(L to R): Michael Ohlsson, Karen McLeod and Alexandra Brown

In a recent web discussion, Evergreen Consultants, an independent investment consulting business, invited a group of responsible investing experts to discuss the pros and cons of incorporating Responsible Investment (RI) into a financial planning practice and what the upside looks like.

These included Karen McLeod, Financial Planner, Ethical Investment Advisers, Alexandra Brown – Founder, Ethical Invest Group and Michael Ohlsson – Director, Evergreen Consultants.

The great debate touched on the following themes:

• What are the hurdles Financial Advisers need to be aware of?
• Are there misconceptions that are making you more fearful of RI than you need to be?
• What are the easy wins when it comes to incorporating client beliefs into portfolio construction, where is the best place to start and how?
• How RI will add value to your practice.

Watch the webinar video.

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Michael Ohlsson

The role the funds management industry has to play in the transition to a sustainable global economy is significant and was highlighted this week by the International Monetary Fund (IMF)^[1],  notes leading independent investment consulting firm, Evergreen Consultants.

Michael Ohlsson, Director at Evergreen Consultants adds: “It is significant that the IMF drew attention to the need to ensure proper regulatory oversight of the funds management industry to prevent greenwashing.

“The report noted the pressure to be ‘greener’ introduces the temptation for funds to promote themselves as being more sustainable than they are,” he notes.

Ohlsson, who is also a director of the recently launched Evergreen Responsible Investment Grading Index (ERIG Index), says fund managers have two clear obligations when it comes to responsible investing.

“First, fund managers must be honest and open about their sustainability intentions.

“Second, they must follow through on those intentions in their investment processes.”

“Those funds with a genuine Responsible Investment tilt are better positioned to make a difference because of the already active position they take on making a change, that is, avoiding harm and targeting sustainability,” says Ohlsson.

The IMF report stated that for the sustainable fund sector to become an effective driver of the transition, policymakers should employ better classification systems for funds, where fund labels and classifications are uniformly used and understood.  This helps to summarise a fund’s investment strategy and its overall approach to engagement and stewardship.

“At ERIG Index, we see two main hurdles to reaching this overarching goal as an industry: understanding what Responsible Investment is and promoting transparency for the Responsible Investment approaches by funds managers.

“We see an important role for investment consultants in ensuring that transparency occurs. We believe Responsible Investment is a journey and that a fund manager needs to be very clear about their intentions. It’s ok to be ‘ESG aware’ without being an ‘impact’ fund manager.

“Both are targeting sustainability but in different ways and it is all part of the transition to achieving sustainability targets. As policy and investor awareness evolves, so will investment funds’ sustainability efforts.

“At Evergreen we will continue with our efforts to promote awareness around Responsible Investing for both financial advisers and fund managers,” says Ohlsson.

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[1] https://blogs.imf.org/2021/10/04/how-investment-funds-can-drive-the-green-transition/

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Evergreen Consultants Founder and Director Angela Ashton says: “Evergreen is going through a significant growth phase. Our recent developments include the launch of a new ESG index, the Evergreen Responsible Investment Grade (ERIG) Index, and an investment portfolio stress testing tool for financial advisers.”

Ashton says: “We are committed to providing financial advisers with the solutions they need. We have had a very positive response to our new ratings business as well, Evergreen Ratings.”

Ohlsson has grown businesses across Asia-Pacific from start-ups to the Australian operations of multinationals. His industry experience spans funds management, financial advice and superannuation.

In his role, Ohlsson will be responsible for operations, sales and marketing.  This will enable Angela Aston to focus on her investments leadership role.

Gunawan has more than 20 years’ experience in the financial services industry. She has held research and key account management roles including managing the commercial relationships between licensees and product providers.

“The appointments of Michael and Lia will help ensure we maintain our momentum. We have some very significant product development in the works,” says Ashton.

Ohlsson says: “Evergreen is shaping a business that is responding to market needs and building innovative solutions for financial advisers and their clients.”

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