Aberdeen Group PLC on Wednesday reported a ‘strong performance’ from its interactive investor offering in the fourth quarter, but it suffered net outflows elsewhere as redemptions picked up in the run-up to the UK government budget.
The Edinburgh-based firm said assets under management and administration totalled £556.0 billion at the end of last month, rising 2.5% from £542.4 billion at September 30. On-year, they grew 8.7% from £511.4 billion.
It saw a fourth quarter net outflow of £2.5 billion, swinging from a net inflow of £1.2 billion a year earlier. For the whole of 2025, the net outflow was £3.9 billion, worsening from £1.1 billion in 2024.
Its fourth quarter performance saw a £15.1 billion boost from a positive market performance. For the whole of the year, it saw a £47.6 billion uplift.
In the fourth quarter alone, investment platform ii had a ‘strong’ showing, Aberdeen said. Total customers climbed 24% on-year to 500,000, daily trading volumes were around 40% higher and it achieved net flows of £1.4 billion. The net flow figure was in line with the prior year.
Full-year net flows amounted to GB7.3 billion at ii, picking up from £5.7 billion.
‘This growth, along with further enhancements to our customer proposition, mean that the business is well set up to sustain its impressive performance,’ Chief Executive officer Jason Windsor said.
Aberdeen’s Adviser segment, however, suffered a fourth quarter net outflow of £800 million. It saw ‘higher redemptions ahead of the UK budget’. Quarterly net outflows eased from £900 million a year prior, however. For the full-year, the net outflow was £2.2 billion, abating from £3.9 billion.
In Investments, the fourth quarter net outflow was £3.0 billion, compared to a £500 million net inflow at year earlier. It noted a £4.5 billion ‘low margin’ quantitative fund withdrawal, but this was partially offset by a net inflow stemming from the Stagecoach pension scheme. Aberdeen announced in December that it became the sponsor of the scheme, which has over 22,000 members, managing its £1.2 billion in assets.
The Investments division also saw ‘continued momentum in commodities and fixed income’ in the fourth quarter.
The full-year net outflow in Investments worsened to £8.9 billion from £4.0 billion.
CEO Windsor said: ‘Aberdeen is in much better shape than it was a year ago with each of our three businesses making progress as we deliver on our strategy to become the UK’s leading Wealth & Investments group.
‘I am optimistic about the outlook for 2026 and we start the year with positive momentum.’
Aberdeen said it expects adjusted operating profit expected to be in line with current market expectations for 2025. Panmure Liberum analysts noted consensus stands at £261 million. Aberdeen added that it is confident of achieving a 2026 profit outcome of at least £300 million.
It releases annual results on March 3.
Aberdeen shares rose 1.2% to 217.60 pence each in London on Wednesday morning.
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