Investors 'considering ethical options'

A growing number of high net worth individuals are considering green or ethical investment vehicles, it has been claimed.

Penny Shepherd, chief executive of the sustainable investment and finance association UKSIF, said that more investors want to make a difference with their money.

She made her comments after research firm EIRIS revealed that 90 per cent of wealth managers who responded to a recent survey said their responsible investments have performed the same or better than other portfolios this year.

It also found that the financial crisis has made 30 per cent of respondents more likely to offer responsible investments to their clients.

’What is clear is that green and ethical investments can perform at least as well as other investments,’ Ms Shepherd remarked.

’National Ethical Investment Week, which runs from November 8th to 14th, will highlight the information and guidance available for advisers to take advantage of this growing market.’

The EIRIS report, entitled Responsible Investment and Wealth Management: Opportunities for the future, was published in association with Kleinwort Benson and the WealthBriefing newswire.

Guy McGlashan, head of private wealth management services at Kleinwort Benson, stated: ’It is our job as wealth management professionals to be more proactive in the education of both private clients and charities in terms of responsible investment (RI) capabilities.

’The financial landscape has changed immensely since the demise of Lehman and we have a responsibility as wealth managers to understand not only a client’s investment outlook but also their philanthropic drivers. We believe wealth management tools will evolve as RI takes on a significantly greater role in mitigating risk and delivering investment goals.’

ADNFCR-2318-ID-19405218-ADNFCR