ShareSoc in the News

ShareSoc in the News: Investors’ Chronicle on Investment Clubs "We’re engaging with platforms to remove barriers for investment clubs" – Mark Bentley We’re delighted to share that our director, Mark Bentley, was quoted in a recent Investors’ Chronicle article exploring the challenges facing UK investment clubs following Interactive Investor’s decision to close its club accounts. Mark highlighted the barriers platforms face in offering investment club dealing accounts and outlined how ShareSoc is actively engaging with providers to ensure retail investors can continue to access ...

ShareSoc in the News: BBC Feature on Investor Communities "‘I want investing to be like a book club’ - Jema Arnold We’re delighted to share that ShareSoc and SIGnet were featured in a recent BBC article exploring how private investors are building supportive, knowledgeable communities to improve their investing outcomes. Jema Arnold, ShareSoc board member representing SIGnet, was interviewed along with two other SIGnet members. Their stories reflect the real power of peer learning and collaboration among UK investors. Click here to read the article. If you’ve been thinking about ...

The FT Adviser reports on ShareSoc's Hartley client support group. Click here to read the article.

Edinburgh-based asset manager Baillie Gifford has joined ShareSoc’s corporate-supporter scheme, pledging support for the organisation’s advocacy, education, and community efforts on behalf of individual investors. The firm, which manages £197bn in assets including £22bn across 12 investment trusts, cited the importance of retail shareholders and recent activism challenges as reasons for backing ShareSoc. James Budden of Baillie Gifford highlighted the loyalty and growing influence of individual investors, while ShareSoc director Mike Dennis welcomed the alignment of values and shared commitment to ...

ShareSoc policy committee member Cliff Weight is quoted in this article regarding the proposed cancellation of Aviva irredeemable preference shares. The quotes are based on Cliff's original article on ShareSoc's blog.

ShareSoc director Mark Bentley is quoted extensively in this article: However, Mark Bentley, a director at ShareSoc, a group that campaigns for the interests of small shareholders, called Hornby’s proposal to delist as “a kick in the teeth”. “Back in 2020, Hornby raised £15 million, placing shares at 36p so they took advantage of the Aim market as did other companies which have delisted,” Bentley said. “They used it to raise capital for the business and now they are basically kicking the shareholders ...

Amongst widespread criticism of Saba Capital for its initial backdoor takeover gambit, unsubstantiated claims and continual rounds of proposals to UK investment trusts. In a Daily Mail article published on 17th February, ShareSoc director Amit Vedhara described Saba’s repeated bids as “entirely selfish and wasteful of cash, management resources and every other investors' time." ShareSoc believes that Saba planned poorly and executed worse, even if this saga has had the benefit of waking up Trust Boards. Click here to read the article.

ShareSoc has condemned investment platforms for restricting shareholder voting rights amid hedge fund manager Boaz Weinstein’s bid to take control of several UK investment trusts. Weinstein’s Saba Capital is pushing to replace boards at trusts such as Baillie Gifford US Growth and Keystone Positive Change, but small investors could block his plans if they turn out in force. Some platforms initially prevented investors from voting, with Lloyds Bank reversing its stance after media pressure. BNY Pershing has also sparked outrage by ...

ShareSoc director Amit Vedhara was quoted in an article by This is Money after Scottish Widows and two other investment platforms owned by Lloyds Bank blocked shareholders from voting on plans to oust the boards of seven London-listed investment trusts. Click here to read the article.

ShareSoc is heavily mentioned and Director, Mark Northway extensively quoted in an article highlighting that there are real issues with Saba Capital's proposals. Friday 17th January was the last day for online voting on Herald, but the 6 others have slightly longer to go. Platforms are making it easier for shareholders to vote, usually via Corporate Actions links/pages. Click here to read the article.

Tom Slater, partner at Baillie Gifford, tells the Herald why it is essential for shareholders in USA, KPC and EWI to vote on the Saba resolutions. The article refers to ShareSoc's press release and the organisation's governance concerns. Click here to read the article.

ShareSoc's endorsement of RGL's Woodford lawsuit against Hargreaves Lansdown was featured on Investment Week. Click here to read the article.