance of the period to which they relate.

The Group sublets a small number of its owned and leased properties where such properties, or parts of such properties, are not required 
for use by the Group. The table below discloses the commitments sub-lessees have made in respect of such arrangements. These 
commitments are not recorded on the statement of financial position in advance of the period to which they relate. However, they may be 
used to determine the onerous lease provision if the rental income does not equal or exceed the Group’s own rental obligation (see note 18). 

Operating leases as lessee

Undrawn loan facilities

Investment call commitments

Commitments for purchase of property, plant and equipment

Commitments under IT service agreements

Total commitments

Operating leases receivable as lessor

Net commitments payable

Operating leases as lessee

Undrawn loan facilities

Investment call commitments

Commitments for purchase of property, plant and equipment

Commitments under IT service agreements

Total commitments

Operating leases receivable as lessor

Net commitments payable

2017

No later than  
1 year 
£m

Later than 1 year 
and no later  
than 5 years 
£m

 Later than  
5 years 
£m

 Total 
£m

502.8

40.7

37.2

48.6

91.7

337.4

27.4

1.3

–

7.0

373.1

721.0

(0.6)

372.5

(7.2)

713.8

37.9

5.4

23.2

48.6

22.7

137.8

(2.1)

135.7

127.5

7.9

12.7

–

62.0

210.1

(4.5)

205.6

2016

No later than  
1 year 
£m

Later than 1 year  
and no later  
than 5 years 
£m

 Later than  
5 years 
£m

35.3

13.2

16.9

92.8

7.5

165.7

(1.7)

164.0

113.9

375.6

–

–

4.7

47.6

166.2

(1.8)

164.4

–

–

–

19.0

394.6

(0.9)

393.7

 Total 
£m

524.8

13.2

16.9

97.5

74.1

726.5

(4.4)

722.1

Leases in respect of office properties are negotiated for a weighted average term of 14.3 years (2016: 13.8 years) and rentals are fixed for 
a weighted average term of 5.8 years (2016: 5.1 years). Leases in respect of office equipment are negotiated for a weighted average term 
of 1.6 years (2016: 2.0 years) and rentals are fixed for a weighted average term of 1.6 years (2016: 1.9 years).

Office property sub-leases have a weighted average term of 4.2 years (2016: 5.0 years) and rentals are fixed for a weighted average term 
of 4.2 years (2016: 5.0 years). Lease payments recognised as an expense during the year were £43.6 million (2016: £40.2 million).

131

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017Financial statementsFinancial statements

Notes to the accounts

25. Retirement benefit obligations

The Group has two types of pension benefit for employees: defined benefit (DB) where the Group has an obligation to provide participating 
employees with pension payments that represent a specified percentage of their final salary for each year of service, and defined 
contribution (DC), where the Group’s contribution to an employee’s pension is measured as, and limited to, a specified percentage of salary.

Accounting for DB schemes requires an assessment of the likely quantum of future pension payments to be made. If ring-fenced assets are 
held specifically to meet this cost, the scheme is funded, and if not, it is unfunded. The Group periodically reviews its funded DB schemes 
using actuarial specialists to assess whether it is on course to meet the expected pension payments that current and former employees are 
or will be entitled to. In the case of a projected shortfall, a plan must be formulated to reverse the deficit.

The income statement charge or credit represents the sum of pension entitlements earned by employees in the period, plus a notional net 
interest charge (if the scheme is in deficit) or income (if it is in surplus) based on the market yields on high quality corporate bonds. 
Experience differences, principally the difference between actual investment returns and the notional interest amount, as well as actuarial 
changes in estimating the present value of future liabilities, are recorded in other comprehensive income.

Assets or liabilities recognised in the statement of financial position represent the differences between the fair value of plan assets (if any) 
and the actuarially-determined estimates of the present value of future liabilities. The Group closed its largest DB scheme to future accrual 
on 30 April 2011, although it still operates some small unfunded schemes overseas. This means that no future service will contribute to the 
closed scheme member benefits but those members continue to have the benefits determined by the Scheme rules as at 30 April 2011.

The Group’s exposure to funding DC pension schemes is limited to the contributions it has agreed to make. These contributions generally 
stop when employment ceases. The income statement charge represents the contributions the Group has agreed to make into employees’ 
pension schemes in that period.

The disclosures within this note are provided mainly in respect of the principal DB scheme which is the DB section of the funded Schroders 
Retirement Benefits Scheme (the Scheme).

The income statement charge for retirement benefit costs is as follows:

Pension costs – defined contribution plans

Pension credit – defined benefit plans

Other post-employment benefits

2017
£m

42.8

(1.5)

0.2

41.5

2016
£m

40.4

(2.7)

0.2

37.9

(i) Profile of the Scheme
The Scheme is administered by a Trustee company, Schroder Pension Trustee Limited. The board of the Trustee company comprises an 
independent chairman, three directors appointed by the employer and two directors elected by the Scheme members. The Trustee is required 
by law to act in the interest of all relevant beneficiaries and is responsible for setting the investment strategy and for the day-to-day 
administration of the benefits. The Trustee’s investment committee comprises four of the Trustee directors and two representatives of the 
Group. This committee, which reports to the Trustee board, is responsible for making investment strategy recommendations to the board of the 
Trustee and for monitoring the performance of the investment manager.

Under the Scheme, employees are entitled to annual pensions on retirement based on a specified percentage of their final pensionable salary 
or, in the case of active members at 30 April 2011 (the date the DB section of the Scheme closed for future accrual), actual pensionable salaries at 
that date, for each year of service. These benefits are adjusted for the effects of inflation, subject to a cap of 2.5% for pensions accrued after 12 
August 2007 and 5.0% for pensions accrued before that date.

As at 31 December 2017, there were no active members in the DB section (2016: nil) and 1,828 active members in the DC section (2016: 1,753). 
The weighted average duration of the Scheme’s DB obligation is 21 years (2016: 21 years).

Membership details of the DB section of the Scheme as at 31 December are as follows:

Number of deferred members

2017

1,418

2016

1,535

Total deferred pensions (at date of leaving Scheme)

£10.9m per annum

£13.2m per annum

Average age (deferred)

Number of pensioners

Average age (pensioners)

Total pensions in payment

52

829

69

51

796

69

£18.9m per annum

£18.1m per annum

(ii) Funding requirements
The last completed triennial valuation of the Scheme was carried out as at 31 December 2014. The funding level at that date was 109% on the 
technical provisions basis and no contribution to the Scheme was required (2016: nil). The next triennial valuation is due as at 31 December 2017 
and will be performed in 2018.

132

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 201725. Retirement benefit obligations continued
(iii) Risks of the Scheme
The Company and the Trustee have agreed a long-term strategy for reducing investment risk as and when appropriate. This includes, as detailed 
below, an asset-liability matching policy which aims to reduce the volatility of the funding level of the Scheme by investing in assets such as 
swaps which perform in line with the liabilities of the Scheme so as to protect against inflation and/or interest rates being higher than expected.

The most significant risks that the Scheme exposes the Group to are:

Asset Volatility
The liabilities are calculated using a discount rate set with reference to corporate bond yields; if assets underperform this yield, this may create a 
deficit. The Group manages this risk by holding 50.7% (2016: 51.4%) of Scheme assets in an LDI portfolio and the remainder in growth assets 
such as the Schroder Life Diversified Growth Fund and a Strategic Beta portfolio. This asset mix is designed to provide returns that match or 
exceed the unwinding of the discount rate in the long term, but which can create volatility and risk in the short term. The allocation to growth 
assets is monitored to ensure it remains appropriate given the Scheme’s long-term objectives.

Credit risk
The assets of the Scheme include LDI and other fixed income instruments that expose the Group to credit risk. A significant amount of this 
exposure is to the UK Government as a result of holding gilts and bonds guaranteed by the UK Government. Other instruments held include 
derivatives, which are collateralised daily to cover unrealised gains or losses. The minimum rating for any derivatives counterparty is BBB.

Interest rate risk
A decrease in corporate bond yields will increase the value placed on the Scheme’s liabilities for accounting purposes, although this should be 
partially offset by an increase in the value of the Scheme’s LDI portfolio which comprises gilts and other LDI instruments. The LDI portfolio has 
been designed to mitigate interest rate exposures measured on a funding rather than an accounting basis. One of the principal differences 
between these bases is that the liability under the funding basis is calculated using a discount rate set with reference to gilt yields; the latter uses 
corporate bond yields. As a result, the LDI portfolio hedges against interest rate risk by purchasing instruments that seek to replicate 
movements in gilt yields rather than corporate bond yields. Movements in the different types of instrument are not exactly correlated, and it is 
therefore likely that a tracking error can arise when assessing whether the LDI portfolio has provided an effective hedge against interest rate risk 
on an accounting basis. At 31 December 2017, the LDI portfolio was designed to mitigate 73% (2016: 74%) of the Scheme’s exposure to changes 
in gilt yields.

Inflation risk
A significant proportion of the Scheme’s benefit obligations are linked to inflation, and higher inflation will lead to higher liabilities. However, in 
most cases, caps on the level of inflationary increases are in place to protect against inflation. The majority of the growth assets are either 
unaffected by or not closely correlated with inflation, which means that an increase in inflation will also decrease any Scheme surplus. The LDI 
portfolio includes instruments such as index-linked gilts to provide protection against inflation risk. At 31 December 2017, the LDI portfolio was 
designed to mitigate 73% (2016: 74%) of the Scheme’s exposure to inflation risk.

Life expectancy
The majority of the Scheme’s obligations are to provide benefits for the life of the member, so increases in life expectancy will result in an 
increase in the liability.

(iv) Reporting at 31 December
The principal financial assumptions used for the Scheme were as listed below:

Discount rate

RPI inflation rate

CPI inflation rate

Future pension increases (for benefits earned before 13 August 2007)

Future pension increases (for benefits earned after 13 August 2007)

Average number of years a current pensioner is expected to live beyond age 60:

Men

Women

Average number of years future pensioners currently aged 45 are expected to live beyond age 60:

Men

Women

2017
%

2.6

3.3

2.2

3.1

2.2

28

30

29

31

2016
%

2.7

3.4

2.3

3.2

2.2

29

30

30

32

The net interest for pension costs is determined by applying the corporate bond rate to the opening net surplus in the Scheme. The Group 
determines the appropriate discount rate at the end of each year. This is the interest rate that should be used to determine the present value 
of estimated future cash outflows expected to be required to settle the pension obligations. In determining the appropriate discount rate, 
the Group considers the interest rates of high quality, long dated corporate bonds that are denominated in the currency in which the benefits 
will be paid.

133

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017Financial statementsFinancial statements

Notes to the accounts

25. Retirement benefit obligations continued

Estimates and judgements
The Group estimates the carrying value of the Scheme through applying the assumptions set out on page 133. The sensitivity to those 
assumptions is set out below. The most significant judgemental assumption relates to mortality rates which are inherently uncertain. The 
Group’s mortality assumptions are based on standard mortality tables with Continuous Mortality Investigation core projection factors and a 
long-term rate of mortality improvement of 1.0% (2016: 1.5%) per annum.

Mortality tables for male pensioners are scaled back by 5% and female pensioners are scaled back by 10% to reflect the history of longer life 
expectancy of the Group’s employees. The Group reviews its assumptions annually in conjunction with its independent actuaries and 
considers this adjustment appropriate given the geographic and demographic profile of Scheme members. Other assumptions for pension 
obligations are based in part on current market conditions.

The financial impact of the Scheme on the Group has been determined by independent qualified actuaries, Aon Hewitt Limited, and is based on 
an assessment of the Scheme as at 31 December 2017.

The amounts recognised in the income statement are:

Interest income on Scheme assets

Interest cost on Scheme liabilities

Net interest income recognised in the income statement in respect of the Scheme

Income statement charge in respect of other defined benefit schemes

Total defined benefit schemes income statement credit

The amounts recognised in the statement of comprehensive income are:

Return on Scheme assets in excess of that recognised in interest income

Actuarial gains due to change in demographic assumptions

Actuarial losses due to change in financial assumptions

Actuarial losses/(gains) due to experience

Total other comprehensive (income)/loss in respect of the Scheme

Other comprehensive (income)/losses in respect of other defined benefit schemes

Total other comprehensive (income)/losses in respect of defined benefit schemes

The sensitivity of the Scheme pension liabilities to changes in assumptions is as follows:

2017
£m

(28.0)

24.8

(3.2)

1.7

(1.5)

2017
£m

(20.6)

(27.2)

1.7

4.6

(41.5)

(0.8)

(42.3)

2016
£m

(34.6)

30.2

(4.4)

1.7

(2.7)

2016
£m

(174.3)

(16.5)

202.7

(10.3)

1.6

0.4

2.0

Assumption

Discount rate

Discount rate

Assumption change

Increase by 0.5% per annum

Decrease by 0.5% per annum

Expected rate of pension increases

Increase by 0.5% per annum

Expected rate of pension increases

Decrease by 0.5% per annum

Life expectancy

Reduce by one year

2017

2016

Estimated 
(increase)/ 
reduction in 
pension 
liabilities 
£m

Estimated 
(increase)/ 
reduction in 
pension 
liabilities 
%

Estimated 
(increase)/ 
reduction in 
pension 
liabilities 
£m

Estimated 
(increase)/ 
reduction in 
pension 
liabilities 
%

93.6

(102.1)

(79.7)

74.9

33.4

10.8

(11.8)

(9.2)

8.6

3.9

98.2

(107.1)

(83.9)

78.4

35.3

10.1

(11.0)

(8.6)

8.0

3.6

134

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 201725. Retirement benefit obligations continued

Movements in respect of the assets and liabilities of the Scheme are:

At 1 January

Interest on assets

Remeasurement of assets

Benefits paid

Fair value of plan assets

At 1 January

Interest cost

Actuarial gains due to change in demographic assumptions

Actuarial losses due to change in financial assumptions

Actuarial (losses)/gains due to experience

Benefits paid

Present value of funded obligations

Net assets

2017
£m

1,093.2

28.0

20.6

2016
£m

936.5

34.6

174.3

(112.6)

(52.2)

1,029.2

1,093.2

(975.0)

(821.1)

(24.8)

27.2

(1.7)

(4.6)

112.6

(866.3)

(30.2)

16.5

(202.7)

10.3

52.2

(975.0)

162.9

118.2

The Group has not materially changed the basis of any of the principal financial assumptions underlying the calculation of the Scheme’s 
net financial position during 2017, although such assumptions have been amended where applicable to reflect current market conditions 
and expectations.

Administration expenses and the levy payable to the Pension Protection Fund are met directly by the Group. 

The fair value of the Scheme assets at the year end date is analysed as follows:

Liability-driven investments

Bonds (excluding those held as part of the liability-driven investment portfolio)

Portfolio funds

Exchange-traded futures and over-the-counter derivatives

Cash

26. Share-based payments

2017

2016

Of which not 
quoted in an 
active market 
£m

1.6

–

10.9

1.5

–

14.0

Value 
£m

521.8

99.1

369.1

2.1

37.1

1,029.2

Of which not 
quoted in an 
active market 
£m

20.7

–

–

36.8

–

57.5

 Value 
£m

562.0

128.9

359.3

0.4

42.6

1,093.2

Share-based payments are remuneration payments to selected employees that take the form of an award of shares in Schroders plc. 
Employees are generally not able to exercise such awards in full until three years after the award has been made, although conditions vary 
between different types of award. The accounting for share-based awards settled by transferring shares to the employees (equity-settled) 
differs from the accounting for similar awards settled in cash (cash-settled). The charge for equity-settled share-based payments is 
determined based on the fair value of the award on the grant date or, in the case of grandfathered awards arising on business 
combinations, the fair value of the share awards at the acquisition date. Such awards can include share options or share awards which may 
or may not have performance criteria. The initial fair value of the award takes into account the current value of shares expected to be issued 
(i.e. estimates of the likely levels of forfeiture and achievement of performance criteria), the contribution, if required, by the employee and 
the time value of money. This initial fair value is charged to the income statement reflecting benefits received from employment, where 
relevant, in the performance period and over the vesting period. The income statement charge is offset by a credit to the statement of 
changes in equity, where the award is expected to be settled through the issue of shares. Such awards constituted 7.7% (2016: 7.2%) of 
salaries and other remuneration.

The Group may make share-based payments to employees through awards over or linked to the value of ordinary and non-voting ordinary 
shares and by the grant of market value share options over ordinary or non-voting ordinary shares. These arrangements involve a maximum 
term of 10 years.

It is the Group’s practice to hedge all awards to eliminate the impact of changes in the market value of shares between the grant date and 
the exercise date.

Awards that lapse or are forfeited during the vesting period result in a credit to the income statement (reversing the previous charge) in the 
year in which they lapse or are forfeited.

135

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017Financial statementsFinancial statements

Notes to the accounts

26. Share-based payments continued
The Group recognised total expenses of £62.0 million (2016: £52.4 million) arising from share-based payment transactions during the year, 
of which £60.5 million (2016: £51.5 million) were equity-settled share-based payment transactions. There were no exceptional costs included 
within equity-settled share-based payments during 2017 (2016: £0.9 million).

The Group has the following share-based payment arrangements (further details of the current schemes may be found in the 
Remuneration report):

(a) 2000 Equity Compensation Plan and 2011 Equity Compensation Plan

Awards over ordinary and non-voting ordinary shares made under the Group’s Equity Compensation Plans are charged at fair value as 
‘Operating expenses’ in the income statement. There are no performance conditions attached to the awards. For the 2000 Equity 
Compensation Plan the fair value of an award is calculated using the market value of the shares at the date of grant, discounted for the 
dividends forgone over the average holding period of the award. For the 2011 Equity Compensation Plan the fair value of an award is 
calculated using the market value of the shares on the date of grant. The fair value charges, adjusted to reflect actual levels of vesting, are 
spread over the performance period and the vesting period of the awards. The award is structured as a nil-cost option.

