Schroders PLC – Strategic Expansion and Market Outlook

Schroders PLC, a London‑based investment‑management group, announced several key developments on 2‑3 December 2025 that underscore its focus on growth in active ETFs and its outlook for global bond markets.

Appointment of a Head of ETFs

On 2 December, the firm confirmed the hiring of Tom Stephens as its first Head of Exchange‑Traded Funds (ETFs). Stephens, formerly of J.P. Morgan Asset Management, was brought in to accelerate the firm’s expansion in an asset‑class that has been experiencing rapid growth. The appointment coincides with the fact that Schroders’ active ETF portfolio had already surpassed USD 1 billion in assets under management (AUM). The move is intended to strengthen the firm’s position in a segment that clients increasingly demand for active management solutions.

Sources describing the appointment include Finanznachrichten.de, FondsCheck, Diario Siglo XXI, Private‑Banking‑Magazin.de, and Cash‑Online.de. The announcement was also reported by Portfolio‑Adviser.com and ETFExpress.com, emphasizing the firm’s strategy to consolidate its presence in the ETF market.

Asset‑Management Expansion Target

In a separate announcement on 2 December, Schroders Capital disclosed a target to raise its managed assets to £100 billion by the end of 2027. This target reflects the firm’s broader ambition to increase its asset base across all investment categories, including equities, bonds, cash, alternative investments, and venture capital.

Outlook for Global Bond Markets

A press release dated 3 December from LifePR.de highlighted Schroders’ view that 2025 had been a year of divergent movements in bond markets. The firm noted significant differences in yield fluctuations both across regions and along the yield curve, and it expects similar patterns to persist into 2026. This outlook indicates that Schroders will likely continue to pursue opportunities arising from asynchronous cycles in the bond markets.

Leadership in Public Markets

Earlier in the month, Schroders announced the appointment of Dan Morris as Head of Investment for its Public Markets division, as reported by LamiaFinanza.it and AgeFi.fr. This move supports the firm’s aim to enhance its investment leadership and drive growth within public market strategies.

Market Context

On 3 December, European equity markets were broadly positive, with London showing a weaker performance relative to other major markets. The broader macro‑environment remains unsettled, with ongoing geopolitical tensions and incomplete agreements on the Ukraine conflict affecting investor sentiment. These conditions are part of the backdrop against which Schroders is positioning its strategic initiatives.

All information is drawn directly from the provided news items and company fundamentals. No additional speculation or external data is included.