ESG

Companies which look after their employees, minimise their impact on the environment, have good governance and protect human rights across supply chains have become a key focus for New Zealand investors, the landmark annual study from the Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA) has found. The new RIAA report undertaken in collaboration with KPMG, the Responsible Investment Benchmark Report 2020 New Zealand, shows that the vast majority (94%) of New Zealand investors now have a commitment to responsible or ethical investing. However just over half (52%) can demonstrate a leading approach that is contributing to real world outcomes. Responsible investors in New Zealand have shifted their focus from screening out harmful industries such as tobacco and armaments, to considering broader environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) factors when investing, as well as making impact investments which aim to deliver positive outcomes for society and the environment said Simon O’Connor, RIAA CEO.

The Responsible Investment Association Australasia is pleased to present the results of our Responsible Investment Benchmark Report Australia 2020, launched today.

Companies which look after their employees, minimise their impact on the environment, have good governance and protect human rights across supply chains are more likely to deliver superior financial returns to investors, the landmark annual study from the Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA) has found. The new RIAA report researched in collaboration with KPMG, the Responsible Investment Benchmark Report 2020 Australia, shows that in 2019, Australian and multi-sector responsible investment funds outperformed mainstream funds over 1, 3, 5 and 10 year time horizons. Further analysis shows the outperformance has continued amidst the major market disruption brought on by COVID-19. “The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant economic turmoil, severely impacting many people’s livelihoods and financial markets globally. However it’s become clear that responsible investors are ahead of the game. They are identifying the key themes influencing markets and returns, which helps them to better navigate turbulent times, avoid the biggest risks and capture more opportunities” said Simon O’Connor, RIAA CEO.

What is gender lens investing and why is it important to the investment community? How is gender lens investing relevant to our COVID-19 response and recovery?

What is gender lens investing and why is it important to the investment community? How is gender lens investing relevant to our COVID-19 response and recovery?

Following on from our recent session on navigating the recovery from COVID-19, this session will look at how the investment landscape will likely change in the post-COVID period as global discussions focus on how we build back better.

Responsible and ethical investing in New Zealand has reached a critical point. New Zealand now has $188 billion allocated across capital markets in accordance with environmental, social, governance and ethical factors. This is the highest proportion of financial markets covered by responsible investing strategies of any market across the globe. In this context, it is tempting to suggest this once niche style of investing has become mainstream.

What will the future look like? Investing for a sustainable recovery. RIAA is pleased to present our next RI in times of COVID webinar next week. This session will unpack how we navigate a sustainable recovery and the opportunities that this can present for responsible investors.

In November 2018 RIAA commenced an extensive review of our RI Certification Program. The Certification Team run through the upcoming changes to the program as a result of the review.