In a world where conscious consumers trying to better align their actions and their values, an investment company has updated its terms to help customers invest ethically, with a new vegan-friendly policy.
Pathfinder Asset Management is the leading Responsible Investment Fund Manager in New Zealand. Based in Auckland, the business claims it is a “thought leader” in the field, engaging mindfully with businesses to inspire change. It is a member of the NZ Vegetarian Society, the Responsible Investment Association of Australasia, and a signatory of the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment.
Pathfinder selects 50 to 100 stocks, ensuring to exclude those with controversial operations, including businesses in thermal coal, tobacco, gambling, and landmine industries.
Alongside the launch of its new Global Water Fund, the investment manager has pledged to no longer include businesses involved in animal testing or animal products. One company was removed from Pathfinder’s accounts to align with the new guidelines.
According to Pathfinder, the move was requested by its customers. “This year we have been approached by many investors who are concerned about animal welfare issues,” said chief executive officer of Pathfinder, John Berry. “These have included vegans, who are very passionate about cruelty-free investment, but also a much wider audience focused on animal testing and how animals are treated generally.”
The business believes the move is the first of its kind in the country, adding that it is excited to assist its customers to “align ethical principles with investing.”
Speaking about the importance of a Global Water Fund, Pathfinder pointed out that the United Nations has named water-related causes — water pollution, access, and sustainability — as some of the most urgent. “The investment thesis is simple, we believe that companies involved in solving this global crisis will outperform in the long-term,” Pathfinder commented.
“We believe that investors should consider the environmental, social and governance (ESG) impact of their investments,” Pathfinder writes on its website. And increasingly, investors are. The company highlights statistics pointing out that 78 percent of Millennials consider ESG factors when making investments. Baby Boomers and those in Gen X are not far behind, with 68 percent and 74 percent respectively of investors taking ESG into account when making investment decisions.
Pathfinder also points out that considering these factors can benefit the bank accounts of investors, as well as have a positive impact on the planet and those who inhabit it.
Become a CLUBKINDLY member today!
