Edinburgh Investment Forum 2019

Connecting you to deeper insights in an uncertain world

1 July - 5 July, The Principal, Edinburgh

Edinburgh Investment Forum 2019

In a world of sharp market movements and great uncertainty, we believe connecting deeper insights and diverse perspectives is key to generating positive outcomes for our clients.

This exclusive 5-day collaborative forum provides a unique opportunity to participate in open, insightful discussions with our fund managers and investment specialists. We have designed the sessions to be interactive, covering the latest investment trends, and spanning our breadth of capabilities.

Agenda

Monday 1 July

09:00 – 09:40	Introduction and Welcome	Campbell Fleming Global Head of Distribution Eric Bruce Client Director - APAC & China
09:40 – 10:10	Political Risk - creating volatility and uncertainty for investors Political risk continues to create volatility in markets and uncertainty for investors. Between US-China trade war, Italian government on the brink and Brexit uncertainty ongoing, it can be difficult to read signal from noise.This session will address the key drivers of the major political risks facing investors through political risk analysis and scenario assessment. It will also provide a framework for understanding market impacts of these political risks.	Stephanie Kelly Senior Political Economist
10:10 – 10:35	Asset allocation in an age of lower growth Demographic and other structural factors mean global growth rates are likely to continue to be lower than in the past. An oversupply of savings means interest rates are also likely to remain unusually low. This suggests lower long-term investment returns. It also raises questions about the traditional reliance on high grade bonds to diversify equity risk - a particularly relevant topic as US recession risks rise and we approach the end of the current global business cycle. How can investors change their approach strategic asset allocation to generate better returns in this unpromising environment?	Richard Dunbar Head of Macro Investing Research
10:35 – 11:00	Tactically investing through the macroeconomic cycle The tactical asset allocation investment process is based on the assessment of the broader macro context and the attractiveness of individual asset class fundamentals.In this global backdrop of economic slowdown and enhanced geopolitical risks the themes across our portfolio are exposure to attractive risk assets with the right balance of diversifiers.	Carolina Martinez Senior Investment Strategy Analyst
11:00 – 11:20	Break
11:20 – 12:00	Building strategic and tactical asset allocation approaches Having experienced multiple market cycles, many large institutions are well aware of the importance of getting their asset allocation right, whether it is for the long or short term. In this presentation, we explore technical challenges to this process, including how commonly used theories underpinning portfolio construction can lead to underestimating risk or inflating return projections, and the need to guard against behavioural biases in short-term tactical allocation.	William Martinez Investment Specialist, Multi-Asset Investing Julien Lepine Senior Investment Specialist, Multi-Asset and Solutions
12:00 – 12:40	Incorporating listed alternatives in a Multi-Asset/Solutions portfolio This session will investigate how it is possible to access investment opportunities that historically were only available in the private marketplace. Not only does this cover traditional domains such as infrastructure, but will also span asset classes and sectors such as litigation finance, healthcare royalties, and shipping. In this context we will address common issues and questions like: How to invest in these opportunities Liquidity Actively managing listed alternatives	Andrea Wehner Investment Director, Multi-Asset Investing
12:40 – 13:30	Lunch
13:30 – 14:30	Stepping back: Asset allocation as an asset owner The opportunities available to asset owners today have increased dramatically (along with the challenges that they face from lower returns, increasing regulation and cost pressures). The “60/40 portfolio” was the generic default at the turn of the century, balancing traditional equities with defensive government and investment grade bonds. Today the value of greater diversification is an accepted principle. How, though, to benefit from the broader opportunity set in a way that doesn’t disconnect the asset owner from the investments being made? Asset owners have been rethinking their governance structures and strengthening their investment frameworks. In this session we will talk through how we mirror these changes in our Client Solutions – working to ensure that the portfolios that we build for clients (across asset classes, public and private, active and passive) that maximise the opportunities while mitigating or reducing the governance burden placed on the asset owner.	Simon Fox Senior Solutions Director
14:30 – 14:40	Break
14:40 – 16:00	Workshop: Multi-Asset – a year in being a tactical asset allocation team An interactive exercise where each table will work together as a team making tactical asset allocation decisions based on real world information and demonstrating the needs to have a comprehensive investment process to capture the different drivers in financial periods of market movements.	Heather McKay Senior Solutions Director Simon Fox Senior Solutions Director Dongyue Zhang Investment Director, Multi-Asset & Macro Investing Malcolm Jones Global Head of Multi-Asset & Systematic Product Strategy Julien Lepine Senior Investment Specialist, Multi-Asset and Solutions Virginia Martin Heriz Senior Tactical Asset Allocation Manager
16:00	End of day
18:30	Dinner at Fazenda

Tuesday 2 July

Pre-Forum 08:00 – 09:00	Telling the Phoenix Story (For Insurance Clients) The Asian insurance industry is under pressure as a consequence of low interest rates and forthcoming regulatory modernization. As a result, many Asian insurers have begun to look for solutions to address these challenges. We invite Phoenix Group, a strategic partner of Standard Life Aberdeen, to share their experience working with UK and European insurers who once faced those same challenges. Phoenix will demonstrate how these UK and European insurers were able to overcome the challenges through their innovative solutions and insights.	Samuel Perowne Head of Corporate Strategy and M&A, Phoenix Group Claire Hawkins Investment Director, Multi-Asset & Macro Investing
09:00 – 09:40	Unconstrained Multi- Asset Investing: Better alignment with investor needs Multi asset strategies are becoming increasingly popular among global investors. A successful multi asset strategy requires a solid understanding of the cognitive factors driving investors’ needs and behaviour. Since 2006, ASI has endeavoured to addressed the fundamental challenges facing investors with its award-winning unconstrained multi asset investment approach (or more commonly known as GARS). This session will introduce the genesis and key components of the GARS investment process.	Dongyue Zhang Investment Director, Multi-Asset & Macro Investing
09:40 – 10:20	Evolving our Equity Platform At Aberdeen Standard Investments we continue to invest substantially in our active equity division in terms of our people, research and portfolio construction to build a truly world class, diversified equity division. As active equity investors, we believe that deep fundamental research, responsible stewardship with ESG, and a disciplined investment process is the best approach to meet our client’s investment needs – now and in the future.	Dale MacLennan Investment Director, Head of Equity Investment Specialists Theo Craig Investment Specialist
10:20 – 11:00	What does it mean to have ESG as core to our investment approach? Our investments are affected by a range of global issues. Growing in importance are the environmental, social and governance (ESG) matters. Climate change, growing inequalities and unsustainable consumption are driving new risks for business and global economies. The changing demands of clients, growth in social media and global regulations are driving a greater focus on the integration of ESG matters into investments. How companies are governed directly affects the quality of our investments and the ability to return sustainable shareholder returns. Understanding the context of the rise in ESG investment and how these factors matter is important for building strong processes that consider the wide range of risks our investments face today.	Amanda Young Head of Global ESG Investment Research Euan Stirling Head of Stewardship ＆ ESG Investment
11:00 – 11:20	Break
11:20 – 12:40	Equity stock analysis This interactive session will consider the importance of company access and why having a collaborative and joined-up approach is essential to the stock selection process.	Theo Craig Investment Specialist Charles Ross Associate Investment Specialist, Equities
12:40 – 13:30	Lunch
13:30 – 14:30	Smaller Companies – the underappreciated asset class Considering client allocations across both institutional and wholesale, we continually see an under representation of smaller companies. We will look into why this may be the case, touching on the potential return, risk and diversification benefits an allocation can bring a broader portfolio. We will also outline the benefits a highly active approach can bring in this underappreciated asset class.	Graham McCraw Investment Specialist, Equities Charles Ross Associate Investment Specialist, Equities
14:30 – 14:40	Break
14:40 – 15:15	An overview of rule-based investing Investments based on a pre-defined set of rules has been around for as long as investing itself has been around. The formality around those rules and around their application has always varied, from strict adherence to simple guidance. More recently, and certainly since the advent of the first passive index fund, rules-based investing has become much more formal. Sean will introduce rules-based investing, outlining core principles and approaches with outcomes and effects.	Sean Phayre Global Head of Quantitative Investments
15:15 – 16:00	The challenges of index construction with style tilts Rules-based systematic investing has grown rapidly - there now many more indices than assets! This type of investing promises much by aiming to target sources of return in a consistent and repeatable manner. However, there are many hurdles to achieving this because rules have consequences – and not all of them are anticipated. This session highlights some of the challenges in building systematic style factor portfolios and shows how we attempt to overcome them.	Nick Millington Co-Head Quantitative Equities
16:00	End of day

