A Different Perspective with George Ensor, Partner & Portfolio Manager at River Global

This week Nick talks to George EnsorGeorge Ensor is the portfolio manager for the RGI UK Listed Smaller Companies Fund and the River UK Micro Cap Investment Trust. He joined River Global Investors in 2014 as a UK equity analyst, following his role as a private client investment manager at Smith & Williamson Investment Management. George holds a degree in Chemistry from the University of Bristol and is a CFA Charterholder.  Nick and George discuss, his journey into investment management, starting with his chemistry degree and eventual move into equities, driven by the challenge of taking contrarian views in the market. He outlines his experience at Smith & Williamson, where he gained exposure to global multi-asset management, client service, and investment allocation. Transitioning to River Global (formerly River & Mercantile), he details the firm's evolution, including its listing and eventual return to a boutique-style setup. He explains the structural differences between open-ended small-cap funds and closed-ended micro-cap investment trusts, emphasising how micro-cap funds exploit liquidity premiums and offer high-conviction investments.George also discusses the challenges and opportunities within UK small-cap investing, noting cyclical market trends, liquidity constraints, and shifts in investor sentiment. He highlights how UK small caps have been underperforming large caps due to external factors like interest rates, economic cycles, and regulatory changes. He believes in the long-term growth potential of UK small caps, citing past market recoveries and potential reforms such as pension fund adjustments and British ISAs. The conversation further delves into investment strategies, including the balance between growth, quality, and recovery stocks, and explores specific holdings like Keystone Law, DF Capital, and Renold. He expresses concerns about undervaluation in the market, private equity takeovers, and the impact of passive investing on small-cap liquidity. Despite current challenges, he remains optimistic about the cyclical return of capital inflows into UK equities and the opportunities available for disciplined investors.George's book choices where: Thinking in Bets: Making Smarter Decisions When You Don't Have All the Facts - Annie Duke https://www.amazon.co.uk/Thinking-Bets-Annie-Duke/dp/0735216371/Quit: The Power of Knowing When to Walk Away - Annie Duke https://uk.bookshop.org/p/books/quit-the-power-of-knowing-when-to-walk-away-annie-duke/7098911George's music choice was: The Best by Tina Turnerhttps://open.spotify.com/track/4OeFQtRyT7vsLnRTv7t8YTThis content is issued by Zeus Capital Limited (“Zeus”) (Incorporated in England & Wales No. 4417845), which is authorised and regulated in the United Kingdom by the Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) for designated investment business, (Reg No. 224621) and is a member firm of the London Stock Exchange. This content is for information purposes only and neither the information contained, nor the opinions expressed within, constitute or are to be construed as an offer or a solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities or other instruments mentioned in it. Zeus shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, including lost profits arising in any way from the information contained in this material. This material is for the use of intended recipients only.