Martin Currie is a name that resonates with long-term investors who value active stewardship, sustainable strategies, and a commitment to improving lives through responsible investing. Founded in Scotland, the firm has built its reputation over more than a century as a trusted active equity specialist. Today, as part of the Franklin Templeton group of Specialist Investment Managers (SIMs), Martin Currie continues to stand out for its forward-thinking philosophy and global perspective.
The Historical Legacy of Martin Currie
The roots of Martin Currie date back to 1881, a time when the investment landscape was far less sophisticated than today. From its early beginnings in Edinburgh, the company has consistently evolved to meet the changing demands of global markets.
During the 20th century, Martin Currie gained recognition for its bold moves into global equity markets, and by the year 2000, it had also established its own hedge fund range. The ability to adapt while maintaining a strong client focus has been central to the firm’s success.
What began as a Scottish investment house has transformed into a global enterprise with offices in Melbourne, Leeds, London, New York, Singapore, and of course, its headquarters in Edinburgh. This global footprint ensures that Martin Currie can blend local market expertise with international insights, an increasingly important capability in a rapidly interconnected financial world.
Philosophy: Investing to Improve Lives™
At the heart of Martin Currie’s strategy lies a simple yet profound philosophy: “Investing to Improve Lives™.” This is more than a tagline—it represents a commitment to sustainability, stewardship, and long-term value creation.
1. Stewardship First
Martin Currie believes that active managers have a responsibility to go beyond generating returns. They are also stewards of their clients’ capital and of the companies they invest in. This means engaging with management teams, promoting transparency, and ensuring that firms adopt sustainable business practices.
2. Concentrated Portfolios
Unlike many managers who spread investments across hundreds of companies, Martin Currie takes a concentrated approach. By focusing on “best ideas” portfolios, the firm aims to deliver superior risk-adjusted returns while allowing for greater accountability in its investment decisions.
3. Long-Term Outlook
Markets can be volatile, and short-term gains often grab headlines. However, Martin Currie places long-term growth and income at the centre of its decision-making. This ensures resilience across economic cycles and a focus on companies with enduring competitive advantages.
Global Investment Strategies
One of the reasons Martin Currie continues to thrive is its wide range of investment strategies designed for diverse client needs. These strategies reflect not only the firm’s experience but also its responsiveness to evolving market conditions.
Global Emerging Markets
Emerging markets are often described as the engines of future global growth. Martin Currie has built expertise in identifying opportunities within Asia, Latin America, Africa, and other high-growth regions. By balancing risk with potential, the firm provides investors with exposure to economies that are rapidly industrialising and innovating.
UK Equities
As a firm with deep Scottish roots, Martin Currie has long been involved in the UK equity market. Its UK equity strategies are centred on uncovering undervalued companies and supporting those with robust fundamentals. With London being one of the world’s leading financial hubs, this strategy remains a cornerstone of the company’s offerings.
Real Asset Solutions
In an era where inflation and uncertainty dominate financial headlines, real asset strategies provide stability. Martin Currie’s real asset solutions include infrastructure, real estate, and natural resource investments that can deliver consistent income streams and diversification.
Long-Term Growth Funds
For clients seeking capital appreciation, Martin Currie develops long-term growth funds that target innovative companies with strong growth potential. These strategies are ideal for investors who prioritise wealth accumulation over short-term income.
Income Strategies
Income remains a critical priority for many investors, especially retirees. Martin Currie addresses this need with specialised income strategies that aim to provide sustainable yields without compromising on quality or capital preservation.
Global Reach and Office Network
While Martin Currie’s heritage is deeply Scottish, its reach is undeniably global. Today, the company operates across multiple continents, with offices in:
- Edinburgh (Headquarters)
- London and Leeds (UK presence)
- New York (North America)
- Melbourne (Australia)
- Singapore (Asia)
This diverse network ensures that the company is close to its clients and markets. By combining local expertise with global insights, Martin Currie is uniquely positioned to deliver tailored investment solutions that resonate with institutional and individual investors alike.
Regulation and Trust
Trust is a fundamental part of investment management, and Martin Currie takes its regulatory responsibilities seriously. In the UK, Martin Currie Investment Management Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). This oversight provides clients with confidence that their investments are being managed with integrity, transparency, and accountability.
In addition, the company’s legal incorporation dates back to 1978, underlining its longstanding reputation as a reliable player in the financial services industry. Over the decades, Martin Currie has built strong relationships with pension funds, institutions, and individual investors who depend on consistent governance.
The Transition to ClearBridge Investments
A significant development in Martin Currie’s journey is its transition within the Franklin Templeton family. While it has long operated as a Specialist Investment Manager under Franklin Templeton, the Martin Currie brand is scheduled to retire on 30 September 2025, aligning fully under ClearBridge Investments, another SIM within the group.
This change reflects Franklin Templeton’s strategy of aligning its specialist businesses while ensuring continuity for clients. Importantly, the expertise, people, and investment philosophy that define Martin Currie will remain intact, even as the brand identity evolves. For clients, this means ongoing access to the same strategies, stewardship, and global insights, with the additional scale and resources that ClearBridge can offer.
Why Martin Currie Matters in Today’s Market
The investment world has become increasingly complex, with volatility, inflation, and geopolitical uncertainties creating constant challenges. In such an environment, the role of experienced, active managers like Martin Currie becomes even more critical.
By focusing on long-term growth, active stewardship, and sustainability, Martin Currie ensures that its portfolios are designed to weather uncertainties. Its concentrated investment approach also stands out in a world where passive strategies dominate but often fail to adapt quickly to changing conditions.
Investors who align with Martin Currie benefit from a philosophy rooted in responsibility, performance, and purpose. Whether through exposure to emerging markets, the stability of income strategies, or the resilience of real assets, Martin Currie provides meaningful ways to build wealth over time.
Conclusion
From its humble beginnings in Edinburgh in 1881 to its present role as a global investment specialist within Franklin Templeton, Martin Currie has remained true to its vision of delivering value through stewardship and responsibility. Its motto, “Investing to Improve Lives™,” perfectly encapsulates its dual commitment to financial performance and social good.
As the brand prepares to transition into ClearBridge Investments by 2025, its legacy and expertise will endure. For investors seeking a manager that combines heritage, innovation, and global reach, Martin Currie remains a compelling choice.