Wednesday 3 July

09:00 – 09:40 Breakout Presentations	Institutional Clients Facets of Multi-Asset Risk Management This session will cover the role of risk management for multi-asset funds, bringing the process, techniques and tools used to life. From using third-party risk systems to the research and development of internal models, including the framework for forward-looking scenario analysis.	Anne Friel Quantitative Investment Director
	Wholesale Clients MyFolio This session will explore the rationale for the launch and subsequent success of our flagship MyFolio range of funds.	Brian Strachan Senior Investment Specialist
09:40 – 10:20	Researching Macro Systematic Strategies: Separating alpha from ‘too good to be true’ returns Systematic investment strategies are an increasingly important source of diversifying returns in investor portfolios. With the commoditisation of ‘alternative risk premia’ strategies and the proliferation of asset allocation models, the number of warnings to successful systematic investing is growing faster than the factor zoo. This session will introduce the application of systematic investing to macro thinking. It will share some of the ‘War stories’ witnessed over the years and offer some sensible advice to avoid common pitfalls and ‘too good to be true’ backtests.	Guillaume Delprat Quantitative Analyst, Investment Innovation
10:20 – 11:00	Macro Machine Learning Session focused on demystifying the hype around Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning and their applications in investment and macro systematic strategies.	Ian McWilliam Analyst
11:00 – 11:20	Break
11:20 – 12:40	“Ask not how you can sell, but how you can help” – Engaging customers with investments This session covers some of the key things to consider when designing a compelling investment proposition;- it will outline how to present investments according to the needs of your customers and clients, including insights from government and industry.	Kevin Milne Head of Investment Proposition Strategy and Development Helen Martin Senior Investment Proposition Manager
12:40 – 13:30	Lunch
13:30 – 14:30	Opportunities in Listed Private Equity and Debt Private markets are an increasing area of interest for many investors. Within the private market landscape, private equity and private debt are two of the largest, longest established and most consistently performing asset classes. Andrew will address the potential for clients to gain liquid exposure to these asset classes through listed companies that derive their value from either managing or investing in private equity and debt, an approach being employed by Aberdeen Standard’s Listed Private Capital Strategy, which was launched in June 2018.	Andrew Lister Head of Closed End Fund Strategies
14:30 – 16:00	Reserved for client meetings
16:00	End of day

Thursday 4 July

09:00 – 09:40	Absolute Return Fixed Income This interactive session provides an introduction to Absolute Return Fixed Income highlighting the benefits of such an approach in navigating the current market environment.	Thomas Maxwell Investment Director, Fixed Income
09:40 – 10:20	Total Return Fixed Income The current fixed income investment environment is being shaped by technical, cyclical and fundamental forces. Evaluating and timing the impact of such forces makes the search for positive returns all the more challenging for investors. In this session, we explain how can investors can achieve a superior risk / return experience from a Total Return Credit strategy in comparison to allocating to traditional fixed income strategies.	Mark Munro Investment Director, Fixed Income
10:20 – 11:00	Importance of ESG in Fixed Income This session will outline the importance of environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations in the context of analysing companies and constructing portfolios. This will cover the ESG risks and opportunities that should be considered, our approach to integrating ESG considerations within traditional Fixed Income portfolios and the range of solutions available to achieve different ESG investor goals.	Andrew Mason Senior ESG Investment Analyst Josef Helmes Investment Director, Fixed Income
11:00 – 11:20	Break
11:20 – 12:40	Why clients should be thinking about EMD Misconceptions surrounding the size and liquidity of the emerging market debt universe are stark. The market has continued to grow and develop over recent years, and investors can now find a wide array of products from which to choose from within the asset class. While emerging markets tend to offer high levels of income relative to developed markets on average, the risk-returns characteristics of various countries or sub-asset classes such as EM Corporates can vary widely, and ultimately various EMD products can lead to vastly different performance outcome.	Max Wolman Investment Director, Emerging Market Debt Roubesh Adaya Senior Investment Specialist
12:40 – 13:30	Lunch
13:30 – 14:30	Investment and innovation Aberdeen Standard Investments have a strong track record in launching new funds. We have increased the pace of innovation with a focus on “new active” investment capabilities and almost 50 launches since the merger. There is a strong pipeline of innovation across a broad range of asset classes, regions and target markets to support future growth.	Morag Lakie Head of New Product Development
14:30 – 14:40	Break
14:40 – 16:00	Workshop: ASI Fixed Income Capabilities & Fixed Income throughout the cycle The first part of this session provides a brief introduction to Aberdeen Standard Investments’ Fixed Income Capabilities covering scale, strategies, philosophy, resources and currents areas of interest for clients. The second part of the session involves an interactive game whereby teams will compete against one another in creating the best portfolio from a risk-adjusted return perspective.	Amit Moudgil Investment Specialist Adam Dmochowski Investment Specialist, Fixed Income Roubesh Adaya Senior Investment Specialist
16:00	End of day
18:30	Dinner at The Cellar Door

Friday 5 July

09:00 – 11:00	Private markets: Enabling investors to capture the illiquidity premium and benefit from lower correlation This session will look at the range of opportunities in illiquid markets, and assess the benefits and risks to be considered. In particular, we will focus on investments in private equity, infrastructure, real estate and private credit.	Barry Fricke Global Head of Private Credit, Product Strategy & Solutions Ross Hayter Investment Director, Private Markets Product Strategy & Solutions Stephen Flett Senior Associate Investment Specialist
11:00 – 11:20	Break
11:20 – 12:00	Programme summary and certificates	Andrew Hendry Head of Distribution, Asia Pacific Eric Bruce Client Director - APAC & China
12:00	Close of forum & Lunch

Speakers

Andrea Wehner

Investment Director, Multi-Asset Investing

Andrea Wehner is an Investment Director at Aberdeen Standard Investments. As a member of the Multi-Asset Investment Specialists team, Andrea works closely with the fund management, product development, distribution and business teams on ensuring that client led intelligence is fully reflected in internal thinking. In addition, Andrea is also responsible for promoting the ongoing development of the investment propositions in the multi-asset marketplace. Before joining Standard Life Investments in 2017, Andrea spent two years as a Business Development Manager at CACEIS Investor Services advising institutional investors. Andrea spent most of her career at Hauck & Aufhäuser Privatbankiers, initially as a Portfolio Manager and then Head of Fund Asset Management, where she was responsible for establishing a multi-asset management business for (ultra) high net worth clients. Andrea subsequently became the Head of Institutional Multi-Asset Management/Fund of Funds.

Andrea graduated with a Master’s degree in Banking, Finance and Investment Management from OTH Regensburg/Germany, Leeds Beckett University/UK and Fullerton College/USA. Andrea is a CAIA Charterholder and was awarded the FT Non-Executive Director Diploma. She is also a member of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI).

Campbell Fleming

Global Head of Distribution

Campbell Fleming is the Head of Distribution at Aberdeen Standard Investments, and is responsible for all client relations and service, sales, business development and client investment specialists across the globe.

Campbell joined Aberdeen Asset Management in August 2016 from Columbia Threadneedle Investments, where he was the Chief Executive – EMEA and Global COO, having joined the firm in November 2009 as the Global Head of Distribution. Previously, Campbell worked for JPMorgan Asset Management as Head of UK after performing a variety of roles within the firm and Europe. Campbell had joined JPMorgan with its acquisition of Robert Fleming Asset Management in 2000 (which he joined in 1997). Prior to that, Campbell worked for Financial Service regulators in the UK and Australia as well as the Attorney General’s Department in Sydney, where he completed his Legal training.

Campbell graduated in 1991 with a Dip Law at Barristers Admission Board through the Law Extension Committee, Sydney University. Campbell was admitted as a Barrister to the Supreme Court of New South Wales in 1991, and to the Supreme Court of England & Wales as a non-practising Solicitor. Campbell is the Chair of the Investment Association Trade Committee, and previously has been the Chair of ICI Global as well as been on the advisory and statutory boards of The CityUK and The Investment Association.

Carolina Martinez

Senior Investment Strategy Analyst

Carolina Martinez is a Senior Investment Strategy Analyst in charge of conducting quantitative research for identifying the drivers of asset returns under different macroeconomic scenarios, she is a member of the Tactical Asset Allocation committee in Multi Asset Investments at Aberdeen Standard Investments. Carolina joined Standard Life Investments in 2015 from Evalueserve Chile where she was Manager of Economics Research for their client Deutsche Bank. Previously, Carolina worked for CSAV, a shipping company later acquired by Hapag Lloyd, conducting research to support the negotiations of new constructions orders with Asian shipyards. Prior to that, Carolina worked for BBVA as Financial Analyst in charge of the collateral management from derivatives operations.

Carolina graduated with a MSc in Economics from The University of Edinburgh and conducted a one term exchange program in Millersville University in the United States. She has also attended the Econometrics Summer School at Cambridge University and the Forecasting Summer School at Cass Business School and is a CFA Program 2019 Level I candidate. Carolina is the Vice Chair of the CFA UK Diversity Network, Scotland and Chair of the Aberdeen Standard Investments Econometrics Forum.

Dongyue Zhang

Investment Director, Multi-Asset Investing

Dongyue is an Investment Director and a Senior Investment Specialist within the Multi-Asset Investing Team at Aberdeen Standard Investments. He is responsible for the growth and development of the firm's multi-asset suite of products the Asia Pacific. Prior to this, he worked at Goldman Sachs Asset Management as a Portfolio Manager in the Global Portfolio Solutions Group. Mr. Zhang started his career as an actuary at Watson Wyatt. He graduated summa cum laude from Hamilton College with BA degrees in Mathematics and Psychology, and is a Chartered Financial Analyst and a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries.

