UKSIF News Archive
Ethical Investment on the Rise: ISA Opportunity
11 February 2010
The Investment Management Association’s (IMA) quarterly statistics issued today show that Quarter 4 sales of ethical funds at £62.2m were the highest since Quarter 4 2007.
Commenting on the IMA statistics, Penny Shepherd MBE, chief executive of UKSIF, the sustainable investment and finance association, said:
“Increasing numbers of investors want to make money and make a difference. As we gradually move out of recession, it is vital that people carefully consider the impact of their investments to help build a sustainable economic recovery. One simple way to make a difference is to consider green and ethical funds as part of your ISA.
“A survey conducted as part of National Ethical Investment Week found that
According to the IMA, there is more than £5.6 billion invested in green and ethical funds in the UK – up from £2.5 billion 10 years ago
Julian Parrott becomes new chair of the Ethical Investment Association
2 December 2009
Parrott, a partner in Edinburgh-based IFA firm Ethical Futures becomes the new chair at the EIA training day in Birmingham on December 2nd. Parrott will replace outgoing chair Robin Keyte, of Towers of Taunton Chartered Financial Planners. Read the full press release
Enhancing fund value drives local authority progress on Responsible Investment
4 December 2009
Local authority pension funds are increasingly implementing Responsible Investment, according to research by UKSIF, CIPFA and LAPFF announced today at the Local Authority Pension Fund Forum (LAPFF) Conference. For 75% of local authority schemes, the increasing commitment to Responsible Investment is being driven by the need to protect and enhance fund value.
Four out of five schemes agree or strongly agree that considering long term Responsible Investment is part of their fiduciary duty. However, barriers to implementation remain, with 88% of respondents pointing to lack of time, resources, and competing priorities as significant barriers.
Read the full press release. Find out more about the Sustainable Pensions Project.
Penny Shepherd comments on Green ISA announcement by Conservative Party
23 November 2009
UKSIF chief executive Penny Shepherd responds to the speech today by Shadow Chancellor George Osborne in which he announced his intention to introduce Green ISAs.
“Green ISAs will enable individual investors to make money and make a difference to climate change. It is good news that people will be able to shelter some of their rainy day money in ways that help to protect against the dangers of climate change. It should encourage new savings, as well as allowing a greater proportion of existing investments to be held tax free and help to build a better world. This should be a win-win solution for savers and the environment.”
Read the full speech by the Shadow Chancellor or visit our Media Centre.
National Ethical Investment Week 2010 dates announced
16 November 2009
The dates of the third National Ethical Investment Week will be 7-13 November 2010. This follows from the success of this year's NEIW, which featured over 30 events and wide press coverage for green and ethical investing.
Visit the National Ethical Investment Week website.
Copenhagen Calling: Government must do more to stimulate green and ethical investment
11 November 2009
In the run up to the Copenhagen Climate Change Summit, new research released at parliamentary receptions on Tuesday and Wednesday has found that private investors want the Government to do more to stimulate green and ethical investments in the UK.
The poll, conducted by YouGov on behalf of National Ethical Investment Week, found that half of investors (50%) agreed that the Government should encourage greater disclosure and transparency from the financial services industry to improve understanding and awareness of green and ethical investments. In Scotland, the number of investors who felt that government should do more reached 54%. Nearly half (47%) of investors in the UK said that the Government should introduce education in schools so that people know about the likely impact of their investments from an early age.
The research was unveiled at a Parliamentary Reception attended by Rt. Hon Stephen Timms, Financial Secretary to the Treasury to celebrate National Ethical Investment Week. The Scottish research was unveiled at a similar reception at Holyrood, attended by John Swinney MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Finance and Sustainable Growth.
Read the press releases from the Holyrood and Westminster receptions, or learn more about National Ethical Investment Week.
