Louise Watson

Global asset manager, Natixis Investment Managers, has announced the launch into the Australian market of its award-winning sustainable investment equities strategy, the Global Sustainable Equity Fund (the Fund), managed by Mirova, its investment affiliate dedicated to responsible investment The Fund is denominated in Australian dollars and invests in global equities, businesses engaged in activities with sustainable investment themes at their core. Initial investment in the Fund has been made by The Myer Foundation.

Commenting on the launch of the Fund in Australia, Louise Watson, Managing Director & Head of Distribution for Natixis Investment Managers for Australia and New Zealand, said: “The Myer Foundation is leading the way for foundations and family offices to invest sustainably. We are delighted to be able to support this very important initiative and implement their vision via an investment with Mirova. Mirova has always believed that finance has a key role to play in addressing today’s sustainability challenges by investing in the innovations and activities which will speed us towards a better world, and the pandemic has shown us all just how important these goals are.

“We wanted to offer Australian wholesale investors a fund which can deliver strong long-term performance combined with the opportunity of investing in global businesses developing positive, innovative solutions to key sustainability challenges, like energy and the management of natural resources,” said Ms Watson.

Immediate past President of The Myer Foundation Martyn Myer AO, who stepped down in November after 11 years in the role and spearheaded its commitment to 100% sustainable investing, said investors can restructure their portfolios to achieve genuine social and environmental good and superior financial performance.

“In 2020, The Myer Foundation undertook a significant portfolio restructure to fasttrack our goal to achieve 100% ESG aligned investments by 2022. Our focus was on identifying high-quality, like-minded investors with whom we can forge long-term partnerships. Mirova was a perfect fit: long-term performance and investments which are contributing to making the world a better place. The Myer Foundation’s portfolio is now rapidly approaching our 100% ESG goal, two years ahead of schedule. It is our hope that others will make the same commitment to sustainability through their investments,” Mr Myer said.

Commenting on the investment, Jens Peers, CEO and CIO for Mirova US, welcomed The Myer Foundation to the Fund and pointed to the rise of ESG themes globally and in Australia this year.

“Natixis Investment Managers and Mirova have been at the forefront of responsible and sustainable investment for over 20 years, however, the pandemic has proved to be a major turning point for ESG investing and has been hailed by many as a sustainability as well as a health crisis.

“It’s only through directing significant capital towards sustainable initiatives that we will make real change happen, and it’s heartening to see more and more Australian investors like The Myer Foundation making this commitment by choosing responsible investments,” said Mr Peers.

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