King & Shaxson Ethical Model Portfolios (multiple)

SRI Style:

Ethical Style

SDR Labelling:

Not eligible to use label

Product:

DFM/Portfolio

Fund Region:

Global

Fund Asset Type:

Mixed Asset

Launch Date:

01/11/2002

Last Amended:

Oct 2024

Dialshifter ():

Fund Size:

£210.00m

(as at: 31/08/2024)

Total Screened Themed SRI Assets:

£240.00m

Total Responsible Ownership Assets:

£240.00m

Total Assets Under Management:

£240.00m

Objectives:

Our model & bespoke portfolios aim to meet the negative and positive screening requirements of investors who would like their invested capital to reflect their core beliefs and values through various risk rated portfolios.

Sustainable, Responsible
&/or ESG Overview:

We have been managing ethical portfolios since 2002, meaning we understand the importance of adhering to a negative and positive screen. Over this time, clients have increasingly wanted to go beyond avoidance. We therefore seek investments which are providing solutions to many of the social and environmental challenges we face, from climate change to access to affordable healthcare.

 

The ethical & ESG screening process is as important to us as the financial investment process. We ensure that each investment meets clients' expectations, as we look beyond data gimmicks and simple 'tick box' practices.

 

For bespoke portfolios, the screen is supplied by the client, whereas for model portfolios, it is clearly laid out in the documentation. This combination of filtering out the harmful and including the investments with a positive impact on society or the environment, has served our clients well for over 20 years.

Primary fund last amended:

Oct 2024

Information directly from fund manager.

Fund Filters

Sustainability - General
Sustainability theme or focus

Find funds where there is a significant emphasis on (environmental and social) sustainability. Funds with a 'sustainability theme' typically place more emphasis on the area than funds with a 'sustainability policy' - meaning that it is more likely to drive investment selection. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.

Sustainable transport policy or theme

Find funds that have documented policies or thematic investment approaches relating to investment in more sustainable, greener transport methods. These will typically set out a preference for companies that run, enable or support more sustainable methods of transport. See fund information for further detail.

Encourage more sustainable practices through stewardship

A core element of these funds aim to encourage higher sustainability standards across business practices through responsible ownership / stewardship / engagement / voting activity

Circular economy theme

Fund has a theme or investment strand focused on the shift to a circular economy (where products are reused and recycled not incinerated or dumped). See eg https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/topics/circular-economy-introduction/overview

Environmental - General
Environmental policy

Funds that have policies which relate to environmental issues. These will typically set out the fund's stance on issues such as pollution, climate change, resource management, biodiversity loss, carbon emissions, plastics and/or additional environmental impacts. Strategies vary. See fund information for further information.

Limits exposure to carbon intensive industries

Funds that limit or 'reduce' their exposure to carbon intensive industries (ie sectors which are major contributors to climate change. Funds vary - some funds may be 'underweight' in this area which means they may have some investment in highly carbon intensive areas. Funds of this kind may choose companies they consider to be 'best in sector' and encourage ever higher standards. Strategies vary. See fund information for further details.

Environmental damage and pollution policy

Funds that have written policies explaining the approach they take when companies damage the environment or are significant polluters. Funds of this kind may work with companies to encourage higher standards, or exclude companies - sometimes dependent on the situation. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.

Favours cleaner, greener companies

Funds that aim to invest in companies with strong or market leading environmental policies and practices. Strategies vary - in particular the balance between 'financial' aspects and environmental benefits. Some may invest substantially in solutions or 'positive impact' companies - others may invest in more conventional companies providing certain environmental criteria are met. See fund information for further detail.

Waste management policy or theme

Find funds that have a written policy or theme on waste management - typically a view to encouraging higher levels of recycling and better efficiency / reducing waste.

Nature & Biodiversity
Biodiversity / nature policy

Find funds that have a written biodiversity policy or theme aimed at encouraging and improving environmental protection and safeguarding the natural world (sometimes referred to as the preservation or enhancement of 'natural capital'). See eg https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/science/climate-issues/biodiversity

Nature / biodiversity based solutions theme

A significant focus on investments that aim to protect, improve and, or restore natural habitat.

Climate Change & Energy
Coal, oil & / or gas majors excluded

Funds that avoid investing in major coal, oil and/or gas (extraction) companies. Funds vary: some may exclude all companies that extract oil. Others may have exposure to oil extraction via more diversified energy companies. See fund literature to confirm details.

Fracking and tar sands excluded

Funds that avoid companies involved in fracking and tar sands - which are widely regarded as controversial methods of oil and gas extraction. Strategies vary. See fund information for further information.

Arctic drilling exclusion

Funds that avoid companies that are involved in extracting oil from the Arctic regions. See fund literature for further details.

Fossil fuel reserves exclusion

Funds that avoid investing in companies with coal, oil and gas reserves. See fund information for further details.

Energy efficiency theme

Fund funds that have an energy efficiency theme - typically meaning that a fund manager is focused on investing in organisations that manage - or help others to manage - energy use more carefully and less wastefully - and so reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Invests in clean energy / renewables

Funds that hold companies in the clean energy and renewable energy sectors (at the time research was supplied). Fund strategies vary, in particular the proportion of investment in these areas may vary significantly. Check fund literature for details.

Nuclear exclusion policy

Find funds that have policies which say they avoid or limit their investment in the nuclear industry. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.

