"It's not an investment if it's destroying the planet"
- Vandana Shiva
What is ethical Investing?
Put simply, it means saving or investing money with due regard to your values – be they ethical, environmental, social or religious. Sometimes referred to as ‘green’ investing, traditionally, it was based on a screening process which looked to avoid investing in companies whose activities were viewed as negative (e.g. tobacco, coal mining and weapons manufacture) and seek out those with more positive impact (e.g. sustainable or clean energy sources, healthcare and clean technology). Over time, with the growing awareness of global warming and climate change, it has developed into a powerful mechanism for investors to pressure companies to be more socially / sustainably responsible (you may have heard the term ‘SRI’).
Why choose to invest ethically?
Whilst your objective from investing will be to make a profit, it does not have to be at the expense of fellow humans, animals, or our planet. Making decent returns on your savings and investments whilst encouraging a force for good is arguably the best of both worlds. Companies that make up an ethical investment fund are typically active in areas expected to prosper in the future (renewable energy, for example) as opposed to industries that are expected to decline (fossil fuels, perhaps). Therefore, by definition, they are likely to be more successful in the long term, which is good news for you as an investor. For some investors, their religious beliefs may dictate matters.
How do I invest ethically?
A growing number of choices are available to you, making ethical investing more accessible than ever. You do not need to become a shareholder in a company – instead, pooled funds will usually be the best option. We can help you find a ‘best-in-class’ fund, matched to your values but also to limit investment risk to a level you're comfortable with. Our clients can benefit from holistic financial planning: you can have an ethical foundation across all of your finances your savings, spending and gifting.
The way we run our own business has a number of ethical facets:
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Remote advice: no travelling for us or our clients, which is climate-friendly.
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Digital / Paperless: less waste and therefore environmentally friendly.
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Accessible / Affordable: bringing financial advice to more people, which we believe is socially responsible.
SOCIALLY RESPONSIBLE
Common themes for socially responsible investments include avoiding investment in companies that produce or sell addictive substances (like alcohol, gambling, and tobacco) and seeking out companies engaged in social justice, environmental sustainability and alternative energy/clean technology efforts.
IMPACT
Impact investments are investments made with the intention to generate positive, measurable social and environmental impact alongside a financial return.
The growing impact investment market provides capital to address the world’s most pressing challenges in sectors such as sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, conservation, microfinance, and affordable and accessible basic services including housing, healthcare, and education.
Money Honey Financial Planning is a trading style of 4 The Record Compliance LTD, registered in England & Wales,
20-22 Wenlock Road, London, N1 7GU. Registered Number: 08107961.
4 The Record Compliance LTD is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and is entered on the FCA register Number 772350. This can be verified via the online FCA register at www.fca.org.uk/register or by contacting the FCA on 0800 111 6768
If you are unhappy with our service
If you have a complaint about your advisor or any financial advice you have received from your advisor, please contact us:
Email: complaints@moneyhoneyfp.co.uk
Tel: +44 203 286 1648
If you cannot settle your complaint with us, you may be entitled to refer it to the Financial Ombudsman Service (www.financial-ombudsman.org.uk )