155. Helping fund managers make better investments

Kate Elliot, head of ethical, sustainable and impact research at Rathbone Greenbank, explains what her team does and how it helps Rathbone fund managers make the best sustainable investments. She tells us how ethical investing has evolved over time, why greenwashing is a challenge. She also gives examples of when a company may be vetoed or when engagement can become necessary. Finally, she tells us why biodiversity is a growing area of interest.
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Rathbone Greenbank is the specialist ethical and sustainable investing division of Rathbones. It was formally established in 2004 and provides bespoke investment portfolios for private clients, individuals and trusts. Its research team analyses companies and looks to identify ESG risks and sustainability opportunities. It works very closely with Rathbone’s funds – including Elite Rated Rathbone Ethical Bond and Rathbone Greenbank Global Sustainability.

Read more about Rathbone Ethical Bond and Rathbone Greenbank Global Sustainability

What’s covered in this podcast:

  • What Greenbank is and what it does [0:12]
  • How ethical investing has changed over time [1:32]
  • How sustainability is reported [2:33]
  • How Greenbank helps fund managers invest [3:49]
  • Examples of companies that may be vetoed and when engagement is necessary [5:51]
  • Why greenwashing is a big challenge for the team [7:31]
  • Other challenges linked to sustainable investing [8:43]
  • Why biodiversity is a growing area of interest [10:06]
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