Rights outstanding at 1 January

Granted

Forfeited

Exercised

Rights outstanding at 31 December

Vested

Unvested

2017

2016

Number of 
ordinary
 shares
Millions

Number of 
non-voting 
ordinary shares 
Millions

Number of 
ordinary
 shares
Millions

Number of 
non-voting 
ordinary shares 
Millions

6.9

1.7

(0.1)

(2.0)

6.5

1.7

4.8

0.3

–

–

–

0.3

0.2

0.1

6.9

2.1

(0.1)

(2.0)

6.9

1.9

5.0

0.2

0.1

–

–

0.3

0.2

0.1

Weighted average fair value of share granted (£)

Weighted average share price at dates of exercise (£)

30.97

32.05

22.54

22.91

26.26

27.13

20.35

20.91

The weighted average exercise price per share is nil.

A charge of £35.8 million (2016: £42.3 million) was recognised during the financial year.

The table below shows the expected charges for awards issued under the Equity Compensation Plan to be expensed in future years:

2018

2019

2020

(b) Deferred Award Plan

£m

13.5

4.7

0.6

18.8

Awards over ordinary shares made under the Group’s Deferred Award Plan are charged at fair value as ‘Operating expenses’ in the income 
statement. There are no performance conditions attached to the awards. The fair value of an award is calculated using the market value of 
the shares on the date of grant. The fair value charges, adjusted to reflect actual levels of vesting, are spread over the performance period 
and the vesting periods of the awards. Typically, one third of an award will vest and become exercisable on each of the first, second and third 
anniversaries of the grant date. The award is structured as a nil-cost option.

A charge of £14.2 million (2016: nil) was recognised during the financial year. This relates to performance year 2017 for awards which are 
expected to be granted in March 2018.

(c) Equity Incentive Plan

Awards over ordinary shares made under the Group’s Equity Incentive Plan are charged at fair value to the income statement over a 
five-year vesting period. Fair value is determined at the date of grant and is equal to the market value at that time. The award is structured 
as a nil-cost option.

136

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 201726. Share-based payments continued

Rights outstanding at 1 January

Granted

Forfeited

Exercised

Rights outstanding at 31 December

Vested

Unvested

Weighted average fair value of share granted (£)

Weighted average share price at dates of exercise (£)

The weighted average exercise price per share is nil.

2017  
Number of 
ordinary
 shares
Millions

2016
Number of
ordinary
 shares
Millions

2.1

0.2

(0.1)

(0.1)

2.1

0.2

1.9

2.1

0.4

(0.1)

(0.3)

2.1

 0.2

1.9

34.52

33.44

 27.60

26.11

A charge of £8.5 million (2016: £7.7 million) was recognised during the financial year.

The table below shows the expected charges for awards issued under the Equity Incentive Plan to be expensed in future years:

2018

2019

2020

2021

2022

(d) Long Term Incentive Plan

£m

9.1

6.4

3.7

2.2

0.7

22.1

Awards over ordinary and non-voting ordinary shares made under the Group’s Long Term Incentive Plan are charged at fair value to the 
income statement over a four-year vesting period. Fair value is calculated using the market value of the shares at the grant date, discounted 
for dividends forgone over the vesting period of the award and adjusted based on an estimate at the year end date of the extent to which 
the performance conditions are expected to be met. The award is structured as a nil-cost option.

2017

2016

Number of 
ordinary  
shares  
Millions

Number of 
non-voting  
ordinary shares  
Millions

Number of 
ordinary  
shares  
Millions

Number of 
non-voting 
ordinary shares  
Millions

Rights outstanding at 1 January

Granted

Forfeited

Exercised

Rights outstanding at 31 December – unvested

Weighted average fair value of share granted (£)

Weighted average share price at dates of exercise (£)

The weighted average exercise price per share is nil.

0.4

–

(0.1)

(0.1)

0.2

27.26

31.11

0.1

–

–

–

0.1

–

–

0.8

–

(0.2)

(0.2)

0.4

23.03

26.98

A charge of £0.4 million (2016: £0.9 million credit) was recognised during the financial year.

The table below shows the expected charges for awards issued under the Long Term Incentive Plan to be expensed in future years:

2018

2019

2020

0.1

–

–

–

0.1

17.21

21.52

£m

0.3

0.2

0.1

0.6

137

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017Financial statementsFinancial statements

Notes to the accounts

26. Share-based payments continued
(e) Share Incentive Plan

The employee monthly share purchase plan is open to UK permanent employees and provides free shares from the Group to match the 
employee purchase up to a maximum of £100 per month. The shares vest after one year.

Pursuant to this plan, the Group purchased 52,796 ordinary shares in 2017 (2016: 59,933) at a weighted average share price of £32.51 
(2016: £26.42). A charge of £1.6 million (2016: £1.5 million) was recognised during the financial year.

(f) Restricted and Growth Share Plan

Awards under this plan were made by Cazenove Capital in June 2011 to certain employees. Following the Group’s acquisition of Cazenove 
Capital in 2013, the awards were modified to be settled in ordinary and non-voting ordinary shares of Schroders plc. The awards did not 
have performance conditions attached and vested in three equal tranches between three and five years from the date of award. The Group 
does not intend to make any further awards under the Plan. The fair value of awards made under the Plan at the acquisition date was 
spread over the performance and vesting periods. The fair value, at the acquisition date, of the award attributable to the pre-acquisition part 
of the vesting period formed part of the cost of acquisition and was not charged to the income statement. There were no outstanding 
awards under this plan as at 31 December 2016 and this plan is now closed.

Rights outstanding at 1 January

Exercised

Rights outstanding at 31 December – unvested

Weighted average share price at dates of exercise (£)

2017

2016

Number of
ordinary
 shares
Millions

Number of 
non-voting 
ordinary shares
Millions

Number of
ordinary
 shares
Millions

Number of 
non-voting 
ordinary shares
Millions

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

0.5

(0.5)

–

0.5

(0.5)

–

26.70

20.23

A charge of £0.9 million was recognised in 2016 and included within exceptional items.

27. Related party transactions

Transactions between the Group and parties related to the Group are required to be disclosed to the extent that they are necessary for an 
understanding of the potential effect of the relationship on the financial statements. Other disclosures, such as key management personnel 
compensation, are also required.

The Group is not deemed to be controlled or jointly controlled by a party directly or through intermediaries under accounting standards.

As a result the related parties of the Group are members of the Group, including associates and joint ventures, key management personnel, 
close family members of key management personnel and any entity controlled by those parties.

Cash transactions with associates or joint ventures are reported in the Consolidated cash flow statement and in note 11. During 2016, the Group 
provided a £2.1 million unsecured loan facility to NEOS which expires on 22 March 2021. At 31 December 2017, NEOS had fully drawn down this 
facility (2016: £1.3 million).

£66.9 million (2016: £20.7 million) was held in customer accounts. All amounts were payable to key management personnel or their 
related parties.

Some of the plan assets of the Schroders Retirement Benefit Scheme are invested within Life funds controlled by the Group. At 31 December 
2017, the fair value of these assets was £244.4 million (2016: £231.0 million).

Peter Harrison has an interest in 100,252 shares (2016: 100,252) in an associate of the Group, RWC Partners Limited, representing 5.1% 
(2016: 5.1%) of its issued share capital.

Transactions between the Group and its related parties were made at market rates. Any amounts outstanding are unsecured and will be settled 
in cash. No guarantees have been given or received.

138

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 201727. Related party transactions continued
Key management personnel compensation
Key management personnel are defined as members of the Board or the Group Management Committee. The remuneration of key 
management personnel during the year was as follows:

Type of remuneration

Typical composition of this type of benefit

Short-term employee benefits

Salary and upfront bonus

Share-based payments

Other long-term benefits

Termination benefits

Deferred share awards

Deferred cash awards

Termination benefits

Post-employment benefits

Pension plans

2017
£m

21.8

10.7

11.3

0.5

0.1

44.4

2016
£m

27.4

8.7

13.5

3.4

0.2

53.2

The remuneration of key management personnel is based on individual performance and market rates. The remuneration policy (which applies 
to Directors and management) is described in more detail in the Remuneration report.

28. Interests in structured entities

Structured entities are those entities that have been designed so that voting or similar rights are not the dominant factor in deciding who 
has control, such as when any voting rights relate to administrative tasks only, or when the relevant activities are directed by means of 
contractual arrangements. The Group’s interests in consolidated and unconsolidated structured entities are described below.

The Group has interests in structured entities as a result of contractual arrangements arising from its principal activity, the management of 
assets on behalf of its clients. AUM, excluding deposits by Wealth Management clients and some segregated client portfolios held within the 
Institutional channel of the Group’s Asset Management business, are managed within structured entities. These structured entities typically 
consist of investment vehicles such as Open Ended Investment Companies, Authorised Unit Trusts, Limited Partnerships and Sociétés 
d’Investissement à Capital Variable, which entitle investors to a percentage of the vehicle’s net asset value. The vehicles are financed by the 
purchase of units or shares by investors. The Group also has interests in structured entities through proprietary investments. These are 
mainly into vehicles which help facilitate the Group’s stated aim of generating a return on investment capital and when it deploys seed and 
co-investment capital in developing new investment strategies. The Group does not have any contractual relationships with, or interests in, 
structured entities related to AUA. Additionally, the Group holds interests in structured entities for liquidity management purposes, for 
example via investments in money market funds.

The Group does not guarantee returns on the investments it manages or commit to financially support its structured entities. A small 
proportion of the Group’s AUM, principally real estate funds, are permitted to raise finance through loans from banks and other financial 
institutions. Where external finance is raised, the Group does not provide a guarantee for the repayment of any borrowings.

The business activity of all structured entities in which the Group has an interest, is the management of assets in order to generate 
investment returns for investors from capital appreciation and/or investment income. The Group earns a management fee from its 
structured entities, normally based on a percentage of the entity’s net asset value, committed capital value or gross asset value and, where 
contractually agreed, a performance fee, based on outperformance against predetermined benchmarks. In addition, where the Group owns 
a proportion of the structured entity it is entitled to receive investment returns.

(a) Interests arising from managing assets
The Group’s interests in structured entities arising as a result of contractual relationships from its principal activity, the management of assets on 
behalf of its clients, are reflected in the Group’s AUM.

Asset Management

Wealth Management

Asset Management

Wealth Management

2017

AUM outside of  
structured  
entities
£bn

AUM within 
consolidated  
structured  
entities 
£bn

AUM within  
unconsolidated  
structured  
entities 
£bn

180.4

39.7

220.1

197.1

6.2

203.3

12.3

–

12.3

2016

AUM outside of  
structured  
entities
£bn

AUM within 
consolidated  
structured  
entities 
£bn

AUM within  
unconsolidated  
structured  
entities 
£bn

173.7

33.8

207.5

10.8

–

10.8

161.9

5.8

167.7

Total 
£bn

389.8

45.9

435.7

Total 
£bn

346.4

39.6

386.0

139

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017Financial statementsFinancial statements

Notes to the accounts

28. Interests in structured entities continued
Certain AUM is managed in pooled vehicles that are not considered to be structured entities. Within Asset Management, this occurs either 
because it is formed of segregated investment portfolios for Institutional clients comprising directly-held investments in individual financial 
instruments, or because the voting structures of the vehicles themselves allow the investment manager to be removed without cause. Within 
Wealth Management AUM is not considered to be within structured entities due to contractual relationships existing with clients rather than 
structured entities, for example discretionary and advisory asset management and banking services. In addition, Wealth Management AUM in 
the form of loans and advances to customers is conducted outside of structured entities.

Certain structured entities are deemed to be controlled by the Group and are accounted for as subsidiaries and consolidated in accordance with 
IFRS 10. AUM within consolidated structured entities represents the net assets of the beneficial interest in the consolidated structured entity 
owned by third parties.

AUM within unconsolidated structured entities constitutes the remaining balance, represented principally by the net asset value of pooled 
vehicles managed for Intermediary clients, as well as some assets invested in pooled vehicles on behalf of Institutional and Wealth Management 
clients. The Group’s beneficial interest in structured entities is not included within AUM and is described separately below.

The Group has no direct exposure to losses in relation to the AUM reported above, as the investment risk is borne by clients. The main risk the 
Group faces from its interest in AUM managed on behalf of clients is the loss of fee income as a result of the withdrawal of funds by clients. 
Outflows from funds are dependant on market sentiment, asset performance and investor considerations.

Fee income includes £1,367.6 million (2016: £1,182.3 million) of fees from structured entities managed by the Group. The table below shows the 
carrying value of the Group’s interests in structured entities as a result of its management of assets, where income is accrued over the period for 
which assets are managed before being invoiced. The carrying value represents the Group’s maximum exposure to loss from these interests.

Fee debtors1

Accrued income1

Total exposure due to asset management activities

1.  Recognised in trade and other receivables.

2017 
£m

16.5

192.5

209.0

2016 
£m

16.8

156.9

173.7

(b) Interest arising from the Group’s investment in unconsolidated structured entities
The table below shows the carrying values of the Group’s proprietary investments in unconsolidated structured entities, which resulted in net 
gains on financial instruments and other income of £9.4 million (2016: £7.5 million). The carrying values represent the Group’s maximum 
exposure to loss from these interests.

Cash and cash equivalents

Financial assets

Total exposure due to the Group’s investments

2017
£m

103.0

588.1

691.1

2016
£m

320.0

478.2

798.2

The Group’s proprietary investments include interests in unconsolidated structured entities in the form of cash and cash equivalents and 
financial assets. Cash and cash equivalents comprise investments in money market funds, of which £26.5 million (2016: £30.2 million) is 
managed by the Group. Financial assets comprise investments in pooled vehicles and legacy private equity investments and include seed and 
co-investment capital and hedges of deferred cash awards (see note 16). Of the financial assets, £583.6 million (2016: £470.2 million) is invested 
in funds managed by the Group. The Group has no interest apart from its role as investor in those funds for which it does not act as manager. 
The main risk the Group faces from its interests in unconsolidated structured entities arising from proprietary investments is that the 
investments will decrease in value. Note 19 includes further information on the Group’s exposure to market risk arising from proprietary 
investments.

Following the Group’s acquisition of Adveq Holding AG (see note 29), the Group has a contractual obligation to provide 1% of committed capital 
to certain structured entities of the acquiree. See note 24 for the Group’s investment call commitments at 31 December 2017.

The Group’s statement of financial position also includes the Life Company assets of £13,986.4 million (2016: £12,927.6 million), which are 
included in the AUM information presented on page 139. The exposure to the risks and rewards associated with these assets is borne by 
unit-linked policyholders, or, where Life Company funds are consolidated, third party investors in those funds.

Financial support for consolidated structured entities where there is no contractual obligation to do so
The Group supports some of its funds through the injection of seed capital in order to enable the funds to establish a track record before they 
are more widely marketed. During the year, the Group purchased units at a cost of £189.4 million (2016: £129.6 million) to provide seed capital 
to investment funds managed by the Group, of which £162.2 million (2016: £114.0 million) resulted in the consolidation of those funds, and 
£27.2 million (2016: £15.6 million) did not.

140

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 201729. Business combinations

The Group applies the acquisition method to account for business combinations. The consideration transferred for the acquisition of a 
subsidiary is the fair values of the assets transferred, the liabilities incurred to the former owners of the acquiree and any equity interests 
issued by the Group. The consideration transferred includes the fair value of any asset or liability resulting from a contingent consideration 
arrangement. Identifiable assets acquired and liabilities and contingent liabilities assumed in a business combination are measured initially 
at their fair values at the acquisition date. The Group recognises any non-controlling interest (NCI) in the acquiree on an acquisition-by- 
acquisition basis, either at fair value or at the NCI proportionate share of the recognised amounts of the acquiree’s identifiable net assets.

The Group completed five business combinations during the year.

The most significant of these transactions completed on 31 July 2017 when the Group acquired 100% of the issued share capital of Adveq 
Holding AG (Adveq), a Swiss-registered holding company of a private equity management group for a total consideration of £141.3 million. The 
acquisition contributed £6.0 billion of Asset Management AUM and strengthens the Group’s private assets capabilities.

On 17 February 2017, the Group acquired the discretionary wealth management business of C. Hoare & Co. for a consideration of £72.0 million. 
The acquisition contributed £2.5 billion of discretionary Wealth Management AUM and increases the Group’s scale and capability for its UK 
private clients.

On 1 September 2017 and 4 December 2017, Benchmark Capital, a 65% subsidiary of the Group, acquired 100% of the issued share capital of 
Brian Potter Consultants Limited and Alderbrook Financial Planning Limited respectively. The combined consideration for these transactions was 
£2.1 million. 

On 1 November 2017, the Group acquired 100% of the issued share capital of Chilcomb Wealth Ltd, a UK-based wealth manager, for a 
consideration of £1.7 million. 

Net assets acquired
The fair values of the net assets acquired in the transactions together with the goodwill and intangible assets arising are as follows:

Net assets acquired:

Cash

Trade and other receivables

Other assets

Trade and other payables

Other liabilities

Tangible net assets

Goodwill

Intangible assets arising on acquisition

Deferred tax arising on Intangible assets

Total

Satisfied by:

Cash

Contingent consideration1

Total

Adveq 
£m

C. Hoare & Co.2 
£m

Other 
£m

11.3

26.4

39.3

(23.8)

(38.4)

14.8

98.4

33.9

(5.8)

141.3

–

–

–

–

–

–

50.0

26.5

(4.5)

72.0

Adveq 
£m

C. Hoare & Co.2
£m

117.9

23.4

141.3

72.0

–

72.0

0.6

0.1

–

(0.1)

(0.1)

0.5

–

3.9

(0.6)

3.8

Other 
£m

3.8

–

3.8

Total 
£m

11.9

26.5

39.3

(23.9)

(38.5)

15.3

148.4

64.3

(10.9)

217.1

Total 
£m

193.7

23.4

217.1

1.  Contingent consideration of £23.4 million is payable under the terms of the share purchase agreement for Adveq. This amount is contingent upon the receipt of 

future revenues over a number of years. The estimated range of amounts that will ultimately be payable is between £16 million and £114 million.

