Bell Asset Management launches Global Sustainable Fund as investor commitment to ESG rises

Ned Bell

Global equities boutique manager, Bell Asset Management is pleased to launch an environmental, social and governance (ESG) fund for Australian retail and wholesale investors – the Bell Global Sustainable Fund. Research house, Zenith Investment Partners has awarded the Bell Global Sustainable Fund a ‘Recommended’ rating in its first review of the Fund.

The growth in demand for ESG strategies has prompted Bell Asset Management to offer this strategy more broadly to wholesale and retail investors via a retail offering – providing access to its long history and expertise in building responsible investment portfolios.

The Fund is an actively managed, concentrated portfolio of global equities that provides the opportunity for long-term capital growth by investing in companies that are leaders in incorporating ESG principles into their operations.

“Since the establishment of Bell Asset Management in 2003, we have had a strong commitment to the integration of ESG across all our strategies and funds,” said Ned Bell Chief Investment Officer of Bell Asset Management. “The launch of our Global Sustainable Fund is a natural progression for us as it is strongly supported by our investment style.

“With the rise of responsible investing in Australia, investors are increasingly seeking investments that reflect their values and goals to address a variety of pressing environment and social issues, including climate change, labour issues and governance,” said Mr Bell.

Bell employs a disciplined investment framework combined with broader ESG specific activities, including ESG screening active ESG analysis and engagement with the companies held in its funds.

“We believe integrating ESG factors into our investment process delivers superior long-term returns. As stewards of our client’s capital, active ownership and engagement is vital to not only the success of our investments but also is in the best interests of our investors. We actively engage with companies to understand ESG risks and to influence their behaviour on ESG matters,” added Mr Bell.

The Bell Global Sustainable Fund invests in a concentrated portfolio of around 40 global companies and targets ESG characteristics that are far superior to those of its Benchmark.

The carbon footprint of the portfolio is currently 74.7% lower than its Benchmark. Bell is a signatory to the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment (UNPRI) and is a member of the Responsible Investment Association of Australasia.

(RIAA) Bell Asset Management has been managing global equities strategies since 2003. This is the third Fund managed by Bell Asset Management available to the wholesale and retail market, alongside the Bell Global Equities Fund and Bell Global Emerging Companies Fund.