Ninety One Global Sustainable Equity Fund

SRI Style:

Sustainability Tilt

SDR Labelling:

Sustainability Impact label

Product:

OEIC

Fund Region:

Global

Fund Asset Type:

Equity

Launch Date:

27/03/2001

Last Amended:

Jul 2026

Dialshifter ():

Fund/Portfolio Size:

£192.00m

(as at: 31/03/2025)

Total Screened Themed SRI Assets:

£4130.00m

(as at: 30/03/2025)

Total Responsible Ownership Assets:

£143632.00m

(as at: 30/09/2026)

Total Assets Under Management:

£171795.00m

(as at: 31/03/2026)

ISIN:

GB00B01VDL32

Objectives:

The Fund invests primarily (at least two-thirds and typically substantially more) in the shares of companies which the Investment Manager believes contribute to positive environmental change through sustainable decarbonisation (the process of reducing carbon dioxide emissions).

 

 

Sustainable, Responsible
&/or ESG Overview:

The Ninety One Global Sustainable Equity strategy is a global active bottom-up and benchmark agnostic strategy focused on identifying Sustainability Leaders - companies that will benefit from a more sustainable future. We focus on assessing company externalities (the impact companies have on the environment, society and employees) as a way to identify Sustainability Leaders. We also incorporate an appraisal of corporate culture into our investment process with a view to finding those companies thinking long-term about their businesses and have what it takes to be Sustainability Leaders into the future. We combine these externalities and corporate-culture assessments with a disciplined investment approach to select companies with enduring competitive advantages at attractive market valuations.

Primary fund last amended:

Jul 2026

Information directly from fund manager.

Fund Filters

Sustainability - General
Sustainability policy

Has policies that consider (environmental and social) sustainability issues. Strategies vary but are likely to consider environmental issues like climate change, carbon emissions, biodiversity loss, resource management, environmental impacts; and social issues like equal opportunities, human rights, labour standards, diversity and adherence to internationally recognised codes. See individual entry information.

Sustainable transport policy or theme

Has documented policies or thematic investment approaches supporting 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.

Encourage more sustainable practices through stewardship

Aim to encourage higher sustainability standards through responsible ownership / stewardship / engagement / voting activity

Transition focus

Aim to support the shift to a sustainable future. See eg https://www.transitionpathwayinitiative.org/

Report against sustainability objectives

Publicly report performance against named sustainability objectives

Environmental - General
Environmental policy

Has policies which relate to environmental issues. These will typically set out their stance on issues such as pollution, climate change, resource management, biodiversity loss, carbon emissions, plastics and/or additional environmental impacts. Strategies vary.

Resource efficiency policy or theme

Has a policy or theme that relates to managing natural resources more efficiently. Strategies vary. See individual entry information.

Favours cleaner, greener companies

Aims to invest in companies with strong or market leading environmental policies and practices. Strategies vary. See individual entry information for more detail.

Waste management policy or theme

Has a written policy or theme focused on waste management - typically to support or encouraging higher levels of recycling and better efficiency / reducing waste. Strategies vary.

Nature & Biodiversity
Biodiversity / nature policy

Has a written biodiversity policy or theme typically aimed at supporting, encouraging and improving environmental protection and safeguarding the natural world (sometimes referred to as 'natural capital'). See eg https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/science/climate-issues/biodiversity

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

Avoid investment in major coal, oil and/or gas (extraction) companies. Strategies vary.

Fracking & tar sands excluded

Avoid companies involved in fracking and tar sands - which are widely regarded as controversial methods of oil and gas extraction. Strategies vary.

Arctic drilling exclusion

Avoid companies that are involved in extracting oil from the Arctic regions.

Fossil fuel reserves exclusion

Avoid investing in companies / assets with coal, oil and gas reserves. See individual entry information for further details.

Clean / renewable energy theme or focus

Invest (or may invest) in clean / renewable energy companies and other assets. The proportion directly or indirectly invested in renewable energy may vary over time.

Encourage transition to low carbon through stewardship activity

Encourage the transition to lower carbon activities through asset selection and / or responsible ownership activity.