Fossil fuel exploration exclusion - direct involvement

The fund manager excludes companies with direct involvement in fossil fuel exploration (eg coal, oil and gas companies)

Social / Employment
Social policy

Find funds that have policies which set out their approach to social issues (e.g. human rights, labour standards, equal opportunities, child labour and adherence to internationally recognised codes such as the UN Global Compact). Funds with social policies typically avoid companies with low standards or work to encourage higher standards. See fund information for detail.

Labour standards policy

Find funds that have a labour standards policy - which can be expected to mean that the fund will invest in / favour companies that have higher standards in this area - although fund strategies can vary significantly (as with all policy areas). See eg https://www.ilo.org/international-labour-standards

Favours companies with strong social policies

Find funds that invest in line with positive strategies that relate to 'people' issues - such as having strong human rights, labour standards and equal opportunities practices. Such funds are likely to invest in companies that have market leading standards with regard to employee and supplier practices. Read fund literature for further information.

Ethical Values Led Exclusions
Ethical policies

Find funds that have policies that set out their position on ethical or 'personal values' based issues. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.

Tobacco and related product manufacturers excluded

Companies are excluded if they are involved in any aspect of the production chain for tobacco products, including cigarettes, vaping, e-cigarettes, chewing tobacco and cigars.

Tobacco and related products - avoid where revenue > 5%

Companies are excluded if they make more than 5% of their revenue from the manufacture, sale or distribution of tobacco products including cigarettes, vaping, e-cigarettes, chewing tobacco and cigars.

Armaments manufacturers avoided

Find funds that avoid companies that manufacture products intended specifically for military use. Fund strategies vary - particularly with regard to non-strategic military products. See fund literature for fund specific details.

Civilian firearms production exclusion

Find funds with a written civilian firearms exclusion policy - meaning that they will not invest in companies that make (or perhaps also sell) handguns made for non-military users.

Alcohol production excluded

Find funds that avoid investment in companies involved in the production of alcohol. Strategies vary; some funds allow a small proportion of profits to come from this area. See fund literature for further information.

Gambling avoidance policy

Find funds that avoid companies with significant involvement in the gambling industry. Some funds may allow a small proportion of profits to come from this area. See fund policy for further details.

Pornography avoidance policy

Find funds that avoid companies that derive significant income from pornography and related areas. Strategies vary. See fund details for further information.

Animal testing - excluded except if for medical purposes

Find funds that avoid companies that test their products on animals for purposes other than medical benefit (e.g. for cosmetics). Strategies vary. See fund literature for further information.

Human Rights
Human rights policy

Find funds that have policies relating to human rights issues. Funds of this kind typically require companies to demonstrate higher standards, although some fund managers work to encourage improvements. Investee companies are often judged against internationally agreed norms or standards. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.

Oppressive regimes (not free or democratic) exclusion policy

Find funds with policies that exclude companies or other assets where regimes are not democratic, or where people may be oppressed. May use eg. Freedom House research. Strategies vary. See fund literature for further information.

Meeting Peoples' Basic Needs
Demographic / ageing population theme

Find funds with a thematic investment approach focusing on the ‘silver economy’ - in particular (typically) the issues and opportunities presented by changing demographics. This could include finance, healthcare and medicines and/ or longevity science to extend lifespans. Strategies vary. See fund literature for further information.

Invests in social property (freehold)

Find funds that invest in social housing property freeholds. Strategies vary. See fund literature for further information.

Invests > 5% in social housing

Find funds that have significant investment in social housing or similar assets.

Invests > 5% in social bonds

Find funds that invest in ‘social bonds’ which raise funds for the purpose of financing projects with positive social (people related) outcomes.

Green infrastructure focus

Fund focuses on (ie directs a significant proportion of its investment towards) green infrastructure, eg the clean energy supply chain. See fund details.

Responsible food production or agriculture theme

Fund has a responsible food production or agriculture theme or strand of investment. Funds may have a single theme or many themes. See fund information.

Healthcare / medical theme

Healthcare and or medical theme or area of investment - the fund may have a single theme or many themes

Gilts & Sovereigns
Invests in gilts / government bonds

Find funds that invest in loans issued the government, commonly known as gilts or government bonds. These may or may not be ringfenced for specific projects (see additional options). See fund literature for any selection criteria.

Invests in sovereigns subject to screening criteria

Find funds that invest in financial instruments issued by governments, but will only hold those that meet certain environmental and or social criteria. This may, for example mean certain assets are excluded in line with eg Freedom House research. Strategies vary, see fund literature for more information.

Banking & Financials
Invests in banks

Find funds that include banks as part of their holdings / portfolio.

Predatory lending exclusion

Fund excludes financial services companies with widely criticised, aggressive lending practices where interest rates are typically very high, includes ‘doorstep lending’)

Exclude banks with significant fossil fuel investments

Will avoid banks that have a large part of their loan book (or other assets) invested in fossil fuels companies - particular coal, oil and gas.

Invests in financial instruments issued by banks

Finds funds that include financial instruments (cash, derivatives and / or foreign exchange) issued by banks. See fund literature for further information as strategies vary.

Invests in insurers

Funds that do or may invest in insurance companies.

Governance & Management
Avoids companies with poor governance

Find funds that aim to avoid investing in companies with poor governance practices.(e.g. board structure, management practices etc.) Views may however vary on what counts as 'poor' practices - and funds may not immediately divest as they may prefer to work to encourage higher standards. See fund literature for further information.