'Green Gap' in consumer attitudes to green and ethical investing
9 November 2009
New research has found that more than two thirds (70%) of people in Great Britain consider their outlook and lifestyle to be either very or fairly green and ethical. The poll, conducted by YouGov on behalf of National Ethical Investment Week (NEIW), also found that half (49%) of people with savings and investments would like to make money and make a difference. Despite this positive attitude and a growing array of financial products to choose from, only 8% of investors currently hold a green and ethical investment or savings product.
The research highlights a ‘green gap’ in peoples’ attitudes towards ethical and environmental issues and the actions they currently take, especially when it comes to investing. To help breach this green gap, NEIW aims to raise awareness of the green and ethical options available to investors. The week runs from 8 – 14 November 2009, featuring 30 events across the country. NEIW is coordinated by UKSIF – the sustainable investment and finance association, and sponsored by Aviva Investors, CCLA Investment Management, The Co-operative Financial Services and Henderson New Star.
Read the full press release or visit the National Ethical Investment Week website at www.neiw.org.
NEIW Calls For Green and Ethical Questions in Fact Finds
30 October 2009
According to recent research, a large majority of Independent Financial Advisers (IFAs) now advise some of their clients on ethical investment. The research, commissioned by National Ethical Investment Week and the Association of Independent Financial Advisers (AIFA), and conducted by NMG, reveals that 87 percent of IFAs now advise on green and ethical investment. This represents a significant increase from the 2008 figure of 70 percent.
Ethical Investments return to pre-Crunch levels
4 November 2009
Quarterly Investment Management Association (IMA) statistics for Q309 highlighted some important findings on ethical investments:
Net sales of ethical funds were £59 million in Quarter 3 2009, reversing the previous quarter's exceptional £18 million outflow, and more than double the £21 million net sales in Quarter 3 last year.
Commenting on today’s IMA statistics, Penny Shepherd MBE, chief executive of UKSIF said:
“Investment in ethical funds has returned to levels not seen since the credit crunch took hold, with a near three-fold increase in year-on-year net sales – the highest level since 2007.
“Encouragingly, ahead of National Ethical Investment Week, which starts on 8 November, this highlights a growing trend of investors wanting to make money and make a positive difference to the world they live in.”
IFA clients remain committed to green and ethical investment despite the storm
28 October 2009
A survey of IFAs, conducted with members of the Ethical Investment Association, has shown that despite the financial crisis consumers continue to put their faith in green and ethical investment. According to the survey 85% of advisers said the financial crisis had impacted on the investment approach of their clients. However, less than two in ten (18%) said it had impacted on the attitude of clients to green and ethical investment. The results are being released in advance of the second National Ethical Investment Week, which runs from 8-14 November.
Adviser seminars announced for National Ethical Investment Week
13 October 2009
A series of seminars for advisers are to take place in the run-up to the second National Ethical Investment Week (www.neiw.org) to be held from 8 -14 November. The events in London and Southampton will hear from experts in green and ethical investment and discuss how advisers can help their clients to make money and make a difference. A range of information is available for advisers wishing to deepen their knowledge of green and ethical investing. This includes a free online training course designed specifically for financial advisers available here.
For further details visit www.neiw.org
Four New Directors Elected to the UKSIF Board
16 September 2009
At UKSIF’s AGM on 9 September, four new directors were elected to the UKSIF board.
They are:
David Harris, Manager, Responsible Investment
FTSE Group
Julian Parrott, Partner
Ethical Futures
James Vaccaro, Head of Investment Banking
Triodos Bank
Amanda Young, Socially Responsible Investment Officer
Newton Investment Management Limited
Please note that directors serve in a personal capacity. Organisational affiliations are given for information only.
Bernard Bulkin delivers UKSIF Annual Lecture
16 September 2009
Bernard Bulkin, Sustainable Development Commissioner for Climate Change, Energy and Transport delivered the UKSIF Annual Lecture on Wednesday, 9 September, speaking on the fundamental changes that will be needed in UK energy policy to address climate change and future energy needs. His speech charted the potential for specific emerging technologies, but warned against quick decisions that only address the symptoms of these underlying problems.
The UKSIF Annual Lecture was sponsored by Aviva Investors.