Energy efficiency theme

Has an energy efficiency theme - typically meaning that the 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

Invest in renewable energy companies and / or companies where renewable energy is a significant part of their business. Strategies vary.

Hydrogen policy or theme

Has a policy or theme which sets out their position on investment in companies researching/developing hydrogen as an energy solution.

Fossil fuel exploration exclusion - direct involvement

Excludes companies and other assets with direct involvement in fossil fuel exploration (eg coal, oil and gas companies)

Require net zero action plan from all / most companies

Requires all, or most of, the assets they invest in to have a ‘net zero action plan’ - describing how they will reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

Social / Employment
Favours companies with strong social policies

Aims to invest in assets with high social values - this may include strong human rights, labour standards and equal opportunities or safety related practices.

Health & wellbeing policies or theme

Has policies or themes that set out their approach to health and wellbeing issues, typically aims to invest in companies with high standards - or encourage high standards.

Diversity, equality & inclusion Policy (product level)

Has a written diversity policy – where the manager will aim to select companies with a carefully considered, positive employment standards. This may cover a range of issues including gender, ethnicity, disability, beliefs and sexual orientation.

Ethical Values Led Exclusions
Tobacco & 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 & 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.

Controversial weapons exclusion

Excludes companies which make controversial weapons such as landmines, cluster munitions and chemical weapons.

Armaments manufacturers avoided

Avoids companies that manufacture weapons intended specifically for military use. Strategies vary - may or may not include non-strategic military products.

Civilian firearms production exclusion

Has 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.

Meeting Peoples' Basic Needs
Water / sanitation policy or theme

Have policies or themes that set out the position on investment in the water sector and/or sanitation. Strategies vary.

Demographic / ageing population theme

Has 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.

Responsible food production or agriculture theme

Has a responsible food production or agriculture theme or strand of investment. May have a single or many themes.

Healthcare / medical theme

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

Gilts & Sovereigns
Does not invest in sovereigns

Does not invest in / excludes 'sovereigns' - debt issued by governments. See eg https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/sovereign-debt.asp

Banking & Financials
Invests in banks

Can include banks as part of their holdings / portfolio.

Invests in insurers

May invest in insurance companies.

Governance & Management
Avoids companies with poor governance

Avoids 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.

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

Encourage board diversity e.g. gender

Encourage the companies they invest in to have more diverse board structures (e.g. more women on boards)

Encourage higher ESG standards through stewardship activity

Aim to encourage higher ESG standards through responsible ownership / stewardship / engagement /voting activity

Product / Service Governance
ESG integration strategy

Find fund / asset managers 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
Over 50% large cap companies

Invests more than half of their money into what are commonly regarded as 'large companies'. This will typically mean that the market capitalisation (or value) of the companies they hold is in excess of £5 to £10 billion.

Invests mostly in large cap companies / assets

Invests mainly in larger companies / assets. (e.g. over circa £5-£10bn)

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

Invests >25% of their capital in companies where a major part of their business is focused on helping to address environmental or social challenges.

Invests >50% of fund in environmental / social solutions companies

Invests >50% of their capital in companies where a major part of their business is focused on helping to address environmental or social challenges.

EU Sustainable Finance Taxonomy holdings 5-25% of assets

Invests in between 5-25% of capital in assets which meet the EU Taxonomy requirements. This will typically require adding up the proportion of each individual company's activity that is regarded as 'green' so that the manager can produce an overall total for the whole fund or portfolio.

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

Has policies 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.

Measures positive impacts

Aims to measure the positive real world environmental and / or social benefits that are associated with their investment strategy. Investments that aim to deliver positive impacts and measure those impacts may be referred to as 'Impact' - although impact measurement is not restricted to Impact investments. Strategies vary.

Described as an ‘impact investment’

Investments which are specifically marketed as ‘Impact investments' and work to deliver both financial performance and specific, measurable positive, real world social and/or environmental benefits. Strategies vary.

Positive environmental impact theme

Specifically sets out to help deliver positive environmental impacts, benefits or 'real world' outcomes.