UN sanctions exclusion

Exclude companies that are subject to United Nations sanctions. See eg https://main.un.org/securitycouncil/en/content/un-sc-consolidated-list

Fund Governance
ESG integration strategy

Find funds that factor in 'environmental, social and governance' issues as part of their investment decision making process. A focus on 'ESG' typically means a fund is carrying out additional research to help reduce ESG related risks. It does not necessarily mean a focus on sustainability. Strategies vary. See fund literature.

Asset Size
Invests in small, mid and large cap companies / assets

Find a fund that invests in a combination of small, medium and larger (potentially multinational)companies.

Invest in supranationals

International entities or bodies with agreed remits that are broadly similar to those that may otherwise be undertaken by individual governments eg the UN

Targeted Positive Investments
Invests >25% of fund in environmental/social solutions companies

Find funds that invest >25% of their capital towards companies where a major part of their business is focused on helping to address environmental or social challenges.

Impact Methodologies
Aims to generate positive impacts (or 'outcomes')

Funds that aim to help or support the delivery of positive social or environmental impacts (or societal/real world outcomes) by investing in companies they regard as beneficial to people and / or the planet. Strategies vary. See fund literature for further information.

Invests in environmental solutions companies

Find funds that direct investment towards companies where a major part of their business is about solving environmental challenges. e.g. companies helping to address climate change.

Invests in social solutions companies

Find funds that invest in companies where a major part of their business is specifically aimed at helping to address social challenges. e.g. companies helping to address poverty.

Invests in sustainability / ESG disruptors

Find funds that specifically set out to invest in companies that are regarded as 'disrupting' existing business practices - typically through the development of innovative (sustainability aware) products and/or practices.

How The Fund Works
Positive selection bias

Find funds that focus on finding and investing in companies with positive / beneficial attributes. This strategy can be applied in addition to exclusion criteria and engagement/stewardship activity.

Strictly screened ethical fund

Find funds where their main approach is to apply positive or negative ethical, social and / or environmental screens. Strictly screened funds are likely to exclude more companies than other related fund options. See fund literature for further information.

Significant harm exclusion

Aims to avoid companies that do significant harm. This originates from the EU’s sustainable finance ‘DNSH’ (do no significant harm) work, which is not necessarily used by UK investors.

SRI / ESG / Ethical policies explained on website

Find funds that have published explanations of their ethical, social and/or environmental policies online (i.e. fund decision making strategies/ buy/sell &/or asset management strategies).

Different risk options of this strategy are available

See fund information for different risk options of this fund strategy

Participated in sustainability solutions IPOs or new issuances

This fund does (and has recently) invested in newly listed companies other assets (eg bonds) which are significantly focused on the provision of products and/or services which are designed to solve environmental and/or social problems.

Do not use stock / securities lending

This fund does not use stock lending for performance or risk purposes.

Intended Clients & Product Options
Intended for investors interested in sustainability

Finds funds designed to meet the needs of individual investors with an interest in sustainability issues.

Intended for clients interested in ethical issues

Find funds designed for clients who care about ethical and values-based issues, often alongside sustainability issues also.

Intended for clients who want to have a positive impact

Finds funds designed to meet the needs of individual investors with an interest in ‘Impact investment funds’ which help or support the delivery of positive social or environmental impacts (or societal/real world outcomes) by investing in companies they regard as beneficial to people and / or the planet. Strategies vary. See fund literature for further information.

Available via an ISA (OEIC only)

Find funds that are available via a tax efficient ISA product wrapper.

Portfolio SRI / ESG options available (DFMs)

Only applicable for DFM’s & portfolio providers. Finds those that offer an SRI / ESG portfolio option

Multiple SRI / ESG portfolio options available (DFMs)

Only applicable for DFM’s & portfolio providers. Find service providers who offer multiple SRI / ESG portfolio options

Bespoke SRI / ESG portfolios available (DFMs)

Only applicable for DFM’s & portfolio providers. Find service providers who offer bespoke ('personalised') SRI / ESG portfolio options

Fund Management Company Information

About The Business
Boutique / specialist fund management company

Find fund management companies that are smaller or specialise in particular areas - notably, ideally ESG related. Strategies vary.

SDG aligned aims / objectives (AFM company wide)

Find fund management companies that aim to align all their investments (across all funds) to help meet the aims of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Integrates ESG factors into all / most (AFM) fund research

Find fund management companies that consider environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues when deciding whether or not to invest in a company for all / almost all of their funds and other assets. This is increasingly seen as part of sound risk management.

Invests in newly listed companies (AFM company wide)

This asset management company invests in companies which have recently listed on a stock exchange (which is important as it can help grow new businesses).

Collaborations & Affiliations
UKSIF member

Find fund management companies that are members of UKSIF - the UK Sustainable Investment and Finance association

Resources
Use specialist ESG / SRI / sustainability research companies

Find fund management companies that makes use of expert external research companies. This can help deliver specialist expertise and means resources are pooled with other investors.

ESG specialists on all investment desks (AFM company wide)

Finds organisations / fund managers that have one or more ESG/sustainability experts on all investment teams or 'desks' (all asset types)

Company Wide Exclusions
Controversial weapons avoidance policy (AFM company wide)

Find fund management companies (not funds) that avoid investment in 'controversial weapons' across all of their funds and other investment vehicles.

Tobacco avoidance policy (AFM company wide)

Find fund management companies that avoid investment in tobacco (manufacturing) companies across all their assets.

Fossil fuel exclusion policy (AFM company wide)

Find fund management companies that avoid investment in fossil fuel companies (e.g. coal, oil and gas) across all of their funds. (and/ or other assets.)

