AMP : North’s ESG AUM growing 6.5 times faster than other investments

A further 13 ESG options added to North's investment menu

North, one of Australia's leading investment platforms, has seen assets under management (AUM) for its environmental, social and governance (ESG) investment options grow 6.5 times faster than non-ESG investments during the past calendar year.

AUM for North's ESG investment range increased by approximately 100 per cent to almost $600 million over the 12 months to 31 December 2021.

North more than doubled the ESG investment options offered on its menu in 2021, with a further 13 options now available. This has taken North's ESG investment range to almost 60 options, with further additions planned.

North was the first in the Australian market to launch an ESG-focused managed portfolio - the MyNorth Sustainable Managed Portfolios - which received a 4-Star 'high' investment grade rating independent research firm SQM Research.

The increasing ESG AUM also reflects broader industry trends, which has seen responsible investment managed funds across the Australian and New Zealand markets exceed $100 billion at the end of September 2021, up almost 40 per cent on the prior year^[1].

AMP Director of Platforms Edwina Maloney, said:

"Whether it's carbon emissions, community engagement or working conditions, there is ever increasing demand for investments which take into account ESG factors and allow for the alignment of investing with values.

"It's why the North team is committed to providing advisers and clients with access to an expanding universe of high-quality responsible investment options, building on the launch of Australia's first ESG-based managed portfolio range in 2020.

"Advisers and clients can be assured that every investment we add to the North menu is carefully screened for quality by our research team, providing clients with confidence that they have access to the industry's leading investment managers."

First Sentier Investors Portfolio Manager Rebecca Myatt, said:

"First Sentier Investors is pleased to be added to leading platform, North. The First Sentier Responsible Listed Infrastructure Fund is managed by a team of experienced infrastructure specialists with a deep understanding of infrastructure assets and the importance of maintaining their social license to operate.

"The Fund focuses on infrastructure companies that can contribute to or benefit from the UN Sustainable Development Goals."

New ESG investment options added to menu

Funds*	iShares ESG Global Bond Index Fund - D Class
Baillie Gifford Global Stewardship Fund - Class A	First Sentier Responsible Listed Infrastructure Fund - Hedged Class
Bendigo Socially Responsible Growth Fund	ETFs
Perpetual Ethical SRI Credit Fund-Class A	Vaneck Vectors Global Clean Energy ETF
Bell Global Equities Fund - Platform Class	Betashares Aust Sustainability Leaders ETF
Martin Currie Ethical Income Fund - Class A	Einvest Better Future Fund (Managed Fund) ETF
Martin Currie Ethical Values with Income Fund - Class A	Janus Henderson Global Sustainable Equity
Resolution Capital Real Assets Fund - Class A

SQM Research

The rating contained in this document is issued by SQM Research Pty Ltd ABN 93 122 592 036 AFSL 421913. SQM Research is an investment research firm that undertakes research on investment products exclusively for its wholesale clients, utilising a proprietary review and star rating system. The SQM Research star rating system is of a general nature and does not take into account the particular circumstances or needs of any specific person. The rating may be subject to change at any time. Only licensed financial advisers may use the SQM Research star rating system in determining whether an investment is appropriate to a person's particular circumstances or needs. You should read the product disclosure statement and consult a licensed financial adviser before making an investment decision in relation to this investment product. SQM Research receives a fee from the Fund Manager for the research and rating of the managed investment scheme.

[1] Plan For Life, Market Overview, February 2022