Rathbones UK investment management review: what are the pros and cons?
We review and explore the features and offerings of Rathbones Investment & Wealth Management in the UK to help you decide if it aligns with your financial goals.
When it comes to managing your wealth or planning for your financial future, choosing the right investment manager is crucial.
One of the most established names in the UK wealth management industry is Rathbones, a company with a long-standing history and a reputation for tailored advice and investment expertise.
But how well does Rathbones really perform for its clients? In this review, we explore who they are, what they offer, and whether they might be the right fit for your investment needs.
Rathbones: who are they?
Rathbones Group Plc is one of the oldest and most respected investment and wealth management firms in the UK.
Founded in 1742, it has evolved from its origins in Liverpool as a timber and cotton trading business into a leading provider of personalised investment services.
Headquartered in London, with offices across the UK and Jersey, Rathbones manages billions in assets on behalf of private clients, charities, trustees and professional advisers. Its longevity and commitment to high standards of personal service have made it a trusted name in British wealth management.
The group is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE 250 Index.
In 2023, it completed a merger with Investec Wealth & Investment UK, further boosting its market presence.
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Founded
1742
Assets under management (AUM)
£100.7 billion
Fees
From 1.10% based on first £1,000,000
What does Rathbones do?
Rathbones primarily provides bespoke investment management, financial planning, and specialist services for trusts, charities and corporate clients.
Its approach is built around understanding the individual needs of clients, with an emphasis on long-term goals rather than short-term trading.
Key areas of focus include:
Discretionary investment management
Inheritance tax planning
Retirement planning
Ethical and sustainable investing
Tax-efficient strategies
Rathbones is known for tailoring portfolios based on individual risk profiles, time horizons, income needs and values, particularly appealing to high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs) and families with complex financial affairs.
What are the pros and cons of Rathbones?
Like any financial service, Rathbones has its strengths and limitations. Here's a balanced look:
The pros of Rathbones
Long-standing reputation: Over 280 years of experience in investment and wealth management.
Highly personalised service: Portfolios are tailored to each client’s objectives and circumstances.
Strong ethical and ESG credentials: Offers socially responsible and sustainable investment options.
Wide range of services: From financial planning to tax advice and trust services.
Experienced investment professionals: Many portfolio managers have decades of experience.
In-house research and strategy: Clients benefit from Rathbones’ extensive economic and market analysis.
FTSE 250-listed and well-regulated: Offers transparency and reassurance for UK investors.
Merger with Investec Wealth & Investment: Creates one of the UK’s largest discretionary wealth managers.
The cons of Rathbones
High minimum investment thresholds: Typically suited to clients with £150,000+ to invest.
Fees may be higher than robo-advisers or DIY platforms: Premium service comes at a cost.
Less suitable for younger investors or those with simpler needs: Focus is on affluent, long-term clients.
No online-only investment option: Limited digital tools compared to modern fintechs.
What services do Rathbones offer?
Rathbones offers a broad spectrum of services, making it more than just an investment manager. Here's a breakdown:
Discretionary investment management
Rathbones designs and manages tailored investment portfolios based on your goals, risk appetite and time horizon.
Your investment manager takes care of day-to-day decisions, backed by the firm’s research team.
Financial planning
Certified financial planners help clients with:
Retirement income planning
Tax efficiency strategies
Pension consolidation
Life insurance and protection
Long-term care planning
Inheritance & estate planning
Experts help structure estates and use tools like trusts to reduce inheritance tax liabilities and ensure intergenerational wealth transfer.
Charity investment services
Rathbones is a market leader in managing assets for UK charities.
Services include ethical portfolio management, board reporting, and trustee training.
Responsible investment portfolios
Clients can invest in portfolios aligned with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles without compromising on returns.
Banking and cash management
Although Rathbones is not a bank, it offers cash management services in partnership with external providers.
What fees does Rathbones charge?
Rathbones offers a premium, bespoke service, so it's no surprise that its fees are higher than those of low-cost online platforms or robo-advisers.
While fees vary depending on the size of your portfolio and the services used, here’s a general idea:
Investment management fees: 1.10% for the first £1,000,000, 1% for the next £1,000,000, 0.75% for the next £2,000,000 and then 0.60% for balances over £4,000,000
Platform or custody charges: Typically included but should be clarified in your client agreement.
Transaction charges: May be incurred for buying/selling securities, but these are generally minor compared to the overall management fee.
Rathbones is transparent about fees during the onboarding process and provides a detailed client agreement that outlines all potential charges.
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"It can be daunting paying for financial advice, but it should add more value than it costs – and benefit you in the long term.
For example, optimising your pension strategy so you have a fund with lower fees and a track record of strong performance could pay dividends when you retire, although there are no guarantees.
There are other benefits as many people who received financial advice have a clearer understanding of their money goals, more confidence in retirement planning and experience lower financial stress.”
We’ll find a professional perfectly matched to your needs. Getting started is easy, fast and free.
What technology does Rathbones use?
Rathbones isn't a fintech startup, but it has made efforts to modernise its client experience in recent years.
While it doesn’t offer algorithm-based investing or slick apps like some digital challengers, it does provide:
A secure client portal for portfolio reporting, valuation summaries and communication with advisers.
Online document storage and messaging
Regular performance updates and reporting tools
Digital access to ESG data and responsible investment scores
The focus remains on personal relationships, but digital capabilities are evolving, especially following the Investec merger, which is expected to bring additional tech enhancements.
Rathbones security: is it secure?
Rathbones is considered a highly secure and reliable institution.
It is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
Client assets are held separately from company assets under strict custodial arrangements
As a publicly listed company (FTSE 250), it is subject to rigorous reporting standards
Digital services are protected with two-factor authentication and secure encryption protocols.
In addition, Rathbones participates in the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS), offering eligible clients up to £85,000 protection per institution should anything go wrong.
Does Rathbones have good customer service?
Rathbones prides itself on offering a highly personal service, and this is where it stands out from many online or automated wealth platforms.
Clients are assigned a dedicated investment manager who becomes their primary point of contact.
This relationship-driven model fosters trust and long-term continuity.
Feedback from high-net-worth clients suggests that the service is responsive, proactive, and consultative.
Many appreciate the depth of market insight provided and the effort taken to explain complex investment concepts clearly.
One 5 star review on Trustpilot said:
I contacted several investment management companies, and found that Rathbones was the most efficient in dealing with my enquiry and directed me to an experienced person who was able to provide me with what I needed.
Would definitely recommend. Other major companies contacted could not grasp what I needed and where to direct me to.
However, as a firm focused on tailored service, responsiveness may depend on the size of your portfolio and the complexity of your needs.
Those with smaller investments might not receive the same level of attention.
Final verdict: Is Rathbones right for you?
If you're looking for a trusted, long-term partner to manage your wealth, and you're comfortable with a higher investment threshold, Rathbones could be an excellent choice.
Its emphasis on bespoke service, ethical investment, and professional advice makes it particularly attractive to affluent individuals and families with complex financial needs.
However, it may not suit cost-conscious investors or those seeking a DIY investment platform.
If you're just starting out or want app-based investing, a robo-adviser or low-cost provider may be more suitable.
Get expert financial advice
Choosing an investment manager is a major decision, and not one to take lightly. While Rathbones is a respected and experienced firm, whether it’s right for you depends on your goals, assets, and expectations.
A qualified financial adviser can help you assess your options and determine whether Rathbone or another provider is best aligned with your financial strategy.
The right advice could make a big difference in growing and protecting your wealth over time.
We’ll find a professional perfectly matched to your needs. Getting started is easy, fast and free.
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