Positive social impact theme

Specifically states that they aim to deliver positive social (i.e. people related) impacts and/or outcomes.

Invests in environmental solutions companies

Directs 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

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

Specifically sets 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.

Aim to deliver positive impacts through engagement

Aims to deliver positive environmental and or social impacts (real world benefits) through its engagement with investee assets

Over 50% in assets providing environmental or social ‘solutions’

Invests more than 50% of capital in assets which are regarded as being significantly focused on providing solutions to environmental or social challenges. Strategies vary.

Publish ‘Theory of Change’ explanation

Policy explains the ways in which the manager believes things need to change in order to deliver a more sustainable future, which they are working to help achieve.

How The Fund/Portfolio Works
Positive selection bias

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

Limited / few ethical exclusions

Has some exclusions - typically for example excludes tobacco or companies that breach commonly adopted standards or norms such as the UN Global Compact.

SRI / ESG / Ethical policies explained on website

Publish explanations of their ethical, social and/or environmental policies online (i.e. investment decision making strategies/ buy/sell &/or asset management strategies).

Do not use stock / securities lending

Does not use stock lending for performance or risk purposes.

Unscreened Assets & Cash
Assets typically aligned to sustainability objectives 70 - 79%

Holds between 70-79% of assets which align to the sustainability objectives; which are not being held purely for risk management purposes, such as derivatives and cash equivalent assets.

Assets typically aligned to sustainability objectives 80 – 89%

Holds between 80-89% of assets which align to the sustainability objectives; which are not being held purely for risk management purposes, such as derivatives and cash equivalent assets.

Assets typically aligned to sustainability objectives > 90%

Holds at least 90% of assets which align to the sustainability objectives; which are not being held purely for risk management purposes, such as derivatives and cash equivalent assets.

Intended Clients & Product Options
Intended for clients interested in sustainability

Designed to meet the needs of individual investors with an interest in sustainability issues.

Intended for clients who want to have a positive impact

Designed to meet the needs of individual investors with an interest in ‘Impact investment’ which help or support the delivery of positive social or environmental impacts (or societal/real world outcomes) by investing in companies regarded as beneficial to people and / or the planet. Strategies vary.

Labels & Accreditations
SDR Labelled

Find options that have chosen to adopt one of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) SDR labels. Please note: there are a range of reasons why potentially relevant options may not use an SDR label eg. adopting a label may be work in progress, the manager may not yet be allowed to do so because of the product type, a manager may feel they are insufficiently aligned to SDR requirements.

ACT signatory

A voluntary corporate culture standard for investment managers, see https://www.investorsact.com/ - City Hive

Fund Management Company Information

About The Business
Responsible ownership / stewardship policy or strategy (AFM companywide)

Finds fund / asset management companies that have a published company wide stewardship, engagement and / or responsible ownership policy or strategy that covers all investments. Stewardship typically involves encouraging higher ESG standards through voting and dialogue.

ESG / SRI engagement (AFM companywide)

Find fund / asset management companies that actively encourage higher 'environmental, social and governance' and / or 'sustainable and responsible investment' practices across investee companies - typically where the aim is to encourage positive change that is aligned with the best interests of investors. Strategies vary. See additional information and options.

Vote all* shares at AGMs / EGMs (AFM companywide)

Find fund / asset managers that vote all* the shares they own at Annual General Meetings and Extraordinary General Meetings. A commitment to voting shares is a key indicator of 'responsible share ownership' demonstrating their support for or disagreement with management policy. (*situations can legitimately, occasionally occur where voting proves impossible, but in principle all shares should be voted.)

Responsible ownership / ESG a key differentiator (AFM companywide)

Find fund / asset managers that consider responsible ownership and ESG to be a key differentiator for their business.

Senior management KPIs include environmental goals (AFM companywide)

The leadership team of this fund / asset manager have performance targets linked to environmental goals.

SDG aligned aims / objectives (AFM companywide)

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

Responsible ownership policy for non SRI / sustainable options (AFM companywide)

Find options run by managers that apply Responsible ownership or 'Stewardship' policies to all or most of their investment assets. This means active involvement (e.g. voting, dialogue) with the companies across all or most funds, products and services.

