Introduction
The Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA” or “regulator”) in the Prudential sourcebook for MiFID Investment Firms in the FCA Handbook (“MIFIDPRU”) sets out the detailed prudential requirements that apply to Moorfield Investment Management Limited (“MIML” or the “Firm”). Chapter 8 of MIFIDPRU (“MIFIDPRU 8”) sets out public disclosure rules and guidance with which the Firm must comply, further to those prudential requirements.
MIML is classified under MIFIDPRU as a small and non-interconnected MIFIDPRU investment firm (“SNI MIFIDPRU Investment Firm”). As such, the Firm is required by MIFIDPRU 8 to disclose information regarding its remuneration policy and practices.
The purpose of these disclosures is to give stakeholders and market participants an insight into the Firm’s culture and to assist stakeholders in making more informed decisions about their relationship with the Firm.
This document has been prepared by MIML in accordance with the requirements of MIFIDPRU 8 and is verified by the Board. Unless otherwise stated, all figures are as at the Firm’s most recent 31 December financial year-end.
Remuneration Policy and Practices
Overview
As an SNI MIFIDPRU Investment Firm, MIML is subject to the basic requirements of the MIFIDPRU Remuneration Code (as laid down in Chapter 19G of the Senior management arrangements, Systems and Controls sourcebook in the FCA Handbook (“SYSC”)). MIML, as an alternative investment fund manager, is also classified as a collective portfolio management investment firm, and as such, is also subject to the AIFM Remuneration Code (SYSC 19B). The purpose of the remuneration requirements is to:
The objective of MIML’s remuneration policies and practices is to establish, implement and maintain a culture that is consistent with, and promotes, sound and effective risk management and does not encourage risk-taking which is inconsistent with the risk profile of the Firm and the services that it provides to its clients.
In addition, MIML recognises that remuneration is a key component in how the Firm attracts, motivates, and retains quality staff and sustains consistently high levels of performance, productivity, and results. As such, the Firm’s remuneration philosophy is also grounded in the belief that its people are the most important asset and provide its greatest competitive advantage.
MIML is committed to excellence, teamwork, ethical behaviour, and the pursuit of exceptional outcomes for its clients. From a remuneration perspective, this means that performance is determined through the assessment of various factors that relate to these values, and by making considered and informed decisions that reward effort, attitude, and results.
Characteristics of the Firm’s Remuneration Policy and Practices
Remuneration at MIML is made up of fixed and variable components. The fixed component is set in line with market competitiveness at a level to attract and retain skilled staff. Variable remuneration is paid on a discretionary basis and takes into consideration the Firm’s financial performance as well as the financial performance of each business unit, and the financial (where applicable) and non-financial performance of the individual in contributing to the Firm’s success. All staff members are eligible to receive variable remuneration.
The Firm’s assessment of the level of variable remuneration to be awarded considers 3 measures: (1) Corporate performance, (2) Team performance and (3) Individual performance including but not limited to Group results and forecasts, individual contribution to ESG and D&I, corporate culture targets, additional responsibilities, company and team collaborations and external networking.
The fixed and variable components of remuneration are appropriately balanced: the fixed component represents a sufficiently high proportion of the total remuneration to enable the operation of a fully flexible policy on variable remuneration. This allows for the possibility of paying no variable remuneration component, which the Firm would do in certain situations, such as where the Firm’s profitability performance is constrained, or where there is a risk that the Firm may not be able to meet its capital or liquidity regulatory requirements.
Governance and Oversight
The Remuneration Committee is responsible for setting and overseeing the implementation of MIML’s remuneration policy and practices. To fulfil its responsibilities, the Remuneration Committee:
MIML’s remuneration policy and practices are reviewed annually by the Remuneration Committee.
Quantitative Remuneration Disclosure
For the financial year e.g., 1 January to 31 December 2023, the total amount of remuneration awarded to all staff was £4,489,758, of which £3,338,908 comprised the fixed component of remuneration, and
£1,150,850 comprised the variable component. For these purposes, ‘staff’ is defined broadly, and includes, for example, employees of the Firm itself, directors, or members, employees of other entities in the group, employees of joint service companies, and secondees.