EIA Awards for Fund Manager Transparency

As Ethical Investment Association hands out its first awards, it says more must be done to boost transparency

 

Investors are increasingly demanding diverse portfolios which reflect their interest in green and social issues, according to the Ethical Investment Association.

Robin Keyte, chairman of the EIA, made the remarks as a raft of fund management houses were recognised at its first annual awards, held last last week.

Henderson, Insight, Jupiter, Standard Life all scooped gold at the gongs at the award ceremony, which were based on the businesses' compliance with EU transparency guidelines.

The association also published a report on UK companies' uptake of the principles and attitudes towards socially responsible investments.

Mr Keyte said: "High-quality financial planning requires an understanding of the full range of client needs, including their social, environmental and ethical interests.

"There is also an increasingly strong financial case to be made for considering green and ethical issues as part of all client portfolios.

"This report and the transparency guidelines make it easier to compare funds on the market, enabling financial advisers to provide better advice on green and ethical investments, and consumers to make more informed investment choices."

Nick Cann, chief executive for the Institute of Financial Planning, said: "Transparency is essential if the reputation of our profession is to improve further. The more we can do across all aspects of financial services to encourage and promote best practice, ultimately, the better the results will be for consumers."