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

Find fund / asset 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.

In-house diversity improvement programme (AFM companywide)

Finds organisations / fund managers that have an in-house (company wide) diversity improvement programme - meaning that they are working to ensure that within their own businesses they employ people from diverse backgrounds - often typically focused on ethnicity and/or sex.

Invests in new sustainability linked bond issuances (AFM companywide)

Fund / asset management company has investments in bonds designed to meet sustainability requirements - however these assets may not be 'ringfenced' for this purpose. See website for details.

Offer structured intermediary sustainable investment training

Fund management entity offers unstructured intermediary training on sustainable investment (ie for financial advisers and wealth managers)

Collaborations & Affiliations
PRI signatory

Find fund / asset management companies that have signed up to the UN backed 'Principles of Responsible Investment'.

TNFD forum member (AFM companywide)

A member of the Taskforce for Nature Related Financial Disclosures group which aims to aid risk management and shift money towards nature-positive outcomes.

Investment Association (IA) member

Fund management entity is a member of the Investment Association https://www.theia.org/

Resources
In-house responsible ownership / voting expertise

Find fund / asset management companies that employ people to steer and support fund managers in voting shares at company AGM's and EGMs in ways that are consistent with encouraging higher ESG/sustainability standards.

Employ specialist ESG / SRI / sustainability researchers

Find a fund / asset management company that directly employs specialist ESG/SRI/sustainability researchers or analysts. This allows asset managers to discuss environmental, social and governance risks and opportunities directly with companies.

Use specialist ESG / SRI / sustainability research companies

Find fund / asset 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 companywide)

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

Accreditations
PRI A+ rated (AFM companywide)

Finds organisations / fund managers that have an A+ PRI rating - meaning they are highly rated according to the 'Principles of Responsible Investment'

UK Stewardship Code signatory (AFM companywide)

Find fund / asset managers that are signatories to the FRC UK Stewardship Code, which sets out a framework for constructive investor / investee relations where managers are encouraged to behave like responsible, typically longer term 'company owners'.

Engagement Approach
Regularly lead collaborative ESG initiatives (AFM companywide)

Find fund / asset management companies that regularly initiate or run industry wide (collaborative) investor projects aimed at raising environmental, social and governance standards amongst investee companies.

Engaging on climate change issues

Fund / asset manager has stewardship /responsible ownership strategy that is focused on addressing climate change with investee assets.

Engaging with fossil fuel companies on climate change

Fund / asset manager has a stewardship /responsible ownership strategy that involves working with fossil fuel companies on climate change related issues. See fund manager website for details.

Engaging to reduce plastics pollution / waste

Fund / asset manager has stewardship /responsible ownership strategy with involves encouraging investee asset to reduce plastic waste and pollution.

Engaging to encourage responsible mining practices

Fund / asset manager has a stewardship / responsible ownership policy that means they are working to encourage more responsible mining practices - where environmental and social issues are properly dealt with by the companies they invest in.

Engaging on biodiversity / nature issues

The fund / asset manager has a responsible ownership / stewardship strategy that focuses on biodiversity and nature issues relating to the assets they invest the aim of which will be to reduce harm and or deliver improvement. Strategies vary. https://tnfd.global

Engaging to encourage a Just Transition

Fund / asset manager has a responsible ownership / stewardship strategy which means they are working to encourage the shift to more sustainable business practices in ways that respect and are sensitive to social issues and the impact change has on people effected by the changes that are taking place. https://www.transitionpathwayinitiative.org/ https://transitiontaskforce.net/

Engaging on human rights issues

Fund / asset manager has responsible ownership / stewardship strategy in place which aims to address human rights issues in investee companies (and potentially their suppliers) with the aim of raising standards

Engaging on labour / employment issues

Fund / asset manager has responsible ownership / stewardship strategy in place that aims to improve labour standards for the benefit of employees in investee companies (and potentially their suppliers)

Engaging on diversity, equality & / or inclusion issues

Fund / asset management company has a stewardship strategy in place which involves working to raise diversity, equality and inclusion standards across investee assets

Engaging to stop modern slavery

Fund / asset manager is working with the assets they hold to help stamp out modern slavery - where direct or indirect company employees are exploited for business benefits.

