Investors going ethical boost FUM



Wealth manager Australian Ethical Investments posted a 32 per cent increase to $1.17 billion in funds under management for year end 30 June 2015, thanks to new inflows and asset management performance.
The firm's net inflows almost doubled to $179 million for the year, up 96 per cent, and its revenue increased six per cent to $21.2 million.
However, the company's reduction in fees on its superannuation fund, issues arising from the transition to a new remuneration structure, and a further impairment on its property in Canberra led to a 23 per cent decrease in net profit after tax to $1.97 million.
Managing director, Phil Vernon said as investors become more frustrated with the lack of political action on climate change, they are looking for opportunities to use the power of their investments to drive positive change in the economy.
"We are also seeing the results of a period of operational review and renewal in recent years. The changes we made to the senior leadership team, remuneration structure, competitiveness of our products and business strategy continue to play out, and are reflected in our growth," he said.
Recommended for you
Retailisation of private markets such as evergreen funds may seem like appealing options for wholesale and retail investors, but providers risk undermining trust if their products are unclear.
Ethical investment manager Australian Ethical has seen its funds under management rise by a third over FY25 to close out the year at $13.9 billion.
BlackRock Australia’s head of intermediary distribution James Waterworth has taken up a new distribution role at an alternative asset manager, while Antipodes has hired a distribution director.
BlackRock’s iShares ETFs have reported a record first half for inflows, gaining US$192 billion in the past six months, to see overall ETF assets under management rise to US$4.7 trillion as it launches its first active ETF in Australia.