Familiar names take top ethical investing awards

Mindful Money handed out its annual ethical investment awards last night with familiar names taking out the top awards.

The Best Ethical Financial Adviser this year was focused on the best financial adviser, rather than the financial advisory firm, as in previous years.

Last year’s winner, Carey Church, shared this year’s award with Rodger Spiller.

The judges were impressed by the depth of research and rigour of client processes demonstrated by Carey Church and Moneyworks. The entry showed well-documented policies and processes, built around a four pillars approach: strong relationships with clients, regular communication and knowledge-building with clients, transparency in documentation, investments and client fees, and deep analysis of clients’ ethical preferences, goals and investment options.

The judges particularly welcomed Carey’s thoroughness in research about the ethical and financial characteristics of potential investments, including the use of innovative technologies and the use of backcasting. They also appreciated the thorough processes for matching clients to the most suitable portfolios.

Church also plays a leading role beyond her client relationships, through active community work and support for the ethical investment sector. Moneyworks has achieved B-Corps certification.

Spiller’s pioneering role in ethical investment was recognised and his continued dedication to deepening the practice of advice, both for Money Matters and the sector as a whole. "Spiller brings academic rigour and a broader perspective to ethical financial advice, drawing on his experience as a former Member of the Securities Commission, and former Chairman of the New Zealand Association of Investment Advisers and Financial Planners."

Ethical investment advice is a specialisation and focus for Money Matters. Spiller’s client-centred approach provides tailored ethical investment advice, with periodic reviews to retain integrity, report performance, and check on client status. Spiller uses a framework of four Ps in assessing funds – Purpose, Principles, Practices and Performance Measurement. The framework is communicated through a wider range of interviews, podcasts and webinars.

The judges appreciated Spiller’s dedication to improving personal and industry-wide knowledge, competence, and skill in raising standards, including through incorporation of iwi perspectives and integration with academic research.

Pathfinder wins again

Pathfinder has been a serial winner of awards for its KiwiSaver fund range and its retail investment funds. They have consistently been judged winners because of their strong ethical practices throughout their investment processes.

This year, the judges commended Pathfinder for continuing to raise the bar. They have integrated an ethical approach across each of the key dimensions - avoiding harm, active stewardship and investing for positive outcomes.

Pathfinder provides a strong  rationale for investments in companies that have positive social and environmental impact. This includes unlisted companies and initiatives in sectors such as social housing (including Community Finance), renewable energy, circular economy, livelihoods support for marginalised women, as well as a range of green, climate and sustainable bonds.

Pathfinder continues to grow rapidly, as a testimony to the strength of their ethical practice and their record of high financial returns.
The judges considered that Pathfinder continues to lead the investment sector on ethical investing and is a worthy winner of this award.