AJ Bell

United Kingdom

AJ Bell is a UK-based investment platform offering a range of services including savings, investing, and financial management. They provide individual investors with the tools and support needed to manage their investments effectively.

CCI Score

33.12

-0.02% April 18

Latest Event

AJ Bell Implements Consumer-Friendly Pricing Changes

AJ Bell PLC announced a series of pricing changes following a warning from the UK Financial Conduct Authority. The firm will lower trading fees on its platform and increase interest rates on certain cash deposits to benefit customers, aligning with its philosophy of sharing economies of scale.

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DISSENTER

AJ Bell is currently rated as a Dissenter.

+25 to +44 CCI Score

These companies are vocal in their opposition to authoritarian regimes. They publicly criticize oppressive policies and engage in advocacy efforts to promote accountability and transparency, even if their actions aren’t as extensive as those of Moral Leaders.

Latest Events

DEC

12

2023

AJ Bell Implements Consumer-Friendly Pricing Changes
34.94

AJ Bell PLC announced a series of pricing changes following a warning from the UK Financial Conduct Authority. The firm will lower trading fees on its platform and increase interest rates on certain cash deposits to benefit customers, aligning with its philosophy of sharing economies of scale.
+40

Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility

April 10

By reducing fees and adjusting interest rates for cash holdings, AJ Bell is taking consumer-friendly measures in response to regulatory scrutiny over questionable fee practices. These changes promote fairer treatment of customers and reflect a commitment to more ethical business practices.

UPDATE: AJ Bell cuts prices and increases rates after UK FCA warning
OCT

01

2023

Resignation of AJ Bell Chair Amid FCA Dispute
34.26

Helena Morrissey resigns as AJ Bell's chair following a disagreement with the Financial Conduct Authority, which blocked a board role for founder Andy Bell. The move underscores a regulatory effort to maintain proper governance and checks on power concentration.
+40

Public and Political Behavior

April 10

The resignation comes as a direct result of the FCA's intervention to block the founder's board role, demonstrating effective regulatory oversight that prevents the undue concentration of power. This action aligns with principles of accountability and checks on corporate authoritarian tendencies.

Helena Morrissey quits as AJ Bell chair after FCA blocks board role for founder
SEP

27

2022

AJ Bell Founder Resigns Amid FCA Talks and Commits to Pro-Retail Lobbying
23.22

AJ Bell founder Andy Bell is stepping down from the board following talks with the Financial Conduct Authority regarding the risk associated with appointing a significant shareholder as a non-executive director. In his departure statement, he affirmed his focus on building the AJ Bell brand and continuing to support campaigning and lobbying efforts on behalf of retail investors and financial advisers.
+30

Executive Political Engagement

April 10

The founder’s resignation, triggered by regulatory concerns raised by the FCA, signals a corrective governance measure and reduces risks of conflicts of interest within the board. His commitment to continue lobbying on behalf of retail investors and financial advisers reflects a positive, progressive stance by ensuring accountability and protecting the interests of a wider, often marginalized, investor base.

AJ Bell founder to exit board after FCA talks - FTAdviser
SEP

27

2022

AJ Bell Board Restructuring Following FCA Discussions
42.22

AJ Bell announced that founder Andy Bell and chair Helena Morrissey will step down from the board following disagreements with the FCA over role definitions. This restructuring is aimed at ensuring clearer separation between executive and non‐executive functions, enhancing board governance, and maintaining regulatory compliance, while Andy Bell continues to support retail investors through lobbying and diversity initiatives.
+50

Executive Political Engagement

April 10

The decision by founder Andy Bell to step down from the board, in line with the FCA’s recommendations, reflects a positive shift in executive political engagement. By reducing potential conflicts of interest while continuing to support retail investors through active lobbying, the company demonstrates a commitment to transparent and accountable governance, which is essential for countering authoritarian influences.

Bell, Morrissey leave AJ Bell board after FCA talks – Northern Financial Review
+60

Business Practices and Ethical Responsibility

April 10

AJ Bell's board restructuring—prompted by constructive discussions with the FCA—highlights improved business practices and ethical responsibility. The move to clearly delineate executive and non‑executive roles protects against potential governance risks and demonstrates the company’s commitment to ethical conduct and regulatory compliance, which is crucial in resisting authoritarian influences.

Bell, Morrissey leave AJ Bell board after FCA talks – Northern Financial Review
SEP

27

2022

AJ Bell Board Reshuffle Following FCA Dispute
30.96

On 27 September 2022, AJ Bell chair Helena Morrissey stepped down from her role after disagreements with the Financial Conduct Authority regarding the dual role of founder CEO Andy Bell. This board change follows regulatory pressure to ensure clear separation between executive and non‐executive roles in a regulated firm. Despite stepping down as chair, Morrissey will continue to work with the company on a consultancy basis, while Andy Bell remains a significant shareholder and continues to lobby on behalf of retail investors and financial advisers.
+40

Executive Political Engagement

April 10

The resignation of Chair Helena Morrissey in response to FCA concerns demonstrates a move toward improved corporate governance and regulatory compliance. This step, which enforces the separation between executive and non-executive functions, aligns with a commitment to transparency and accountability, thereby resisting authoritarian corporate practices. Although CEO Andy Bell continues to lobby for retail investor interests, the overall action reflects positively on the company’s willingness to heed regulatory guidance.

AJ Bell chair Helena Morrissey steps down due to disagreement with the FCA on Bell role