Howard Trust | Official Profile on The Marque

Howard’s Biography

Howard Trust is a highly respected lawyer in the financial services industry and served as General Counsel for Schroders plc for over two decades before stepping down in May 2023. He continued to support the global asset and wealth management company as General Counsel – Advisory until March 2024.

During Howard’s tenure at Schroders, the company experienced significant growth in scale, with assets under management increasing from circa £100bn to over £700bn. It also expanded its global product reach (most notably in the APAC region), wealth management division and its private assets business, Schroders Capital.

In his role as General Counsel, Howard was responsible for the legal, compliance and governance functions of the firm, as well as advising the board and senior management. He was closely involved in Schroders’ acquisition of several asset and wealth management businesses, including Cazenove Capital, Greencoat (renewable energy) and BlueOrchard (impact investing). Howard was also a long-standing member of Schroders’ Group Management Committee.

Before joining Schroders,... Howard Trust is a highly respected lawyer in the financial services industry and served as General Counsel for Schroders plc for over two decades before stepping down in May 2023. He continued to support the global asset and wealth management company as General Counsel – Advisory until March 2024.

During Howard’s tenure at Schroders, the company experienced significant growth in scale, with assets under management increasing from circa £100bn to over £700bn. It also expanded its global product reach (most notably in the APAC region), wealth management division and its private assets business, Schroders Capital.

In his role as General Counsel, Howard was responsible for the legal, compliance and governance functions of the firm, as well as advising the board and senior management. He was closely involved in Schroders’ acquisition of several asset and wealth management businesses, including Cazenove Capital, Greencoat (renewable energy) and BlueOrchard (impact investing). Howard was also a long-standing member of Schroders’ Group Management Committee.

Before joining Schroders, Howard was General Counsel and Board Secretary at Barclays PLC, providing legal and governance support across the entire Barclays group including its retail and institutional businesses, Barclays Capital (investment banking), Barclaycard and all Barclays’ international operations.

Throughout his career, Howard has been at the forefront of the development of the in-house legal function. He established the legal departments at BZW and Barclays from the ground up, and reorganised the team at Schroders. He is renowned for his extensive legal knowledge, analytical skills, and ability to build, motivate and manage large global teams of professionals.

Howard has a particular interest in diversity, social mobility and education. After retiring from Schroders, he joined the board of an educational charity, and the finance and investment committees of the Diocese of East Anglia. READ MORE VIEW LESS

Howard’s Background

Schroders plc

General Counsel - Advisory

May 2023 - Mar 2024

London, UK

After overseeing the transition to his successor, Howard stepped down from his executive responsibilities as General Counsel at Schroders and continued to work with the firm in an advisory role.

Schroders plc

General Counsel

May 2003 - May 2023

London, UK

Schroders is a global asset and wealth management company with a long history, offering a wide range of asset management services to institutional and individual clients, focusing on delivering sustainable investment solutions.

Barclays PLC

General Counsel and Board Secretary

Feb 1995 - Apr 2003

London, UK

Barclays PLC, through Barclays Bank, provides global financial services in retail banking, credit cards, corporate and investment banking, and wealth management.

BZW (Barclays Capital)

Legal Director

1989 - 1995

London, UK

BZW (Barclays de Zoete Wedd) was the investment banking division of Barclays PLC from 1986 to 1997. BZW was formed through the merger of Barclays Merchant Bank, de Zoete & Bevan, and Wedd Durlacher. In 1997 BZW was rebranded as Barclays Capital following a restructuring of Barclays' investment banking operations.

Morgan Grenfell plc

Company Secretary to the Board and Executive Committee, Senior Lawyer

1985 - 1989

London, UK

Morgan Grenfell plc was a British investment bank and asset management firm, known for its expertise in international investment and corporate finance. It was acquired by Deutsche Bank in 1989.

Lovell White & King

Solicitor, Corporate Department

1980 - 1985

Lovell White & King was a prominent British law firm known for its expertise in corporate and commercial law. During his time at the company, Howard specialised in public and private M&A.

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Accreditation

The Law Society

Solicitor

1981

London, UK

Charitable Interests

The Diocese of East Anglia

Member, Finance & Investment Committees

2024 - Present

Norwich, UK

The Roman Catholic Diocese of East Anglia, established in 1976, serves Catholics in Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, and Suffolk. It operates parishes, schools, and various commissions, focusing on education, evangelisation, and community outreach while maintaining connections with international twin dioceses.

Netherhall Educational Association

Board Member

2024 - Present

London, UK

Netherhall Educational Association is a Catholic educational charity whose objectives are the advancement of education and learning, and the training of character in accordance with Christian principles and ideals. To achieve these goals, NEA owns and operates a variety of centres in Great Britain, including halls of residence for students in higher education.

Howard’s Education

Gonville & Caius College, University of Cambridge

Post Graduate

1976 - 1979

Gonville & Caius College, University of Cambridge

Undergraduate

1973 - 1976