Eric Bruce

Client Director, Asia Pacific and China

Eric Bruce is a Client Director – APAC & China at Aberdeen Standard Investments, where he is responsible for developing strategic relationships across Asia Pacific, working closely with the regional business leaders, Group Chairman, and Senior Executives within ASI. Eric joined Standard Life Group in 1997, where he held a range of UK and International roles including Head of Wealth and Investment solutions and subsequently chief distribution officer for the Standard Life Asia (SLA) business in Hong Kong.

Eric graduated with a BA (Hons) in Financial Services and holds the Investment Management Certificate.

Heather McKay

Senior Solutions Director

Heather McKay is a Senior Solutions Director on the Client Solutions team at Aberdeen Standard Investments, and has a decade of experience in managing Multi-Asset funds, predominantly those of Insurance clients. Heather joined Aberdeen Asset Management following the SWIP acquisition in April 2014. Prior to joining the SWIP Multi-Asset team in 2010, Heather was a Credit Analyst within the Fixed Income team covering autos, financials and insurance sectors. Heather joined SWIP from Baillie Gifford & Co, where she was an analyst for more than four years. Latterly, she worked on the US equity desk covering the software and banks sectors.

Heather graduated with a First Class Honours BAcc with Finance degree from the University of Glasgow. She is IMC qualified and is a CFA charter holder.

Malcolm Jones

Global Head of Multi-Asset & Systematic Product Strategy

Malcolm is responsible for the leadership of global product strategy for ASI’s multi asset and systematic investment capabilities. Malcolm spent the first 15 years of his career as a fund manager working on both equity and fixed income strategies, with leadership roles in both asset classes. As a senior fund manager he was also a key member of asset allocation groups overseeing the management of multi-asset mandates. Since joining ASI in 2003, he has been actively involved with the development and communication of strategies across multi-asset, macro systematic, fixed income, liability aware and money markets.

Malcolm graduated with a First Class Honours degree in BSc Actuarial Mathematics and Statistics from Heriot-Watt University and is also a Fellow of the Faculty of Actuaries.

Julien Lepine

Senior Investment Specialist, Multi-Asset and Solutions

Julien is Senior Investment Specialist covering Multi-Asset and Solutions in Asia Pacific and is in charge of driving and supporting multi asset solution business development. This involves working with the multi-asset and other investment teams to deliver multi-asset portfolio solutions to achieve client-specific outcomes and objectives, building thought leadership and contributing to new product development. Julien joined Aberdeen Asset Management in 2017 from State Street Global Advisors where he was a vice president and senior investment strategist for Asia Pacific. Previously, Julien worked for SSGA in France where he was a portfolio manager in the investment solutions group. Julien holds an MSc in Finance and an MSc in Management from University of Cergy-Pontoise. He is a CAIA charterholder.

Richard Dunbar

Head of Macro Investing Research

Richard Dunbar is Head of Macro Investing Research at Aberdeen Standard Investments. Prior to this Richard was Head of Economic and Thematic Research at Aberdeen Asset Management, which he joined in 2014, as part of the acquisition of Scottish Widows Investment Partnership (SWIP). At SWIP Richard had previously held roles in the UK and Global Equity teams since joining the firm in 2000. Before joining SWIP, Richard worked for seven years with Blairlogie Capital Management as a portfolio manager for the UK and Europe. He started his career in 1989 as a UK portfolio manager with Murray Johnstone.

Richard is a CFA Charterholder, holds a BAdmin (Hons) in Business Administration from the University of Dundee and is an Associate of the CFA Society of the UK. Richard is also a past Chairman of the CFA Society of the UK, a Fellow of the CFA Society of the UK and an Advisor to the Centre for Finance and Investment at Heriot Watt University.

Simon Fox

Senior Solutions Director

Simon Fox is a Senior Director in the Global Portfolio Solutions team. Simon manages fiduciary mandates and provides investment advice to a range of pension fund, endowment and foundation clients in the UK and overseas.

Prior to joining the firm in 2015, Simon was at Mercer for twelve years, initially as a senior client consultant responsible for advising on investment strategy, portfolio structuring, manager selection, and performance monitoring. Later on, he joined Mercer's Alternatives boutique as a Director of Research with client consulting responsibilities, including coverage of macro, currency and commodity strategies and multi-asset investments; and sat on the Alternatives Investment Committee. Throughout this period, Simon was a regular contributor to Mercer's broader intellectual capital - from hedge funds to commodities, timberland and agriculture.

Simon has a Masters in European Politics and Policy from the LSE; and an MA(Oxon) in Mathematics from Oxford University. He is also a CFA® charterholder.

Stephanie Kelly

Senior Political Economist

Stephanie Kelly is the Senior Political Economist at Aberdeen Standard Investments Research Institute. She leads the politics, policy and ESG research stream for the Institute, specialising in US, European and UK political and policy analysis. Stephanie is responsible for the construction of the ASI political risk framework and scenario process, as well as the proprietary global ESG index. She is also a regular commentator on the implications of political risk for investors in print media and television. Stephanie sits on the CFA UK Scotland Committee and the co-founded the CFA Gender Diversity Network Scotland. Stephanie holds a BA(Hons) in Economics and Politics and an MSc in International Politics from Trinity College Dublin, with research experience from Sciences Po, Paris and the University of British Columbia. Stephanie joined Standard Life Investments in 2014.

William Martinez

Investment Specialist, Multi-Asset Investing

William joined Aberdeen Standard Investments in March 2015 as a member of the Multi-Asset Investment Specialist Team and focuses on absolute return products and GTAA-related mandates. Prior to joining William worked at IV Capital Limited as a multi-asset investment research analyst and hedge fund analyst focusing on a broad range of investment strategies. He also worked at Goldman Sachs International as an institutional client relationship manager and at Bank of New York Mellon in structured products. William holds the CFA and CAIA charters and previously held the CMT designation. He studied economics in Switzerland and Spain and international relations at the London School of Economics.

Virginia Martin Heriz

Senior Tactical Asset Allocation Manager

Virginia is a portfolio manager in the multi asset investment team, with responsibility for traditional balanced funds and several segregated GTAA/absolute return mandates. She sits in the Tactical Asset Allocation Committee as well as the Strategic Investment Group.

Virginia started her career in the financial services industry at Lehman Brothers as a capital markets analyst. After the GFC she moved to Evolution Securities and then Autonomous Research were she was the lead analyst covering French banks. In 2012 Virginia moved to Martin Currie Investment Management to cover global financials as an equity analyst.

Prior to her financial services career Virginia worked in applied physics (University of California, CERN, among others) and then in the electronics industry designing micro-processors for a wireless products manufacturer in Paris (Parrot SA).

Virginia has a patent and several scientific publications. Virginia is fluent in Spanish, French, Italian and English and learns Hindi and Urdu in her spare time.

Virginia has a Diplôme d'Ingénieur from Télécom Paris (ENST) and a MSc in Telecommunications Engineering from the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid.

Andrea Wehner

Investment Director, Multi-Asset Investing
Andrea Wehner is an Investment Director at Aberdeen Standard Investments. As a member of the Multi-Asset Investment Specialists team, Andrea works closely with the fund management, product development, distribution and business teams on ensuring that client led intelligence is fully reflected in internal thinking. In addition, Andrea is also responsible for promoting the ongoing development of the investment propositions in the multi-asset marketplace. Before joining Standard Life Investments in 2017, Andrea spent two years as a Business Development Manager at CACEIS Investor Services advising institutional investors. Andrea spent most of her career at Hauck & Aufhäuser Privatbankiers, initially as a Portfolio Manager and then Head of Fund Asset Management, where she was responsible for establishing a multi-asset management business for (ultra) high net worth clients. Andrea subsequently became the Head of Institutional Multi-Asset Management/Fund of Funds.

Andrea graduated with a Master’s degree in Banking, Finance and Investment Management from OTH Regensburg/Germany, Leeds Beckett University/UK and Fullerton College/USA. Andrea is a CAIA Charterholder and was awarded the FT Non-Executive Director Diploma. She is also a member of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI).
Campbell Fleming

Global Head of Distribution
Campbell Fleming is the Head of Distribution at Aberdeen Standard Investments, and is responsible for all client relations and service, sales, business development and client investment specialists across the globe.

Campbell joined Aberdeen Asset Management in August 2016 from Columbia Threadneedle Investments, where he was the Chief Executive – EMEA and Global COO, having joined the firm in November 2009 as the Global Head of Distribution. Previously, Campbell worked for JPMorgan Asset Management as Head of UK after performing a variety of roles within the firm and Europe. Campbell had joined JPMorgan with its acquisition of Robert Fleming Asset Management in 2000 (which he joined in 1997). Prior to that, Campbell worked for Financial Service regulators in the UK and Australia as well as the Attorney General’s Department in Sydney, where he completed his Legal training.

Campbell graduated in 1991 with a Dip Law at Barristers Admission Board through the Law Extension Committee, Sydney University. Campbell was admitted as a Barrister to the Supreme Court of New South Wales in 1991, and to the Supreme Court of England & Wales as a non-practising Solicitor. Campbell is the Chair of the Investment Association Trade Committee, and previously has been the Chair of ICI Global as well as been on the advisory and statutory boards of The CityUK and The Investment Association.
Carolina Martinez

Senior Investment Strategy Analyst
Carolina Martinez is a Senior Investment Strategy Analyst in charge of conducting quantitative research for identifying the drivers of asset returns under different macroeconomic scenarios, she is a member of the Tactical Asset Allocation committee in Multi Asset Investments at Aberdeen Standard Investments. Carolina joined Standard Life Investments in 2015 from Evalueserve Chile where she was Manager of Economics Research for their client Deutsche Bank. Previously, Carolina worked for CSAV, a shipping company later acquired by Hapag Lloyd, conducting research to support the negotiations of new constructions orders with Asian shipyards. Prior to that, Carolina worked for BBVA as Financial Analyst in charge of the collateral management from derivatives operations.