Engaging on governance issues

Fund / asset managers have stewardship strategies in place that focus on improving governance standards across investee assets

Engaging on responsible supply chain issues

Has a stewardship / responsible ownership strategy that encourages responsible supply chain - ie the managers will discuss environmental, social and governance issues with investee companies with the aim of raising standards

Stewardship escalation policy

Escalation policies describe how a manager will proceed if stewardship / engagement activity is not successful in the short term.

Company Wide Exclusions
Controversial weapons avoidance policy (AFM companywide)

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

Climate & Net Zero Transition
Net Zero commitment (AFM companywide)

Fund / asset management organisations that have pledged to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions to ‘net zero’. Strategies vary - this area is changing rapidly.

Voting policy includes net zero targets (AFM companywide)

Fund / asset manager AGM / EGM voting strategy has processes in place that mean they will normally be expected to vote in a way that will encourage the transition to net zero greenhouse gas emissions.

Net Zero - have set a Net Zero target date (AFM companywide)

This fund / asset management company has set a date by which they plan to achieve net zero greenhouse gas / CO2e emissions.

Encourage carbon / greenhouse gas reduction (AFM companywide)

Find fund / asset management companies that are working with the companies they invest in to encourage reductions in carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions.

Carbon transition plan published (AFM companywide)

Finds organisations / fund managers that have a company wide carbon transition plan - meaning that they have plotted a path to how they will move away from activities that produce or use carbon based energy sources (that emit greenhouse gases) towards clean, alternative, renewable energy sources.

‘Forward Looking Climate Metrics’ published / ITR (AFM companywide)

Finds organisations / fund managers that have published ‘forward looking climate metrics’ e.g. 'implied temperature rise' data that are a total of the asset management company's share (% owned) of all the investee company emissions of the assets they manage, as well as their own direct and other indirect emissions.

Carbon offsetting - offset carbon as part of net zero plan (AFM companywide)

This fund / asset management company plans to achieve net zero greenhouse gas (CO2e) emissions with the help of a scheme that will lock away an amount of carbon that is equivalent to the company’s own emissions – so that the end result is ‘net zero’. Calculations and scope vary.

Transparency
Publish responsible ownership / stewardship report (AFM companywide)

Find fund / asset management companies that publish a report detailing their responsible investment ownership - also known as 'Stewardship' - activity.

Full stewardship / responsible ownership policy information on company website

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

Full stewardship / responsible ownership policy information available on request

Find fund / asset management companies that will supply information about their sustainable and responsible investment activity on request.

Just Transition policy on website (AFM companywide)

This fund / asset management company has published information on their website about the delivery of a 'just transition' - ie the delivery of the necessary shift to a sustainable future that takes full account of social implications - how change effects people. See eg https://www.unepfi.org/social-issues/just-transition/ or LSE Grantham

Publish full voting record (AFM companywide)

Fund / asset management companies that publish a full record of how they vote their shares at AGMs (annual general meetings) and EGMs (extraordinary general meetings). Voting strategies have an important role to play encouraging higher environmental, social and governance standards.

Sustainability transition plan publicly available (AFM companywide)

This fund / asset management company has published a plan that explains how they are to become a sustainable business - without significant negative environmental or social impacts.

Paris Alignment plan publicly available (AFM companywide)

This fund / asset management company has published a plan that explains how they will align to the climate change commitments made at the Paris Climate Talks, COP21.

Net Zero transition plan publicly available (AFM companywide)

This fund / asset management company has published a plan that explains how they are going to achieve net zero greenhouse gas / CO2e emissions.