Review(ing) carbon / fossil fuel exposure for all funds (AFM company wide)

Find funds / fund managers that are reviewing, or have reviewed, their exposure to carbon intensive industries including (but not only) mining, oil and gas companies. (Typically with reference to climate change.)

Climate & Net Zero Transition
Working towards a ‘Net Zero’ commitment (AFM company wide)

Finds organisations / fund management companies that are in the process of working out how to make a ‘net zero commitment’ - meaning that when that is finalised they will have started the process of reducing their total greenhouse gas emissions to'zero'.

Transparency
Full SRI / responsible ownership policy information on company website

Find companies that publish information about their sustainable and responsible investment strategies on their company website.

Sustainable, Responsible &/or ESG Policy:

The method we use to screen investments includes both a process driven quantitative and values-based qualitative approach (more of which is covered below). It is important to note that quantitative ESG data serves the process but does not drive it. Recent examples where a company has received a high third party ESG score, but has subsequently been affected by ESG flags, shows the importance of our internal research to avoid these pitfalls.

 

For our model portfolios, we have implemented a stringent negative and positive screen to meet the vast majority of investor's concerns (where ethics are more specific, a bespoke portfolio may be required). We pride ourselves on ensuring that each portfolio is constructed to be as 'ethical' as possible within the investment constraints of each portfolio and platform. Whilst all funds have a specific label, whether that's Responsible, ESG or Impact, we look beyond this to understand each funds approach. This includes conducting ongoing screening of funds where we look 'under the bonnet' at the underlying holdings to ensure they still align with the screen in place. We regularly communicate with fund managers for justifications on holdings, before investing into new funds, and during the time they are held. At times we may exit holdings if we feel the justification from a fund manager is not sufficient, or a company conducts activity that is against the negative screen in place. Funds are preferred if they demonstrate that a rigorous screen is in place, our ongoing due diligence ensures this is monitored. On top of the negative screen, we favour funds which also have a positive investment focus. Many of the fund houses who appear in our model portfolios will have explicit policies on issues such as climate change, greenhouse gas emissions, and responsible ownership/stewardship.

 

Negative Screen:

Adult Entertainment, Aggressive Tax Practices, Alcohol, Armaments, Fossil Fuels, Gambling, Human rights abuse, Illegal deforestation, Intensive farming, Nuclear, Poor environmental management, Tobacco

 

Positive Screen:

Education & Learning, Environmental Efficiency, Healthcare, Sustainable Infrastructure, Microfinance, Public Transport, Renewable Energy, Resource Management, Social & Medical Property, Sustainable forestry, Water & Sanitation.

 

Process:

The screening policy for our model portfolios clearly lays out the areas of avoidance and inclusion. We follow a traditional negative screen, which we have built on to include other topical issues such as Nuclear and Fossil Fuels. On top of this, our screening policy lays out a number of positive investment themes we tilt towards, focusing on solutions to environmental and social issues.

 

 Our screening process has two parts: a quantitative screen and a more values based qualitative screen.

 

The quantitative ESG screen will examine the investment from an ESG perspective, with the data provided by third party screeners (currently MSCI). We are able to gain data on a number of ESG factors, including the investments exposure to a number of positive investment themes, which have obvious similarities with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals. The research will also flag business involvement that may be contrary to any negative screen we have in place. Whilst the quantitative output we receive is valuable, it does not drive our investment decision, and is by no means definitive.

 

The bulk of our research into an investment is through our in-house qualitative screen. This ensures we truly understand the  investment and motives around it, and draws on a wide range of sources. This includes meeting fund managers and analysts and challenging them on their investment philosophy so we can truly understand how they implement their own sustainable strategy. The key for us is screening each collective, to ensure the underlying companies adhere to our own screening policy. We challenge holdings when we feel there are questions on their merits, and will sell out of a fund if not convinced. It is important to note, we will not compromise on ethics for performance, nor will we compromise on performance for ethics. Where we have doubts, we will always err on the side of caution.

 

Resources, Affiliations & Corporate Strategies:

Having run personal ethical portfolios since 2002, we have a vast understanding of the market place. As a result, the majority of our research is conducted in house through the portfolio managers and wider team. This ensures investment decisions and ethical considerations go hand in hand.  

 

We are able to gain access to third party data from MSCI, which alone will not be definitive, whilst also relying on reports and research from industry bodies and charities.

 

Through the group, we have access to a number of analysts, including those in the Far East who are increasingly considering ESG factors in their own process. We are a member of the UK Sustainable Investment and Finance Association.

SDR Labelling: Not eligible to use label

Disclaimer

Disclaimer

Please remember that the value of investments and the income arising from them may fall as well as rise and is not guaranteed. All information contained in this document has been prepared by King & Shaxson Asset Management. All opinions and estimates constitute our judgement as of the date of publication and do not constitute general or specific investment advice. Nothing in this document constitutes an offer to buy or sell securities of any type or should be construed as an offer or the solicitation of an offer to purchase or subscribe or sell any investment or to engage in any other transaction. The information contained in this document is for general information purposes only and should not be considered a personal recommendation or specific investment advice. King and Shaxson Asset Management Ltd.(Reg. No. 3870667) has its registered office at 155 Fenchurch Street, London, EC3M 6AL. The Company is registered in England and Wales and is part of the PhillipCapital Group. King and Shaxson Asset Management Ltd. (FCA Reg. No. 823315) is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, 12 Endeavour Square, London, E20 1JN.