Carolina graduated with a MSc in Economics from The University of Edinburgh and conducted a one term exchange program in Millersville University in the United States. She has also attended the Econometrics Summer School at Cambridge University and the Forecasting Summer School at Cass Business School and is a CFA Program 2019 Level I candidate. Carolina is the Vice Chair of the CFA UK Diversity Network, Scotland and Chair of the Aberdeen Standard Investments Econometrics Forum.
Dongyue Zhang

Investment Director, Multi-Asset Investing
Dongyue is an Investment Director and a Senior Investment Specialist within the Multi-Asset Investing Team at Aberdeen Standard Investments. He is responsible for the growth and development of the firm's multi-asset suite of products the Asia Pacific. Prior to this, he worked at Goldman Sachs Asset Management as a Portfolio Manager in the Global Portfolio Solutions Group. Mr. Zhang started his career as an actuary at Watson Wyatt. He graduated summa cum laude from Hamilton College with BA degrees in Mathematics and Psychology, and is a Chartered Financial Analyst and a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries.
Eric Bruce

Client Director, Asia Pacific and China
Eric Bruce is a Client Director – APAC & China at Aberdeen Standard Investments, where he is responsible for developing strategic relationships across Asia Pacific, working closely with the regional business leaders, Group Chairman, and Senior Executives within ASI. Eric joined Standard Life Group in 1997, where he held a range of UK and International roles including Head of Wealth and Investment solutions and subsequently chief distribution officer for the Standard Life Asia (SLA) business in Hong Kong.

Eric graduated with a BA (Hons) in Financial Services and holds the Investment Management Certificate.
Heather McKay

Senior Solutions Director
Heather McKay is a Senior Solutions Director on the Client Solutions team at Aberdeen Standard Investments, and has a decade of experience in managing Multi-Asset funds, predominantly those of Insurance clients. Heather joined Aberdeen Asset Management following the SWIP acquisition in April 2014. Prior to joining the SWIP Multi-Asset team in 2010, Heather was a Credit Analyst within the Fixed Income team covering autos, financials and insurance sectors. Heather joined SWIP from Baillie Gifford & Co, where she was an analyst for more than four years. Latterly, she worked on the US equity desk covering the software and banks sectors.

Heather graduated with a First Class Honours BAcc with Finance degree from the University of Glasgow. She is IMC qualified and is a CFA charter holder.
Malcolm Jones

Global Head of Multi-Asset & Systematic Product Strategy
Malcolm is responsible for the leadership of global product strategy for ASI’s multi asset and systematic investment capabilities. Malcolm spent the first 15 years of his career as a fund manager working on both equity and fixed income strategies, with leadership roles in both asset classes. As a senior fund manager he was also a key member of asset allocation groups overseeing the management of multi-asset mandates. Since joining ASI in 2003, he has been actively involved with the development and communication of strategies across multi-asset, macro systematic, fixed income, liability aware and money markets.

Malcolm graduated with a First Class Honours degree in BSc Actuarial Mathematics and Statistics from Heriot-Watt University and is also a Fellow of the Faculty of Actuaries.
Julien Lepine

Senior Investment Specialist, Multi-Asset and Solutions
Julien is Senior Investment Specialist covering Multi-Asset and Solutions in Asia Pacific and is in charge of driving and supporting multi asset solution business development. This involves working with the multi-asset and other investment teams to deliver multi-asset portfolio solutions to achieve client-specific outcomes and objectives, building thought leadership and contributing to new product development. Julien joined Aberdeen Asset Management in 2017 from State Street Global Advisors where he was a vice president and senior investment strategist for Asia Pacific. Previously, Julien worked for SSGA in France where he was a portfolio manager in the investment solutions group. Julien holds an MSc in Finance and an MSc in Management from University of Cergy-Pontoise. He is a CAIA charterholder.
Richard Dunbar

Head of Macro Investing Research
Richard Dunbar is Head of Macro Investing Research at Aberdeen Standard Investments. Prior to this Richard was Head of Economic and Thematic Research at Aberdeen Asset Management, which he joined in 2014, as part of the acquisition of Scottish Widows Investment Partnership (SWIP). At SWIP Richard had previously held roles in the UK and Global Equity teams since joining the firm in 2000. Before joining SWIP, Richard worked for seven years with Blairlogie Capital Management as a portfolio manager for the UK and Europe. He started his career in 1989 as a UK portfolio manager with Murray Johnstone.

Richard is a CFA Charterholder, holds a BAdmin (Hons) in Business Administration from the University of Dundee and is an Associate of the CFA Society of the UK. Richard is also a past Chairman of the CFA Society of the UK, a Fellow of the CFA Society of the UK and an Advisor to the Centre for Finance and Investment at Heriot Watt University.
Simon Fox

Senior Solutions Director
Simon Fox is a Senior Director in the Global Portfolio Solutions team. Simon manages fiduciary mandates and provides investment advice to a range of pension fund, endowment and foundation clients in the UK and overseas.

Prior to joining the firm in 2015, Simon was at Mercer for twelve years, initially as a senior client consultant responsible for advising on investment strategy, portfolio structuring, manager selection, and performance monitoring. Later on, he joined Mercer's Alternatives boutique as a Director of Research with client consulting responsibilities, including coverage of macro, currency and commodity strategies and multi-asset investments; and sat on the Alternatives Investment Committee. Throughout this period, Simon was a regular contributor to Mercer's broader intellectual capital - from hedge funds to commodities, timberland and agriculture.

Simon has a Masters in European Politics and Policy from the LSE; and an MA(Oxon) in Mathematics from Oxford University. He is also a CFA® charterholder.
Stephanie Kelly

Senior Political Economist
Stephanie Kelly is the Senior Political Economist at Aberdeen Standard Investments Research Institute. She leads the politics, policy and ESG research stream for the Institute, specialising in US, European and UK political and policy analysis. Stephanie is responsible for the construction of the ASI political risk framework and scenario process, as well as the proprietary global ESG index. She is also a regular commentator on the implications of political risk for investors in print media and television. Stephanie sits on the CFA UK Scotland Committee and the co-founded the CFA Gender Diversity Network Scotland. Stephanie holds a BA(Hons) in Economics and Politics and an MSc in International Politics from Trinity College Dublin, with research experience from Sciences Po, Paris and the University of British Columbia. Stephanie joined Standard Life Investments in 2014.
William Martinez

Investment Specialist, Multi-Asset Investing
William joined Aberdeen Standard Investments in March 2015 as a member of the Multi-Asset Investment Specialist Team and focuses on absolute return products and GTAA-related mandates. Prior to joining William worked at IV Capital Limited as a multi-asset investment research analyst and hedge fund analyst focusing on a broad range of investment strategies. He also worked at Goldman Sachs International as an institutional client relationship manager and at Bank of New York Mellon in structured products. William holds the CFA and CAIA charters and previously held the CMT designation. He studied economics in Switzerland and Spain and international relations at the London School of Economics.
Virginia Martin Heriz

Senior Tactical Asset Allocation Manager
Virginia is a portfolio manager in the multi asset investment team, with responsibility for traditional balanced funds and several segregated GTAA/absolute return mandates. She sits in the Tactical Asset Allocation Committee as well as the Strategic Investment Group.

Virginia started her career in the financial services industry at Lehman Brothers as a capital markets analyst. After the GFC she moved to Evolution Securities and then Autonomous Research were she was the lead analyst covering French banks. In 2012 Virginia moved to Martin Currie Investment Management to cover global financials as an equity analyst.

Prior to her financial services career Virginia worked in applied physics (University of California, CERN, among others) and then in the electronics industry designing micro-processors for a wireless products manufacturer in Paris (Parrot SA).

Virginia has a patent and several scientific publications. Virginia is fluent in Spanish, French, Italian and English and learns Hindi and Urdu in her spare time.

Virginia has a Diplôme d'Ingénieur from Télécom Paris (ENST) and a MSc in Telecommunications Engineering from the Universidad Politécnica de Madrid.

Amanda Young

Head of Global ESG Investment Research

Amanda is Head of Global ESG Investment Research at Aberdeen Standard Investments, where she leads a team of analysts focusing on the sustainability issues affecting Standard Life Investment’s investee companies. The team focuses on integrating human rights, environment, labour standard and business ethics issues into the mainstream investment process, as well as providing oversight to its Sustainable and Responsible Investment (SRI) and ethical investment propositions. Prior to joining Standard Life Investments, Amanda was the SRI Officer at Newton Investment Management where she integrated environmental, social and governance matters into Newton’s mainstream investment process. Amanda started her career in responsibility investment at CCLA Investment Management where she has responsibility for CCLA’s charity clients. Amanda’s first research position was at Rabobank International, in the economics department. Amanda graduated from Lancaster University with a BSc in Psychology. Amanda current sits on the FTSE ESG Advisory Committee. She was a member of the board of the UK Sustainable Investment and Finance Association for six years.

