UKSIF News Archive
2008 News, 2009 News, 2010 News
Ethical Investment Association welcomes proposals for EIS/VCT relief for community-based renewable energy investments
29 September 2011
The Ethical Investment Association, UKSIF's financial adviser chapter, has welcomed the government’s plans to continue EIS/VCT relief for community-based renewable energy investments. The government proposals, announced in a consultation that closed yesterday, represent a rethink since Chancellor George Osborne announced in the March budget that this tax relief would be withdrawn from all investments eligible for Feed-In Tariff (FITs) payments for renewable energy generation.
UKSIF has also welcomed the move in a joint response with community energy organisations to the consultation paper.
Read the full press release.
Read the joint response.
2010 News
Three Directors Elected to the UKSIF Board
21 October 2010
At UKSIF’s AGM on 18 October, three directors were elected to the UKSIF board. Barry Clavin, Ethical Policies and Sustainability Reporting Manager at The Co-operative Group, has become an UKSIF director for the first time.
The other two directors elected at the AGM were Martin Clarke, Executive Director of Financial Risk at Pension Protection Fund, who was appointed UKSIF Chair and co-opted onto the board in June 2010, and Sagarika Chatterjee, Associate Director at F&C Investments, who was re-elected to serve a second term. Sagarika is Vice-Chair of UKSIF.
Please note that directors serve in a personal capacity. Organisational affiliations are given for information only.
Read the full press release.
For more information read the full list of directors.
Comprehensive Spending Review - UKSIF Comment on Green Investment Bank
20 October 2010
Commenting on government funding for a Green Investment Bank in today’s Comprehensive Spending Review, Penny Shepherd MBE, chief executive of UKSIF, said:
“The government’s commitment to provide significant additional capital from asset sales could be the most important part of today’s Green Investment Bank announcement. While welcome, the initial £1bn of funding is clearly not sufficient alone.
“However, given the urgency of developing a green investment market at scale, it is alarming that the initial funding will not be available until 2013. This may delay the credit rating and track record that the GIB will need to raise major tranches of additional capital through bonds issued to institutional investors.”
TheCityUK chief places sustainability at heart of mission to extend competitiveness of UK financial services
19 October 2010
Chris Cummings, Chief Executive of TheCityUK delivered the UKSIF Annual Lecture on Monday, 18 October, speaking on the challenge of the UK retaining its global leadership in sustainable finance. In his speech he expressed his optimism about the UK keeping its green crown and committed TheCityUK to working with its partners towards this.
Read the full press release.
Read Chris Cummings's speech.
Anthony Hilton highlights Penny Shepherd's piece on innovation
15 October 2010
Anthony Hilton's City Comment in today's Evening Standard newspaper highlights Penny Shepherd's recent opinion piece on game-changing innovation, calling it a "timely reminder".
Anthony Hilton's City Comment can be viewed here.
Penny Shepherd's original opinion piece can be viewed here.
Penny Shepherd contributes to Network for Sustainable Financial Markets blog
13 October 2010
Penny Shepherd, in a personal capacity, has contributed an opinion piece on 'game-changing innovation' to the Network for Sustainable Financial Markets' blog. It can be viewed here.
UK sees 19% growth in sustainable investment
13 October 2010
Eurosif, the European Sustainable Investment Forum,
Commenting Penny Shepherd MBE, Chief Executive of UKSIF, said:
“The study shows impressive growth in the SRI market across Europe, offering increased opportunities for UK asset managers to compete for this
“Strong growth on the continent has seen the UK share of total European SRI
Read the full press release.
Read the European SRI Study 2010. [external link]
New guide urges church members to invest ethically
13 October 2010
A new ‘Action Guide for Churches’ has been launched to encourage Christians to apply their principles through their savings and investment decisions. The guide has been produced for National Ethical Investment Week (NEIW) in conjunction with the
Commenting, Rev. Raymond Singh, Vice Chair of ECCR said:
“Many churches now celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight. I hope this Guide will help church members think about where we invest our money and what it is used for. It includes excellent resources for worship and ideas for meetings and displays. Our aim is for ethical investment to become as widespread as fair trade among churches and their members.”
