Education and transparency around ESG investing
With complexity increasing across financial markets, legislation and products, it’s important for advisers and clients to have a clear route into ESG.
Providers have a key role to play in providing as much support and education as possible for advisers, and in turn, their clients. Those offering ESG-focused materials to share with clients, from overviews to insights, will be most helpful to advisers.
These policies must explain how the provider assesses potential investments for ESG factors including the screening processes it uses. They should also cover what standards it holds them to, both at point of investment and on an ongoing basis. A company which has a longterm commitment to ESG will be looking at encouraging this in others over the long-term.
Accessing ESG-focused products
As advisers navigate the investment landscape, they’ll find many different approaches to ESG investing. This includes how to quantify ESG impact.
Some commonality has emerged on this. Many ESG investors now draw on the frameworks set out by the PRI and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The SDGs are a universal call to action, expressing an intent to end poverty, protect the planet and improve the lives and prospects of everyone, everywhere.
The 17 SDGs were adopted by all UN Member States in 2015, as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which set out a 15-year plan to achieve the goals. They have since become a foundation for many ESG investors. In turn, they’re a critical element that advisers can look for when assessing a provider’s products and ESG processes for clients.
Creating long-lasting, sustainable partnerships
Providers that can deliver, support and educate on ESG in all the above ways will be key for adviser businesses looking to future proof.
When this comes in the form of a partnership approach, it involves a provider listening to and supporting advisers every step of the way. It could include working together to design products from the ground up, so they’re aligned with both adviser and client requirements. It will also mean that the provider can adapt and be flexible, evolving products to continue to meet adviser and client needs.
At Blackfinch we believe symbiotic relationships are invaluable. As the provider takes on adviser feedback, businesses grow alongside each other, with a shared focus on success.
We’ve always worked with this approach and now we offer our fully fledged Adaptations Partnership Programme. It’s a bespoke service for adviser firms, dedicated to growing businesses and achieving advisers’ goals through resource sharing. We’re here to help advisers with ESG and more.
Further information
At Blackfinch we’re working towards a more sustainable future. As an ESG investor we offer a range of ESGfocused solutions:
- Adapt IHT Portfolios: Flagship Inheritance Tax solution with four portfolios including an ethical option, with ESG factors integral across all
- Adaptation Funds and Managed Portfolio Service: Multi-asset outsourced solutions all aligned with Blackfinch’s ESG principles
- Blackfinch Ventures EIS Portfolios: Investing in innovative new technology firms creating a positive impact through solutions that can change how we live and work
- Adaptations Partnership Programme: A bespoke service bringing expertise from across Blackfinch Group, to provide support for every stage and every aspect of an adviser’s business
To learn more about Blackfinch’s ESG capabilities and work with advisers, contact us:
t: 01452 717 070
w: blackfinch.com
e: enquiries@blackfinch.com