Charles Ross

Associate Investment Specialist, Equities

Charles Ross is an Associate Investment Specialist for the Aberdeen Standard Investments equity fund range and is responsible for the commercialisation and development of the equity asset class. He works alongside the investment team and his primary role is to ensure that clients and consultants have clarity on the philosophy, process and investment positioning of this growing asset class. By understanding the changing needs of different groups of investors, he is responsible for developing new equity strategies and customised investment solutions for institutional clients globally.

Charles has a Diploma of Higher Education in Physics from Edinburgh University and has passed the IMC qualification.

Dale MacLennan

Investment Director, Head of Equity Investment Specialists

Dale MacLennan is Head of the Equity Investment Specialists Team at Aberdeen Standard Investments and works closely with our active equity division to support its commercial growth and development. Dale joined Standard Life Investments in 2002, and has 25 years of experience in the industry. Prior to joining Standard Life Investments, he was an Investment Director at Scottish Widows Investment Partnership and at the WM Company. Dale graduated with an MA (Hons) in Economics and holds the IMC.

Dongyue Zhang

Investment Director, Multi-Asset Investing

Euan Stirling

Head of Stewardship ＆ ESG Investment

Euan is the Global Head of Stewardship and ESG Investment at Aberdeen Standard Investments. Euan is responsible for the Stewardship and ESG Investment Teams which comprises our corporate governance and responsible investment activities. This involves establishing and applying appropriate policies to our stewardship of the companies that we invest in on behalf of our clients. These policies cover the key areas of the environment, social policy and governance (‘ESG’) that help to determine a company’s sustainable future. Euan joined Standard Life Investments in 2001 as Investment Director, UK Equities, where he researched a varied range of sectors and managing UK equity portfolios for institutional clients. Prior to this, Euan worked at Schroder Investment Management as a Fund Manager on the UK Equity desk from 1996. Previously, From 1991 to 1996 Euan worked in a variety of accounting roles spanning Private Practice, Industry and Local Government; he began his career in 1986 with Ernst & Young as a Chartered Accountant.

Euan graduated with a BA and is also a chartered accountant.

Graham McCraw

Investment Specialist, Equities

Graham is responsible for the commercialisation and development of the equity asset class at Aberdeen Standard Investments. He works alongside the investment team and his primary role is to ensure that investors have clarity on the philosophy, process and investment positioning of this growing asset class. By understanding the changing needs of different groups of investors, he is responsible for developing new equity strategies and customised investment solutions for a range of investors globally. He has a BSc from Heriot Watt University and also holds the IMC.

Nick Millington

Co-Head Quantitative Equities

Nick Millington is Co-head Quantitative Equities on the Quantitative Investments team and is responsible for overseeing a range of active systematic equity strategies. Nick joined Aberdeen Standard Investments as a result of the merger between Aberdeen Asset Management and Standard Life in August 2017 and joined Aberdeen through the acquisition of SWIP in 2014 where he had been a founding member of the Quantitative Investment Team. He joined SWIP in 2001 as a Quantitative Analyst before progressing to become Head of Portfolio Risk and then Co-Head of Quantitative Equities. Prior to this, he began his career at JP Morgan Investment Management in 1998 working in a number of roles including equity derivatives, FX and cash.

Nick holds a BA (Hons) degree in Economics from the University of Strathclyde

Sean Phayre

Global Head of Quantitative Investment Strategies

Sean Phayre is the Global Head of Quantitative Investment Strategies at Aberdeen Standard Investments in Edinburgh and is tasked with the development and management of quantitative strategies and structured product capabilities in both Equities and Fixed Interest.

Sean joined Aberdeen in 2014 as part of Scottish Widows Investment Partnership (SWIP) heritage. Sean commenced his investment career at Edinburgh Fund Managers which later became Aberdeen Asset Management. He established Quantitative Investment teams at both companies, and latterly was Co-Head of Quantitative Equities and Derivative Strategies. In 2005, Sean joined SWIP as Head of the Quantitative Investment Group. Upon re-joining Aberdeen, Sean assumed the role of Global Head of Quantitative Investments and joined the Group Management Board (GMB).

Sean holds a BSc (Hons) in Mathematical Sciences, an MSc in Industrial Mathematics and a PhD in Statistics and Modelling Science, all from the University of Strathclyde. He also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Investment Analysis from the University of Stirling. Sean is regular member of CFA UK.

Theo Craig

Equity Investment Specialist

Theo Craig is an Equity Investment Specialist at Aberdeen Standard Investments. Theo is primarily responsible for coverage of UK Equities with additional coverage of European equities. Theo joined Standard Life Investments in 2014 from Newedge where he worked as a multi-asset Sales Trader. Previously, Theo founded Shuna Capital, a systematic derivatives trading firm. Prior to that, Theo worked for Aspect Capital as a derivatives and equity trader on trend following and multi-factor equity products.

Theo graduated with a BA (Hons) in Finance from the University of Strathclyde and holds the IMC.

Amanda Young

Head of Global ESG Investment Research
Amanda is Head of Global ESG Investment Research at Aberdeen Standard Investments, where she leads a team of analysts focusing on the sustainability issues affecting Standard Life Investment’s investee companies. The team focuses on integrating human rights, environment, labour standard and business ethics issues into the mainstream investment process, as well as providing oversight to its Sustainable and Responsible Investment (SRI) and ethical investment propositions. Prior to joining Standard Life Investments, Amanda was the SRI Officer at Newton Investment Management where she integrated environmental, social and governance matters into Newton’s mainstream investment process. Amanda started her career in responsibility investment at CCLA Investment Management where she has responsibility for CCLA’s charity clients. Amanda’s first research position was at Rabobank International, in the economics department. Amanda graduated from Lancaster University with a BSc in Psychology. Amanda current sits on the FTSE ESG Advisory Committee. She was a member of the board of the UK Sustainable Investment and Finance Association for six years.
Charles Ross

Associate Investment Specialist, Equities
Charles Ross is an Associate Investment Specialist for the Aberdeen Standard Investments equity fund range and is responsible for the commercialisation and development of the equity asset class. He works alongside the investment team and his primary role is to ensure that clients and consultants have clarity on the philosophy, process and investment positioning of this growing asset class. By understanding the changing needs of different groups of investors, he is responsible for developing new equity strategies and customised investment solutions for institutional clients globally.

Charles has a Diploma of Higher Education in Physics from Edinburgh University and has passed the IMC qualification.
Dale MacLennan

Investment Director, Head of Equity Investment Specialists
Dale MacLennan is Head of the Equity Investment Specialists Team at Aberdeen Standard Investments and works closely with our active equity division to support its commercial growth and development. Dale joined Standard Life Investments in 2002, and has 25 years of experience in the industry. Prior to joining Standard Life Investments, he was an Investment Director at Scottish Widows Investment Partnership and at the WM Company. Dale graduated with an MA (Hons) in Economics and holds the IMC.
Dongyue Zhang

Investment Director, Multi-Asset Investing
Dongyue is an Investment Director and a Senior Investment Specialist within the Multi-Asset Investing Team at Aberdeen Standard Investments. He is responsible for the growth and development of the firm's multi-asset suite of products the Asia Pacific. Prior to this, he worked at Goldman Sachs Asset Management as a Portfolio Manager in the Global Portfolio Solutions Group. Mr. Zhang started his career as an actuary at Watson Wyatt. He graduated summa cum laude from Hamilton College with BA degrees in Mathematics and Psychology, and is a Chartered Financial Analyst and a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries.
Euan Stirling

Head of Stewardship ＆ ESG Investment
Euan is the Global Head of Stewardship and ESG Investment at Aberdeen Standard Investments. Euan is responsible for the Stewardship and ESG Investment Teams which comprises our corporate governance and responsible investment activities. This involves establishing and applying appropriate policies to our stewardship of the companies that we invest in on behalf of our clients. These policies cover the key areas of the environment, social policy and governance (‘ESG’) that help to determine a company’s sustainable future. Euan joined Standard Life Investments in 2001 as Investment Director, UK Equities, where he researched a varied range of sectors and managing UK equity portfolios for institutional clients. Prior to this, Euan worked at Schroder Investment Management as a Fund Manager on the UK Equity desk from 1996. Previously, From 1991 to 1996 Euan worked in a variety of accounting roles spanning Private Practice, Industry and Local Government; he began his career in 1986 with Ernst & Young as a Chartered Accountant.

Euan graduated with a BA and is also a chartered accountant.
Graham McCraw

Investment Specialist, Equities
Graham is responsible for the commercialisation and development of the equity asset class at Aberdeen Standard Investments. He works alongside the investment team and his primary role is to ensure that investors have clarity on the philosophy, process and investment positioning of this growing asset class. By understanding the changing needs of different groups of investors, he is responsible for developing new equity strategies and customised investment solutions for a range of investors globally. He has a BSc from Heriot Watt University and also holds the IMC.
Nick Millington

Co-Head Quantitative Equities
Nick Millington is Co-head Quantitative Equities on the Quantitative Investments team and is responsible for overseeing a range of active systematic equity strategies. Nick joined Aberdeen Standard Investments as a result of the merger between Aberdeen Asset Management and Standard Life in August 2017 and joined Aberdeen through the acquisition of SWIP in 2014 where he had been a founding member of the Quantitative Investment Team. He joined SWIP in 2001 as a Quantitative Analyst before progressing to become Head of Portfolio Risk and then Co-Head of Quantitative Equities. Prior to this, he began his career at JP Morgan Investment Management in 1998 working in a number of roles including equity derivatives, FX and cash.

