The fallout from the allegations against Crispin Odey highlights, in particularly extreme fashion, the crucial importance of good corporate governance. Values, behaviours and corporate culture are fundamental to any organisation and impinge upon multiple issues including staff retention, employee conduct, productivity, diversity and inclusion. Amidst the surge in ESG related hiring by asset managers in recent years the demand for stewardship and engagement leaders has been especially intense, with numerous firms creating new leadership roles in this space.

Holding companies to account for good governance is a core element of best practice engagement. Although a privately held company, and therefore not subject to third party investor scrutiny, Odey Asset Management stands as testimony to this principle. As asset managers continue to invest in senior engagement and stewardship talent, recent events at the hedge fund serve to demonstrate the critical importance effective engagement plays in responsible investment.