Fund Name SRI Style SDR Labelling Product Region Asset Type Launch Date Last Amended

King & Shaxson Ethical Model Portfolios (multiple)

Ethical Style Not eligible to use label DFM/Portfolio Global Mixed Asset 01/11/2002 Oct 2024

Objectives

Our model & bespoke portfolios aim to meet the negative and positive screening requirements of investors who would like their invested capital to reflect their core beliefs and values through various risk rated portfolios.

Fund Size: £210.00m

(as at: 31/08/2024)

Total Screened Themed SRI Assets: £240.00m

(as at: 31/08/2024)

Total Responsible Ownership Assets: £240.00m

(as at: 31/08/2024)

Total Assets Under Management: £240.00m

(as at: 31/08/2024)

Contact Us: ethical@kasl.co.uk

Sustainable, Responsible &/or ESG Overview

We have been managing ethical portfolios since 2002, meaning we understand the importance of adhering to a negative and positive screen. Over this time, clients have increasingly wanted to go beyond avoidance. We therefore seek investments which are providing solutions to many of the social and environmental challenges we face, from climate change to access to affordable healthcare.

 

The ethical & ESG screening process is as important to us as the financial investment process. We ensure that each investment meets clients' expectations, as we look beyond data gimmicks and simple 'tick box' practices.

 

For bespoke portfolios, the screen is supplied by the client, whereas for model portfolios, it is clearly laid out in the documentation. This combination of filtering out the harmful and including the investments with a positive impact on society or the environment, has served our clients well for over 20 years.

Primary fund last amended: Oct 2024

Information received directly from Fund Manager

Please select what you would like to read:

Fund Filters

Sustainability - General
Sustainability theme or focus

Find funds where there is a significant emphasis on (environmental and social) sustainability. Funds with a 'sustainability theme' typically place more emphasis on the area than funds with a 'sustainability policy' - meaning that it is more likely to drive investment selection. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.

Sustainable transport policy or theme

Find funds that have documented policies or thematic investment approaches relating to investment in more sustainable, greener transport methods. These will typically set out a preference for companies that run, enable or support more sustainable methods of transport. See fund information for further detail.

Encourage more sustainable practices through stewardship

A core element of these funds aim to encourage higher sustainability standards across business practices through responsible ownership / stewardship / engagement / voting activity

Circular economy theme

Fund has a theme or investment strand focused on the shift to a circular economy (where products are reused and recycled not incinerated or dumped). See eg https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/topics/circular-economy-introduction/overview

Environmental - General
Environmental policy

Funds that have policies which relate to environmental issues. These will typically set out the fund's stance on issues such as pollution, climate change, resource management, biodiversity loss, carbon emissions, plastics and/or additional environmental impacts. Strategies vary. See fund information for further information.

Limits exposure to carbon intensive industries

Funds that limit or 'reduce' their exposure to carbon intensive industries (ie sectors which are major contributors to climate change. Funds vary - some funds may be 'underweight' in this area which means they may have some investment in highly carbon intensive areas. Funds of this kind may choose companies they consider to be 'best in sector' and encourage ever higher standards. Strategies vary. See fund information for further details.

Environmental damage and pollution policy

Funds that have written policies explaining the approach they take when companies damage the environment or are significant polluters. Funds of this kind may work with companies to encourage higher standards, or exclude companies - sometimes dependent on the situation. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.

Favours cleaner, greener companies

Funds that aim to invest in companies with strong or market leading environmental policies and practices. Strategies vary - in particular the balance between 'financial' aspects and environmental benefits. Some may invest substantially in solutions or 'positive impact' companies - others may invest in more conventional companies providing certain environmental criteria are met. See fund information for further detail.

Waste management policy or theme

Find funds that have a written policy or theme on waste management - typically a view to encouraging higher levels of recycling and better efficiency / reducing waste.

Nature & Biodiversity
Biodiversity / nature policy

Find funds that have a written biodiversity policy or theme aimed at encouraging and improving environmental protection and safeguarding the natural world (sometimes referred to as the preservation or enhancement of 'natural capital'). See eg https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/science/climate-issues/biodiversity

Nature / biodiversity based solutions theme

A significant focus on investments that aim to protect, improve and, or restore natural habitat.

Climate Change & Energy
Coal, oil & / or gas majors excluded

Funds that avoid investing in major coal, oil and/or gas (extraction) companies. Funds vary: some may exclude all companies that extract oil. Others may have exposure to oil extraction via more diversified energy companies. See fund literature to confirm details.

Fracking and tar sands excluded

Funds that avoid companies involved in fracking and tar sands - which are widely regarded as controversial methods of oil and gas extraction. Strategies vary. See fund information for further information.

Arctic drilling exclusion

Funds that avoid companies that are involved in extracting oil from the Arctic regions. See fund literature for further details.

Fossil fuel reserves exclusion

Funds that avoid investing in companies with coal, oil and gas reserves. See fund information for further details.

Energy efficiency theme

Fund funds that have an energy efficiency theme - typically meaning that a fund manager is focused on investing in organisations that manage - or help others to manage - energy use more carefully and less wastefully - and so reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Invests in clean energy / renewables

Funds that hold companies in the clean energy and renewable energy sectors (at the time research was supplied). Fund strategies vary, in particular the proportion of investment in these areas may vary significantly. Check fund literature for details.

Nuclear exclusion policy

Find funds that have policies which say they avoid or limit their investment in the nuclear industry. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.

