Survey ranks F&C 'Top sustainable fund manager'

A survey published by FairPensions, an organisation that promotes responsible investment by UK pension funds, ranks F&C as the number one fund manager in terms of environmental, social and governance (ESG) policies and practices.

The survey, which covers the 20 largest UK fund managers, highlights F&C's excellence in terms of transparency and engagement on ESG issues, areas where most fund managers are found to be lagging behind. It judged F&C to be the most transparent fund manager in terms of disclosure of ESG policies and voting practices, as well as leading the industry in terms of its engagement activities.

"This survey acknowledges the great efforts that F&C has made to lead the industry in the area of responsible investment," said Karina Litvack, Head of Governance and Sustainable Investment at F&C. "Going back 23 years, we launched the UK's first ethical fund. We have also, through our Responsible Engagement Overlay (reo®) programme launched in 2000, actively used our influence as one of Europe's largest shareholders to promote the adoption of better environmental, social and governance practices by the companies we own. But we also believe we need to practise what we preach – it's no good demanding transparent and responsible behaviour from companies if we cannot demonstrate the same ourselves. So we are particularly pleased that our comprehensive reporting on voting and engagement has been recognised in this review."

The firm's track record in sustainable investments dates back to 1984 with the launch of Stewardship Growth Fund, the UK's first ethical fund, followed by the Stewardship Income Fund in 1987 and the Stewardship International Fund in 1997. F&C has just added two new funds to its range of sustainable products, the F&C Global Climate Opportunities Fund and the F&C Ethical Bond Fund.

"This is excellent news for F&C. The survey shows we are very well placed to take advantage of the growing demand for sustainable investments coming not just from pension funds and other institutions but also from retail investors," said Enrico Ponzone, Director GSI Sales at F&C.