Talking with ... Schroders' Marcus Brookes

The first in a series of informal interviews by Richard Romer-Lee

clock • 7 min read

Marcus Brookes (pictured), head of multi-manager at Schroders, talks to Richard Romer-Lee about what started him off in investing, being paid to worry and not one but two epitomes of a good fund manager

What started your interest in investing? When I was 15, I had a small inheritance - about £500 in today's money - which a friend of my father, who did penny shares and the like, persuaded me to invest. I thought it was my chance to make a million - and lost 98% of my money in a Hong Kong property investment trust. That started my quest to find out how I lost my money. I did an O' level in commerce and an A' level, degree and masters in economics, none of which provided an answer. Eventually I worked it out myself - I was born in 1971 and I lost it in the 1987 crash. How did you get...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Investment

Why managing retirement risk matters more than predicting markets

Why managing retirement risk matters more than predicting markets

'Helping clients understand, prepare for and navigate uncertainty'

Andy Brown
clock 12 November 2026 • 4 min read
Solving private markets risks 'almost mission impossible'

Solving private markets risks 'almost mission impossible'

Julius Baer’s Cyril Demaria-Bengochea speaks to Professional Adviser

Sophia Panayi
clock 12 November 2026 • 3 min read
Anthropic bankers preparing to increase IPO valuation to $1.5trn – reports

Anthropic bankers preparing to increase IPO valuation to $1.5trn – reports

Draft prospectus filed on Tuesday

Jack Roach
clock 11 November 2026 • 2 min read