Fossil fuel exploration exclusion - direct involvement

The fund manager excludes companies with direct involvement in fossil fuel exploration (eg coal, oil and gas companies)

Social / Employment
Social policy

Find funds that have policies which set out their approach to social issues (e.g. human rights, labour standards, equal opportunities, child labour and adherence to internationally recognised codes such as the UN Global Compact). Funds with social policies typically avoid companies with low standards or work to encourage higher standards. See fund information for detail.

Labour standards policy

Find funds that have a labour standards policy - which can be expected to mean that the fund will invest in / favour companies that have higher standards in this area - although fund strategies can vary significantly (as with all policy areas). See eg https://www.ilo.org/international-labour-standards

Favours companies with strong social policies

Find funds that invest in line with positive strategies that relate to 'people' issues - such as having strong human rights, labour standards and equal opportunities practices. Such funds are likely to invest in companies that have market leading standards with regard to employee and supplier practices. Read fund literature for further information.

Ethical Values Led Exclusions
Ethical policies

Find funds that have policies that set out their position on ethical or 'personal values' based issues. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.

Tobacco and related product manufacturers excluded

Companies are excluded if they are involved in any aspect of the production chain for tobacco products, including cigarettes, vaping, e-cigarettes, chewing tobacco and cigars.

Tobacco and related products - avoid where revenue > 5%

Companies are excluded if they make more than 5% of their revenue from the manufacture, sale or distribution of tobacco products including cigarettes, vaping, e-cigarettes, chewing tobacco and cigars.

Armaments manufacturers avoided

Find funds that avoid companies that manufacture products intended specifically for military use. Fund strategies vary - particularly with regard to non-strategic military products. See fund literature for fund specific details.

Civilian firearms production exclusion

Find funds with a written civilian firearms exclusion policy - meaning that they will not invest in companies that make (or perhaps also sell) handguns made for non-military users.

Alcohol production excluded

Find funds that avoid investment in companies involved in the production of alcohol. Strategies vary; some funds allow a small proportion of profits to come from this area. See fund literature for further information.

Gambling avoidance policy

Find funds that avoid companies with significant involvement in the gambling industry. Some funds may allow a small proportion of profits to come from this area. See fund policy for further details.

Pornography avoidance policy

Find funds that avoid companies that derive significant income from pornography and related areas. Strategies vary. See fund details for further information.

Animal testing - excluded except if for medical purposes

Find funds that avoid companies that test their products on animals for purposes other than medical benefit (e.g. for cosmetics). Strategies vary. See fund literature for further information.

Human Rights
Human rights policy

Find funds that have policies relating to human rights issues. Funds of this kind typically require companies to demonstrate higher standards, although some fund managers work to encourage improvements. Investee companies are often judged against internationally agreed norms or standards. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.

Oppressive regimes (not free or democratic) exclusion policy

Find funds with policies that exclude companies or other assets where regimes are not democratic, or where people may be oppressed. May use eg. Freedom House research. Strategies vary. See fund literature for further information.

Meeting Peoples' Basic Needs
Demographic / ageing population theme

Find funds with a thematic investment approach focusing on the ‘silver economy’ - in particular (typically) the issues and opportunities presented by changing demographics. This could include finance, healthcare and medicines and/ or longevity science to extend lifespans. Strategies vary. See fund literature for further information.

Invests in social property (freehold)

Find funds that invest in social housing property freeholds. Strategies vary. See fund literature for further information.

Invests > 5% in social housing

Find funds that have significant investment in social housing or similar assets.

Invests > 5% in social bonds

Find funds that invest in ‘social bonds’ which raise funds for the purpose of financing projects with positive social (people related) outcomes.

Green infrastructure focus

Fund focuses on (ie directs a significant proportion of its investment towards) green infrastructure, eg the clean energy supply chain. See fund details.

Responsible food production or agriculture theme

Fund has a responsible food production or agriculture theme or strand of investment. Funds may have a single theme or many themes. See fund information.

Healthcare / medical theme

Healthcare and or medical theme or area of investment - the fund may have a single theme or many themes

Gilts & Sovereigns
Invests in gilts / government bonds

Find funds that invest in loans issued the government, commonly known as gilts or government bonds. These may or may not be ringfenced for specific projects (see additional options). See fund literature for any selection criteria.

Invests in sovereigns subject to screening criteria

Find funds that invest in financial instruments issued by governments, but will only hold those that meet certain environmental and or social criteria. This may, for example mean certain assets are excluded in line with eg Freedom House research. Strategies vary, see fund literature for more information.

Banking & Financials
Invests in banks

Find funds that include banks as part of their holdings / portfolio.

Predatory lending exclusion

Fund excludes financial services companies with widely criticised, aggressive lending practices where interest rates are typically very high, includes ‘doorstep lending’)

Exclude banks with significant fossil fuel investments

Will avoid banks that have a large part of their loan book (or other assets) invested in fossil fuels companies - particular coal, oil and gas.

Invests in financial instruments issued by banks

Finds funds that include financial instruments (cash, derivatives and / or foreign exchange) issued by banks. See fund literature for further information as strategies vary.

Invests in insurers

Funds that do or may invest in insurance companies.

Governance & Management
Avoids companies with poor governance

Find funds that aim to avoid investing in companies with poor governance practices.(e.g. board structure, management practices etc.) Views may however vary on what counts as 'poor' practices - and funds may not immediately divest as they may prefer to work to encourage higher standards. See fund literature for further information.