Nick holds a BA (Hons) degree in Economics from the University of Strathclyde
Sean Phayre

Global Head of Quantitative Investment Strategies
Sean Phayre is the Global Head of Quantitative Investment Strategies at Aberdeen Standard Investments in Edinburgh and is tasked with the development and management of quantitative strategies and structured product capabilities in both Equities and Fixed Interest.

Sean joined Aberdeen in 2014 as part of Scottish Widows Investment Partnership (SWIP) heritage. Sean commenced his investment career at Edinburgh Fund Managers which later became Aberdeen Asset Management. He established Quantitative Investment teams at both companies, and latterly was Co-Head of Quantitative Equities and Derivative Strategies. In 2005, Sean joined SWIP as Head of the Quantitative Investment Group. Upon re-joining Aberdeen, Sean assumed the role of Global Head of Quantitative Investments and joined the Group Management Board (GMB).

Sean holds a BSc (Hons) in Mathematical Sciences, an MSc in Industrial Mathematics and a PhD in Statistics and Modelling Science, all from the University of Strathclyde. He also holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Investment Analysis from the University of Stirling. Sean is regular member of CFA UK.
Theo Craig

Equity Investment Specialist
Theo Craig is an Equity Investment Specialist at Aberdeen Standard Investments. Theo is primarily responsible for coverage of UK Equities with additional coverage of European equities. Theo joined Standard Life Investments in 2014 from Newedge where he worked as a multi-asset Sales Trader. Previously, Theo founded Shuna Capital, a systematic derivatives trading firm. Prior to that, Theo worked for Aspect Capital as a derivatives and equity trader on trend following and multi-factor equity products.

Theo graduated with a BA (Hons) in Finance from the University of Strathclyde and holds the IMC.

Andrew Lister

Head of Closed End Fund Strategies

Andrew Lister is a Senior Investment Manager and Head of Closed End Fund Strategies at Aberdeen Standard Investments. He has been investing in closed end funds for over 18 years. He joined Aberdeen Asset Management in December 2015 via the acquisiton of Advance Emerging Capital Limited, where he served as Co-CIO.

Andrew graduated from the University of Exeter with a BA in Geography in 1999. He completed the Investment Management Certificate in 2001 and qualified as a technical analyst in 2005.

Anne Friel

Quantitative Investment Director

Dr. Anne Friel is a Quantitative Investment Director at Aberdeen Standard Investments. She is responsible for the provision of broad based quantitative consultancy to the Multi-Asset Investing Team for research, marketing and fund management purposes. Responsible for ensuring bond plus swap overlay funds are run within basis risk limits, by monitoring risk parameters and proposing and executing risk reduction trades. Anne joined Standard Life Investments in 2001 and joined the Strategic Solutions Unit as Quantitative Analyst in 2005. Prior to joining Standard Life Investments Anne’s investment experience was gained at Robert Fleming and Gartmore Investment Management.

Anne graduated with a BEng (1st Class Hons) in Electrical & Electronic Engineering from University of Bradford and a PhD in Modelling of Signal Interactions in Mobile Communications Systems from University of Bradford. Anne is a SFA Registered Representative, a Professional Risk Manager (PRM) and holds the Investment Management Certificate (IMC).

Brian Strachan

Senior Investment Specialist

Brian is an Senior Investment Specialist at Aberdeen Standard Investments. Brian joined Standard Life Investments in 2013 as a multi-asset investment specialist where he was responsible for supporting the expansion of the risk based funds proposition. Engaging regularly with adviser clients and ratings agencies, he also works closely with the distribution, marketing and governance functions to ensure the product suite remains fit for purpose. Brian joined from Fidelity Investment where he was a sales manager covering Scotland and Northern Ireland, having previously worked for Insight Investment and Santander Asset management in sales and client manager roles.

Guillaume Delprat

Quantitative Analyst, Investment Innovation

Guillaume Delprat is a Quantitative Analyst at Aberdeen Standard Investments. Guillaume actively researches, develops and manages systematic strategies and portfolios across asset classes. Guillaume joined Standard Life in 2014 as an Investment Risk Manager, with a specific focus on Money Markets and Multi asset portfolios. Prior to joining, Guillaume worked for Barclays Capital implementing Basel 3 and focusing on Credit and Equity Derivatives.

Guillaume holds a BSc in Internal business from Rouen Business School as well as a MSc in Business analysis and consulting from Strathclyde University. He is a holder of the Investment Management Certificate (IMC).

Helen Martin

Senior Investment Proposition Manager

Helen Martin is a Senior Investment Proposition Manager at Aberdeen Standard Investments and is responsible for ensuring that our investment propositions are embedded and integrated with key partners to meet customer needs. Helen joined Standard Life in 2009 and has held a wide variety of roles across the group.

Helen graduated with a BA (Hons) in English Literature from the University of Sheffield.

Ian McWilliam

Analyst

Ian McWilliam is an Analyst at Aberdeen Standard Investments, working in the Macro Systematic Strategies and Risk team where he focusses on using modern machine learning methods to construct and manage systematic strategies . Ian joined Aberdeen Asset Management in 2013 through the graduate scheme and holds an MSc in Artificial Intelligence from the University of Edinburgh, where he also completed an undergraduate degree in Mathematics.

Kevin Milne

Head of Investment Proposition Strategy and Development

Kevin joined Standard Life Aberdeen in March 2013 and leads the team responsible for the design of investment propositions for DC workplace members, retail advisers and individual customers via our distribution partners. A key part of his role involves developing packaged products and services (such as default investment strategies, choice architectures, member journey development, decision support tools, education and guidance) with the aim of making it easier for those saving for retirement (individually or via a workplace DC pension scheme) and/or accessing their money in retirement, to achieve their desired outcomes.

Kevin has approximately 20 years’ experience in financial services including roles with Franklin Templeton, where he was Product Strategy Director responsible for developing investment products to meet the needs of retail and institutional clients in the UK and Europe, as well as Scottish Widows Investment Partnership and Edinburgh Fund Managers.

Andrew Lister

Head of Closed End Fund Strategies
Andrew Lister is a Senior Investment Manager and Head of Closed End Fund Strategies at Aberdeen Standard Investments. He has been investing in closed end funds for over 18 years. He joined Aberdeen Asset Management in December 2015 via the acquisiton of Advance Emerging Capital Limited, where he served as Co-CIO.

Andrew graduated from the University of Exeter with a BA in Geography in 1999. He completed the Investment Management Certificate in 2001 and qualified as a technical analyst in 2005.
Anne Friel

Quantitative Investment Director
Dr. Anne Friel is a Quantitative Investment Director at Aberdeen Standard Investments. She is responsible for the provision of broad based quantitative consultancy to the Multi-Asset Investing Team for research, marketing and fund management purposes. Responsible for ensuring bond plus swap overlay funds are run within basis risk limits, by monitoring risk parameters and proposing and executing risk reduction trades. Anne joined Standard Life Investments in 2001 and joined the Strategic Solutions Unit as Quantitative Analyst in 2005. Prior to joining Standard Life Investments Anne’s investment experience was gained at Robert Fleming and Gartmore Investment Management.

Anne graduated with a BEng (1st Class Hons) in Electrical & Electronic Engineering from University of Bradford and a PhD in Modelling of Signal Interactions in Mobile Communications Systems from University of Bradford. Anne is a SFA Registered Representative, a Professional Risk Manager (PRM) and holds the Investment Management Certificate (IMC).
Brian Strachan

Senior Investment Specialist
Brian is an Senior Investment Specialist at Aberdeen Standard Investments. Brian joined Standard Life Investments in 2013 as a multi-asset investment specialist where he was responsible for supporting the expansion of the risk based funds proposition. Engaging regularly with adviser clients and ratings agencies, he also works closely with the distribution, marketing and governance functions to ensure the product suite remains fit for purpose. Brian joined from Fidelity Investment where he was a sales manager covering Scotland and Northern Ireland, having previously worked for Insight Investment and Santander Asset management in sales and client manager roles.
Guillaume Delprat

Quantitative Analyst, Investment Innovation
Guillaume Delprat is a Quantitative Analyst at Aberdeen Standard Investments. Guillaume actively researches, develops and manages systematic strategies and portfolios across asset classes. Guillaume joined Standard Life in 2014 as an Investment Risk Manager, with a specific focus on Money Markets and Multi asset portfolios. Prior to joining, Guillaume worked for Barclays Capital implementing Basel 3 and focusing on Credit and Equity Derivatives.

