Listen to this latest podcast episode where Alex Farlow, Associate Director of Multi-Asset Research at Titan Square Mile, sits down with Paul Niven, Head of Multi-Asset Solutions, EMEA, and Fund Manager for the F&C Investment Trust at Columbia Threadneedle Investments, discussing the Columbia Threadneedle Universal MAP Range Funds.
Together, they discuss Paul’s experience managing the historic F&C Investment Trust, and the thinking behind the Columbia Threadneedle Universal MAP Range. Paul shares insights on current portfolio positioning, key market risks and opportunities, and why now could be a strong moment for active management.
If you don't have time to listen to the full episode, you can jump to some of the highlights:
01:06 Tell us a little more about how your journey started out and where it is today?
03:04 Launched in 1868 the F&C Investment Trust is the world's oldest collective investment scheme, what was it like when you were asked to become manager of such a historic investment and prestigious institution?
05:14 Can you tell us the premise behind and the motivation for launching the CT Universal MAP range in 2017, and explain briefly how they are managed and structured?
08:30 How are the CT Universal MAP funds currently positioned and what is your rationale for this?
13:16 In terms of both economic and geopolitical noise in the market currently, can you identify a couple of the key data points or developments that you and the team are keeping a close eye on?
15:33 From a portfolio perspective, what is keeping you up at night?
18:37 What opportunities exist for active managers over passive and why would now be a good time to start thinking about active management?
22:30 What are your hobbies - what do like to do in your spare time to relax and have fun?
23:32 If you hadn’t become a fund manager what other vocation would you have liked to do?
This podcast was recorded in October 2025. This podcast is issued by Square Mile Investment Consulting and Research Limited ("SMICR") which is registered in England and Wales (08791142). Square Mile Investment Consulting and Research Limited is not authorised or regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and does not undertake regulated activities. Titan Square Mile is a trading style of Square Mile Investment Consulting and Research Limited. Square Mile Investment Consulting and Research Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Titan Wealth Holdings Limited (Registered Address: 101 Wigmore Street, London, W1U 1QU).
This podcast is aimed at professional advisers and regulated firms only and should not be passed on to or relied upon by any other persons. It is published by, and remains the copyright of, Square Mile Investment Consulting and Research Limited. Square Mile Investment Consulting and Research Limited makes no warranties or representations regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information contained herein. This information represents the views and forecasts of Square Mile Investment Consulting and Research Limited at the date of issue but may be subject to change without reference or notification to you. Square Mile Investment Consulting and Research Limited does not offer investment advice or make recommendations regarding investments and nothing in this podcast shall be deemed to constitute financial or investment advice in any way and shall not constitute a regulated activity for the purposes of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000. This podcast shall not constitute or be deemed to constitute an invitation or inducement to any person to engage in investment activity. Should you undertake any investmen
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