2.  The discretionary wealth management business of C. Hoare & Co.

141

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017Financial statementsFinancial statements

Notes to the accounts

29. Business combinations continued
Adveq
Goodwill arising on the acquisition of Adveq represents the value of the acquired business arising from:

 – A broader platform for business growth;

 – Talented management and employees; and

 – Opportunities for synergies from combining certain activities.

Goodwill arising on the acquisition of Adveq will not be deductible for tax purposes.

In the period between the acquisition date on 31 July 2017 and 31 December 2017, Adveq contributed £19.8 million to the Group’s net income. 
The contribution to profit before tax and exceptional items was £4.6 million and exceptional costs of £2.7 million were incurred, including 
charges in respect of amortisation of the acquired intangible assets, other interest charges and restructuring costs. Additionally, acquisition 
costs of £1.1 million were recorded within ‘Operating expenses’ and classified as exceptional in the Consolidated income statement.

If the acquisition had been completed on 1 January 2017, the Group’s pre-exceptional net income for the year would have been £2,091.4 million, 
and the profit before tax and exceptional items for the year on the same basis would have been £801.6 million.

Discretionary wealth management business of C. Hoare & Co.
The goodwill arising on the acquisition represents the value of the acquired business arising from:

 – A broader platform for business growth;

 – Talented management and employees; and

 – Opportunities for synergies from combining certain Wealth Management operations.

Goodwill arising on the acquisition will not be deductible for tax purposes.

In the period between the date of acquisition and 31 December 2017, the discretionary wealth management business of C. Hoare & Co. 
contributed £18.3 million to the Group’s pre-exceptional net income within the Wealth Management segment. The contribution to profit before 
tax and exceptional items was £13.3 million and exceptional operating expenses of £3.3 million were incurred in respect of amortisation of 
acquired intangible assets.

If the acquisition had completed on 1 January 2017, the Group’s pre-exceptional net income for the year would have been £2,071.5 million. Profit 
before tax and exceptional items for the year on the same basis would have been £802.4 million.

Estimates and judgements
The fair value of certain items of consideration, assets acquired and liabilities assumed requires some estimation. For contingent 
consideration payable on the acquisition of Adveq this estimation required assumptions regarding the level of management fees that will be 
earned over the relevant period and carried interest revenue that will be generated. The most judgemental estimation was in respect of 
carried interest revenue, which required assumptions on growth rates and crystallisation dates for each fund on which carried interest is 
earned and an appropriate discount rate.

Certain assets acquired, including intangible assets arising on acquisition, as well as liabilities assumed also required some estimation. 
The key assumptions included those in respect of carried interest revenue for Adveq as set out above, and management fees relating to all 
acquisitions. The assumptions affect the impact of carried interest upon the contingent consideration, revenue receivable, employee rights 
to carried interest and third party interests through co-investment arrangements. 

The net impact of changes to these assumptions would be to change the carrying value of individual assets and liabilities with a 
corresponding change to goodwill. The reasonable range of potential outcomes of contingent consideration (undiscounted) is between 
£16 million and £114 million, compared with the Group’s estimate of the amount payable of £23.4 million.

142

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017Presentation of the financial statements
(a) Basis of preparation
The consolidated financial statements are prepared in accordance 
with IFRS, as adopted by the European Union (EU), which comprise 
Standards and Interpretations approved by either the International 
Accounting Standards Board (IASB) or the IFRS Interpretations 
Committee or their predecessors, and with those parts of the 
Companies Act 2006 applicable to companies reporting under IFRS.

The consolidated financial information presented within these 
financial statements has been prepared on the going concern basis 
under the historical cost convention, except for the measurement at 
fair value of derivative financial instruments and financial assets and 
liabilities that are available-for-sale or held at fair value through profit 
or loss, liabilities in respect of deferred cash awards and certain 
deposits both with banks and by customers and banks (including 
those that relate to bullion).

The statement of financial position is shown in order of liquidity. The 
classification between current and non-current is set out in the notes. 
The Group’s Life Company business is reported separately. If the 
assets and liabilities of the Group’s Life Company business were to be 
included within existing captions on the Group’s statement of financial 
position, the effect would be to gross up a number of individual line 
items to a material extent. By not doing this, the Group can provide a 
more transparent presentation that shows the assets of the Life 
Company and the related unit-linked liabilities as separate and distinct 
from the remainder of the Group’s statement of financial position.

The Group’s principal accounting policies have been consistently 
applied. Further information is provided below and highlighted in the 
notes to the accounts.

(b) Future accounting developments
The Group did not implement the requirements of any Standards or 
Interpretations which were in issue and which were not required to be 
adopted at the year end date. No Standards endorsed by the EU that 
had an impact on the Group became effective during the year.

The Standards and Interpretations relevant to the Group that had 
been issued but not yet adopted at the year end were:

IFRS 9

IFRS 15

IFRS 16

IFRIC 23

Financial Instruments

Revenue from Contracts with Customers

Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments

Leases 

No other Standards issued and not yet effective are expected to have 
an impact on the Group’s financial statements.

(i) IFRS 9 Financial Instruments
IFRS 9 will replace the classification and measurement models for 
financial instruments currently contained in IAS 39 Financial 
Instruments: Recognition and Measurement. IFRS 9 was endorsed by 
the EU in November 2016 and is effective for accounting periods 
beginning on or after 1 January 2018.

On adoption of IFRS 9 the Group’s financial assets will be reclassified 
as either at amortised cost, fair value through other comprehensive 
income or fair value through profit or loss. The financial asset 
classification will be determined on the basis of the contractual cash 
flow characteristics of the instruments and the Group’s business 
model for the collection of cash flows arising from its investments.

Financial assets will be measured at amortised cost if they are held 
within a business model whose objective is to hold financial assets in 
order to collect contractual cash flows, and their contractual cash 
flows represent solely payments of principal and interest. Financial 
assets will be measured at fair value through other comprehensive 
income if they are held within a business model whose objective is 
achieved by both collecting contractual cash flows and selling financial 

assets and their contractual cash flows represent solely payments 
of principal and interest. 

Other financial assets are measured at fair value through profit and 
loss. An irrevocable election exists for non-traded equity investments 
to be measured at fair value through other comprehensive income, 
in which case dividends are recognised in profit or loss, but gains or 
losses are recorded in other comprehensive income and are not 
reclassified to profit or loss upon derecognition.

For the Group, the adoption of IFRS 9 will result in certain investments 
in debt instruments being reclassified from available-for-sale in 
accordance with IAS 39 to fair value through profit or loss under 
IFRS 9. This change is driven by the cash flows from these investments 
(typically relating to investments in pooled investment vehicles) not 
relating solely to principal or interest.

The table below sets out the expected impact of reclassifying the 
Group’s financial assets in accordance with IFRS 9 following its 
adoption on 1 January 2018.

IAS 39 classifications:

Financial assets at amortised cost

Available-for-sale

Fair value through profit or loss

Total financial assets

IFRS 9 classifications:

Financial assets at amortised cost

Fair value through other comprehensive income

Fair value through profit or loss

Total financial assets

£m

1,492.2

994.9

993.7

3,480.8

£m

1,492.2

925.4

1,063.2

3,480.8

Based on the Group’s interests in financial instruments at 
31 December 2017, the Group estimates that the adoption of IFRS 9 
will result in a reduction in the Group’s net assets of approximately 
£1 million before tax. The reduction is driven by the impairment 
requirements on financial assets measured at amortised cost.

IFRS 9 introduces an expected loss model for the assessment of 
impairment. The current incurred loss model (under IAS 39) requires 
the Group to recognise impairment losses when there is objective 
evidence that an asset is impaired. Under the expected loss model, 
impairment losses are recorded if there is an expectation of credit 
losses, even in the absence of a default event.

If IFRS 9 had been applied during the year ended 31 December 2017, 
the impact on the Group’s income statement would have been 
immaterial.

The Group does not expect to restate comparatives on adoption 
of IFRS 9 on 1 January 2018 but will provide additional transitional 
disclosures, including additional information in relation to expected 
credit losses. 

(ii) IFRS 15 Revenue from Contracts with Customers
IFRS 15 has been endorsed by the EU and will replace the current 
requirements contained in IAS 18 Revenue, IAS 11 Construction 
Contracts and related interpretations when it becomes effective 
on 1 January 2018.

The standard introduces a five step model for recognising revenue, 
which consists of identifying the contract with the customer; 
identifying the relevant performance obligations; determining the 
amount of consideration to be received under the contract; allocating 
the consideration to each performance obligation; and earning the 
revenue as the performance obligations are satisfied.

143

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017Financial statementsFinancial statements

Notes to the accounts

Presentation of the financial statements continued
Applying the standard requires judgement, particularly in relation to 
rolling contracts which renew automatically and include revenues 
which are variable under the terms of the contract as there is 
uncertainty as to the exact duration of the contract and or the 
revenues that will be received.

In readiness for the implementation of IFRS 15, the Group has 
performed a detailed review of its contracts with customers. Having 
completed this review, the Group does not expect the implementation 
of IFRS 15 to have a material impact on its results. The adoption of the 
standard will require changes to certain disclosures presented in the 
Group’s financial statements.

(iii) IFRS 16 Leases
IFRS 16 Leases was issued on 13 January 2016 and replaces IAS 17 
Leases. The standard is effective for annual periods beginning on or 
after 1 January 2019. IFRS 16 requires that all operating leases in 
excess of one year, where the Group is the lessee, are included on the 
Group’s statement of financial position. This will result in the Group 
being required to recognise a right-of-use (ROU) asset and a lease 
liability (representing the obligation to make lease payments). The 
ROU asset and lease liability are calculated based on the expected 
payments, requiring an assessment as to the likely effect of renewal 
options, and are discounted using the relevant incremental borrowing 
rate.

The ROU asset will be amortised on a straight-line basis with the 
interest expense on the lease liability being measured using the 
effective interest method (see note 2). The interest charge on the 
lease liability results in the earlier recognition of a proportion of the 
total lease expense. IFRS 16 contains optional exemptions for both 
short-term leases (less than 12 months) and for small-value leases.

The Group expects that IFRS 16 will not have a material impact on its 
net assets when it is adopted on 1 January 2019. There will be some 
impact to the Group’s income statement as a result of the earlier 
recognition of the lease expense referred to above. The adoption of 
the standard will give rise to a material increase to both the Group’s 
total assets and total liabilities, which will be driven by the lease 
commitments outstanding at the date of adoption. The Group’s 
operating lease commitments at 31 December 2017 were 
£502.8 million (see note 24). The final impact will be dependent 
on certain factors that will not be known until closer to the 
implementation date, including the relevant discount rate.

(iv) IFRIC 23 Uncertainty over Income Tax Treatments
On 7 June 2017, the IASB issued IFRIC 23 Uncertainty over Income Tax 
Treatments. The interpretation provides clarification as to how the 
recognition and measurement requirements of IAS 12 Income Tax 
should be applied. The Group has assessed the impact of IFRIC 23 and 
does not expect it to have a material impact when it becomes effective 
on 1 January 2019.

(c) Basis of consolidation
The consolidated financial information includes the total 
comprehensive gains or losses, the financial position and the cash 
flows of the Company and its subsidiaries, associates and joint 
ventures. Details of the Company’s related undertakings are 
presented in note 38. This includes share ownership trusts established 
for certain share-based awards. In the case of associates and joint 
ventures, those entities are presented as single line items in the 
Income statement and Statement of financial position (see note 11). 
Intercompany transactions and balances are eliminated on 
consolidation. Consistent accounting policies have been applied 
across the Group in the preparation of the consolidated financial 
statements.

The entities included in the consolidation may vary year on year due 
to both the restructuring of the Group (including acquisitions and 
disposals) and changes to the number and net assets of pooled 
investment vehicles managed by the Group where the shareholding 
in the year results in control, as defined by IFRS. 

144

In such cases, the investment vehicle is consolidated and the third 
party interest is normally recorded as a financial liability. This 
consolidation has no net effect on the Income statement.

This treatment continues until the Group loses control, as defined by 
IFRS.

(d) Net gains and losses on foreign exchange
Many subsidiaries are denominated in currencies other than sterling 
The results of these subsidiaries are translated at the average rate of 
exchange. At the year end, the assets and liabilities are translated at 
the closing rate of exchange. Gains or losses on translation are 
recorded in the Statement of comprehensive income and as a 
separate component of equity together with gains or losses on any 
hedges of overseas operations. Such gains or losses are transferred to 
the Income statement on disposal or liquidation of the relevant 
subsidiary.

Transactions undertaken in foreign currencies are translated into the 
functional currency of the subsidiary at the exchange rate prevailing 
on the date of the transaction. Foreign currency assets and liabilities 
are translated into the functional currency at the rates of exchange 
ruling at the year end date. Any exchange differences arising are 
included within ‘Net gains on financial instruments and other income’ 
in the Income statement unless they relate to non-monetary items 
where such gains or losses are recognised directly in other 
comprehensive income. 

(e) Estimates and judgements
The preparation of the financial statements in conformity with IFRS 
requires the use of certain critical accounting estimates. It also 
requires management to exercise its judgement in the process of 
applying the Group’s accounting policies and in determining whether 
certain assets and liabilities should be recorded or an impairment 
recognised. Any areas involving a higher degree of judgement or 
complexity, or areas where assumptions and estimates are significant 
to the financial statements, are disclosed within the notes and 
identified under the title estimates and judgements. Estimates and 
judgements used in preparing the financial statements are 
periodically evaluated and are based on historical experience and 
other factors, including expectations of future events that are believed 
to be reasonable. The resulting accounting estimates may not equal 
the related actual results.

The estimates and judgements that could have a significant effect on 
the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities are set out in the 
following notes:

Note 6

Note 10

Note 13

Note 17

Note 18

Note 25

Note 29

Tax expense 

Financial assets 

Goodwill and intangible assets 

Financial liabilities

Provisions and contingent liabilities 

Retirement benefit obligations 

Business combinations

In applying IFRS 10 Consolidated Financial Statements, the Group 
uses judgement to determine whether its interests in funds (and 
other entities), including those held by the Group’s Life Company, 
constitute controlling interests. The Group has interests in funds 
through its role as fund manager and through its proprietary 
investments in funds. The Group considers all relevant facts and 
circumstances in assessing whether it has power over specific funds 
or other entities. This includes consideration of the purpose and 
design of an investee, the extent of the Group’s exposure to variability 
of returns as an investor and, where appropriate, as a fund manager, 
and the Group’s ability to direct the relevant activities, including 
whether it has substantive or protective rights through voting rights 
and potential voting rights. These considerations are reassessed if 
there are indications that circumstances have changed since the 
original assessment.

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017Schroders plc – Statement of financial position

Assets

Trade and other receivables

Retirement benefit scheme surplus

Investments in subsidiaries

Total assets

Liabilities

Trade and other payables

Deferred tax

Total liabilities

Net assets

Equity at 1 January

Profit for the year

Other changes in equity

Equity at 31 December

Notes

2017
£m

2016
£m

32

25

38

33

34

1,357.6

162.9

3,092.6

4,613.1

54.9

19.9

74.8

1,176.4

118.2

3,092.6

4,387.2

61.5

12.7

74.2

4,538.3

4,313.0

4,313.0

458.2

(232.9)

4,538.3

4,112.1

441.6

(240.7)

4,313.0

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors on 28 February 2018 and signed on its behalf by:

Richard Keers

Director

Bruno Schroder

Director

145

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017Financial statementsFinancial statements

Schroders plc – Statement of changes in equity
for the year ended 31 December 2017

Notes

Share  
capital 
£m

282.7

Share  
premium 
£m

124.2

Own  
shares 
£m

(148.9)

At 1 January 2017

Profit for the year

Items that will not be reclassified to the income statement:

Actuarial gains on defined benefit pension scheme

25

Tax on items taken directly to other comprehensive income

Other comprehensive income

Total comprehensive income for the year

Shares cancelled

Own shares purchased

Share-based payments

Tax in respect of share schemes

Dividends

Transactions with shareholders

Transfers

At 31 December 2017

At 1 January 2016

Profit for the year

21

36

8

Notes

Items that will not be reclassified to the income statement:

Actuarial losses on defined benefit pension scheme

25

Tax on items taken directly to other comprehensive income

Other comprehensive losses

Total comprehensive income for the year

Shares issued

Own shares purchased

Share-based payments

Tax in respect of share schemes

Dividends

Transactions with shareholders

Transfers

At 31 December 2016

21

36

8

–

–

–

–

–

(0.2)

–

–

–

–

(0.2)

–

282.5

Share  
capital 
£m

282.5

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

0.2

–

282.7

Profit and  
loss  
reserve 
£m

Total 
£m

4,055.0

4,313.0

458.2

458.2

41.5

(7.0)

34.5

41.5

(7.0)

34.5

492.7

492.7

(5.2)

–

53.3

0.6

(267.6)

(218.9)

–

(53.7)

53.3

0.6

(267.6)

(267.4)

–

–

–

–

–

5.4

(53.7)

–

–

–

(48.3)

–

–

–

–

–

–

(55.1)

–

–

–

(55.1)

441.6

441.6

(1.6)

(0.1)

(1.7)

(1.6)

(0.1)

(1.7)

439.9

439.9

–

–

47.6

0.1

(236.6)

(188.9)

5.0

(55.1)

47.6

0.1

(236.6)

(239.0)

43.3

(43.3)

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

–

4.8

–

47.2

(47.2)

–

124.2

(150.0)

4,281.6

4,538.3

Share  
premium 
£m

Own  
shares 
£m

Profit and  
loss  
reserve 
£m

Total 
£m

119.4

(137.1)

3,847.3

4,112.1

0.2

4.8

124.2

(148.9)

4,055.0

4,313.0

The distributable profits of Schroders plc are £2.7 billion (2016: £2.5 billion) and comprise distributable retained profits of £2.8 billion (2016: £2.6 
billion), included within the ‘Profit and loss reserve’, less amounts held within the own shares reserve.

