Aster Group maintains top governance and viability ratings

Aster Group has maintained first-class G1/V1 ratings following an In-Depth Assessment by the Regulator for Social Housing (RSH).

The ratings, which are the highest that can be awarded, reflect the Group’s strengths in corporate governance and financial viability. Aster’s operating structure is modelled on the UK Corporate Governance Code, a best practice guide for governance.

The Group, which has a portfolio of over 36,000 homes across the south of England and London, has maintained its top rating since the RSH introduced the In-Depth Assessment process in 2015.

Dawn Fowler-Stevens, Chief Strategy Officer at Aster Group, said: “We’re pleased to have upheld our G1/V1 rating for the third consecutive time following an In-Depth Assessment. In such economically challenging times, sound corporate governance and responsible business management are crucial to ensuring we continue delivering to the highest standard for our current customers and build the new affordable homes so desperately needed across the UK.

“Regulation in our sector continues to evolve, making it all the more crucial that we maintain rigorous governance standards. It is fundamental to managing our portfolio effectively and instilling confidence in our delivery partners - from local authorities to housebuilders. It also enables us to engage confidently with the investor community when we need to. We’re proud to be recognised by the regulator as one of the best governed organisations in our sector.”

 Aster, which also holds an A+ credit rating from S&P Global Ratings, recently issued its second £250m bond in the space of two years. The bond priced at 110 basis points (BPS) over the reference gilt - at the time, this tied with one other issuance for the tightest spread of any own-name public sterling deal in 2023.