Quilter reports record inflows as Aberdeen faces outflows

The British wealth management sector is witnessing a sharp divide in performance as QUILTER PLC reported record net inflows, while several of its peers grappled with significant client withdrawals. According to the latest quarterly figures, Quilter secured 3.1 billion pounds ($4.2 billion) in net inflows, a result that stands in stark contrast to the broader market volatility currently affecting the United Kingdom. This turbulence has been largely attributed to shifting investor sentiment following the outbreak of conflict in Iran.

While Quilter shares climbed 5.2% in early trading, other firms faced more challenging conditions. ABERDEEN GROUP PLC and LIONTRUST ASSET MANAGEMENT both reported net outflows for the first quarter. This trend mirrors recent reports from SCHRODERS PLC and ASHMORE GROUP PLC, both of which noted heavy withdrawals throughout March as global markets whipsawed.

Despite the quarterly pressure, a late-March recovery has helped stabilize assets for some managers. Liontrust Asset Management noted that its managed assets as of April 20 rose by more than 6% from its March-end level of 19.6 billion pounds. Similarly, Quilter PLC saw its assets under management and administration reach 141.9 billion pounds by the end of March, marking a slight increase over the previous quarter.

In contrast, Aberdeen Group PLC saw its managed assets fall to 547.7 billion pounds at the end of March, down from 556 billion pounds in December. The firm recorded net outflows of 2.9 billion pounds, primarily driven by 4 billion pounds in withdrawals from lower-margin equity products. These figures highlight the ongoing pressure on traditional active managers as investors pivot toward platform-based models and cheaper index funds.