The Group’s ability to pay dividends is however restricted by the need to hold regulatory capital and to maintain sufficient other operating capital 
to support its ongoing business activities. In addition, the Group invests in its own funds as seed capital for the purposes of supporting new 
investment strategies. An analysis of the Group’s capital position is provided in note 19.

146

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017Schroders plc – Cash flow statement
for the year ended 31 December 2017

Profit before tax

Adjustments for:

Increase in trade and other receivables

(Decrease)/increase in trade and other payables

Net credit taken in respect of the defined benefit pension scheme

Share-based payments

Amounts received in respect of Group tax relief

Interest payable

Interest receivable

Net cash from operating activities

Cash flows from investing activities

Purchase of subsidiary

Net cash used in investing activities

Cash flows from financing activities

Loan received from a Group company

Acquisition of own shares

Dividends paid

Net cash used in financing activities

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

Opening cash and cash equivalents

Net decrease in cash and cash equivalents

Closing cash and cash equivalents

30. Significant accounting policies

2017
£m

453.9

2016
£m

433.0

(182.0)

(125.6)

(6.6)

(3.2)

53.3

6.2

–

(0.3)

3.2

(4.4)

47.6

9.1

0.2

0.1

321.3

363.2

–

–

–

(53.7)

(267.6)

(321.3)

–

–

–

–

(80.6)

(80.6)

9.0

(55.1)

(236.6)

(282.7)

(0.1)

0.1

(0.1)

–

The separate financial statements of Schroders plc (Company) have been prepared on a going concern basis in accordance with the 
Companies Act 2006 (Act) applicable to companies reporting under IFRS, and accounting policies that have been applied consistently. 
As permitted by the Act, the separate financial statements have been prepared in accordance with IFRS (as adopted by the European Union), 
which comprise standards and interpretations approved by either the International Accounting Standards Board or the IFRS Interpretations 
Committee or their predecessors, as at 31 December 2017. The Company has taken advantage of the exemption in section 408 of the Act not 
to present its own income statement and statement of comprehensive income.

The financial statements have been prepared on the historical cost basis. The principal accounting policies adopted are the same as those 
set out in the Group’s financial statement note disclosures, where applicable. In addition note 38 sets out the accounting policy in respect of 
investments in subsidiary undertakings.

147

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017Financial statementsFinancial statements

Schroders plc – Notes to the accounts

31. Expenses and other disclosures
The auditors’ remuneration for audit services to the Company was £0.6 million (2016: £0.5 million). There were no fees relating to further 
assurance services in the year (2016: nil).

Key management personnel compensation
The remuneration policy is described in more detail in the Remuneration report. The Company has no employees. The key management 
personnel of the Company are defined as the Board of Directors. The remuneration of key management personnel during the year 
was as follows:

Type of remuneration

Typical composition of this type of benefit

Short-term employee benefits

Salary and upfront bonus

Share-based payments

Other long-term benefits

Termination benefits

Deferred share awards

Deferred cash awards

Termination benefits

32. Trade and other receivables

Amounts due from subsidiaries

Other receivables

2017
£m

7.0

3.3

3.8

–

14.1

2016
£m

13.0

4.8

6.9

3.0

27.7

2017
£m

2016
£m

1,357.2

1,176.0

0.4

0.4

1,357.6

1,176.4

Trade and other receivables are initially recorded at fair value and subsequently at amortised cost. All trade and other receivables are due within 
one year or repayable on demand.

Amounts due from subsidiaries include £1,297.3 million (2016: £1,126.3 million) of interest-bearing loans and deposits.

33. Trade and other payables

Trade and other payables held at amortised cost:

Social security

Accruals

Other payables

Amounts owed to subsidiaries

2017

2016

Non-current 
£m

Current 
£m

Total 
£m

Non-current 
£m

Current 
£m

3.8

8.8

–

–

12.6

3.3

11.4

1.0

26.6

42.3

7.1

20.2

1.0

26.6

54.9

3.3

9.7

–

–

13.0

The Company’s trade and other payables mature in the following time periods:

Less than one year

1 – 2 years

2 – 3 years

3 – 4 years

Total 
£m

7.2

29.2

1.8

23.3

61.5

2016
£m

48.5

8.7

3.1

1.2

13.0

3.9

19.5

1.8

23.3

48.5

2017
£m

42.3

9.4

2.4

0.8

12.6

Amounts owed to subsidiaries include an interest-bearing loan of £21.5 million (2016: £21.5 million) that is repayable on demand.

54.9

61.5

148

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 201734. Deferred tax

At 1 January

Income statement charge/(credit)

Income statement charge/(credit) due to changes in tax rates

Charge/(credit) to statement of other comprehensive income

Charge to statement of other comprehensive income due to changes in tax rates

(Credit)/charge taken to equity

At 31 December

Deferred 
employee 
awards
£m

2017

Pension 
surplus
£m

(7.4)

0.1

0.1

–

–

(0.6)

(7.8)

20.1

0.7

(0.1)

7.0

–

–

27.7

Total
£m

12.7

0.8

–

7.0

–

(0.6)

19.9

Deferred 
employee 
awards
£m

2016

Pension 
surplus
£m

20.8

0.8

(1.6)

(0.3)

0.4

–

(6.8)

(1.3)

0.4

–

–

0.3

(7.4)

Total
£m

14.0

(0.5)

(1.2)

(0.3)

0.4

0.3

20.1

12.7

35. Financial instrument risk management
The Company’s policy is to have adequate capital for all activities undertaken in the normal course of business. In particular, it should have 
adequate capital to maintain sufficient liquid funds to meet peak working capital requirements. Generally, surplus capital is loaned back to the 
Group’s investment capital management entities.

The risk management processes of the Company are aligned with those of the Group as a whole. Details of the Group’s risk management 
processes are outlined in the ‘Key risks and mitigations’ section within the Strategic report and the ‘Risk and internal controls’ section within the 
Audit and Risk Committee report as well as in note 19. The Company’s specific risk exposures are explained below.

Credit risk
The Company has exposure to credit risk from its normal activities where the risk is that a counterparty will be unable to pay in full amounts 
when due. The Company’s counterparties are predominantly its subsidiaries and therefore there is minimal external credit risk exposure.

Liquidity risk
Liquidity risk is the risk that the Company cannot meet its obligations as they fall due or can only do so at a cost. The Group’s liquidity policy is to 
maintain sufficient liquidity to cover any cash flow funding, meet all obligations as they fall due and maintain solvency. The Company holds 
sufficient liquid funds to cover its needs in the normal course of business. The Company can recall intercompany loans to subsidiaries or utilise 
the Group loan facility to maintain sufficient liquidity.

Interest rate risk
Interest rate risk is the risk that the fair value of future cash flows of financial instruments will fluctuate because of changes in market interest 
rates.

At 31 December 2017, if interest rates had been 50 bps higher (2016: 50 bps higher) or 50 bps lower (2016: 25 bps lower) with all other variables 
held constant, the Company estimates that post-tax profit for the year would have increased by £5 million (2016: increased by £4 million) or 
decreased by £5 million (2016: decreased by £2 million) respectively. These changes are mainly as a result of net interest income on the 
Company’s interest-bearing intercompany receivables and payables and cash. Other components of equity are not directly affected by interest 
rate movements.

The model used to calculate the effect on post-tax profits does not take into account the indirect effect of interest rates on the fair value of other 
assets and liabilities.

Foreign exchange and pricing risk
Foreign exchange risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of financial instruments will fluctuate because of changes in foreign 
exchange rates. Pricing risk is the risk that the fair value or future cash flows of financial instruments will fluctuate because of changes in market 
prices. The Company is not directly exposed to foreign exchange or pricing risk. The Company’s investments in its directly-held subsidiaries are 
in sterling and are held at historic cost. It has indirect exposure to foreign exchange and pricing risk in the Group which could result in the 
impairment of these subsidiaries. There are currently sufficient resources in subsidiaries to absorb any normal market events.

36. Own shares
Movements in own shares during the year were as follows:

At 1 January

Own shares purchased

Own shares cancelled

Awards vested

At 31 December

2017
£m

(148.9)

(53.7)

5.4

47.2

2016
£m

(137.1)

(55.1)

–

43.3

(150.0)

(148.9)

During the year 1.7 million own shares (2016: 2.1 million own shares) were purchased and held for hedging share-based awards. 2.2 million 
shares (2016: 2.9 million shares) awarded to employees vested in the period and were transferred out of own shares.

149

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017Financial statementsFinancial statements

Schroders plc – Notes to the accounts

36. Own shares continued
The total number of shares in the Company held within the Company’s employee benefit trusts comprise:

Ordinary shares

Non-voting ordinary shares

Ordinary shares:

Cost

Fair value

Non-voting ordinary shares:

Cost

Fair value

Total:

Cost

Fair value

Number of 
vested 
shares 
Millions

2.0

0.2

2.2

Vested 
shares
£m

32.4

67.2

2.6

5.6

35.0

72.8

2017

Number of 
unvested 
shares 
Millions

6.0

0.1

6.1

2017

Unvested 
shares
£m

148.4

216.7

1.6

2.4

Total
Millions

8.0

0.3

8.3

Total
£m

180.8

283.9

4.2

8.0

150.0

219.1

185.0

291.9

Number of 
vested 
shares
Millions

2.0

0.2

2.2

Vested 
shares
£m

31.6

61.2

2.4

4.7

34.0

65.9

2016

Number of 
unvested 
shares 
Millions

6.5

0.1

6.6

2016

Unvested 
shares
£m

146.4

198.5

2.5

3.0

Total
Millions

8.5

0.3

8.8

Total
£m

178.0

259.7

4.9

7.7

148.9

201.5

182.9

267.4

37. Related party transactions
The Company is not deemed to be controlled or jointly controlled by a party directly or through intermediaries under IFRS. As a result the related 
parties of the Company comprise principally subsidiaries, joint ventures and associates, key management personnel, close family members of 
key management personnel and any entity controlled by those parties.

The Company has determined that key management personnel comprises only the Board of Directors.

Transactions between related parties
Details of transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries, which are related parties of the Company, and transactions between the 
Company and other related parties, excluding compensation (which is set out in note 31), are disclosed below:

Subsidiaries of the Company

Key management personnel

Subsidiaries of the Company

Key management personnel

Revenue
£m

479.3

0.2

Expenses
£m

11.3

–

Revenue
£m

467.2

0.2

Expenses
£m

9.3

–

2017

Interest 
receivable
£m

2.1

–

2016

Interest 
receivable
£m

2.9

–

Interest 
payable
£m

Amounts owed 
by related 
parties
£m

Amounts owed 
to related 
parties
£m

0.3

–

1,357.2

–

(26.6)

(54.1)

Interest 
payable
£m

Amounts owed 
by related 
parties
£m

Amounts owed 
to related 
parties
£m

0.3

–

1,176.0

–

(23.3)

(12.8)

Transactions with related parties were made at market rates. The amounts outstanding are unsecured and will be settled in cash. No expense 
for bad or doubtful debts has been recognised during the year (2016: nil) in respect of the amounts owed by related parties.

150

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 201738. Subsidiaries and other related undertakings
The Group operates globally which results in the Company having a corporate structure consisting of a number of related undertakings, 
comprising subsidiaries, joint ventures, associates and other qualifying undertakings. A full list of these undertakings, the country of 
incorporation and the ownership of each share class, as at 31 December 2017, is disclosed below. The registered office for each entity is listed on 
pages 154 and 155. Unless otherwise stated, the share capital disclosed comprises ordinary or common shares which are held by subsidiaries, 
associates and joint ventures of the Group.

Additionally, related undertakings include entities where the Company has a significant holding of a share class or unit class of a pooled vehicle. 
These holdings can arise through the Group’s investment management activities on behalf of clients or as part of the stated aim of generating a 
return on investment capital. Additionally, the seeding of structured entities in order to develop new investment strategies can give rise to these 
holdings. A listing of related undertakings arising from the Company’s interest in structured entities along with registered offices is included on 
pages 156 to 159.

All subsidiaries listed below are included in the consolidated financial statements of the Group.

(a) Related undertakings arising from the Company’s corporate structure
Principal subsidiaries
The principal subsidiaries listed below are those which, in the opinion of the Directors, principally affect the consolidated profits or net assets of 
the Company, or are regulated. The principal subsidiary entities are wholly-owned subsidiary undertakings of the Company, unless otherwise 
stated. All undertakings operate in the countries where they are registered or incorporated and are stated at cost less, where appropriate, 
provisions for impairment.

UK
Aspect8 Limited – 65% owned 2
Best Practice IFA Group Limited – 65% owned 2 
Chilcomb Wealth Ltd 2
Evolution Wealth Network Limited – 65% owned 2 
Fusion Wealth Limited – 65% owned 2
Leadenhall Securities Corporation Limited 3
Schroder & Co. Limited 2
Schroder Administration Limited 4 a 
Schroder Corporate Services Limited 3 
Schroder Financial Services Limited 3 
Schroder Investment Company Limited 3 
Schroder Investment Management Limited 1
Schroder Investment Management North America Limited 1
Schroder Pension Management Limited 1
Schroder Real Estate Investment Management Limited 1
Schroder Unit Trusts Limited 1
Schroder Wealth Management (US) Limited 2

Argentina
Schroder Investment Management S.A. – 95% owned 1

Australia
Schroder Investment Management Australia Limited 1 l

Bermuda
Schroders (Bermuda) Limited 4

Brazil
Schroder Investment Management Brasil Ltda.1

France
Schroder AIDA SAS – 70% owned 1

Germany
Schroder Investment Management GmbH 1
Schroder Real Estate Investment Management GmbH 1
Schroder Real Estate Kapitalverwaltungsgesellschaft mbH 1

Guernsey
Burnaby Insurance (Guernsey) Limited 5
Schroders (C.I.) Limited 2
Schroder Investment Company (Guernsey) Limited 3
Schroder Venture Managers (Guernsey) Limited 3 n

Hong Kong
Schroder & Co. (Hong Kong) Limited 2
Schroder Investment Management (Hong Kong) Limited 1 m

Indonesia
PT Schroder Investment Management Indonesia – 99% owned 1

Ireland
Schroder Investment Management (Ireland) Limited 1

Italy
Schroders Italy SIM S.p.A. 1 2

Japan
Schroder Investment Management (Japan) Limited 1

Jersey
Cazenove Capital Holdings Limited 2 a
Schroder Real Estate Managers (Jersey) Limited 1

Luxembourg
Schroder Investment Management (Luxembourg) S.A. 1
Schroder Real Estate Investment Management (Luxembourg) S.à.r.l 1

Mexico
Consultora Schroders, S.A. de C.V. – 99% owned 1 i

Singapore
Schroder & Co (Asia) Limited 2
Schroder Investment Management (Singapore) Ltd. 1

South Korea
Schroders Korea Limited 1

Switzerland
Schroder Adveq Management AG 6 p
Schroder & Co Bank AG 2
Schroder Investment Management (Switzerland) AG 1
Secquaero Advisors AG – 50.1% owned 1

Taiwan
Schroder Investment Management (Taiwan) Limited 1

United States
Schroder Fund Advisors LLC 1
Schroder Investment Management North America Inc. 1
Schroder US Holdings Inc 3

Other corporate related undertakings
The remaining related undertakings arising from the Company’s corporate structure are listed on the following pages. These include 
subsidiaries (other than those listed above), joint ventures, associates and other qualifying undertakings. The financial year end of joint 
ventures is coterminous with the Company. In all cases, the management of joint ventures is based upon joint voting rights under 
a Shareholders Agreement.

