Corporate Governance & The UK Split Capital Investment Trust Crisis

Abstract

The recent boom and bust within the UK split capital investment trust sector was, in the true sense of the word, extraordinary. It tested investment trust directors in a way unknown for at least a generation and brought into focus a number of corporate governance issues. This paper draws on the results of a survey of investment trust directors and other investment professionals connected with the investment trust industry to examine the lessons to be learned from the crisis. The regulatory response to the crisis and its implications for the governance of investment trust companies are also discussed.