Guillaume holds a BSc in Internal business from Rouen Business School as well as a MSc in Business analysis and consulting from Strathclyde University. He is a holder of the Investment Management Certificate (IMC).
Helen Martin

Senior Investment Proposition Manager
Helen Martin is a Senior Investment Proposition Manager at Aberdeen Standard Investments and is responsible for ensuring that our investment propositions are embedded and integrated with key partners to meet customer needs. Helen joined Standard Life in 2009 and has held a wide variety of roles across the group.

Helen graduated with a BA (Hons) in English Literature from the University of Sheffield.
Ian McWilliam

Analyst
Ian McWilliam is an Analyst at Aberdeen Standard Investments, working in the Macro Systematic Strategies and Risk team where he focusses on using modern machine learning methods to construct and manage systematic strategies . Ian joined Aberdeen Asset Management in 2013 through the graduate scheme and holds an MSc in Artificial Intelligence from the University of Edinburgh, where he also completed an undergraduate degree in Mathematics.
Kevin Milne

Head of Investment Proposition Strategy and Development
Kevin joined Standard Life Aberdeen in March 2013 and leads the team responsible for the design of investment propositions for DC workplace members, retail advisers and individual customers via our distribution partners. A key part of his role involves developing packaged products and services (such as default investment strategies, choice architectures, member journey development, decision support tools, education and guidance) with the aim of making it easier for those saving for retirement (individually or via a workplace DC pension scheme) and/or accessing their money in retirement, to achieve their desired outcomes.

Kevin has approximately 20 years’ experience in financial services including roles with Franklin Templeton, where he was Product Strategy Director responsible for developing investment products to meet the needs of retail and institutional clients in the UK and Europe, as well as Scottish Widows Investment Partnership and Edinburgh Fund Managers.

Adam Dmochowski

Investment Specialist, Fixed Income

Adam focuses on driving the commercial appeal of a range of fixed income strategies at Aberdeen Standard Investments. He works alongside our investment teams, responsible for developing new fixed income strategies and customised investment solutions for clients globally. Prior to joining Aberdeen Standard Investments in 2013, Adam was a risk reporting analyst at Royal Bank of Scotland. He worked within the global restructuring group providing analysis on the capital requirements of the non-core asset loan book. Adam also interned within the strategic investment group at Royal Bank of Scotland. Adam has six years investment experience at Aberdeen Standard Investments and seven years industry experience. He has a BSc from Royal Holloway, University of London and is a CFA charterholder.

Amit Moudgil

Investment Specialist - Fixed Income

Amit Moudgil is a Fixed Income Investment Specialist and is responsible for supporting the commercial growth of the Fixed Income franchise at Aberdeen Standard Investments.Amit joined Standard Life Investments in 2006 from State Street where he was a Performance Analyst.

Amitgraduated with a BA (Hons) in Business Economics from Napier University. Amit holds the Investment Management Certificate and passed Level I examination of the CFA Program in 2012.

Andrew Mason

Senior Analyst

Andrew Mason is a Senior Analyst with Aberdeen Standard Life Investments. Mr. Mason is an Ambassador for the University of Cambridge’s Institute for Sustainable Business and the Chairman of a Scottish based Children’s Charity ‘The Junction’. He has a Master’s Degree from the University of Edinburgh and a Post Graduate Degree from University of Cambridge.

Josef Helmes

Investment Director

Josef Helmes is an Investment Director at Aberdeen Standard Investments. Josef has Portfolio Management and Analyst responsibilities, with a specific focus on European Credit portfolios and the Utilities and Energy sectors. Josef joined Standard Life Investments in 2011 from Postbank Financial Services GmbH in Frankfurt, where he was a Fund Manager in the Fixed Income/Credit team. Previously, Josef worked for BayernLB in Munich as a Credit Analyst in the Fixed Income Research team. Prior to that, Josef started his career as an Account Manager for institutional clients Allianz Kapitalanlagegesellschaft mbH, Munich.

Josef graduated with a diploma (BA) from Fachhochschule der Wirtschaft in Hannover, Germany and is a CFA® Charterholder.

Mark Munro

Investment Director

Mark Munro is is an Investment Director at Aberdeen Standard Investments. Mark is a Portfolio Manager in our Credit team for Sterling Investment Grade Credit Funds and Strategic Bond Fund. Mark joined Standard Life Investments in 2013 from Scottish Widows Investments Partnership where he worked as an Investment Manager on the Corporate Bond Team, with responsibility for Sterling and Euro credit funds.

Roubesh Adaya

Senior Investment Specialist

Roubesh Adaya is a Senior Investment Specialist and is responsible for representing the EMD at Aberdeen Standard Investments to internal and external clients. Roubesh joined Aberdeen Standard Investments in 2016 from AXA Investment Managers where he was a Senior Product Specialist in Fixed Income. Previously, Roubesh worked for bfinance as Head of Fixed Income Research. Prior to that, Roubesh worked for BNP Paribas Investment Partners.

Roubesh graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Accounting & Finance from the University of Warwick.

Thomas Maxwell

Investment Director, Muilti-Asset Investing

Thomas Maxwell is an Investment Director in the Multi-Asset Investing team within Aberdeen Standard Investments. Thomas is a co-manager of the Absolute Return Global Bond Strategies Fund and member of the Strategic Investment Group. Prior to joining the Multi-Asset team in July-2018, Thomas was a portfolio manager within the Credit team for Sterling and European funds, and he had research responsibilities for the European insurance sector. Thomas joined Standard Life Investments in 2010 as a credit analyst. Previously, Thomas worked as an intern in DPTG Dubai, where he worked on the trading floor.

Thomas graduated with a BA (Hons) from Manchester University, holds the Investment Management Certificate and is a CFA charterholder.

Adam Dmochowski

Investment Specialist, Fixed Income
Adam focuses on driving the commercial appeal of a range of fixed income strategies at Aberdeen Standard Investments. He works alongside our investment teams, responsible for developing new fixed income strategies and customised investment solutions for clients globally. Prior to joining Aberdeen Standard Investments in 2013, Adam was a risk reporting analyst at Royal Bank of Scotland. He worked within the global restructuring group providing analysis on the capital requirements of the non-core asset loan book. Adam also interned within the strategic investment group at Royal Bank of Scotland. Adam has six years investment experience at Aberdeen Standard Investments and seven years industry experience. He has a BSc from Royal Holloway, University of London and is a CFA charterholder.
Amit Moudgil

Investment Specialist - Fixed Income
Amit Moudgil is a Fixed Income Investment Specialist and is responsible for supporting the commercial growth of the Fixed Income franchise at Aberdeen Standard Investments.Amit joined Standard Life Investments in 2006 from State Street where he was a Performance Analyst.

Amitgraduated with a BA (Hons) in Business Economics from Napier University. Amit holds the Investment Management Certificate and passed Level I examination of the CFA Program in 2012.
Andrew Mason

Senior Analyst
Andrew Mason is a Senior Analyst with Aberdeen Standard Life Investments. Mr. Mason is an Ambassador for the University of Cambridge’s Institute for Sustainable Business and the Chairman of a Scottish based Children’s Charity ‘The Junction’. He has a Master’s Degree from the University of Edinburgh and a Post Graduate Degree from University of Cambridge.
Josef Helmes

Investment Director
Josef Helmes is an Investment Director at Aberdeen Standard Investments. Josef has Portfolio Management and Analyst responsibilities, with a specific focus on European Credit portfolios and the Utilities and Energy sectors. Josef joined Standard Life Investments in 2011 from Postbank Financial Services GmbH in Frankfurt, where he was a Fund Manager in the Fixed Income/Credit team. Previously, Josef worked for BayernLB in Munich as a Credit Analyst in the Fixed Income Research team. Prior to that, Josef started his career as an Account Manager for institutional clients Allianz Kapitalanlagegesellschaft mbH, Munich.

Josef graduated with a diploma (BA) from Fachhochschule der Wirtschaft in Hannover, Germany and is a CFA® Charterholder.
Mark Munro

Investment Director
Mark Munro is is an Investment Director at Aberdeen Standard Investments. Mark is a Portfolio Manager in our Credit team for Sterling Investment Grade Credit Funds and Strategic Bond Fund. Mark joined Standard Life Investments in 2013 from Scottish Widows Investments Partnership where he worked as an Investment Manager on the Corporate Bond Team, with responsibility for Sterling and Euro credit funds.
Roubesh Adaya

Senior Investment Specialist
Roubesh Adaya is a Senior Investment Specialist and is responsible for representing the EMD at Aberdeen Standard Investments to internal and external clients. Roubesh joined Aberdeen Standard Investments in 2016 from AXA Investment Managers where he was a Senior Product Specialist in Fixed Income. Previously, Roubesh worked for bfinance as Head of Fixed Income Research. Prior to that, Roubesh worked for BNP Paribas Investment Partners.

Roubesh graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Accounting & Finance from the University of Warwick.
Thomas Maxwell

Investment Director, Muilti-Asset Investing
Thomas Maxwell is an Investment Director in the Multi-Asset Investing team within Aberdeen Standard Investments. Thomas is a co-manager of the Absolute Return Global Bond Strategies Fund and member of the Strategic Investment Group. Prior to joining the Multi-Asset team in July-2018, Thomas was a portfolio manager within the Credit team for Sterling and European funds, and he had research responsibilities for the European insurance sector. Thomas joined Standard Life Investments in 2010 as a credit analyst. Previously, Thomas worked as an intern in DPTG Dubai, where he worked on the trading floor.

