Demystifying ethical investing

Ethical investing has been around in one form or another for decades. In the modern era, Methodists and then Quakers were early pioneers of aligning their movements to specific ethical issues, broadly avoiding gambling and alcohol as well as investments connected to slavery.  The Vietnam War proved a further milestone for ethical investing, with the first ethical fund being launched in the US in 1971 and there has since been a rapid increase in financial products to address client demand.

More recently, the Global Financial Crisis, the growing impacts of climate change on the physical landscape and people, the spread of highly contagious diseases, growing income inequality and the speed and accuracy of information have all accelerated the importance of ethical considerations for clients.

Many clients now have pension pots whose growth depends on how much they pay in over time (known as Defined Contribution pension schemes) so clients have increased visibility over their retirement fund and how it is invested.

At the moment, investing ethically, responsibly and sustainably (all of which have slightly different meanings) is something that needs to be tailored to get the best results which align with your personal views. I work with my clients to find out what they really believe in and how their aims can be met so that they ensure their financial aims and their personal beliefs are aligned.

If you want to learn more about ethical investing, drop me a line to arrange a free initial consultation on 01722 653245 or email ellie@grovelyfinancial.co.uk