151

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017Financial statementsFinancial statements

Schroders plc – Notes to the accounts

38. Subsidiaries and other related undertakings continued
(a) Related undertakings arising from the Company’s corporate structure continued
Other corporate related undertakings

Guernsey
Schroder Investments (Guernsey) Limited 3 
Schroder Nominees (Guernsey) Limited 4 
Schroder Ventures European Fund Managers Limited 1
Secquaero Re (Guernsey) ICC Ltd 1

Hong Kong
Schroders Adveq Management (Hong Kong) Limited 6 
Schroders Asia Nominees Limited 1
S & C Nominees Limited 2

Italy
Vicarello Societa Agricola a Responsabilita Limitata 1

Jersey
AAF Management II L.P 6 s
AAF Management III L.P 6 s
SA-EL Asia Partners I L.P 6 s
Schroder Adveq EEM Management I L.P s
Schroder Adveq Europe Direct Partners II L.P s
Schroder Adveq Europe Partners VII L.P s
Schroder Adveq Global Partners II L.P s
Schroder Adveq Mature Secondaries (Orthros) Management L.P s
Schroder Adveq Mature Secondaires (Orthros) Management II L.P s
Schroder Adveq Mature Secondaires (Orthros) Management III L.P s
Schroder Adveq Secondaries Management III L.P s
Schroder Adveq Technology Partners IX L.P s
BKMS Management L.P. s
Columbus UK (CIP) Limited 1
Cresta Management L.P s
Croydon Gateway GP Limited 1
Croydon Gateway Investments Limited1 
GPEP Management I L.P s
IST3 Manesse PE Management LP s
Lerisson Nominees Limited 4
Salève 2017 Management L.P s
Schroder Adveq Management Jersey Ltd 6
TMC Management III L.P s
TMCO Management I L.P s

Luxembourg
Schroder Adveq Management Luxembourg S.à.r.l 6 p

Netherlands
Schroder International Finance B.V. 4

Singapore
Schroder Singapore Holdings Private Limited 4
SIMBL Nominees Private Limited 1

Switzerland
Schroder Adveq Holding AG 6 p
Schroder Trust AG 2

United States
Schroder Adveq Management US Inc 6
Schroders Incorporated 1
Schroder Venture Managers Inc. 1

Fully owned subsidiaries

UK
Adveq Founder Partner (GP) Limited 6
Adveq Founder Partner Limited 6 
Adveq GP LLP 6 
Cazenove Capital Management Limited 2
Cazenove New Europe (CFM1) Limited 2 b
Cazenove New Europe (PPI) Limited 2 b 
Cazenove New Europe Staff Interest Limited 2 b 
CCM Nominees Limited 2 b
Croydon Gateway Nominee 1 Limited 1
Croydon Gateway Nominee 2 Limited 1
J. Henry Schroder Wagg & Co. Limited 3 b 
Residential Land Development (GP) LLP 1
Schroder Adveq Management (UK) Limited 6 
Schroder & Co Nominees Limited 2 b 
Schroder Financial Holdings Limited 4 
Schroder Infra Debt GP LLP 1 
Schroder International Holdings Limited 4 
Schroder Nominees Limited 1 b
Schroder Pension Trustee Limited 3 
Schroder Private Assets Holdings Limited 6
Schroder Wealth Holdings Limited 4

Australia
Schroder Australia Holdings Pty Limited 4 h g k

Bermuda
Schroder General Partner (Bermuda) Limited 3
Schroder Holdings (Bermuda) Limited 4
Schroder International Holdings (Bermuda) Limited 4
Schroder Management Company (Bermuda) Limited 3
Schroder Venture Managers Limited 3
SITCO Nominees Limited 3

Canada
Schroder Canada Investments Inc. 3

Cayman
Schroder Adveq Cpi Global Management III L.P s
AEROW SMA Management I L.P s
PEM Partners Ltd 6 p

Chile
Schroders Chile SpA 1

China
Adveq Investment Management (Beijing) Co., Ltd 6
Schroder Investment Management (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. 1

Curaçao
Schroder Adveq Investors B.V – 1 registered share p
Cpi Schroder Adveq Investments Management B.V p
Schroder Adveq Management N.V 6 p

France
Schroder Real Estate Investment Management (France) 1

Germany
Blitz 06-953 GmbH 1
Real Neunzehnte Verwaltungsgesellschaft mbH 1 
Schroder Adveq Management Deutschland GmbH 6 
Schroder Eurologistik Fonds Verwaltungs GmbH 1 
Schroder Holdings (Deutschland) GmbH 1 
Schroder Italien Fonds Verwaltungs GmbH 1 
SIMA 5 Verwaltungsgesellschaft mbH r p
SPrIM Holdings GmbH 1

152

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 201738. Subsidiaries and other related undertakings continued
(a) Related undertakings arising from the Company’s corporate structure continued
Other corporate related undertakings

Subsidiaries where the ownership is less than 100%

UK
Alderbrook Financial Planning Limited – 65% 2
Benchmark Capital Limited – 65% owned 2 h o
Brian Potter Consultants Limited – 65% 2
Bright Square Pensions Limited – 65% owned 2
Creative Technologies Limited – 65% 2
Evolution Investment Management Limited – 65% 2
Fusion Funds Limited – 65% 2
Invicta Independent Financial Advisers Limited – 65% 2
PP Nominees Limited – 65% 2
PP Trustees Limited – 65% 2

Argentina
Schroder S.A. Sociedad Gerente de Fondos Comunes de Inversion – 95% 1

Cayman
Schroder Adveq Asia Management I L.P – 75% 6 s
Schroder Adveq Asia Management II L.P – 66% 6 s
Schroder Adveq cPI Global Management L.P – 63% 6 s
Schroder Adveq cPI Global Management II L.P – 88% 6 s
Schroder Adveq Europe Management III L.P – 88% 6 s
Schroder Adveq Europe Management IV A L.P – 59% 6 s
Schroder Adveq Europe Management IV B L.P – 70% 6 s
Schroder Adveq Opportunity Management I L.P – 76% 6 s
Schroder Adveq Opportunity Management II L.P – 87% 6 s
Schroder Adveq Technology Management V L.P – 89% 6 s
Schroder Adveq Technology Management VI L.P – 65% 6 s

Germany
CM Komplementär 06-379 GmbH & Co KG – 95% 1

Associates and joint ventures

UK
Kellands (Bristol) Limited – 24% 2
RWC Partners Limited – 43% 3 h
Nippon Life Schroders Asset Management Europe Limited – 33% 1 h
Robertson Baxter Limited – 24% 2

Cayman
Schroder Adveq Europe Management II L.P – 20% 6 s
Schroder Adveq Technology Management III L.P – 20% 6 s
Schroder Adveq Technology Management IV L.P – 30% 6 s

China
Bank of Communications Schroder Fund Management Co. Ltd. – 30% 1

Guernsey
Schroder Ventures Investments Limited – 50% 3 c d

India
Axis Asset Management Company Limited – 25% 1

1 Asset Management.
2 Wealth Management.
3 Group Company.
4 Holding Company.
5 Captive insurer for the Group.
6 Private assets.

a Held directly by the Company.
b Dormant, exempt from preparing individual accounts.
c The Company also holds redeemable preference shares.
d The Company also holds deferred shares.
e The Company also holds preference C shares.
f The Company also holds preference B shares.

Guernsey
Schroder Investment Management (Guernsey) Limited – 99% 1
SQ ReVita I Limited – 50.1% 1

Jersey
AAF Management I L.P – 53% 6 s
Schroder Adveq Asia Management III L.P – 53% 6 s
Schroder Adveq Asia Management IV L.P. – 70% 6 s
Schroder Adveq Europe Co-Investments Management L.P – 73% 6 s
Schroder Adveq Europe Management V L.P. – 73% 6 s
Schroder Adveq Europe Management VI L.P – 74% 6 s
Schroder Adveq Global Management L.P. – 71% 6 s
Schroder Adveq Opportunity Management III L.P – 52% 6 s
Schroder Adveq Opportunity Management IV L.P – 73% 6 s
Schroder Adveq Real Assets Harvested Resources Management LP – 75% 6 s
Schroder Adveq Secondaries Management II L.P – 53% 6 s
Schroder Adveq Technology Management VII L.P – 47% 6 s
Schroder Adveq Technology Management VIII L.P – 78% 6 s
GPEP Management II L.P – 70% 6 s
GPEP Management III L.P – 70% 6 s
TMC Management I L.P – 54% 6 s
TMC Management II L.P – 49% 6 s
Wilmersdorf Secondary Management L.P – 71% 6 s

Luxembourg
Schroder Property Services B.V. S.à.r.l. – 70% 1

Jersey
Bracknell General Partner Limited – 50% 1 g

Netherlands
NEOS Finance Group B.V. – 25% 1

Singapore
Nippon Life Global Investors Singapore Limited – 33% 1 j

United States
Safe Harbor Re Holdings LLC – 8% 3 t

g The Company holds ordinary A shares. 
h The Company holds ordinary B shares. 
i The Company holds series A shares.
j The Company holds B shares.
k The Company holds preference shares.
l The Company also holds convertible preference shares.
m The Company also holds 8.5% redeemable non-cumulative preference shares.
n The Company also holds non-cumulative redeemable preference shares.
o The Company holds a 65% economic interest and 49% of the voting rights.
p The Company holds registered shares.
q The Company is an LLC with no share capital.
r 1 share, Stammanteil.
s Partnership interest.
t The Company also holds convertible loan notes, taking the Group’s effective 
holding to 28%.

153

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017Financial statementsFinancial statements

Schroders plc – Notes to the accounts

38. Subsidiaries and other related undertakings continued
(a) Related undertakings arising from the Company’s corporate structure continued
The registered offices for each of the related undertakings on pages 151 to 153 are reflected by country below:

UK
The registered office for the UK corporate entities is 31 Gresham Street, London, 
EC2V 7QA, United Kingdom, except for the following entities:

Canada
c/o Cidel Financial Group, 60 Bloor Street West, 9th Floor, Toronto, ON M4W 3B8, 
Canada

RWC Partners Limited – Verde 4th Floor, 10 Bressenden Place, London, SW1E 
5DH, United Kingdom

Invicta Independent Financial Advisers Limited – The Granary Hermitage Court, 
Hermitage Lane, Maidstone, Kent, ME16 9NT, United Kingdom

The registered office for the following entities is Sussex House, North Street, 
Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 IRQ, United Kingdom:
Alderbrook Financial Planning Limited
Aspect8 Limited 
Benchmark Capital Limited
Best Practice IFA Group Limited 
Brian Potter Consultants Limited
Bright Square Pensions Limited
Creative Technologies Limited
Evolution Investment Management Limited 
Evolution Wealth Network Limited
Fusion Funds Limited
Fusion Wealth Limited
PP Nominees Limited
PP Trustees Limited

The registered office for the following Scottish incorporated entities is 50 Lothian 
Road, Festival Square, Edinburgh, EH3 9WJ, United Kingdom: 
Adveq Founder Partner (GP) Limited
Adveq Founder Partner Limited
Adveq GP LLP
Schroder Adveq Management (UK) Limited

Kellands (Bristol) Limited – Quays Office Park, Conference Avenue, Portishead, 
Bristol, BS20 7LZ, United Kingdom

Robertson Baxter Limited – The Mill 150 Penistone Road, Shelley, Huddersfield, 
West Yorkshire, HD8 8JQ, United Kingdom

Argentina
Ing.Enrique Butty 220, Piso 12, Buenos Aires, C1001AFB, Argentina

Australia
Level 20, Angel Place, 123 Pitt Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia

Bermuda
Wellesley House, 2nd Floor, 90 Pitts Bay Road, Pembroke HM 08, Bermuda

Brazil
100 Joaquim Floriano, Itaim, 14th Floor Suites 141 and 142, Sao Paulo SP Brazil, 
04534-000, Brazil

Cayman
Maples Corporate Services Limited, PO Box 309 Ugland House, Grand Cayman 
KY1-1104

Chile
Avenida Cerro El Plomo 5420 Oficina 1104, Les Condes, Santiago, Chile

China
Bank of Communications Schroder Fund Management Co. Ltd. – 2nd Floor, Bank 
of Communications Tower, 188 Middle Yincheng Road, Pudong New Area, 
200120, Shangai, China

Schroder Investment Management (Shanghai) Co., Ltd. – Unit 1101, 11/F, 
Shanghai IFC Phase 1 (HSBC Building), No. 8 Century Avenue, Pudong, Shanghai, 
200120, China

Curaçao
Johan Van Walbeeckplein 11, Curaçao

France
8-10 rue Lamennais, 75008, Paris, France

Germany
The registered office for the German corporate entities is Taunustor 1 
(TaunusTurm), 60310, Frankfurt am Main, Germany, except for the below entity:

Schroder Italien Fonds Verwaltungs GmbH – Taunustor 2, 60311, Frankfurt am 
Main, Germany

Guernsey
The registered office for the Guernsey corporate entities is PO Box 334 Regency 
Court, Glategny Esplanade, St Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 3UF, Channel Islands, 
except for the following entities:

Burnaby Insurance (Guernsey) Limited – PO Box 230, Heritage Hall, Le Marchant 
Street, St Peter Port, GY1 4JH, Guernsey, Channel Islands

Schroder Venture Managers (Guernsey) Limited – PO Box 255, Trafalgar Court, 
Les Banques, St Peter Port, GY1 3QL, Guernsey, Channel Islands

Schroder Ventures European Fund Managers Limited – PO Box 255, Trafalgar 
Court, Les Banques, St Peter Port, GY1 3QL, Guernsey, Channel Islands

Schroder Ventures Investments Limited – PO Box 255, Trafalgar Court, Les 
Banques, St Peter Port, Guernsey, GY1 3QL, Channel Islands

Secquaero Re (Guernsey) ICC Ltd – Maison Trinity, Trinity Square , St Peter Port, 
Guernsey, Guernsey, GY1 4AT, Channel Islands

154

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 201738. Subsidiaries and other related undertakings continued
(a) Related undertakings arising from the Company’s corporate structure continued

Hong Kong
The registered office for the Hong Kong corporate entities is Level 33, Two Pacific 
Place, 88 Queensway, Hong Kong, except for the below entities:

Mexico
Montes Urales 760 Desp. 101, Col. Lomas de Chapultepec, Mexico, DF, 11000, 
Mexico

Schroder & Co. (Hong Kong) Limited – Level 54, Hopewell Centre, 183 Queen’s 
Road East, Hong Kong

Schroder Adveq Management (Hong Kong) Limited – Suite 616, 100 Queen’s 
Road Central, Central, Hong Kong

India
1st Floor, Axis House, C-2 Wadia International Centre, Pandurang Budhkar Marg, 
Worli-Mumbai, 400025, India

Indonesia
30th Floor, Indonesia Stock Exchange Building, Tower 1, Jl Jendral Sudirman Kav 
52-53, Jakarta, 12190, Indonesia

Ireland
George’s Court, 54-62 Townsend Street, Dublin 2, Ireland

Italy
The registered office for the Italian corporate entities is Via della Spiga, 30 20121, 
Milan, Italy, except for the below entity:

Vicarello Societa Agricola a Responsabilita Limitata – Loc. Vicarello, 00062, 
Bracciano, Italy

Japan
8-3, Marunouchi 1-chome, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 100-0005, Japan

Jersey
The registered office for the Jersey corporate entities is PO Box 490,  
40 Esplanade, St Helier, Jersey, JE4 9WB, Channel Islands except for  
the below entities:

Cazenove Capital Holdings Limited – 44 Esplanade, St Helier, Jersey, JE4 9WG 

The registered office for the limited partnerships is: 26 New Street, St Helier, 
Jersey, JE2 3RA

Luxembourg
The registered office for the Jersey corporate entities is 5 rue Höhenhof, L-1736 
Senningerberg, Luxembourg except for  
the below entities:

Schroder Adveq Management Luxembourg S.à.r.l. – 2 Place de Paris, L-2314, 
Luxembourg

Netherlands
Schroder International Finance B.V. – 31 Gresham Street, London, EC2V 7QA, 
United Kingdom

NEOS Finance Group B.V. – The Hofpoort Building, Hofplein 20, 21st Floor, 3032 
AC Rotterdam, Netherlands

Singapore
138 Market Street, #22-03, CapitaGreen, Singapore, 048946, Singapore

South Korea
26th fl., 136, Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul 100-768, South Korea

Switzerland
The registered office for the Swiss corporate entities is Central 2, Postfach, 8021, 
Zurich, Switzerland, except for the below entities:

Schroder Trust AG – 8 rue d’italie, P.O. Box 3655, 41211, Geneva, Switzerland

Schroder Adveq Management AG and Schroder Adveq Holding AG – 
Affolternstrasse 56, 8050 Zurich, Switzerland

Taiwan
9/F, 108 Sec.5,, Hsin-Yi Road, Hsin-Yi District, Taipei 11047, Taiwan

United States
The registered office for the United States corporate entities is 7 Bryant Park, 
New York, New York, 10018-3706, USA, except for the following entities:

Safe Harbor Re Holdings LLC – 160 Greentree Drive, Suite 101, Dover, Delaware, 
19904, USA

Schroder Adveq Management US Inc – Corporation Trust Centre, 1209 Orange 
Street, Wilmington, DE 19801, USA

155

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017Financial statementsFinancial statements

Schroders plc – Notes to the accounts

38. Subsidiaries and other related undertakings continued
(b) Related undertakings arising from the Company’s interests in structured entities
The Company’s related undertakings also include funds in which it holds investments. These include fully and partially owned funds which are 
classified as subsidiaries. Due to the number of share classes or unit classes which can exist in these vehicles, a significant holding in a single 
share class or unit class is possible, without that undertaking being classified as a subsidiary or associate.