UN sanctions exclusion

Exclude companies that are subject to United Nations sanctions. See eg https://main.un.org/securitycouncil/en/content/un-sc-consolidated-list

Fund Governance
ESG integration strategy

Find funds that factor in 'environmental, social and governance' issues as part of their investment decision making process. A focus on 'ESG' typically means a fund is carrying out additional research to help reduce ESG related risks. It does not necessarily mean a focus on sustainability. Strategies vary. See fund literature.

Asset Size
Invests in small, mid and large cap companies / assets

Find a fund that invests in a combination of small, medium and larger (potentially multinational)companies.

Invest in supranationals

International entities or bodies with agreed remits that are broadly similar to those that may otherwise be undertaken by individual governments eg the UN

Targeted Positive Investments
Invests >25% of fund in environmental/social solutions companies

Find funds that invest >25% of their capital towards companies where a major part of their business is focused on helping to address environmental or social challenges.

Impact Methodologies
Aims to generate positive impacts (or 'outcomes')

Funds that aim to help or support the delivery of positive social or environmental impacts (or societal/real world outcomes) by investing in companies they regard as beneficial to people and / or the planet. Strategies vary. See fund literature for further information.

Invests in environmental solutions companies

Find funds that direct investment towards companies where a major part of their business is about solving environmental challenges. e.g. companies helping to address climate change.

Invests in social solutions companies

Find funds that invest in companies where a major part of their business is specifically aimed at helping to address social challenges. e.g. companies helping to address poverty.

Invests in sustainability / ESG disruptors

Find funds that specifically set out to invest in companies that are regarded as 'disrupting' existing business practices - typically through the development of innovative (sustainability aware) products and/or practices.

How The Fund Works
Positive selection bias

Find funds that focus on finding and investing in companies with positive / beneficial attributes. This strategy can be applied in addition to exclusion criteria and engagement/stewardship activity.

Strictly screened ethical fund

Find funds where their main approach is to apply positive or negative ethical, social and / or environmental screens. Strictly screened funds are likely to exclude more companies than other related fund options. See fund literature for further information.

Significant harm exclusion

Aims to avoid companies that do significant harm. This originates from the EU’s sustainable finance ‘DNSH’ (do no significant harm) work, which is not necessarily used by UK investors.

SRI / ESG / Ethical policies explained on website

Find funds that have published explanations of their ethical, social and/or environmental policies online (i.e. fund decision making strategies/ buy/sell &/or asset management strategies).

Different risk options of this strategy are available

See fund information for different risk options of this fund strategy

Participated in sustainability solutions IPOs or new issuances

This fund does (and has recently) invested in newly listed companies other assets (eg bonds) which are significantly focused on the provision of products and/or services which are designed to solve environmental and/or social problems.

Do not use stock / securities lending

This fund does not use stock lending for performance or risk purposes.

Intended Clients & Product Options
Intended for investors interested in sustainability

Finds funds designed to meet the needs of individual investors with an interest in sustainability issues.

Intended for clients interested in ethical issues

Find funds designed for clients who care about ethical and values-based issues, often alongside sustainability issues also.

Intended for clients who want to have a positive impact

Finds funds designed to meet the needs of individual investors with an interest in ‘Impact investment funds’ which help or support the delivery of positive social or environmental impacts (or societal/real world outcomes) by investing in companies they regard as beneficial to people and / or the planet. Strategies vary. See fund literature for further information.

Available via an ISA (OEIC only)

Find funds that are available via a tax efficient ISA product wrapper.

Portfolio SRI / ESG options available (DFMs)

Only applicable for DFM’s & portfolio providers. Finds those that offer an SRI / ESG portfolio option

Multiple SRI / ESG portfolio options available (DFMs)

Only applicable for DFM’s & portfolio providers. Find service providers who offer multiple SRI / ESG portfolio options

Bespoke SRI / ESG portfolios available (DFMs)

Only applicable for DFM’s & portfolio providers. Find service providers who offer bespoke ('personalised') SRI / ESG portfolio options

Fund Management Company Information

About The Business
Boutique / specialist fund management company

Find fund management companies that are smaller or specialise in particular areas - notably, ideally ESG related. Strategies vary.

SDG aligned aims / objectives (AFM company wide)

Find fund management companies that aim to align all their investments (across all funds) to help meet the aims of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Integrates ESG factors into all / most (AFM) fund research

Find fund management companies that consider environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues when deciding whether or not to invest in a company for all / almost all of their funds and other assets. This is increasingly seen as part of sound risk management.

Invests in newly listed companies (AFM company wide)

This asset management company invests in companies which have recently listed on a stock exchange (which is important as it can help grow new businesses).

Collaborations & Affiliations
UKSIF member

Find fund management companies that are members of UKSIF - the UK Sustainable Investment and Finance association

Resources
Use specialist ESG / SRI / sustainability research companies

Find fund management companies that makes use of expert external research companies. This can help deliver specialist expertise and means resources are pooled with other investors.

ESG specialists on all investment desks (AFM company wide)

Finds organisations / fund managers that have one or more ESG/sustainability experts on all investment teams or 'desks' (all asset types)

Company Wide Exclusions
Controversial weapons avoidance policy (AFM company wide)

Find fund management companies (not funds) that avoid investment in 'controversial weapons' across all of their funds and other investment vehicles.

Tobacco avoidance policy (AFM company wide)

Find fund management companies that avoid investment in tobacco (manufacturing) companies across all their assets.

Fossil fuel exclusion policy (AFM company wide)

Find fund management companies that avoid investment in fossil fuel companies (e.g. coal, oil and gas) across all of their funds. (and/ or other assets.)

