Martin Currie recognised for Environmental, Social and Governance Investing by Principles of Responsible Investment
David Sheasby
Martin Currie, the active equity specialist with AUD $31 billion in assets under management, as of December 31 2023, has been awarded the highest possible rating by the Principles of Responsible Investment (PRI), the world’s leading proponent of responsible investing.
Martin Currie was awarded a five-star rating across all categories relevant to its investment activities.
“This independent endorsement of Martin Currie’s approach to sustainability is a result of our collaborative investor-led model of stewardship and implementation of industry best practices,” said David Sheasby, Martin Currie’s Head of Stewardship and Sustainability.
The recognition of the firm’s global active stewardship efforts extends to Melbourne-based Martin Currie Australia (MCA), where investors can access 15 strategies across multi-sector, Australian and global equities through managed funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs).
Reece Birtles, Chief Investment Officer for MCA, said, “Since becoming signatories in 2009, we have made significant advancements in our environmental, social and governance capabilities and our interactions with ASX-listed companies.
“We are constantly looking at new ways to improve and bring a greater awareness to our investee companies of social issues such as First Nations people, work safety, modern slavery and data privacy, alongside environmental issues such as net zero and biodiversity, and best practice on governance,” Birtles said.
Martin Currie’s PRI Ratings
In 2023, Martin Currie achieved 5-star ratings across the PRI’s modules, which includes the ‘Public Governance and Strategy,’ and ‘Confidence building measures’ modules that apply to all asset managers. It also received a five-star rating in the category of ‘Direct – Listed equity- Active Fundamental,’ which is specific to the equity asset class.
A signatory to the PRI since 2009, Martin Currie employs an active approach to stewardship. This means the investment teams are directly responsible for stewardship and sustainability analysis, engagement and voting. Martin Currie’s philosophy of active stewardship is that investment decision-makers are best equipped to understand the risk and opportunities that arise from sustainability issues. Martin Currie’s investment teams employ engagement and proxy voting as powerful tools to bring about positive change at both the company and industry level.
Additionally, Martin Currie’s commitment and approach to transparency and reporting these activities to clients has contributed to their ratings from the PRI. Martin Currie was awarded the highest possible ratings of A+ from the PRI in the 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 calendar years. In 2021, the firm was awarded two 5-star ratings and one 4-star rating reflecting the new and revised reporting framework.