Fully owned subsidiaries

Fund Name

UK

Schroder Flexible Retirement Benefit Fund

Schroder Securitised Credit Fund Limited

Luxembourg

Schroder Property FCP-FIS – Schroder Property German Residential Fund

Subsidiaries where the ownership is less than 100%

Fund Name

UK

Schroder Advanced Beta Global Equity Quality Fund

Schroder Advanced Beta Global Equity Small & Mid Cap Fund

Schroder Diversified Growth Fund

Schroder Dynamic Planner Portfolio 3

Schroder Dynamic Planner Portfolio 4

Schroder Dynamic Planner Portfolio 5

Schroder Dynamic Planner Portfolio 6

Schroder Dynamic Planner Portfolio 7

Schroder Dynamic Multi-Asset Fund

Schroder Fusion Portfolio 3

Schroder Fusion Portfolio 4

Schroder Fusion Portfolio 5

Schroder Fusion Portfolio 6

Schroder Fusion Portfolio 7

Schroder Global Emerging Markets Fund

Schroder Global Multi-Asset Income Fund

Schroder Long Dated Corporate Bond Fund

Schroder Multi-Asset Total Return Fund

Schroder Multi Factor Equity Fund

Schroder QEP Global Active Value Fund

Schroder QEP Global Emerging Markets Fund

Schroder QEP Global Emerging Markets Fund

Schroder Specialist Value UK Equity Fund

Schroder Strategic Beta Fund

Australia

Schroder Real Return Fund

Bermuda

Schroder Securitised Credit Master Fund LP

Brazil

Schroder Best Ideas Fundo De Investimento Em Acoes

Schroder Fundo De Investmento Multimercado Low Vol

Japan

Schroder YEN Target (Semi-Annual)

Schroder YEN Target (Annual)

Schroder YEN Target Mother Fund

156

 Share/unit class

X Accumulation

–

B

 Share/unit class

X Accumulation

X Accumulation

I Accumulation

Z Accumulation

Z Accumulation

Z Accumulation

Z Accumulation

Z Accumulation

Z Accumulation

F Accumulation

F Accumulation

F Accumulation

F Accumulation

F Accumulation

A Accumulation

Z Accumulation

I Accumulation

X Accumulation

X Accumulation

I Accumulation

I Accumulation

X Accumulation

I Accumulation

X Accumulation

W Distribution

–

–

–

–

–

–

Holding in 
undertaking  
share/unit class

Total holding  
in undertaking  
via share/unit class

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

Holding in 
undertaking  
share/unit class

Total holding  
in undertaking  
via share/unit class

74%

94%

97%

99%

99%

99%

99%

99%

66%

78%

38%

43%

71%

70%

67%

96%

80%

99%

96%

79%

91%

44%

82%

100%

47%

80%

97%

99%

80%

58%

67%

74%

54%

97%

99%

99%

99%

99%

99%

57%

78%

38%

43%

71%

70%

49%

91%

53%

99%

42%

52%

11%

40%

40%

99%

47%

80%

97%

99%

80%

58%

67%

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 201738. Subsidiaries and other related undertakings continued
(b) Related undertakings arising from the Company’s interests in structured entities continued

Fund Name

Luxembourg

 Share/unit class

Holding in 
undertaking share/
unit class

Total holding  
in undertaking  
via share/unit 
class

Schroder Alternative Solutions Commodity Total Return Fund

I Accumulation

Schroder Alternative Solutions Commodity Total Return Fund

I Accumulation GBP Hedge

Schroder Alternative Solutions Asian Long Term Value Fund

Schroder GAIA BSP Credit

Schroder GAIA Contour Tech Equity

Schroder GAIA II NGA Turnaround

Schroder International Selection Fund Emerging Market Equity Alpha

Schroder International Selection Fund European Large Cap Fund

Schroder International Selection Fund Global Credit Value

Schroder International Selection Fund Global Target Return

Schroder International Selection Fund Multi-Asset PIR Italia

Schroder International Selection Fund Multi-Asset Total Return

Schroder International Selection Fund QEP Global Absolute

I Accumulation

I Accumulation

I Accumulation

I Accumulation

I Accumulation

I Accumulation

I Accumulation

I Accumulation

C Accumulation

I Accumulation

I Accumulation

Schroder International Selection Fund QEP Global Absolute

I Accumulation GBP Hedge

Schroder International Selection Fund Securitised Credit

I Accumulation

United States

Schroder Emerging Market Small Cap Fund

Schroder Emerging Market Small Cap Fund

Schroder Short Duration Bond Fund

Schroder Short Duration Bond Fund

Associates – held at fair value

Fund Name

UK

Schroder Advanced Beta Global Equity Value Fund

Schroder Global Equity Fund

Schroder US Equity Income Maximiser

Brazil

Investor Distribution

R6 Distribution

Investor Distribution

R6 Distribution

 Share/unit class

I Accumulation

I Accumulation

L Accumulation

Schroder Liquid Alternatives Investmento No Exterior Fundo De Investimento 
Multimercado

–

United States

Hartford Schroder Emerging Markets Multi-Sector Bond Fund

Hartford Schroder Emerging Markets Multi-Sector Bond Fund

A Distribution

SDR Distribution

99%

99%

87%

100%

100%

100%

99%

67%

100%

100%

100%

96%

100%

100%

100%

84%

100%

99%

91%

85%

13%

87%

89%

46%

57%

99%

44%

95%

99%

99%

91%

6%

66%

99%

1%

98%

1%

90%

Holding in 
undertaking share/
unit class

Total holding  
in undertaking  
via share/unit 
class

27%

44%

99%

22%

38%

39%

27%

23%

23%

22%

2%

22%

157

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017Financial statementsFinancial statements

Schroders plc – Notes to the accounts

38. Subsidiaries and other related undertakings continued
(b) Related undertakings arising from the Company’s interests in structured entities continued
Significant holdings in structured entities not classified as subsidiaries or associates

Fund Name

UK

Schroder Absolute Return Bond Fund

Schroder Advanced Beta Global Corporate Bond Fund

Schroder Advanced Beta Global Soverign Bond Fund

Schroder All Maturities Corporate Bond Fund

Schroder European Fund

Schroder Institutional Pacific Fund

Schroder QEP Global Core Fund

Schroder QEP Global Core Fund

Schroder Sterling Broad Market Bond Fund

Cayman Islands

 Share/unit class

X Income

X Accumulation

X Accumulation

I Accumulation

I Income

I Accumulation

I Accumulation

X Accumulation

I Accumulation

Musashi Smart Premia Fund (Exclusively for Qualified Institutional Investors with 
Re-sale Restriction for the Japanese Investors)

Musashi Smart Premia Fund (Exclusively for Qualified Institutional Investors with 
Re-sale Restriction for the Japanese Investors)

B

C

Luxembourg

Schroder Alternative Solutions Agriculture Fund

Schroder Alternative Solutions Agriculture Fund

Schroder GAIA Paulson Merger Arbitrage

Schroder GAIA Paulson Merger Arbitrage

Schroder GAIA Two Sigma Diversified

I Accumulation

I Accumulation GBP Hedge

C Distribution GBP Hedge

E Distribution GBP Hedge

C Accumulation

Schroder International Selection Fund Emerging Markets Debt Absolute Return

I Accumulation

Schroder International Selection Fund Emerging Markets Debt Absolute Return

I Accumulation EUR Hedge

Schroder International Selection Fund Euro High Yield

Schroder International Selection Fund European Alpha Focus

Schroder International Selection Fund Global Convertible Bond

I Accumulation

I Accumulation

I Accumulation

Schroder International Selection Fund Global Convertible Bond

I Accumulation EUR Hedge

Schroder International Selection Fund Global Corporate Bond

Schroder International Selection Fund Global Credit Income

I Accumulation

I Accumulation

Schroder International Selection Fund Global Diversified Growth

I Accumulation GBP Hedge

Schroder International Selection Fund Global Energy

Schroder International Selection Fund Global Gold

Schroder International Selection Fund Global Gold

Schroder International Selection Fund Global Gold

Schroder International Selection Fund Global High Yield

I Accumulation

I Accumulation

C Distribution GBP Hedge

I Accumulation EUR Hedge

I Accumulation

Schroder International Selection Fund Global Multi-Asset Balanced

I Accumulation CHF Hedge

Schroder International Selection Fund Global Recovery

Schroder International Selection Fund Global Unconstrained Bond

Schroder International Selection Fund Latin American

Schroder International Selection Fund Middle East

I Accumulation

I Accumulation

I Accumulation

I Accumulation

Schroder International Selection Fund Multi-Asset Strategies

I Accumulation GBP Hedge

Schroder International Selection Fund QEP Global Value Plus

Schroder International Selection Fund Strategic Beta

Schroder International Selection Fund Swiss Equity Opportunties

Schroder Property FCP-FIS – Schroder Property Eurologistics Fund No.1 (A)

Schroder Property FCP-FIS – Schroder Property Eurologistics Fund No.1 (B)

I Accumulation

I Accumulation

I Accumulation

B

B

Holding in 
undertaking share/
unit class

Total holding  
in undertaking  
via share/unit 
class

100%

27%

44%

53%

33%

39%

35%

31%

64%

100%

100%

100%

94%

69%

97%

65%

27%

67%

89%

100%

100%

85%

22%

100%

44%

100%

100%

97%

99%

33%

98%

30%

37%

100%

100%

34%

100%

100%

100%

100%

100%

14%

12%

17%

17%

3%

12%

9%

7%

8%

0%

1%

1%

0%

5%

9%

11%

9%

0%

0%

15%

0%

0%

5%

10%

1%

0%

3%

0%

1%

17%

0%

3%

17%

1%

0%

34%

3%

4%

1%

1%

3%

158

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 201738. Subsidiaries and other related undertakings continued
(b) Related undertakings arising from the Company’s interests in structured entities continued
The registered offices for each of the related undertakings listed on page 156 to 158 and in the table above are reflected by country below:

Japan
1-1 Chuo-ku, Saitama City, Saitama Shintoshin Godo Choushya 1st Building, 
Saitama Prefecture, 330-9716, Japan

United States
The registered office for the United States related undertakings is 690 Lee Road, 
Wayne, PA 19087, except for the following:

The registered office the following related undertakings is 7 Bryant Park, New 
York, New York, 10018-3706, USA

Schroder Short Duration Bond Fund 
Schroder Emerging Markets Small Cap Fund

UK
31 Gresham Street, London, EC2V 7QA, United Kingdom

Australia
Level 20, Angel Place, 123 Pitt Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia

Bermuda
Wellesley House, 90 Pitts Bay Road, Pembroke, HM08, Bermuda

Brazil
Praça XV De Novembro, 20 – 30. Andar, Centro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Cayman Islands
Maples Corporate Services Limited, Ugland House, PO Box 309, Grand Cayman, 
KY11-1104, Cayman Islands

Luxembourg
The registered office for the Luxembourg related undertakings is 5 rue 
Höhenhof, L-1736 Senningerberg, Luxembourg, except for the following:

The registered office for the following related undertakings is 80, route d’Esch, 
L-1470 Luxembourg:

Schroder Property FCP-FIS – Schroder Property German Residential Fund

Schroder Property FCP-FIS – Schroder Property EuroLogistics Fund No.1 (A)

Schroder Property FCP-FIS – Schroder Property EuroLogistics Fund No.1 (B)

159

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017Financial statementsFinancial statements

Independent auditors’ report to 
the members of Schroders plc

Report on the audit of the financial statements
Opinion
In our opinion, Schroders plc’s Group financial statements and 
Company financial statements (the “financial statements”):

 – give a true and fair view of the state of the Group’s and of the 

Company’s affairs as at 31 December 2017 and of the Group’s profit 
and the Group’s and the Company’s cash flows for the year then 
ended;

 – have been properly prepared in accordance with International 

Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRSs”) as adopted by the European 
Union and, as regards the Company’s financial statements, as 
applied in accordance with the provisions of the Companies Act 
2006; and

 – 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.

We have audited the financial statements, included within the Annual 
Report and Accounts (the “Annual Report”), which comprise: the 
Consolidated and Schroders plc statements of financial position as at 
31 December 2017; the Consolidated income statement and the 
Consolidated statement of comprehensive income, the Consolidated 
and Schroders plc cash flow statements, and the Consolidated and 
Schroders plc statements of changes in equity for the year then 
ended; and the notes to the financial statements, which include a 
description of the significant accounting policies.

Our opinion is consistent with our reporting to the Audit and Risk 
Committee.

Basis for opinion
We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards 
on Auditing (UK) (“ISAs (UK)”) and applicable law. Our responsibilities 
under ISAs (UK) are further described in the Auditors’ responsibilities 
for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We 
believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and 
appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Independence
We remained independent of the Group in accordance with the ethical 
requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements 
in the UK, which includes the FRC’s Ethical Standard, as applicable to 
listed public interest entities, and we have fulfilled our other ethical 
responsibilities in accordance with these requirements.

To the best of our knowledge and belief, we declare that non-audit 
services prohibited by the FRC’s Ethical Standard were not provided to 
the Group or the Company.

Other than those disclosed in note 5 to the financial statements, we 
have provided no non-audit services to the Group or the Company in 
the period from 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2017.

Our audit approach
Overview

Materiality

 – Overall Group materiality: £40.0 million 

Audit scope

(2016: £32.2 million), based on 5% of profit before 
tax and exceptional items.

 – Overall Company materiality: £46.0 million 

(2016: £43.9 million), based on 1% of total assets.

 – The Group has three business segments, Asset 
Management, Wealth Management and the 
Group segment, consisting of over 140 legal 
entities operating in 29 countries.

 – We audited the complete financial information 

for 14 legal entities, due to their size and/or risk 
characteristics.

 – Taken together, the territories and functions in 

the scope of audit work accounted for 84% of the 
Group’s revenues, 82% of the Group’s profit 
before tax and exceptional items and 98% of the 
Group’s total assets.

Key audit 
matters

 – Group – Risk of misstatement of revenue and 

cost of sales.

 – Group – Valuation and completeness of uncertain 

tax liabilities.

 – Group – Acquisitions accounting.

The scope of our audit
As part of designing our audit, we determined materiality and 
assessed the risks of material misstatement in the financial 
statements. In particular, we looked at where the Directors made 
subjective judgements, for example in respect of significant 
accounting estimates that involved making assumptions and 
considering future events that are inherently uncertain. 

We gained an understanding of the legal and regulatory framework 
applicable to the Group and the industry in which it operates, and 
considered the risk of acts by the Group which were contrary to 
applicable laws and regulations, including fraud. We designed audit 
procedures at the Group and significant component level to respond 
to the risk, recognising that the risk of not detecting a material 
misstatement due to fraud is higher than the risk of not detecting one 
resulting from error, as fraud may involve deliberate concealment by, 
for example, forgery or intentional misrepresentations, or through 
collusion. We focused on laws and regulations that could give rise to a 
material misstatement in the Group financial statements, including 
but not limited to, the Companies Act 2006, the Listing Rules and UK 
tax legislation and equivalent local laws and regulations applicable to 
significant component teams. Our tests included, but were not limited 
to, review of the financial statement disclosures to underlying 
supporting documentation, review of correspondence with the 
regulators, review of correspondence with legal advisors, enquiries of 
management, review of significant components’ work and review of 
internal audit reports in so far as they related to the financial 
statements.

There are inherent limitations in the audit procedures described 
above and the further removed non-compliance with laws and 
regulations is from the events and transactions reflected in the 
financial statements, the less likely we would become aware of it.

We did not identify any key audit matters relating to irregularities, 
including fraud. As in all of our audits, we also addressed the risk of 
management override of internal controls, including testing journals 
and evaluating whether there was evidence of bias by the Directors 
that represented a risk of material misstatement due to fraud.

160

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017Key audit matters
Key audit matters are those matters that, in the auditors’ professional judgement, were of most significance in the audit of the financial 
statements of the current period and include the most significant assessed risks of material misstatement (whether or not due to fraud) 
identified by the auditors, including those which had the greatest effect on: the overall audit strategy; the allocation of resources in the audit; 
and directing the efforts of the engagement team. These matters, and any comments we make on the results of our procedures thereon, were 
addressed in the context of our audit of the financial statements as a whole, and in forming our opinion thereon, and we do not provide a 
separate opinion on these matters. This is not a complete list of all risks identified by our audit.

Key audit matter

How our audit addressed the key audit matter

Group – Risk of misstatement of revenue and cost of sales

Refer to page 59 (Audit and Risk Committee Report) and note 2 
– Revenue, note 3 – Cost of sales

Revenue, which comprises management fees, performance fees, 
other income and Wealth Management interest income, is the result 
of business activities within both the Asset Management and Wealth 
Management segments. Commissions, external fund manager fees, 
distribution fees payable and Wealth Management interest expense 
are recorded as an expense within cost of sales. The Group 
recognised revenue of £2,511.7 million (2016: £2,144.9 million) and 
cost of sales of £501.5 million (2016: £432.1 million).

The calculations of revenue and cost of sales are largely automated. 
There are a number of inherent risks in calculating certain types of 
revenue and cost of sales, including the interpretation and manual 
input of key contractual terms and the identification and valuation of 
applicable Assets Under Management (AUM), which could result in 
errors. The bespoke and complex nature of certain investment 
management agreements, distribution agreements and other 
contractual terms involving multiple entities globally requires 
effective monitoring to ensure all financial terms and conditions are 
captured completely and accurately and applied appropriately.

Performance fees also remain an area of focus. The calculation basis 
is set out in the relevant fund prospectus or investment 
management agreement. An increased risk of error exists due to the 
complexity in both in the interpretation of the agreements as well as 
the calculation of the manual components as the performance of 
relevant assets is compared to a relevant benchmark.

Group – Valuation and completeness of uncertain tax 
liabilities

Refer to page 59 (Audit and Risk Committee Report) and note 6 
– Tax expense. 

The Group is required to make estimates in respect of potential 
uncertain tax positions. As the Group operates across multiple 
countries with differing tax regimes, there is an inherent risk in the 
interpretation and application of the legislation in each territory in 
respect of the Group’s global business. For most organisations, 
there is heightened risk of challenge from tax authorities over the 
application of legislation, both locally in individual territories and 
cross border, which increases the uncertainty over the completeness 
and valuation of tax balances. This led us to focus on this area.

For a number of operating companies within the Group the taxable 
profit is generated, in part, through the allocation of total Group 
revenue based on the nature of activities performed in each country 
and the relevant arm’s length fee basis for those activities. This 
procedure is governed by a transfer pricing policy to ensure revenue 
and costs are recognised appropriately in accordance with the 
applicable tax legislation.

The Group had a tax charge of £165.8 million (2016: £127.9 million) 
for the year.

We understood the significant revenue and cost of sale items and 
identified where there was a higher risk of error, due to manual 
processes, bespoke or complex contractual terms, and areas of 
judgement so that we could focus our work in these areas.

We tested the operating effectiveness of key controls in place across 
the Group relevant to those revenue and cost of sales calculations, 
including the AUM, set up and maintenance of contractual terms 
and fee billing and commission payment systems.

We also obtained and assessed independent assurance reports for 
the relevant controls at the third party administrators and 
considered whether there was any impact on our audit.

Where the calculations are automated, we used computer assisted 
auditing techniques to recalculate revenue, management fee 
rebates and commission expenses including testing changes to 
revenue systems and processes during the year. On a sample basis, 
we agreed key inputs into the systems back to contracts, and 
re-performed calculations involving manual processes.

We re-performed a sample of performance fee calculations to check 
that performance fees were appropriately calculated. We tested the 
data used to the Group’s underlying systems, agreed the basis of 
calculation to the contractual terms and agreed the benchmark 
performance to an independent third party source.

Our testing did not identify any evidence of material misstatement.

We compared the Group’s transfer pricing policy against our 
understanding of the activities of the Group and the OECD principles 
for Multinational Enterprises and Tax Administrations and local tax 
legislation. We tested the application of the transfer pricing by legal 
entity within our revenue testing through recalculation of the 
allocations and agreeing the key inputs to underlying agreements.