Review(ing) carbon / fossil fuel exposure for all funds (AFM company wide)

Find funds / fund managers that are reviewing, or have reviewed, their exposure to carbon intensive industries including (but not only) mining, oil and gas companies. (Typically with reference to climate change.)

Climate & Net Zero Transition
Working towards a ‘Net Zero’ commitment (AFM company wide)

Finds organisations / fund management companies that are in the process of working out how to make a ‘net zero commitment’ - meaning that when that is finalised they will have started the process of reducing their total greenhouse gas emissions to'zero'.

Transparency
Full SRI / responsible ownership policy information on company website

Find companies that publish information about their sustainable and responsible investment strategies on their company website.

Sustainable, Responsible &/or ESG Policy:

The method we use to screen investments includes both a process driven quantitative and values-based qualitative approach (more of which is covered below). It is important to note that quantitative ESG data serves the process but does not drive it. Recent examples where a company has received a high third party ESG score, but has subsequently been affected by ESG flags, shows the importance of our internal research to avoid these pitfalls.

 

For our model portfolios, we have implemented a stringent negative and positive screen to meet the vast majority of investor's concerns (where ethics are more specific, a bespoke portfolio may be required). We pride ourselves on ensuring that each portfolio is constructed to be as 'ethical' as possible within the investment constraints of each portfolio and platform. Whilst all funds have a specific label, whether that's Responsible, ESG or Impact, we look beyond this to understand each funds approach. This includes conducting ongoing screening of funds where we look 'under the bonnet' at the underlying holdings to ensure they still align with the screen in place. We regularly communicate with fund managers for justifications on holdings, before investing into new funds, and during the time they are held. At times we may exit holdings if we feel the justification from a fund manager is not sufficient, or a company conducts activity that is against the negative screen in place. Funds are preferred if they demonstrate that a rigorous screen is in place, our ongoing due diligence ensures this is monitored. On top of the negative screen, we favour funds which also have a positive investment focus. Many of the fund houses who appear in our model portfolios will have explicit policies on issues such as climate change, greenhouse gas emissions, and responsible ownership/stewardship.

 

Negative Screen:

Adult Entertainment, Aggressive Tax Practices, Alcohol, Armaments, Fossil Fuels, Gambling, Human rights abuse, Illegal deforestation, Intensive farming, Nuclear, Poor environmental management, Tobacco

 

Positive Screen:

Education & Learning, Environmental Efficiency, Healthcare, Sustainable Infrastructure, Microfinance, Public Transport, Renewable Energy, Resource Management, Social & Medical Property, Sustainable forestry, Water & Sanitation.

 

Process:

The screening policy for our model portfolios clearly lays out the areas of avoidance and inclusion. We follow a traditional negative screen, which we have built on to include other topical issues such as Nuclear and Fossil Fuels. On top of this, our screening policy lays out a number of positive investment themes we tilt towards, focusing on solutions to environmental and social issues.

 

 Our screening process has two parts: a quantitative screen and a more values based qualitative screen.

 

The quantitative ESG screen will examine the investment from an ESG perspective, with the data provided by third party screeners (currently MSCI). We are able to gain data on a number of ESG factors, including the investments exposure to a number of positive investment themes, which have obvious similarities with the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals. The research will also flag business involvement that may be contrary to any negative screen we have in place. Whilst the quantitative output we receive is valuable, it does not drive our investment decision, and is by no means definitive.

 

The bulk of our research into an investment is through our in-house qualitative screen. This ensures we truly understand the  investment and motives around it, and draws on a wide range of sources. This includes meeting fund managers and analysts and challenging them on their investment philosophy so we can truly understand how they implement their own sustainable strategy. The key for us is screening each collective, to ensure the underlying companies adhere to our own screening policy. We challenge holdings when we feel there are questions on their merits, and will sell out of a fund if not convinced. It is important to note, we will not compromise on ethics for performance, nor will we compromise on performance for ethics. Where we have doubts, we will always err on the side of caution.

 

Resources, Affiliations & Corporate Strategies:

Having run personal ethical portfolios since 2002, we have a vast understanding of the market place. As a result, the majority of our research is conducted in house through the portfolio managers and wider team. This ensures investment decisions and ethical considerations go hand in hand.  

 

We are able to gain access to third party data from MSCI, which alone will not be definitive, whilst also relying on reports and research from industry bodies and charities.

 

Through the group, we have access to a number of analysts, including those in the Far East who are increasingly considering ESG factors in their own process. We are a member of the UK Sustainable Investment and Finance Association.

SDR Labelling: Not eligible to use label

Disclaimer

Disclaimer

Please remember that the value of investments and the income arising from them may fall as well as rise and is not guaranteed. All information contained in this document has been prepared by King & Shaxson Asset Management. All opinions and estimates constitute our judgement as of the date of publication and do not constitute general or specific investment advice. Nothing in this document constitutes an offer to buy or sell securities of any type or should be construed as an offer or the solicitation of an offer to purchase or subscribe or sell any investment or to engage in any other transaction. The information contained in this document is for general information purposes only and should not be considered a personal recommendation or specific investment advice. King and Shaxson Asset Management Ltd.(Reg. No. 3870667) has its registered office at 155 Fenchurch Street, London, EC3M 6AL. The Company is registered in England and Wales and is part of the PhillipCapital Group. King and Shaxson Asset Management Ltd. (FCA Reg. No. 823315) is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, 12 Endeavour Square, London, E20 1JN.