Penny Shepherd MBE, UKSIF Chief Executive, said:
“By choosing a green or ethical option, savers and investors can make a positive difference to society and the environment. We hope faith groups will use NEIW to raise awareness of the impact our financial choices can have. Ethical investing in the UK is rooted in the faith community. Churches, charities, and people of faith were the first to take account of ethical criteria when making investment decisions.”
The ‘Action Guide for Churches’ is sponsored by CCLA Investment Management as part of NEIW10 which is sponsored by Co-operative Financial Services and Ecclesiastical Investment Management.
Read the full press release.
Report finds sustainable investing coming to the fore
29 September 2010
Experts anticipate growing demand for sustainable index investing, including but not limited to Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs). This is a key finding of the report "The Future of Investment: Sustainable Index Investing", published today by UKSIF.
The report brings together specialists from index and ETF providers, investment consultants and research firms in a conversation that shows how leading-edge firms are innovating to meet a range of investor priorities and needs.
Penny Shepherd MBE, chief executive of UKSIF, said:
"Institutional and high net worth investors are increasingly looking at sustainable indexes for both products and performance measurement. As this report shows, firms are offering new approaches, research and advice to help investors to acheive both financial and social and environmental value."
Read the full press release.
Read "The Future of Investment: Sustainable Index Investing".
Thomson Reuters Extel and UKSIF 2010 SRI & Sustainability Survey Results
16 September 2010
Thomson Reuters and UKSIF announced the results of the eighth annual Extel SRI and Sustainability Survey at the UKSIF Late Summer Event, hosted by FTSE.
The 2010 Survey reflects the contribution of over 1800 buyside firms, 225 brokerage firms/research houses and 640 of Europe’s largest quoted companies worldwide. Voting was conducted from 22 March to 08 May 2010.
Penny Shepherd MBE, Chief Executive, UKSIF, said: "The investment community is increasingly looking at sustainable investment themes as the ones that offer best potential for significant growth, while effective management of sustainability risks and opportunities is becoming central to profitability in many industry sectors. The eighth annual SRI & Sustainability Survey shows the value that both the sell side and buy side attach to sustainability analysis".
For key rankings read the full press release.
Ethical Investment on the rise - UKSIF comment on IMA quarterly statistics
11 August 2010
The Investment Management Association's (IMA) quarterly statistics issued today show that:
Net retail sales of Ethical funds totalled £98 million in Quarter 2 2010. This is well above the average of the past four quarters and the highest net sales figure since Quarter 4 2007.
Commenting on the IMA statistics, Adam Ognall, deputy chief executive of UKSIF, which organises National Ethical Investment Week in November, said:
"Investment in ethical funds has returned to levels not seen since the credit crunch took hold in 2007. It is a very positive sign that increasing numbers of investors want to make money and make a difference.
As the economy continues to stutter, consumers are increasingly aware of the impact of their investments and the opportunity for their finance and investment decisions to have a positive long term impact. Modern green and ethical investment is now an attractive choice for mainstream investors. These are some of the issues we will discuss as part of the annual National Ethical Investment Week, which runs from 7-13 November."
UKSIF contributes a chapter to "Clean Tech, Clean Profits"
03 August 2010
UKSIF chief executive Penny Shepherd contributed a chapter entitled "Sustainable Investing" to the recently published "Clean Tech, Clean Profits" book by Kogan Page and the Institute of Directors. Penny’s piece focuses on the new generation of sustainable investors from private investors to pension funds, looking at the opportunities provided by clean tech investment.
The book is available at a 30% discount for UKSIF members. For further information visit www.koganpage.com, or contact Taryn Sachs (tsachs@koganpage.com).
UKSIF Comment on Launch of UK Stewardship Code
02 July 2010
Commenting on today’s launch of the UK Stewardship Code, Penny Shepherd MBE, chief executive of UKSIF, said:
“UKSIF welcomes the emphasis on pension fund trustees and other owners in today’s announcement. Effective implementation of the Code will depend fundamentally on their role in demanding a high quality of engagement from their investment managers.
Financial advisers and wealth managers also have an important role to play in helping clients to assess how well investment houses are protecting their wealth through effective ownership practices.
This week sees the 10th anniversary of the UK’s responsible investment disclosure regulation for occupational pension funds. This announcement shows that the UK is again leading the world in recognising the importance of responsible ownership.
