abrdn

At abrdn, our goal is to empower universities and colleges to be better investors by creating bespoke, responsible investment solutions across institutions’ short, medium and long-term capital

As an experienced and trusted partner for the higher education sector, we provide a full spectrum of capabilities – from end-to-end discretionary investment management to a broad array of individual funds. 

Throughout, we adopt a holistic ‘three pot’ approach to partnering with HEI clients across their assets:

1. Short-term: Cash and liquidity
   • Example solution: AAA-rated money market funds targeting security, diversification and liquidity
2. Long-term investment: Discretionary managed portfolio / funds
   • Example solution: diversified portfolio targeting CPI + 3.5%, responsibly invested
3. Private markets: Private assetsportfolio
   • Example solution: private assets portfolio of infrastructure, private equity/credit and real estate targeting diversification and a return premium over public markets

Underpinning our work with the sector is a focus on:

1. Performance:Track record of investment excellence and unrelentingly focused on future returns
2. Purpose: Global leader in responsible investment with the scale and influence to improve environmental and social outcomes
3. Partnership: Driven to become a trusted investment partner and create a portfolio that truly reflects clients’ values and motivations

For more information on our work with HEIs and how we can partner with your institution, visit the Universities page of our website or enquire using the contact information on this page.


Useful links and resources

Resources for endowments and charities

Our approach to governance and active ownership

Latest active ownership reports

UNPRI report

Our approach to fossil fuels

Defined benefit pension solutions


Important Information

For professional investors only – not for use by retail investors.

Investment involves risk. The value of investments, and the income from them, can go down as well as up and an investor may get back less than the amount invested. Past performance is not a guide to future results.

The views expressed in this document should not be construed as advice or an investment recommendation on how to construct a portfolio or whether to buy, retain or sell a particular investment. The information contained is for exclusive use by professional customers/eligible counterparties (ECPs) and not the general public.

abrdn is a global business providing a range of services to help clients and customers plan, save and invest. abrdn group uses different registered legal entities to meet different client and customer needs. Some elements of the abrdn client experience may contain previous brand names until all brand name changes have completed. 

abrdn Investment Management Limited registered in Scotland (SC123321) at 1 George Street, Edinburgh EH2 2LL. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the UK.