What are the most important factors to consider when choosing a custodian?

Marie Schöllin: The most important factor is asset safety and commitment to the business. Then follows core services, which includes the systems, client services and the price. Client services are very important for us. However, the price is just one factor. The strength of the custody business is also important and whether or not it’s a core business. You need to watch out if there have been a lot of acquisitions or sales of companies. We want to have a stable, long-term relationship and co-operate with someone who will still be in the business over the long term.

When we talk about shareholder activism, terms such as ‘value’ are often bandied about as a reason to ruffle the feathers of companies who violate SRI issues. But performance is usually quoted as an excuse to avoid investing responsibly.

In Sweden, however, the case for engagement is raising its head.