Thomas graduated with a BA (Hons) from Manchester University, holds the Investment Management Certificate and is a CFA charterholder.

Andrew Hendry

Head of Distribution Asia Pacific

Andrew is Head of Distribution Asia Pacific at Aberdeen Standard Investments based in Singapore. Previously he was Managing Director of Westoun Advisors where he advised asset managers on strategic expansion and asset gathering. Before Westoun he was Head of M&G Investments Asia, where he launched the business in the region. Prior to this he was at The Capital Group Companies, during which time he worked in various groups including private equity, institutional client relations and global financial institution distribution. During his career he has worked in Los Angeles, London, Geneva, Singapore and Hong Kong. He has 22 years of experience in the investment management industry. Andrew is CFA charter holder and has an MBA from INSEAD and an MA in Economics and French from the University of St. Andrews.

Barry Fricke

Global Head of Private Credit, Product & Client Solutions

Barry Fricke is Global Head of Private Credit, Product & Client Solutions at Aberdeen Standard Investments. He represents the private credit capabilities of the firm, developing new and customised investment solutions for clients globally. Prior to joining Aberdeen Standard Investments in April 2017 he was an Executive Director at Goldman Sachs for eight years, based at various stages out of London and New York, advising on and managing private credit and alternative investment portfolios. He started his career at JP Morgan, working on investment strategy and portfolio construction. Barry holds an MA in Philosophy from the University of London, Birkbeck, an MSc in Electrical Engineering from the University of the Witwatersrand (Johannesburg), and a BEng in Electronic Engineering from the University of Pretoria. He is a CFA charterholder and holds the Certificate in Quantitative Finance. Barry is a Fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts.

Eric Bruce

Client Director, Asia Pacific and China

Eric graduated with a BA (Hons) in Financial Services and holds the Investment Management Certificate.

Ross Hayter

Investment Director, Private Markets Product Strategy & Solutions

Ross is responsible for developing initiatives across private equity, infrastructure equity, real assets and private markets solutions. He joined Standard Life Group in 2008 where he gained experience of bringing innovative products to market for both the insurance and asset management industries. Prior to joining the team, Ross was an investment specialist who developed client-driven private market solutions. In this role, he primarily focused on designing, embedding and fundraising for the Global Private Markets Fund. Ross currently sits on the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries Illiquid Assets Committee, which promotes the use of private markets in investment strategies for insurance companies and pension schemes. He is a Fellow of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries and holds a BSc (Hons) in Mathematics from Durham University.

Stephen Flett

Senior Associate Investment Specialist- Real Estate

Stephen Flett is a Senior Associate Investment Specialist at Aberdeen Standard Investments. Stephen is responsible for specialist business development and product management for a range of the firm’s real estate funds. Stephen joined Standard Life Investments in 2005 from Lloyds Banking Group where he was a Sales Manager. Within SLI, Stephen initially spent 10 years as part of the UK Wholesale Distribution Team focusing on business development and the management of the London and Edinburgh based support structures of the UK Wholesale Sales Team. Since then, Stephen has worked within the Global Distribution structure as Technical Manager and in his current role as Senior Associate Investment Specialist.

He holds the Investment Management Certificate.

Andrew Hendry

Head of Distribution Asia Pacific
Andrew is Head of Distribution Asia Pacific at Aberdeen Standard Investments based in Singapore. Previously he was Managing Director of Westoun Advisors where he advised asset managers on strategic expansion and asset gathering. Before Westoun he was Head of M&G Investments Asia, where he launched the business in the region. Prior to this he was at The Capital Group Companies, during which time he worked in various groups including private equity, institutional client relations and global financial institution distribution. During his career he has worked in Los Angeles, London, Geneva, Singapore and Hong Kong. He has 22 years of experience in the investment management industry. Andrew is CFA charter holder and has an MBA from INSEAD and an MA in Economics and French from the University of St. Andrews.
Barry Fricke

Global Head of Private Credit, Product & Client Solutions
Barry Fricke is Global Head of Private Credit, Product & Client Solutions at Aberdeen Standard Investments. He represents the private credit capabilities of the firm, developing new and customised investment solutions for clients globally. Prior to joining Aberdeen Standard Investments in April 2017 he was an Executive Director at Goldman Sachs for eight years, based at various stages out of London and New York, advising on and managing private credit and alternative investment portfolios. He started his career at JP Morgan, working on investment strategy and portfolio construction. Barry holds an MA in Philosophy from the University of London, Birkbeck, an MSc in Electrical Engineering from the University of the Witwatersrand (Johannesburg), and a BEng in Electronic Engineering from the University of Pretoria. He is a CFA charterholder and holds the Certificate in Quantitative Finance. Barry is a Fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts.
Eric Bruce

Client Director, Asia Pacific and China
Eric Bruce is a Client Director – APAC & China at Aberdeen Standard Investments, where he is responsible for developing strategic relationships across Asia Pacific, working closely with the regional business leaders, Group Chairman, and Senior Executives within ASI. Eric joined Standard Life Group in 1997, where he held a range of UK and International roles including Head of Wealth and Investment solutions and subsequently chief distribution officer for the Standard Life Asia (SLA) business in Hong Kong.

Eric graduated with a BA (Hons) in Financial Services and holds the Investment Management Certificate.
Ross Hayter

Investment Director, Private Markets Product Strategy & Solutions
Ross is responsible for developing initiatives across private equity, infrastructure equity, real assets and private markets solutions. He joined Standard Life Group in 2008 where he gained experience of bringing innovative products to market for both the insurance and asset management industries. Prior to joining the team, Ross was an investment specialist who developed client-driven private market solutions. In this role, he primarily focused on designing, embedding and fundraising for the Global Private Markets Fund. Ross currently sits on the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries Illiquid Assets Committee, which promotes the use of private markets in investment strategies for insurance companies and pension schemes. He is a Fellow of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries and holds a BSc (Hons) in Mathematics from Durham University.
Stephen Flett

Senior Associate Investment Specialist- Real Estate
Stephen Flett is a Senior Associate Investment Specialist at Aberdeen Standard Investments. Stephen is responsible for specialist business development and product management for a range of the firm’s real estate funds. Stephen joined Standard Life Investments in 2005 from Lloyds Banking Group where he was a Sales Manager. Within SLI, Stephen initially spent 10 years as part of the UK Wholesale Distribution Team focusing on business development and the management of the London and Edinburgh based support structures of the UK Wholesale Sales Team. Since then, Stephen has worked within the Global Distribution structure as Technical Manager and in his current role as Senior Associate Investment Specialist.

He holds the Investment Management Certificate.

Venue

The Edinburgh Investment Forum is a 5-day programme from 1 July to 5 July 2019. The first 4 days will be held at The Principal Edinburgh George Street hotel and the last day in the Aberdeen Standard Investments office, which is situated right next to the hotel.

1 July - 4 July

The Principal Edinburgh George Street
19-21 George St
Edinburgh
EH2 2PB
United Kingdom

+44 131 225 1251
www.phcompany.com/principal/edinburgh-george-street

5 July

Aberdeen Standard Investments
1 George Street
Edinburgh
EH2 2LL
United Kingdom

Logistics

Accomodation

Aberdeen Standard Investments will provide single occupancy accommodation from arrival on Sunday 30 June 2019 to departure on Friday 5 July 2019 at The Principal Edinburgh George Street.

All incidental charges such as room service, laundry, mini-bar and phone calls are the responsibility of each invitee. Please note that if any invitee wishes to extend their stay for leisure purposes, this will be at an additional cost to themselves.

The Principal Edinburgh George Street is located in the centre of Scotland's dynamic and historic capital city, and is easy to reach by air, rail or car.

The Principal Edinburgh George Street

19-21 George St
New Town
Edinburgh
EH2 2PB
United Kingdom

+44 131 225 1251
www.phcompany.com/principal/edinburgh-george-street

Arrival

Arrival by Air

Edinburgh International Airport is only eight miles from The Principal Edinburgh George Street and approximately 25 minutes by car or taxi. Trams and taxi are the most convenient ground transfers.

Arrival By Car

The hotel is easily accessible by road. For detailed directions, please see the hotel website.

By train

Edinburgh Waverley Station is the nearest station and has direct services to London Kings Cross. It takes 10 minutes to walk from the station.

Dress Code

The attire for all working sessions is business dress. Business or casual dress may be worn for evening excursions.

Weather

Edinburgh weather in July is pleasant, as temperatures are between 10 and 16 degrees Celsius. Precipitation is high. An umbrella is a must and good clothing suitable for rain is recommended.

Departure

Traveling time of 25 mins from the hotel to the airport by taxi or 35 mins by tram should be allowed. For international flights, arriving at the airport two hours before departure time is recommended.

Insurance

Travel and personal belongings insurance should be arranged by individuals attending the event.

UK entry visa

If an UK entry visa is required, please contact us for any necessary documentation as soon as possible to ensure timely arrangement.

Please contact your Aberdeen Standard Investments representative with any queries. Alternatively, email eventsupport@aberdeenstandard.com

Contact

Edinburgh Investment Forum 2019

Connecting you to deeper insights in an uncertain world