Australian Ethical’s FUM now stands at $5.05 billion, surpassing a target set in 2015 when FUM stood at $1.4 billion. FUM was up 16.9 per cent from September 2020 and 24.6 per cent over the financial year to date following record net inflows and “exceptional investment performance”.
“Back in 2015, we set the audacious goal of growing funds under management from $1 billion to $5 billion by 2020. It’s great to have met that target,” said chief executive John McMurdo.
“Of course, 2015 was also the year that Australia and other countries around the world committed to the Paris Agreement on climate change, and the United Nations established the Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). While progress has been disappointingly slow on both those fronts, at Australian Ethical we’re showing what positive action looks like by investing in ethical companies that are driving a more sustainable future while delivering strong returns for our customers.”
Australian Ethical was recently named one of six global leaders for its ESG commitment by Morningstar and saw increased interest in its products in early 2020 following the devastating Black Summer bushfires.
“We think our approach proves that sustainability and outperformance can move in tandem. That’s because good does better: it’s better for your bottom line, and has a better impact for people, planet, and animals,” Mr McMurdo said.
“After 34 years of employing an ethical investment philosophy and generating above-market returns in our premium products, it’s great to see so many in the finance industry now seeking to emulate our approach and launching their first sustainable or ESG products.”
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