Perpetual launches ethical credit fund

Perpetual portfolio manager and head of fixed income Vivek Prabhu said the Perpetual Ethical SRI Credit Fund “combin[ed] social responsibility lens and investment performance”.

“This fund will appeal to investors with strict social and ethical considerations including not for profit organisations,” Mr Prahbu said.

It is geared towards attracting retail investors who are seeking ethical bonds, regular income, local capital volatility and liquidity, according to the statement.

Debt securities will have to undergo an ethical and socially responsible investment screening process on top of the credit screening process.

Mr Prahbu added: “It’s a positive development for our clients and any investors looking to align their investment portfolio with ethical and socially responsible investment considerations.

“With interest rates bottoming out in Australia, the timing of the Fund’s launch means investors are poised to benefit from rising interest rates as the assets are not locked into a fixed interest rate.”