Ninety One

High-Level Overview

Ninety One is a global asset management firm originally founded in South Africa, now headquartered in London and Cape Town. It manages approximately GBP 143.9 billion (about US$159 billion as of late 2022) in assets and serves institutional clients, financial advisors, and individual investors across more than 14 countries. The firm specializes in emerging markets and global equity investments, offering a range of active investment strategies aimed at long-term capital growth. Its mission centers on delivering sustainable investment returns while integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations, exemplified by initiatives like the Sovereign Biodiversity Index launched in 2024 to assess nature-related risks for investors[1][2][3].

Origin Story

Ninety One was established in 1991 as Investec Asset Management in South Africa. It was part of the broader Investec financial group until it demerged in March 2020, adopting the name Ninety One to honor its founding year. The firm’s founders and early leadership built a reputation for expertise in emerging markets investing, leveraging South Africa’s unique position to develop specialized investment capabilities. A pivotal moment was the 2020 spin-off from Investec, which allowed Ninety One to operate as an independent, publicly listed company on both the London and Johannesburg Stock Exchanges. More recently, in 2025, Ninety One expanded its footprint by acquiring Sanlam Investment Management, significantly increasing its assets under management and strengthening its presence in South Africa[1][2].

Core Differentiators

• Unique Investment Model: Decentralized specialist investment teams with portfolio managers empowered to manage portfolios within defined risk parameters, fostering accountability and active idea implementation[3].
• Emerging Markets Expertise: Deep roots and experience in emerging markets, providing differentiated access and insights.
• Sustainability Leadership: Development of innovative tools like the Sovereign Biodiversity Index to quantify environmental risks at the national level.
• Strong Network and Distribution: Strategic partnerships, including preferred access to Sanlam’s extensive South African distribution network post-2025 acquisition.
• Track Record: Consistent management of large-scale assets with a focus on long-term capital growth and active management strategies[1][2][3].

Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

While Ninety One itself is not a technology company, it plays a significant role in the broader financial technology and investment landscape by integrating advanced data analytics and ESG metrics into its investment processes. The firm rides the global trend toward sustainable investing and responsible asset management, which is increasingly important as investors demand transparency and accountability on environmental and social issues. Its timing aligns with growing regulatory and market pressures for sustainable finance, and its innovations like the biodiversity index position it as a thought leader influencing how asset managers assess and mitigate nature-related risks. Through its investments and partnerships, Ninety One also indirectly supports technology-driven companies and startups by channeling capital into sectors aligned with its investment philosophy[2].

Quick Take & Future Outlook

Ninety One is poised to continue expanding its influence in emerging markets and sustainable investing. The acquisition of Sanlam Investment Management enhances its scale and distribution capabilities, particularly in South Africa. Future trends shaping its journey include the increasing integration of ESG factors in investment decisions, the rise of biodiversity and climate risk as material financial considerations, and the growing demand for active management in volatile markets. Ninety One’s ability to innovate in sustainability metrics and leverage its global network will likely strengthen its competitive position and impact on the asset management industry. Its evolution from a South African asset manager to a global player underscores a trajectory of growth and adaptation to changing market dynamics[2][3].