As UKSIF highlighted earlier this week, responsible investment is now approaching a tipping point. We expect it to become the norm within the next ten years. The launch of the UK Stewardship Code is an important milestone.”
Sponsors announced for National Ethical Investment Week 2010
05 July 2010
The Co-operative Financial Services and Ecclesiastical Investment Management are today named as sponsors of the third National Ethical Investment Week (NEIW). Organised by UKSIF, the sustainable investment and finance association, NEIW 2010 will be held 7-13 November. NEIW will feature a series of events and other activities across the country to raise awareness of green and ethical investing.
Penny Shepherd MBE, UKSIF Chief Executive, said:
“After the success of last year we expect NEIW 2010 to be even bigger. The current problems faced by BP have pushed the environment and the need for sustainable development to the top of the investment agenda. Consumers are increasingly aware of the impact of their investments and the opportunity for their finance and investment decisions to have a positive long term impact. Modern green and ethical investment is now an attractive choice for mainstream investors.
Increasing numbers of investors want some exposure to green and ethical investments as part of a mixed portfolio. And they want an improved focus on risks to their investments, including social and environmental risks.”
Read the full press release. Visit the National Ethical Investment Week website for more information.
UKSIF Comment on Green Investment Bank Commission Report
29 June 2010
Commenting on today’s report from the Green Investment Bank Commission, Penny Shepherd MBE, chief executive of UKSIF, said:
“A Green Investment Bank should do much to leverage private sector investment from international and UK pension funds and from private individuals.
The public’s participation in and support of a Green Investment Bank is in many ways as important as any funding they might bring. If, as proposed, increasing the ISA allowance by £5,000 (above the current £10,200 limit) costs the Treasury £70m, then this looks like an effective and low cost way to engage with the public, boost the bank’s visibility, and help fund the new low carbon infrastructure we need for future economic success.
Our research shows that nearly half of people in the UK want the opportunity to make money and make a positive difference to the world around them when investing their money. This suggests that Green ISAs should be a popular choice.
We hope that the Government will now act quickly and decisively to implement the report’s proposals.”
New Chair for UKSIF - Martin Clarke to take over from Steve Waygood
28 June 2010
Martin Clarke will take the helm as UKSIF Chair from 1 July.
Martin Clarke, who will serve in a personal capacity, is the Pension Protection Fund's Executive Director of Financial Risk and a non-executive director at Congregational & General Insurance plc.
With a track record at the Co-operative Insurance Society and the Pension Protection Fund, Martin Clarke has wide experience of and a strong personal interest in sustainable and responsible investment.
Martin Clarke said:
“Responsible investment and other financial services that support sustainable development are becoming a mainstream choice for both institutions and individuals. I look forward to leading UKSIF in this exciting new period of opportunity and growth.”
UKSIF heralds 10 years of pension regulation disclosure
28 June 2010
UKSIF celebrated 10 years of responsible investment disclosure by UK occupational pension funds at an event held at the House of Commons. Speakers included the Rt. Hon. Stephen Timms MP and Michael Deakin, Chair of UKSIF’s Sustainable Pensions Advisory Board. UKSIF also launched a report that reflects upon the effects of the regulation and addresses important next steps for environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues over the next 10 years.
Penny Shepherd said:
“This is a momentous occasion. The changes that have taken place in the last decade have seen the issue of responsible investment migrate from the margins to the mainstream. The requirement to disclose occupational pension funds’ policies on responsible investment typifies the UK’s leadership in this area and has been followed by many other countries around the world.
We are fast approaching a tipping point when responsible investment will become the norm for major investors worldwide. However, this will require commitment from Governments, asset owners and civil society. It is clear that there is growing awareness and concern about where investment is made and its consequences. You only have to look at the current situation in the Mexican Gulf to see the potential environmental risks and the pressure for change.”
Read ‘Focused on the Future: Celebrating ten years of responsible investment disclosure by UK occupation pension funds’ (PDF, 670 KB)
Report shines spotlight on the rise of sustainable investment boutiques
10 June 2010
An exciting range of investment offerings from sustainable investment boutiques are highlighted in ‘The Future of Investment: Sustainable Investment Boutiques’, published today by UKSIF.