We considered management’s approach to uncertain tax positions 
and tested the calculation of the current and deferred tax positions 
estimated at the individual legal entity level and at the Group level.

We considered management bias and performed sensitivity analysis 
to determine the impact of changes in the key assumptions, both 
individually and in aggregate.

We did not identify any evidence of material misstatements.

161

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017Financial statementsFinancial statements

Independent auditors’ report to 
the members of Schroders plc

Key audit matter

How our audit addressed the key audit matter

Group – Acquisitions accounting

Refer to page 59 (Audit and Risk Committee Report) and note 29 
– Business combinations.

During the year the Group made a number of acquisitions, the most 
significant of which is Adveq Holding AG and the wealth 
management business of C. Hoare & Co. The accounting for 
acquisitions can be complex, including the identification and 
valuation of assets and liabilities acquired. This was an area of focus 
for our audit.

The Group is required to identify and assess the fair value of the net 
assets acquired and the valuation of the goodwill attributable, which 
is inherently subjective in nature. Our focus was to assess 
management’s determination of fair value for the identified assets 
and liabilities acquired.

At 31 December 2017 the goodwill from acquisitions totalled 
£595.1 million and acquired intangible assets total £124.0 million.

We determined that there were no key audit matters applicable to the 
Company to communicate in our report.

How we tailored the audit scope
We tailored the scope of our audit to ensure that we performed 
enough work to be able to give an opinion on the financial statements 
as a whole, taking into account the structure of the Group and the 
Company, the accounting processes and controls, and the industry in 
which they operate.

The Group operates with four centralised finance functions in the UK, 
Luxembourg, Switzerland and Singapore along with smaller functions 
in many of the territories in which they operate.

In establishing the overall approach to the audit of the Group, we 
considered our assessment of the risk of material misstatement 
within each consolidated entity. We concluded that 14 entities 
generated significant activities or balances materially relevant to the 
results of the Group through the consideration of various factors such 
as their contribution to the Group’s profit before tax and exceptional 
items, their contribution to significant risk areas and to provide 
sufficient evidence over each line item in the Group’s financial 
statements. We determined the audit work that needed to be 
performed by us, as the Group engagement team, or by local teams 
within PwC UK or from other PwC network firms. Where the work was 
performed by local audit teams, we determined the level of 
involvement we needed to have in the audit work for those entities to 
be able to conclude whether sufficient appropriate audit evidence had 
been obtained as a basis for our opinion on the Group financial 
statements as a whole.

We read and understood the legal agreements entered into by the 
Group in relation to the acquisitions and considered the basis of 
their inclusion in the consolidated financial statements.

We tested the consideration and the identification and valuation of 
the identified net tangible and intangible assets acquired. We 
gathered evidence to confirm that the accounting treatment was in 
line with IFRS 3 Business Combinations.

We tested and challenged the valuation models prepared by the 
Group for the separately identified intangible assets and, with 
respect to the revenue receivable and employee liabilities, acquired 
tangible net assets. We tested these models by: comparing the key 
assumptions (for example discount rate, growth rates and longevity 
of acquired client relationships) against available market data; 
testing key data inputs to source records (for example assets under 
management); and testing the carried interest calculations.

We also performed sensitivity analysis to determine the impact of 
plausible alternative assumptions, both individually and in 
aggregate. We have evaluated the appropriateness of the 
disclosures included within the Group financial statements relating 
to the acquisitions completed during the year and up to the date of 
this report.

We did not identify any evidence of material misstatements.

In connection with this year’s audit the Group team met with all the 
local audit teams responsible for each of the 14 entities identified as 
being significant to the scope of Group audit, as well as holding 
regular discussions with those teams throughout the audit process. In 
addition we met with the Group’s centralised finance teams in the UK, 
Singapore, Luxembourg and Switzerland.

The Group consolidation, financial statement disclosures and a 
number of Group items, including valuation of investments, goodwill 
and acquired intangible assets and employee benefits expense, were 
audited by the Group engagement team.

Taken together the entities in scope for the Group audit accounted for 
84% of the Group’s revenues, 82% of the Group’s profit before tax and 
exceptional items and 98% of the Group’s total assets.

Materiality
The scope of our audit was influenced by our application of 
materiality. We set certain quantitative thresholds for materiality. 
These, together with qualitative considerations, helped us to 
determine the scope of our audit and the nature, timing and extent of 
our audit procedures on the individual financial statement line items 
and disclosures and in evaluating the effect of misstatements, both 
individually and in aggregate on the financial statements as a whole.

162

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017Based on our professional judgement, we determined materiality for the financial statements as a whole as follows:

Group financial statements

Company financial statements

Overall materiality

£40.0 million (2016: £32.2 million).

£46.0 million (2016: £43.9 million).

How we determined it

5% of profit before tax and exceptional items.

1% of total assets.

Rationale for 
benchmark applied

Profit before tax is a standard benchmark used in 
determining materiality. We have adjusted it for 
exceptional items given the one-off nature of these 
items, which would distort the basis of the calculation.

Total assets is a standard benchmark when 
determining the materiality of a holding Company.
For the purposes of the Group audit, we applied a 
lower materiality of £17.0 million for certain account 
balances, classes of transaction and disclosures that 
were relevant to the Group financial statements.

For each entity in the scope of our Group audit, we allocated a materiality that is less than our overall Group materiality. The range of materiality 
allocated across components was between £7.0 million to £28.0 million. Certain entities were audited to a local statutory audit materiality that 
was also less than our overall Group materiality.

We agreed with the Audit and Risk Committee that we would report to them misstatements identified during our audit above £1.5 million (Group 
audit) (2016: £1.5 million) and £0.9 million (Company audit) (2016: £0.8 million) as well as misstatements below those amounts that, in our view, 
warranted reporting for qualitative reasons.

Going concern
In accordance with ISAs (UK) we report as follows:

Reporting obligation

Outcome

We are required to report if we have anything material to add or draw attention to 
in respect of the Directors’ statement in the financial statements about whether 
the Directors considered it appropriate to adopt the going concern basis of 
accounting in preparing the financial statements and the Directors’ identification 
of any material uncertainties to the Group’s and the Company’s ability to continue 
as a going concern over a period of at least twelve months from the date of 
approval of the financial statements.

We are required to report if the Directors’ statement relating to Going Concern in 
accordance with Listing Rule 9.8.6R(3) is materially inconsistent with our 
knowledge obtained in the audit.

We have nothing material to add or to draw attention 
to. However, because not all future events or conditions 
can be predicted, this statement is not a guarantee as to 
the Group’s and Company’s ability to continue as a 
going concern.

We have nothing to report.

With respect to the Strategic report, Directors’ report and Corporate 
Governance report, we also considered whether the disclosures 
required by the UK Companies Act 2006 have been included. 

Based on the responsibilities described above and our work 
undertaken in the course of the audit, the Companies Act 2006, 
(CA06), ISAs (UK) and the Listing Rules of the Financial Conduct 
Authority (FCA) require us also to report certain opinions and matters 
as described below (required by ISAs (UK) unless otherwise stated).

Reporting on other information 
The other information comprises all of the information in the Annual 
Report other than the financial statements and our auditors’ report 
thereon. The Directors are responsible for the other information. Our 
opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other 
information and, accordingly, we do not express an audit opinion or, 
except to the extent otherwise explicitly stated in this report, any form 
of assurance thereon.

In connection with our audit of the financial statements, our 
responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, 
consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with 
the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the audit, or 
otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify an 
apparent material inconsistency or material misstatement, we are 
required to perform procedures to conclude whether there is a 
material misstatement of the financial statements or a material 
misstatement of the other information. If, based on the work we have 
performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this 
other information, we are required to report that fact. We have 
nothing to report based on these responsibilities.

163

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017Financial statementsFinancial statements

Independent auditors’ report to  
the members of Schroders plc

Strategic report and Directors’ report

Other Code Provisions

We have nothing to report in respect of our responsibility 
to report when: 

 – The statement given by the Directors, on page 94, that they 

consider the Annual Report taken as a whole to be fair, balanced 
and understandable, and provides the information necessary for 
the members to assess the Group’s and Company’s position and 
performance, business model and strategy is materially 
inconsistent with our knowledge of the Group and Company 
obtained in the course of performing our audit.

 – The section of the Annual Report on pages 56 to 61 describing the 
work of the Audit and Risk Committee does not appropriately 
address matters communicated by us to the Audit and Risk 
Committee.

 – The Directors’ statement relating to the Company’s compliance 
with the Code does not properly disclose a departure from a 
relevant provision of the Code specified, under the Listing Rules, 
for review by the auditors.

Directors’ Remuneration

 – In our opinion, the part of the Directors’ Remuneration report to 
be audited has been properly prepared in accordance with the 
Companies Act 2006. (CA06)

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the 
audit, the information given in the Strategic report and Directors’ 
report for the year ended 31 December 2017 is consistent with the 
financial statements and has been prepared in accordance with 
applicable legal requirements. (CA06)

In light of the knowledge and understanding of the Group and 
Company and their environment obtained in the course of the audit, 
we did not identify any material misstatements in the Strategic 
report and Directors’ report. (CA06)

Corporate Governance report

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the 
audit, the information given in the Corporate Governance Statement 
about internal controls and risk management systems in relation to 
financial reporting processes and about share capital structures in 
compliance with rules 7.2.5 and 7.2.6 of the Disclosure Guidance and 
Transparency Rules sourcebook of the FCA (the “DTR”) is consistent 
with the financial statements and has been prepared in accordance 
with applicable legal requirements. (CA06)

In light of the knowledge and understanding of the Group and 
Company and their environment obtained in the course of the audit, 
we did not identify any material misstatements in this information. 
(CA06)

In our opinion, based on the work undertaken in the course of the 
audit, the information given in the Corporate Governance Statement 
with respect to the Company’s corporate governance code and 
practices and about its administrative, management and 
supervisory bodies and their committees complies with rules 7.2.2, 
7.2.3 and 7.2.7 of the DTR. (CA06)

We have nothing to report arising from our responsibility to report if 
a corporate governance statement has not been prepared by the 
Company. (CA06)

The Directors’ assessment of the prospects of the Group and of the principal 
risks that would threaten the solvency or liquidity of the Group

We have nothing material to add or draw attention to regarding:

 – The Directors’ confirmation on pages 36 and 60 of the Annual 
Report that they have carried out a robust assessment of the 
principal risks facing the Group, including those that would 
threaten its business model, future performance, solvency or 
liquidity.

 – The disclosures in the Annual Report that describe those risks and 

explain how they are being managed or mitigated.

 – The Directors’ explanation on pages 36 and 93 of the Annual 

Report as to how they have assessed the prospects of the Group, 
over what period they have done so and why they consider that 
period to be appropriate, and their statement as to whether they 
have a reasonable expectation that the Group will be able to 
continue in operation and meet its liabilities as they fall due over 
the period of their assessment, including any related disclosures 
drawing attention to any necessary qualifications or assumptions.

We have nothing to report having performed a review of the 
Directors’ statement that they have carried out a robust assessment 
of the principal risks facing the Group and statement in relation to 
the longer-term viability of the Group. Our review was substantially 
less in scope than an audit and only consisted of making inquiries 
and considering the Directors’ process supporting their statements; 
checking that the statements are in alignment with the relevant 
provisions of the UK Corporate Governance Code (the “Code”); and 
considering whether the statements are consistent with the 
knowledge and understanding of the Group and Company and their 
environment obtained in the course of the audit. (Listing Rules)

164

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017Other required reporting
Companies Act 2006 exception reporting
Under the Companies Act 2006 we are required to report to you if, in 
our opinion:

 – we have not received all the information and explanations we 

require for our audit; or

 – adequate accounting records have not been kept by the Company, 
or returns adequate for our audit have not been received from 
branches not visited by us; or

 – certain disclosures of Directors’ remuneration specified by law are 

not made; or

 – the Company financial statements and the part of the Directors’ 

Remuneration report to be audited are not in agreement with the 
accounting records and returns. 

We have no exceptions to report arising from this responsibility.

Appointment
The Group listed in 1959 and we have been auditors of the Group 
since this date, with subsequent annual reappointment by the 
members at the Annual General Meeting. Based on available records, 
the period of total uninterrupted engagement is 59 years, covering 
the years ended 31 December 1959 to 31 December 2017.

Andrew Kail (Senior Statutory Auditor)

for and on behalf of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP 
Chartered Accountants and Statutory Auditors
London
28 February 2018

Responsibilities for the financial statements 
and the audit 
Responsibilities of the Directors for the 
financial statements
As explained more fully in the Statement of Directors’ responsibilities 
set out on page 94, the Directors are responsible for the preparation 
of the financial statements in accordance with the applicable 
framework and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view. 
The Directors are also responsible for such internal control as they 
determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial 
statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to 
fraud or error.

In preparing the financial statements, the Directors are responsible 
for assessing the Group’s and the Company’s ability to continue as a 
going concern, disclosing as applicable, matters related to going 
concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the 
Directors either intend to liquidate the Group or the Company or to 
cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditors’ responsibilities for the audit of the 
financial statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the 
financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, 
whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditors’ report that 
includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of 
assurance, but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in 
accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement 
when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are 
considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could 
reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users 
taken on the basis of these financial statements. 

A further description of our responsibilities for the audit of the 
financial statements is located on the FRC’s website at: www.frc.org.
uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our 
auditors’ report.

Use of this report
This report, including the opinions, has been prepared for and only 
for the Company’s members as a body in accordance with Chapter 3 
of Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and for no other purpose. We 
do not, in giving these opinions, accept or assume responsibility for 
any other purpose or to any other person to whom this report is 
shown or into whose hands it may come save where expressly agreed 
by our prior consent in writing.

165

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017Financial statementsShareholder information

Shareholder information

Schroders plc
Registered in England and Wales Company No. 3909886

Registered office 
31 Gresham Street London EC2V 7QA 
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7658 6000 
Fax: +44 (0) 20 7658 6965 
Email: companysecretary@schroders.com 
schroders.com

Share and Loan Note Registrar 
Computershare Investor Services PLC 
The Pavilions 
Bridgwater Road 
Bristol BS99 6ZZ

UK Shareholder and Loan Noteholder helpline: 
Freephone (UK callers only): 0800 923 1530 
International: +44 117 378 8170 
Fax: +44 (0) 370 703 6101 
investorcentre.co.uk

Financial calendar

Ex-dividend date

Record date

DRIP election date deadline

Annual General Meeting

Final dividend payment date

Half-yearly results announcement

Interim dividend paid*

* Date to be confirmed.

22 March 2018

23 March 2018

12 April 2018

26 April 2018

3 May 2018

26 July 2018

September 2018

Annual General Meeting
Our AGM will be held at 11.30 a.m. on 26 April 2018 at 31 Gresham 
Street, London EC2V 7QA.

Investor Centre
Computershare is the Company’s share and loan note registrar. 
Investor Centre is Computershare’s free, secure, self-service website 
where holders can manage their interests online.

The website enables holders to:

 – View share and loan note balances

 – Change address details

 – View payment and tax information

 – Update payment instructions

 – Update communication instructions

Holders can register their email address at investorcentre.co.uk to be 
notified electronically of events such as AGMs, and can receive 
shareholder and loan note communications such as the Annual 
Report and Accounts and the Notice of Meeting online.

Enquiries and notifications concerning dividends, interest payments, 
share or loan note certificates or transfers and address changes 
should be sent to the Registrar.

Dividends and interest payments
Paying dividend and interest payments into a bank or building society 
account helps reduce the risk of fraud and will provide you with 
immediate access to your funds. Applications for an electronic 
mandate can be made by contacting the Registrar.

If your dividend is paid directly into your bank or building society 
account, you will receive an annual consolidated dividend 
confirmation which will be sent to you in September each year at the 
time the interim dividend is paid. You will receive a tax voucher each 
time you are paid an interest payment.

166

Dividend confirmation and interest payment tax vouchers are 
available electronically at investorcentre.co.uk to those holders who 
have their payments mandated to their bank or building society 
accounts and who have expressed a preference for 
e-communications.

The Company operates a Dividend Reinvestment Plan (DRIP) which 
provides shareholders with a way of increasing their shareholding in 
the Company by reinvesting their dividends. A copy of the DRIP terms 
and conditions and application form can be obtained from the 
Registrar.

Details of dividend payments can be found in the Directors’ report on 
page 92.

Schroders offers a service to shareholders in participating countries 
which enables dividends to be received in local currencies. You can 
check your eligibility and/or request a mandate form by contacting 
the Registrar.

Floating Rate Unsecured Loan Notes
As set out in the Deed constituting the Floating Rate Unsecured Loan 
Notes (Loan Notes), all outstanding Loan Notes will be automatically 
redeemed on 30 June 2018 and the redemption payment and accrued 
interest paid to Loan Noteholders on 2 July 2018. 

Overseas branch register
An overseas branch register is operated in Bermuda for the benefit of 
shareholders with registered addresses in Bermuda. Enquiries should 
be directed to the Registrar.

Warning to shareholders
Companies are aware that their shareholders have received 
unsolicited telephone calls or correspondence concerning investment 
matters. These are typically from overseas-based ‘brokers’ who target 
UK shareholders, offering to sell them what often turn out to be 
worthless or high risk shares or investments. These operations are 
commonly known as ‘boiler rooms’. These ‘brokers’ can be very 
persistent and extremely persuasive.

Shareholders are advised to be wary of any unsolicited advice, offers 
to buy shares at a discount or offers of free company reports. If you 
receive any unsolicited investment advice:

 – Make sure you get the correct name of the person and 

organisation.

 – Check that they are properly authorised by the FCA before getting 

involved by visiting register.fca.org.uk.

 – Report the matter to the FCA by calling 0800 111 6768 or visiting 

fca.org.uk/consumers/report-scam-unauthorised-firm.

