RIAA has long been the champion of responsible investment in Australia and New Zealand, pushing for progress in sustainable investing. Fintech company Ethos ESG, based out of Minneapolis Minnesota, provides the most transparent and comprehensive ESG reporting, data, and analytics available on the market. Together, both organizations are devoted to using capital to drive progress toward a more just and sustainable society.
A report by RIAA shows that responsible investment AUM increased by $298 billion to $1,281 billion in 2020, while the AUM managed by the remainder of the market decreased by $234 billion to $1,918 billion. The proportion of Responsible Investment AUM to Total Managed Funds was 40% in 2020, up from 31% in 2019. AUM using leading responsible investment approaches grew at 15 times the rate of the entire investment market, which grew by 2%. It is with this backdrop that Ethos ESG Australia joins the almost 500 member organization, with the goal to bring its innovative platform to advisors throughout Australasia.
Ethos ESG Australia Director Nathan Fradley said "I was already a Certified RIAA responsible investment adviser so it was the natural next step for Ethos to join as an organization. We align strongly with their mission and purpose and want to support the responsible investment community through our technology, partnering with other members to deliver tools and reporting that enables advisers to deliver the best responsible investment advice to their clients."
Ethos ESG was one of the sponsors at the most recent RIAA conference in Sydney. Ethos Founder and CEO Luke Wilcox highlighted its importance, saying "we also see enormous value in the RIAA conference and were proud to sponsor the event to enable it to grow. Nathan, our Australian Director also hosted a panel discussion at the event providing insights into the value of Separately Managed Accounts and navigating products for advisers."
RIAA CEO Simon O'Connor stated that "We know advisers are looking for up to date information and its great to see additional tools for advisers that help them match clients values with products. Our research shows that being knowledgeable about responsible investment options is the number one thing Australian consumers expect of financial advisers, and the number two thing New Zealand consumers expect. It is critical that advisers consider the broader long-term interests of their clients and we look forward to working with Ethos ESG."
With a significant amount of work to be done, the two look forward to further collaboration in the future.
About Ethos ESG:
In 2020, Ethos Impact Inc. launched its premier ESG analytics and reporting platform, Ethos ESG. Based on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, the subscription based platform helps investors align their investments with the causes most important to them, and is offered to financial advisors, asset managers, and other financial institutions all over the world. The company strives to provide the most transparent and comprehensive ESG reporting, data, and analytics available.
About Responsible Investment Association Australasia:
The Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA) champions responsible investing and a sustainable financial system in Australia and New Zealand. RIAA is dedicated to ensuring capital is aligned with achieving a healthy society, environment and economy. With close to 500 members managing more than US$29 trillion in assets globally, RIAA is the largest and most active network of people and organizations engaged in responsible, ethical and impact investing across Australia and New Zealand. Our membership includes super funds, fund managers, banks, consultants, researchers, brokers, impact investors, property managers, trusts, foundations, faith-based groups, financial advisers and individuals
Ethos ESG Australia Contact:
Dylan Sorensen
0499 612 198