AJ Bell plc (LON: AJB), one of the UK’s leading investment platforms, today announced an innovative share option plan that will see charitable causes share in AJ Bell’s success if it exceeds its ambitious growth plans.
The maximum award, resulting in charitable causes benefiting from circa £10 million, is dependent on AJ Bell increasing its earnings per share by at least 100% over three years and by at least 150% over five years, subject to certain other conditions. Full details of the structure of the plan are provided below.
The initiative forms part of AJ Bell’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) strategy with the share options being granted in favour of the AJ Bell Trust, a registered charity set up by Andy Bell, chief executive of AJ Bell, predominantly to support disadvantaged young people in the UK. AJ Bell customers and staff will be given the opportunity to nominate which underlying causes should benefit.
If the performance targets are not met in part or in full, Andy Bell has committed to make up any shortfall with a personal donation ensuring that at least £10 million is donated to charity.
Andy Bell, chief executive of AJ Bell, comments:
“If we exceed our ambitious growth plans, our shareholders will benefit and we want to ensure some of that success is shared with the less fortunate in society. Here we have an example of capitalism and socialism working hand in hand as a combined force for good.
“This CSR initiative aligns the interests of our staff, our customers, our shareholders and our community. Many of our customers and staff are passionate about supporting charitable causes and we believe this is a win-win for all involved.”