Aviva Investors to Sponsor National Ethical Investment Week
4 September 2009
Aviva Investors has today joined CCLA, The Co-operative Financial Services and Henderson New Star as a sponsor of the second National Ethical Investment Week (NEIW), to be held 8-14 November. NEIW is a cooperative campaign that brings together financial advisers, charities and trusts, financial organisations, faith groups, NGOS and community groups to ensure that everyone knows that they have green and ethical options for their investments.
Peter Michaelis, Head of SRI, Aviva Investors said: “Following the success of the first National Ethical Investment Week last year, Aviva Investors are proud to be sponsoring the event for a second year. As a committed advocate of sustainable and responsible investment, we welcome the opportunity to broaden the debate around green and ethical investing. The response to the event last year was extremely encouraging and has helped to push green and ethical products higher up the mainstream agenda – we look forward to building on that this year.”
UKSIF says ethical investors remaining loyal to their funds
10 August 2009
“Net sales of ethical funds open to investors looks positive for second quarter, continuing an unbroken track record since 1992.” says Penny Shepherd MBE, UKSIF Chief Executive. “Advisers need to look behind this quarter’s headline figures to get to the true story. Ethical investors have remained loyal to their funds.“
Leading ethical fund providers have reported positive news about their second quarter net sales to UKSIF, with many saying June figures were better than May.
According to the IMA, net sales of ethical funds turned negative in second quarter this year for the first time since 1992 but UKSIF says that this was due to a single fund closing close to the end of the quarter.
“IMA data would have shown positive net sales for the quarter if one fund had not returned assets to investors in June, according to our information from product providers. The closure caused an outflow that month after net inflows in both April and May.” Shepherd said.
Read more from the IMA on their latest quarterly statistics. See more UKSIF press releases.
Dysfunctional investment practices are hampering sustainable recovery, says UKSIF
22 July 2009
Regulatory and cultural changes could allow the investment sector to accelerate the transition to a sustainable economy, says UKSIF Chief Executive Penny Shepherd, in a chapter published last week as part of the report “From Crisis to Recovery” by “Think Tank of the Year” Green Alliance. Shepherd’s policy proposals appear alongside recommendations from seven other leading commentators on how to transform the economy in the wake of the downturn.
Read the full Press Release, or see our blog entry on the report.
Thomson Reuters Extel and UKSIF 2009 Socially Responsible Investing & Sustainability Survey Results
16 July 2009
Thomson Reuters and UKSIF, the sustainable investment and finance association, announced the results of the seventh annual Thomson Reuters Extel/UKSIF Socially Responsible Investing & Sustainability Survey last night at an event held at Thomson Reuters' headquarters in Canary Wharf, London.
The 2009 Survey represents the views of over 300 investment professionals from 19 countries, making it the most extensive assessment of SRI in the European investment community. Voting was conducted from 23 March to 03 June 2009 with record contribution from 215 buyside firms and 20 brokerage firms/research houses.
Key highlights from the Thomson Reuters Extel/UKSIF Survey include:
• 32% of buyside respondents are now attributing 5% or more of total commission spend to SRI, compared with less than one in ten respondents in 2005
• Over 60% of buyside respondents see commissions directly related to SRI/Sustainable research services, increasing in the next 12 months, with four out of five fund managers looking for SRI research to be integrated into mainstream analysis
• Investment into SRI capability by Société Générale, Cheuvreux, UBS and HSBC has secured them leading positions
For commentary and key rankings read the full press release.
UKSIF survey shows pension fund trustees lead progress on responsible investment
3 June 2009
The 2009 UKSIF “Responsible Business: Sustainable Pension” report released today shows clear and exciting evidence that a group of Responsible Investment (RI) champions is beginning to emerge among UK corporate pension funds. Trustee leadership is driving this change.
BT Pension Scheme retained its Platinum ranking in this second bi-annual survey, while The Barclays UK Retirement Fund, BP Pension Fund and HBOS Final Salary Pension Scheme all progressed to a Gold ranking from Silver. Three quarters of repeat respondents achieved a higher score this year than in 2007.
