Door's Shilpan Patel: Culture takes centre stage

Fund selectors increasingly aware of poor culture

City Hive’s ACT Framework recently marked its third anniversary, a milestone event celebrated by industry professionals across fund research and asset management, who recognise culture is not optional but fundamental to long-term business success.

I had the pleasure of hosting a panel of fund gatekeepers during the event, and while each offered a different lens, what remained true is firm culture is a critical differentiator. It is not just about performance returns, it is about how firms operate, treat people and make decisions. An authentic, positive culture must be embedded across all employees, support fairness and avoid internal contradictions that erode trust. This governance from the top helps support resilience – whether there is an acquisition of firms or change in personnel, the firm's values should endure. Fund se...