Aberdeen focusses on new strategic vision

Aberdeen Investments has announced the formation of a dedicated new team, the Strategic Insurance Group, focused exclusively on serving insurers and accelerating success across global insurance markets. This initiative marks a significant step in Aberdeen’s commitment to deepening its insurance expertise and expanding strategic partnerships with insurance enterprises worldwide.

The company said that the Strategic Insurance Group will act as a centre of excellence, empowering regional sales teams with subject matter expertise and targeting enterprise-level partnerships. It will also intensify Aberdeen’s focus on its core insurance investment business globally.

To lead this initiative, Matthew Smith, currently head of insurance clents, has been appointed global head, Strategic Insurance Group. Based in London, he will report to John McCareins, chief client officer, and will be responsible for driving Aberdeen’s global insurance strategy. His remit includes aligning efforts across institutional and client service teams and leading the insurance solutions and client specialist teams.

Smith told Captive International that: “We very much see captives as part of our insurance focus going forward. In line with our focus on developing strategic partnerships, we will be seeking out the best way of partnering with captive managers to bring Aberdeen’s insurance asset management toolkit to this area. We see obvious opportunities to use our ALM and portfolio optimisation capabilities with captives.”

McCareins commented: “Insurance is central to Aberdeen’s strategy and future. That is why we have brought our insurance capabilities together in the Strategic Insurance Group – a fully-integrated team with a presence in all key global insurance markets. With deep client specialism and global reach, the group delivers bespoke insurance solutions, integrated portfolio management, high-touch client service, and strategic insights across an interconnected insurance landscape.”

The Strategic Insurance Group is designed to support the growth of Aberdeen’s insurance client base and deliver high-quality service. As insurers increasingly seek deeper, more integrated partnerships with asset managers, the group will focus on sourcing and developing strategic relationships that align with insurers’ evolving goals.

Smith added: “We think, act, and invest like an insurer. We know what it takes to do this well. It’s in the way we manage portfolios, support reporting and governance, and deliver the technical and actuarial expertise our clients expect. Our portfolio managers bring direct regulatory knowledge to optimise insurance portfolios.”

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