The survey found that trustees of three quarters of surveyed funds now believe that ESG (environmental, social, governance) factors can have a material impact on the fund’s investments in the long term. Two thirds of trustees thought it was important to align the plan’s RI policy with the fund sponsor’s CSR policies.
Read the full press release (PDF, 65KB). Find out more about the survey and the Sustainable Pensions Project.
Investors call for 'green' focus in economic recovery measures
1 April 2009
A group of major investors, representing over £400 bn(1) in funds under management, has today written to the UK Prime Minister, as Chair of this week’s London Summit, supporting a strong ‘green’ element in programmes of fiscal stimulus undertaken by governments.
The investors’ intervention follows President Obama’s announcement of a stimulus package containing major investments in low-carbon energy and energy efficiency and echoes calls for ‘green new deal’ by others such as the UN’s Environment Programme and Lord Stern, the former head of the UK Government Economics Service.
Paul Abberley, Chief Executive, Aviva Investors London, one of the ten senior executives signing the letter, said: “Green investment isn’t only for governments. Many private investors also want the opportunity to invest in green projects such as low-carbon energy and energy efficiency. This requires the right kind of policies and appropriate financial instruments. We are keen to keep talking to governments about how private sector investment can be mobilised to help make the recovery from this economic crisis a sustainable one.“
The initiative was convened by UKSIF, the sustainable investment and finance association, and the UK-based business-led think tank, Tomorrow’s Company.
(1) As of December 31st 2008
Read the full press release (PDF, 97.4KB). Read the investor letter (PDF, 91.2KB). For more information, see our Finance for a Sustainable Recovery blog.
IMA stats show fourteen months of positive inflows into green and ethical funds
7 May 2009
UKSIF has commented on the Investment Management Association’s statistics on ethical funds for first quarter 2009 which have been published today.
Penny Shepherd MBE, UKSIF Chief Executive, said:
“These latest numbers add even more weight to the argument that green and ethical investors are ‘sticky’. They are typically long-term investors who look beyond short-term market fluctuations and want to benefit from sustainable wealth creation. Retail inflows into ethical funds have now exceeded outflows for each of the fourteen months since February 2008.”
UKSIF joins with global partners to demand green action from G20
1 April 2009
UKSIF, the sustainable investment and finance association, has joined with its sister organisations across the globe to send a message to world leaders meeting in London tomorrow to address the global financial and economic crisis.
In their statement “Transforming global capital markets”, the six-strong network of global sustainable and responsible finance organisations says:
“The current economic crisis affords a unique opportunity and imperative to transition to a low-carbon, resource efficient and socially sustainable economy.
As the umbrella organizations for the sustainable and responsible finance industry worldwide, we call on world leaders to respond to this challenge by incorporating sustainability and social responsibility measures into both the economic stimulus packages for short-term recovery and the longer-term reform of the credit and investment markets.”
The statement outlines the measures proposed. These include (a) financial instruments and incentives to building the green economy using private investment alongside direct government support and (b) financial reform measures to require greater transparency and facilitate responsible ownership.
Read the full press release (PDF, 17KB). See also the global sustainable and responsible finance organisations' joint statement (PDF, 336KB ).
Capital Markets for a Sustainable Recovery: UKSIF launches online support for the debate
3 March 2009
UKSIF has launched its Sustainable Capital Markets Library to support the growing debate on how to build a robust operating framework for sustainable investment and finance. The launch comes in the run-up to the London Summit on the global economic crisis on 2 April.
This free library will assist policy makers, the finance industry and all who influence or study the changing nature of the capital markets by bringing together key documents on the impact of capital market structures and incentives on long-term responsible investment within the UK and worldwide. It has been developed with support from Aviva Investors.
UKSIF has also launched today online support for the growing number of industry roundtables and meetings about sustainable capital markets. Its Sustainable Recovery discussion log will enable easy access to the analyses and recommendations of sustainable finance practitioners.
Read the Full Press Release (PDF, 45.4KB). Learn more about our Public Policy work.
