Aberdeen Group hails record Interactive Investor growth in face of ‘market headwinds’

Aberdeen Group has given a robust outlook after a decline in assets under management and administration in the first quarter was set against strong growth in its retail platform.

The Scottish funds heavyweight said it had delivered a solid performance in the opening three months of its financial year despite “market headwinds”, while flagging “particular strength” at its Interactive Investor operation.

Group assets under management and administration (AUMA) stood at £547.7 billion as of the end of March, down from £556bn at the end of December, reflecting net outflows of £2.9bn, lower markets and the divestment of its financial planning business.

Jason Windsor is Aberdeen Group's chief executive.

The firm, which last year ditched its derided Abrdn brand name, told investors that its overall performance had been “robust” amid heightened geopolitical and market uncertainty.

Chief executive Jason Windsor said: “We continued to deliver against our strategy in Q1, despite the backdrop of heightened geopolitical and market uncertainty.

“Interactive Investor delivered a record quarter across a range of key metrics - supported by continued strong growth in SIPP customers.

“In adviser, we have seen an increase in gross inflows and we continue to reposition the business for a return to sustainable growth.

“In investments, performance in the quarter was largely as expected, despite geopolitical uncertainty. Outflows were mainly driven by anticipated redemptions, while we recorded progress in fixed income, real assets and in our emerging market franchise. We have stronger investment performance and growing confidence in our pipeline.”

He added: “Looking ahead, we remain focused on delivery of our 2026 targets, while supporting customers through ongoing market uncertainty.”

The group reiterated its full-year targets, including adjusted operating profit of at least £300 million and net capital generation in the region of £300m.

It added: “With a market-leading customer proposition in Interactive Investor, leveraging structural tailwinds in the UK wealth market, the group is well positioned to grow and take advantage of its improved cost structure and very strong capital position.”

In March 2025, the group announced that it was ditching the Abrdn name to become Aberdeen as it posted the first increase in annual profit for three years.