Rathbones Group Plc, formerly Rathbone Brothers Plc, is a UK wealth management firm with roots tracing to a Liverpool timber business established in 1742. The company changed its name from Rathbone Brothers Plc to Rathbones Group Plc on 1 December 2021, reflecting the broader collection of businesses and teams that form the group.[1]
Design and History
In July 2023, Rathbones unveiled a refreshed brand identity following its integration with Investec Wealth & Investment (UK). The new identity was designed to represent the firm’s heritage with a modern expression, creating what the company described as “a sharper, more coherent brand image.”[2]
The brand evolution was led by the design consultancy SEA, which undertook an extensive period of consultation and immersion across the company’s diverse teams to understand the purpose and values ingrained within the institution.[3] The creative strategy was built upon the Rathbone family’s guiding principle, “Gently in manner, firmly in action.”[3]
The new identity was launched alongside a new purpose and motto, “Invest Well. Live Well.”[4]
Meaning and Symbolism
At the heart of the visual identity is a symbol that reflects Rathbones’ maritime past through a contemporary lens. The new Rathbones logo includes an evolution of the firm’s legacy compass symbol.[2] According to SEA, the symbol was inspired by the legacy compass and distills the essence of both a navigational compass and a moral compass, representing Rathbones’ moral and commercial sense of direction.[5]
Typography and Design
SEA created a crafted and ownable typeface called Rathbones Sans, paired with a unique Pantone colour named Rathbones Blue, to reaffirm the firm’s bespoke and personal approach to business.[3] The design system was rolled out across all channels, including digital and experiential, and was built to allow an internal team to quickly deliver assets.[3]
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