ESG

Increasing numbers of investors are integrating the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into their impact management and reporting. But challenges often remain in extending beyond alignment to more meaningful engagement.

RIAA and the PRI are teaming up in New Zealand and Australia to explore what leading practice responsible investment looks like in this decade.

Hear from leading ESG experts from ISS ESG, MSCI, Sustainalytics, FTSE Russell and S&P Global on the big ESG themes for the coming year.

The Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA) has welcomed the Sustainable Finance Forum’s Roadmap Action Plan launched today in New Zealand. “The financial sector has a central role to play in contributing to New Zealand’s long term social, environmental and economic wellbeing and prosperity. This Roadmap lays the foundation for ensuringfinance plays its part in delivering a sustainable, net-zero economy” said Simon O’Connor, CEO of the Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA). “Once implemented, this Plan will position New Zealand as a global leader in sustainable finance, and build the resilience of its capital markets into the future”. “We welcome the recommendation that definitions of sustainable finance products be further standardised, acknowledging the need for consumers to have confidence that products are delivering on claims and are true to label.” “In particular, we welcome the specific recommendation that RIAA’s long running Responsible Investment Certification Program play a key role as a requirement for all default KiwiSaver providers, as well as for other investors making responsible investment claims. The importance of such assurance was underscored in our consumer research launched last week that showed that 82% of New Zealand consumers would be more likely to invest in a product certified by a third party.”

As New Zealand prepares to release its sustainable finance roadmap, new research shows that more than three-quarters (78%) of New Zealanders with KiwiSaver or other investments believe that ethical or responsible investments perform better in the long term. The new study, conducted by Dynata for Mindful Money and the Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA), highlights the significant consumer demand for responsible and ethical investment, as the industry continues to grow in its size and influence. The study finds that savings could be boosted if people see a positive social or environmental benefit from their investments. Nearly two-thirds of New Zealanders would be motivated to save and invest more money if they knew their savings and investments made a positive difference in the world. “We are seeing overwhelming support from consumers for their hard-earned money to achieve positive outcomes and to avoid causing harm” said RIAA CEO Simon O’Connor. “In an important signal to New Zealand’s KiwiSaver, banking and wealth management sectors, 58% of New Zealanders would consider switching their KiwiSaver or other investments to another provider if their current fund engaged in activities inconsistent with their values.” “Demand for ethical investing remains strong through the COVID pandemic” says Mindful Money’s founder and CEO, Barry Coates. “Over 90% of those who do not perceive to currently have an ethical investment fund are intending to invest ethically, most of them within the next year. This is evidence of strong growth in the consumer movement.”

RIAA is pleased to invite you to join us as we dive a little deeper into the results of our recent Responsible Investment Benchmark Report Australia 2020, from the perspective of a financial adviser. The report, now in its 19th year examines the size, growth and performance of the responsible investment industry in Australia.

This is a session to educate advisers on the criteria for products to meet the strict requirements of the RI Certification Program, aimed at providing them with greater confidence when recommending products to clients.

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.