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Melior Australian Impact Fund launches on Insignia (formerly IOOF) Platforms

24 Jun 2022
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Melior Investment Management has announced that its Australian Impact Fund has been added to a number of Insignia Financial platforms, providing their retail investors with access for the first time to impact in the Australian equities sector.

Melior’s fund has been selected based on its strong performance since inception and the increasing interest by both advisers and their clients to move beyond funds offering negative screens towards those seeking to contribute to a better future. The fund recently became the first Australian large companies manager to be classified as ‘Impact’ by Zenith Investment Partners and was awarded a ‘Recommended’ rating.

Since its July 2019 inception, Melior’s Australian Impact Fund has outperformed its ASX300 benchmark by +2.8% pa, with an absolute return of +9.7% pa (net of fees as at 31st May 2022). The fund tracks ESG KPIs vs ASX300 on a quarterly basis and releases a detailed impact report on an annual basis. The impact report outlines how the fund has delivered positive environmental and social outcomes through its impact capital, active corporate stewardship and public advocacy.

“Until now, impact investing has generally been the domain of illiquid investments and wholesale investors, but with our approach to impact in listed markets we aim to democratise this investment offering to a broader investor base who want their capital to deliver not only competitive returns but positive social and environmental impact” said Melior chief executive Lucy Steed.

Melior announced last year that Grok Ventures, the private investment vehicle of Mike and Annie Cannon-Brookes, had taken a minority equity holding in Melior and made a long term investment in the fund, reflecting an increased commitment by the couple to the fast growing impact investing sector.

“Being able to offer what we believe is the first large cap, Australian equity fund to advisers and their clients who use these platforms is a major milestone,” Ms Steed said “We are seeing a groundswell among Australian investors that want their capital to have a positive impact on the world and a growing awareness of greenwashing.”

Melior was named by the Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA) as a “2021 Responsible Investment Leader”; ranking equal 2nd out of 198 investment managers, with only 4 of the top 10 being headquartered in Australia.

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