 – Do not deal with any firm that you are unsure about.

If you deal with an unauthorised firm, you will not be eligible to 
receive payment under the Financial Services Compensation Scheme. 
The FCA provides a list of unauthorised firms of which it is aware, 
which can be accessed at fca.org.uk/consumers/unauthorised-firms-
individuals#list.

More detailed information on this or similar activity can be found 
on the FCA website at fca.org.uk/consumers/avoid-scams-
unauthorised-firms.

Capital gains tax
Capital gains tax values for the Company’s shares as at 31 March 1982 
and values relating to the disposal of the investment banking 
business in 2000 can be found on the Company’s website.

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017Five year consolidated financial summary

Before exceptional items

Profit before tax

Tax

Profit after tax

After exceptional items

Profit before tax

Tax

Profit after tax

Pre-exceptional earnings per share:

Basic earnings per share1

Diluted earnings per share1

Post-exceptional earnings per share:

Basic earnings per share1

Diluted earnings per share1

Dividends:

Cost (£m)

Pence per share2

Total equity (£m)

2017
£m

800.3

(171.6)

628.7

2017
£m

760.2

(165.8)

594.4

2017
Pence

226.9

222.4

2017
Pence

215.3

211.0

2017

267.6

98.0

2016
£m

644.7

(132.4)

512.3

2016
£m

618.1

(127.9)

490.2

2016
Pence

186.3

182.4

2016
Pence

178.3

174.5

2016

236.6

87.0

2015
£m

609.7

(126.3)

483.4

2015
£m

589.0

(121.6)

467.4

2015
Pence

176.9

172.2

2015
Pence

171.1

166.5

2015

226.3

83.0

2014
£m

565.2

(113.9)

451.3

2014
£m

517.1

(103.9)

413.2

2014
Pence

166.8

161.5

2014
Pence

152.7

147.8

2014

177.7

66.0

2013
£m

507.8

(103.0)

404.8

2013
£m

447.5

(94.8)

352.7

2013
Pence

149.9

144.6

2013
Pence

130.6

126.0

2013

123.5

46.0

3,471.0

3,152.8

2,795.6

2,537.8

2,268.6

Net assets per share (pence)3

1,229

1,115

990

898

802

Group employees at year end 31 December

United Kingdom

Europe, Middle East and Africa

Americas

Asia Pacific

2017
Number

2,535

822

353

909

2016
Number

2,264

716

331

834

2015
Number

1,988

686

321

789

2014
Number

1,889

628

278

761

2013
Number

1,913

590

294

731

4,619

4,145

3,784

3,556

3,528

1.  See note 7 for the basis of this calculation.
2.  Dividends per share are those amounts approved by the shareholders to be paid within the year on a per share basis to the shareholders on the register at the 

specified dates.

3.  Net assets per share are calculated by using the actual number of shares in issue at the year end date (see note 21).

Exchange rates – closing 31 December

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

Sterling:

Euro

US dollar

Swiss franc

Australian dollar

Hong Kong dollar

Japanese yen

Singaporean dollar

1.13

1.35

1.32

1.73

10.57

152.39

1.81

1.17

1.24

1.26

1.71

9.58

144.12

1.79

1.36

1.47

1.48

2.03

11.42

177.30

2.09

1.29

1.56

1.55

1.91

12.09

186.95

2.07

1.20

1.66

1.47

1.85

12.84

174.08

2.09

Exchange rates – average

2017

2016

2015

2014

2013

Sterling:

Euro

US dollar

Swiss franc

Australian dollar

Hong Kong dollar

Japanese yen

Singaporean dollar

1.15

1.30

1.27

1.69

10.10

145.42

1.79

1.23

1.36

1.34

1.83

10.52

149.31

1.88

1.38

1.53

1.48

2.04

11.84

184.79

2.10

1.24

1.65

1.51

1.83

12.78

175.15

2.09

1.18

1.57

1.45

1.64

12.18

152.51

1.96

167

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017Shareholder informationShareholder information

Glossary

Alternative performance measures
An alternative performance measure (APM) is a financial measure 
of historical or future financial performance, financial position, or 
cash flows, other than a financial measure defined or specified in 
the applicable financial reporting framework. Certain of the 
Group’s APMs exclude exceptional items which are defined in note 
1(b) and presented separately in the Consolidated income 
statement. The Group’s APMs are defined below.

Annualised net new revenue
The net operating revenue that would be earned over a one year 
timeframe if the net new business was all transacted on the same 
day and there were no market movements or other changes to 
assets under management or fee rates over that year. Calculated 
as gross new funds from clients multiplied by the applicable net 
operating revenue margin for each flow, less gross funds 
withdrawn multiplied by the applicable net operating revenue 
margin for each flow. This measure provides additional 
information to better assess the impact of net new business on 
the Group’s net operating revenue.

Basic or diluted earnings per share before exceptional items
Profit after tax but before exceptional items divided by the 
relevant weighted average number of shares (see note 7). The 
presentation of earnings per share before exceptional items 
provides transparency of recurring revenue and expenditure to 
aid understanding of the financial performance of the Group.

Payout ratio
The total dividend per share in respect of the year (see note 8) 
divided by the pre-exceptional basic earnings per share. 

Profit before tax and exceptional items
Profit before tax but excluding exceptional items. This 
presentation provides transparency of recurring revenue and 
expenditure to aid understanding of the financial performance of 
the Group.

Ratio of total costs to net income
Total Group costs before exceptional items divided by net income 
before exceptional items. A 65% ratio is targeted to ensure costs 
are aligned with net income, although we recognise that in 
weaker markets the ratio may be higher than our long-term 
target.

Total compensation ratio
Pre-exceptional compensation costs (see note 5) divided by 
pre-exceptional net income. By targeting a total compensation 
ratio of 45 to 49%, depending upon market conditions, we align 
the interests of shareholders and employees.

Active management
The management of investments based on active decision-making 
rather than aiming to replicate an index.

AIFMD
The Alternative Investment Fund Managers Directive was 
implemented in the UK in July 2013 and is a regulatory framework for 
alternative investment fund managers, including managers of hedge 
funds, private equity firms and investment trusts. 

Alpha
Excess return over market returns relative to a market benchmark.

Assets under administration (AUA)
Assets advised by the Best Practice and Evolution Wealth Independent 
Financial Adviser (IFA) networks where Schroders solely provides 
administrative support, including the Enable Client Relationship 
System and regulatory compliance services, but where the IFAs are 
independent from the Schroders Group. 2016 assets under 
administration has been restated to exclude assets from which we 
only derive transactional non-recurring revenues.

168

Assets under management (AUM)
The aggregate value of assets managed on behalf of clients. In Wealth 
Management this includes assets where Schroders provides advisory 
services but the investment decisions are made by the client. AUM 
also includes assets held in custody where the client independently 
makes investment decisions, whether it is through direct contact with 
Schroders or via the Fusion wealth platform.

For Schroder Adveq, the aggregate value of assets managed is based 
on committed funds by clients. This is changed to the lower of 
committed funds and net asset value, typically after seven years from 
the initial investment, in line with the fee basis.

Assets under management and administration (AUMA)
The combined value of AUA and AUM.

Basis point (bps)
One one-hundredth of a percentage point (0.01%).

BEIS Committee
The Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee is a select 
committee of the House of Commons in the Parliament of the United 
Kingdom.

Beta
Market returns.

Branded funds
Funds where the assets are held and managed by the same 
investment management company. These funds are typically branded 
with the company’s name (e.g. Schroder UK Alpha Plus Fund).

Carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e)
A standard unit for measuring carbon footprints. It enables the 
impact of different greenhouse gas emissions on global warming 
to be expressed using an equivalent amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) 
as a reference.

CDP
Formerly known as the Carbon Disclosure Project.

Client investment performance
Client investment performance is calculated internally by Schroders to 
give shareholders and financial analysts general guidance on how our 
AUM is performing. The data is aggregated and is intended to provide 
information for comparison to prior reporting periods only. It is not 
intended for clients or potential clients investing in our products. 
Calculations for investment performance are made gross of fees with 
the exception of those for which the stated comparator is a net of fees 
competitor ranking. 

The calculation includes 100% of internally-managed Asset Management 
assets, excluding Liability-Driven Investments (LDI) strategies, that have a 
complete track record over the respective reporting period. Assets held 
in LDI strategies, which currently amount to £25 billion, are excluded as 
these are not seeking to outperform a stated objective but to match the 
liability profile of pension funds. Assets managed by third parties are 
excluded and primarily comprise the Luxembourg-domiciled GAIA fund 
range of £6.4 billion and legacy private equity assets, but include 
Schroder Adveq managed private equity assets of £1.6 billion.

Performance is calculated relative to the relevant stated comparator 
for each strategy as below. These fall into one of four categories, the 
percentages for each of which refer to the three year calculation:

 – For 79% of assets included in the calculation, the comparator is the 

stated benchmark.

 – If the stated comparator is to competitor rankings, the relative 

position of the fund to its peer group on a like-for-like basis is used 
to calculate performance. This applies to 5% of assets in the 
calculation.

 – Assets for which the stated comparator is an absolute return target 
are measured against that absolute target. This applies to 10% of 
assets in the calculation.

 – Assets with no stated objective are measured against a cash return, 

if applicable. This applies to 6% of assets in the calculation.

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017CMA
Competition and Markets Authority.

Compensation cost
Total cost of employee benefits.

Defined benefit (DB) pension scheme
A pension benefit where the employer has an obligation to provide 
participating employees with pension payments that represent a 
specified percentage of their salary for each year of service.

Defined contribution (DC) pension scheme
A pension benefit where the employer’s contribution to an employee’s 
pension is measured as, and limited to, a specified amount, usually a 
percentage of salary. The value of the pension pot can go up or down 
depending on how the investments perform.

DEFRA
Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Employee benefit trust
A type of discretionary trust established to hold cash or other assets 
for the benefit of employees, such as to satisfy share awards.

EPS
Earnings per share.

ESG
Environmental, social and governance.

EU27
The 27 countries within the European Union involved with negotiating 
with the UK on Brexit.

Family offices
These manage the financial and investment side of ultra high net 
worth individuals or families.

FCA
Financial Conduct Authority of the United Kingdom.

Fitch Investment Management Quality Rating
A forward-looking, relative assessment of an investment manager’s 
investment capabilities and the strength of its operational platform. 
Ratings have five key pillars: investment process; investment 
resources; risk management; investment performance and the 
company, including client servicing. Ratings are assigned on a five 
tiered scale from ‘Excellent’ to ‘Weak’. Excellent indicates that the 
investment manager has extremely strong investment capabilities 
and operational characteristics.

FRC
Financial Reporting Council.

GAIA
Global Alternative Investor Access.

GHG Protocol
Greenhouse gas protocol, a comprehensive global standardised 
frameworks to measure and manage greenhouse gas emissions.

GMC
Group Management Committee.

GOC
Global Operations Committee.

GRC
Group Risk Committee.

HM Revenue & Customs
Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs.

ICAAP
Internal Capital Adequacy Assessment Process.

IFA
Independent Financial Adviser.

IFRS
International Financial Reporting Standards.

ILAAP
Internal Liquidity Adequacy Assessment Process.

Institutional sales channel and clients
Institutional clients, such as pension funds, insurance companies and 
government funds, come to Schroders through their own adviser or 
consultant. Assignments are typically highly specific and may be 
combined with their other investments in a range of asset classes and 
with other managers they employ.

Intermediary sales channel and clients
Schroders works with intermediaries such as banks, insurance 
companies, platforms and independent financial advisers. 
Intermediary assets under management included branded funds and 
sub-advisory mandates.

Investment capital
Investible equity from shareholders held in excess of operating 
requirements. It is managed with the aim of achieving a low volatility 
return. It is mainly held in cash, government and government- 
guaranteed bonds, investment grade corporate bonds and Schroders’ 
funds. Investment capital is also used to help support the organic 
development of existing and new business strategies and to respond 
to other investment and growth opportunities as they arise, such as 
acquisitions that will accelerate the development of the business.

Investment returns
The increase in AUM attributable to investment performance, market 
movements and foreign exchange.

LGBT+
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender and other groups of sexual 
and gender minorities.

Liability-driven investment (LDI)
A form of investing where the main goal is to gain and maintain 
sufficient assets to meet known liabilities, both current and future. 
This form of investment is most prominent for defined benefit 
pension schemes.

Life Company
Schroder Pension Management Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary, 
which provides investment products through a life assurance 
wrapper.

MiFID II
The second iteration of the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive. 
MiFID II is an EU directive which standardises regulation for 
investment services throughout the European Economic Area.

MRTs 
Material risk takers. Employees deemed to be material risk takers 
under one or more of the regulatory regimes that applies to the 
Group and its subsidiaries, such as the UCITS Directive or AIFMD.

Net income
A sub-total comprising net operating revenue, net gains on financial 
instruments and other income and share of profit of associates and 
joint ventures.

Net new business
Also referred to as net new money invested. New funds from clients 
less funds withdrawn by clients. This is also described as net inflows 
(when positive) or net outflows (when negative). New funds and funds 
withdrawn are calculated as at 31 December 2017 on the basis of 
actual funding provided or withdrawn.

Net operating revenue
A sub-total consisting of revenue less cost of sales as defined in notes 
2 and 3 of the financial report.

Net operating revenue margins
Asset Management and/or Wealth Management net operating 
revenue divided by the relevant average AUM.

Passive products
Products whose stated objective is to replicate the return of an index.

169

Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017Shareholder informationShareholder information

Pillar 1
The minimum capital requirements in relation to credit risk, 
operational risk and market risk taken by the Group as principal.

Pillar 2
The requirement for companies to assess the level of additional 
capital held against risks not covered in Pillar 1.

Pillar 3 
This complements Pillar 1 and Pillar 2 with the aim of improving 
market discipline by requiring companies to publish certain details 
of their risks, capital and risk management. Schroders’ Pillar 3 
disclosures are available at schroders.com/ir.

Platforms
Platforms in the UK savings market offer a range of investment 
products such as unit trusts, Individual Saving Accounts (ISAs), 
unit-linked life and pension bonds and Self-Invested Personal 
Pensions (SIPPs) to facilitate investment in many funds from different 
managers through one portal.

PRA
Prudential Regulation Authority.

PRIIPs
Packaged Retail Investment and Insurance-based Products. PRIIPs 
make up a broad category of financial assets that are regularly 
provided to consumers in the EU. It covers all packaged, publicly 
marketed financial products that have exposure to underlying assets, 
provide a return over time and have an element of risk.

RCA
Risk and Control Assessment.

Regulatory capital
The amount of risk capital set by legislation or local regulators, which 
companies must hold against any difficulties such as market or credit 
risks.

Regulatory surplus capital
Total equity less the Group’s overall regulatory capital requirement 
and regulatory deductions, in accordance with the EU Capital 
Requirements Regulation as set out in the Group’s Pillar 3 disclosures.

Robo-advice
Automated, algorithm-based portfolio management advice provided 
by an online wealth management service using software rather than 
human financial planners.

Seed and co-investment capital
Seed capital comprises initial investment put into a fund by the 
business to allow it to develop a performance track record before it is 
marketed to potential clients. Co-investment comprises investment 
made alongside our clients.

Strategic capabilities
A new approach to categorising Schroders’ product offering, which 
moves away from the traditional asset class view and instead focuses 
on delivering specific outcomes designed to meet a broad range of 
client needs:

 – Absolute Return: A range of typically unconstrained strategies 

which seek to produce a positive return over a cycle.

 – Alpha Equity: An actively-managed approach to equity investing 
aimed at generating higher returns and meeting client needs.

 – Credit: A diverse range of credit strategies across the risk/return 
spectrum designed to offer a range of outcomes to our clients.

 – Emerging Markets: A broad cross-asset class product range which 

provides access to the growth offered by emerging markets.

 – Income: A broad range of products which aim to provide clients 

with a regular, sustainable income.

 – Multi-Asset Solutions: Our multi-asset teams allocate actively 
to different asset classes to deliver specific client outcomes.

170

 – Private Assets: A wide range of capabilities which provide access 

to opportunities not available in public markets.

 – Retirement: A long-term approach to improving retirement 

outcomes, whether through capital growth, inflation protection 
or sustainable income.

 – Solutions: A broad range of long-term solutions designed to help 

clients better manage risk in their portfolios.

 – Sustainability: Integrating sustainability research across asset 

classes and geographies to generate better outcomes for clients.

Sub-advised funds
Funds where the assets are held by one company, while the 
management of them is contracted to another investment manager. 

Total capital requirement
The requirement to hold the sum of Pillar 1 and Pillar 2A capital 
requirements. Pillar 2A capital requirements are supplementary 
requirements for those risk categories not captured by Pillar 1, 
depending on specific circumstances of a company, as set out by the 
PRA.

Total dividend per share
Unless otherwise stated, this is the total dividend in respect of the 
year, comprised of the interim dividend and the proposed final 
dividend. This differs from the IFRS dividend which is comprised of 
the prior year and current year interim dividends declared and paid 
during the year.

Total equity 
Total assets less total liabilities.

UCITS
Undertakings for the Collective Investment in Transferable Securities. 
UCITS is a regulatory framework of the European Commission that 
creates a harmonised regime throughout Europe for the 
management and sale of investment funds.

UCITS / AIF MRTs
Employees deemed to be material risk takers under the UCITS 
Directive or AIFMD.

UK Stewardship Code
A set of principles or guidelines released in 2010 by the Financial 
Reporting Council directed at institutional investors who hold voting 
rights in United Kingdom companies.

UN PRI
The United Nations-supported Principles for Responsible Investment 
Initiative is an international network of investors working together 
to implement the six Principles for Responsible Investment. Its goal 
is to understand the implications of sustainability for investors and 
support signatories to incorporate these issues into their investment 
decision making and ownership practices.

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Schroders Annual Report and Accounts 2017