The report brings together practitioners from some of these new investment houses in a conversation that shows the range of asset classes, geographical opportunities and sustainability themes that are becoming available.
Penny Shepherd MBE, chief executive of UKSIF, said:
“These innovative new firms are developing strong investment products to deliver excellent returns for investors by tackling sustainability challenges. This report should help institutional and high net worth investors and their advisers to understand the approaches available. It provides insight into the growing sophistication of sustainable investment and the breadth and depth of sustainable investment opportunities.”
Read 'The Future of Investment: Sustainable Investment Boutiques'.
UKSIF Welcomes Coalition’s Commitment to Green Investment Bank
12 May 2010
Commenting on today’s Conservative Liberal Democrat Agreement which includes proposals to create a green investment bank, Penny Shepherd MBE, chief executive of UKSIF, said:
“UKSIF welcomes the coalition’s commitment to establish a green investment bank in the UK. A green bank would play an important role in finding investment for the large scale infrastructure projects that our country needs and will do much to encourage private sector investment to these. The proposal’s inclusion, and indeed similar plans for a green bank from the Labour party, illustrates that this is now an urgent issue that cuts across party politics.
“Although these are early days for the new coalition Government, we also hope that Green ISAs will form part of the agenda, encouraging people to invest both to make money and make a difference.”
UKSIF comments on Stewardship Code
19 April 2010
With the consultation on a Stewardship Code for Institutional Investors closing today, UKSIF has submitted its comments.
Welcoming the Code, Penny Shepherd MBE, chief executive of UKSIF, said:
“Regulatory demand alone will not be enough. The power to make the Stewardship Code work is in the hands of pension funds and other owners of assets. Quality of stewardship should drive mandates, the way quality of stock picking does.”
Read the consultation response.
UKSIF comments on the Retail Distribution Review
26 March 2010
In responding to the publication of the Retail Distribution Review (RDR) final rules paper from the Financial Services Authority, Penny Shepherd MBE, chief executive of UKSIF, said:
“The proposals should be good news for consumers interested in green and ethical investments. A growing number of consumers want unbiased help in exploring green and ethical investment for part of their portfolio. A smaller, but significant, group that want to only invest ethically also need professional financial advice.
“Research for National Ethical Investment Week found that half of investors want to make money and make a difference. The RDR should encourage more advisers to meet this mainstream demand. And we are delighted that it will also allow specialist advisers to continue to provide independent advice only to ethical investment clients.”
2009 News
UKSIF welcomes Green Investment Bank
24 March 2010
Commenting on today’s Budget proposals to create a Green Investment Bank, Penny Shepherd MBE, chief executive of UKSIF, said:
“A Green Investment Bank should do much to leverage private sector investment from pension funds and private individuals. It is a very positive move. However, it should ensure that it invests alongside the private sector rather than in competition with it.
“The urgency of the issue means that we’re now seeing this transcend party politics. The Chancellor’s announcement today and the Conservatives’ unveiling of their energy policy last week both have serious proposals to find investment for the large scale infrastructure projects that need it. The details of each proposal are different, but the aims are certainly aligned. We welcome this.”
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
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.
Green ISAs: NEIW Reveals Top Fund Supermarkets
22 March 2010
Smile and Fair Investment Company top the tree in a new mystery shopping exercise to identify the best fund supermarkets for green and ethical stocks and shares ISAs. In the National Ethical Investment Week (NEIW) Five Star Ratings, Hargreaves Lansdown and Interactive Investor are awarded four star ratings. While Barclays Stockbrokers and Findelity FundsNetwork are awarded three star ratings alongside the other eight funds surveyed.
The four and five star rated fund supermarkets and discount brokers stand out as they make it easier for investors to identify green and ethical funds, providing resources that help investors understand the options available to them. For example, they provide up to date guides that explain the range of options and/or offer a filter tool that helps investors identify relevant funds. Investors can now choose funds that will make a positive impact, such as those that focus on cleaner energy and health.
Read the full press release. Visit the National Ethical Investment Week website to read the full report and find out more about green and ethical investing, or sign-up for email alerts about National Ethical Investment Week.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.”
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.”
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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 ).
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.
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.
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.”
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.
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)
2008 News
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.