CCLA, The Co-operative Financial Services, and Henderson Global Investors to Sponsor Second National Ethical Investment Week
17 March 2009
CCLA, The Co-operative Financial Services and Henderson Global Investors will be the sponsors of the second National Ethical Investment Week (NEIW), it has been announced today. NEIW 2009 will be held 8-14 November, and is organised by UKSIF, the sustainable investment and finance association. UKSIF has also launched a new website at www.neiw.org to help financial advisers, charities and financial services organisations who want to get involved in NEIW 2009.
The second National Ethical Investment Week will build on the strength of last year’s week, which saw over 100 organisations, including financial services firms, financial advisers, NGOs and charities voice their support for green and ethical investment.
Read the full press release (PDF, 183KB). Find out more about National Ethical Investment Week.
IMA Ethical Statistics Show Ethical Investors are ‘Sticky’ says UKSIF
6 February 2009
Penny Shepherd MBE, UKSIF Chief Executive, said:
“Green and ethical investors take a long term perspective even in difficult markets. Ethical funds saw retail inflows exceeding outflows every month since last February in spite of the turmoil of 2008. Our members confirm that investors continue to support ethical funds.”
Renewed Drive for Sustainable Investment and Finance
Underlined by UKSIF Name Change
19 January 2009
UKSIF, the membership association that promotes sustainable and responsible financial services, has changed its name to better reflect its aim of advancing sustainable investment and finance. At the same time, it has launched a renewed drive for sustainable investment and finance so that today's credit crisis does not become tomorrow's even more damaging climate and resources crisis.
UKSIF is the only UK association with the specific aim of advancing sustainable development through financial services. it will be known in future as "UKSIF - the sustainable investment and finance association". Its name has been changed legally to "UK Sustainable Investment and Finance" to keep the familiar acronym unchanged.
A new logo and website are being launched to support the change.
Read the full Press Release (PDF, KB)
Survey Launched to Shed Light on Responsible Investment Policies of UK Corporate Pension Funds
UKSIF has today launched the 2009 “Responsible Business: Sustainable Pension” survey looking at the Responsible Investment policies of UK Corporate Pension Funds. Pension funds are being invited to participate based on their plan sponsor’s reputation as a Corporate Responsibility leader.
Sponsored by leading investment managers Hermes Fund Managers and KBC Asset Management, this is the second bi-annual survey of the pension funds of companies highly regarded for their Corporate Responsibility. The survey was developed by independent pension fund industry leaders to give an RI framework specifically tailored to the needs of this group.
The inaugural survey in 2007 found that nearly two thirds of funds gave “great” or “some” significance to alignment with their plan sponsor’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and/or Sustainability policy. The 2009 results will be published later in the year.
Read the full press release (PDF, 81.1KB). Learn more about the Sustainable Pensions Project.
Matthew Taylor delivers UKSIF Annual Lecture
06 November 2008
In his Lecture, Matthew Taylor chief executive of the RSA emphasised the need for greater citizen engagement as a key part of solving the current financial crisis. He also discussed the RSA's Tomorrow's Investor project.
The Annual Lecture was followed by the presentation of the results and awards of the Thomson Reuters Extel SRI/Sustainability Survey 2008 (in association with UKSIF).
The Annual Lecture was preceeded by the UKSIF AGM. At the AGM, four new directors were elected onto the UKSIF Board: Ed Blamey (Jupiter Asset Management), Aled Jones (Pension Protection Fund), My-Linh Ngo (Henderson Global Investors), Helen Wildsmith (CCLA Investment Management). [Note: Board members serve in a personal capacity. Organisation affiliation is for information only]
The AGM also marked the retirement of the following directors: Mark Camapanale, Lee Coates, Rod Schwartz and Meagan Thompson-Mann.
Press Release: Citizen Engagement is Key to Financial Reform
Copy of Matthew Taylor's Lecture
Press Release: Results of Extel SRI/Sustainability Survey 2008
For older news articles please see the UKSIF press release archive.