Comments

Please note: 

  • Responsible Ownership/ESG a key differentiator (AFM company wide) - applies to certain sustainable strategies 
  • Senior management KPIs include environmental goals (AFM company wide) - does not apply to all of senior management, notably CEO and Chief Sustainability Officer.
  • SDG aligned aims/objectives (AFM company wide) - climate targets relate to SDG 13, although not formally aligned.
  • Voting policy includes net zero targets (AFM company wide) - whilst zero targets are not explicitly stated, we will vote against where insufficient action is being taken 
  • Carbon offsetting – offset carbon as part of our net zero plan (AFM company wide) - for operations, not investments
  • In house carbon/GHG reduction policy (AFM company wide) - for operations, investments are a coverage target
  • Just Transition policy on website (AFM company wide) - whilst not an explicit policy, we detail our approach to a Just Transition within our sustainability policy report

Sustainable, Responsible &/or ESG Policy:

The Strategy places ESG analysis and criteria at the heart of its investment decisions, embedding it within all steps of our investment process. We view ESG criteria as a component of both risk and opportunity, and we seek to avoid those businesses with significant negative ESG exposure and allocate capital to those with positive ESG exposure. We screen for ESG elements in our universe screen, we rank for sustainability indicators in our idea generation phase, and our fundamental analysis approach dives deep on all ESG and sustainability considerations, using our proprietary Capitals Framework to assess externalities and sustainable opportunities, and capturing these insights directly into our internally built and maintained company models. Our portfolio construction process aims to create a balance between the identified ESG opportunities, and our engagement and reporting processes place transparency, ESG-relevancy, and sustainability at the centre.

 The Capitals Framework enables the analysis of companies' externalities across various dimensions of sustainability: natural capital, social capital and human capital:

  • Our Natural Capital analysis covers carbon, biodiversity, and water.
  • Our Social Capital analysis considers stakeholder interactions and diversity and inclusion.
  • Our Human Capital analysis draws heavily on our distinctive methodology for evaluating corporate culture and considers ownership mindset, recognition, trust, and support.

We use this framework to analyse those points of interaction between companies and the society and environments they operate in, and evaluate their magnitude, materiality, and importance (how they may influence a company’s return potential). Our Capitals Framework ultimately allows us to identify Sustainability Leaders.

Features of the framework:

  • Aligned with our investment philosophy: the analysis centres on the drivers of growth and returns.
  • Embedded within our fundamental analysis: externalities analysis directly influences the investment case.
  • Focused on value creation: the ultimate aim of the analysis is to understand how an investment creates or destroys value for all stakeholders.
  • Proprietary and systematic: incorporating both qualitative and quantitative assessments, the framework is proprietary and enables the systematic analysis of complex areas. We do not rely on third-party ESG data providers.

The strategy employs a bespoke bottom-up investment process designed specifically for the relevant diverse universe of global equities that are best positioned to capture the long-term secular growth opportunities arising from the shift towards sustainability. We look to identify companies providing solutions to sustainability challenges where the corporate sector plays a key role, and which have significant potential for long-term, structural growth. We have developed methodologies to identify companies that we believe are genuinely providing sustainable solutions to unmet needs across six structural growth areas: 

  1. Decarbonisation: we see significant structural growth potential for companies that provide products and services that contribute to reducing carbon emissions;
  2. Climate adaptation, water & pollution management: we see significant structural growth potential for companies that provide products and services that help manage the impact of climate change, creating a diverse global climate adaptation investment universe. This methodology expands into water and pollution management where we see significant need for products and services given resource constraints and ageing infrastructure and a large amount of public funding is going towards tackling water scarcity, creating attractive long-term growth opportunities for companies with leading solutions;
  3. Healthcare impact: we see significant structural growth potential for healthcare impact companies that address unmet needs through innovation in healthcare products and services, and by extending healthcare access to underserved regions and communities. 
  4. Financial inclusion: we see significant structural growth potential for companies that drive financial inclusion by providing underserved cohorts with accessible financial products and services;
  5. Digital inclusion: investing to close the digital divide is more urgent than ever. Small and medium-sized enterprises are significant contributors to commerce and innovation globally, and supporting their inclusion in a digital economy continues to grow in importance in all countries; and
  6. Access to education: we see significant structural growth potential for companies that extend quality education and training to underserved cohort and address global skills gaps. 

The investment process incorporates proprietary models, such as our sustainable revenues screen, our detailed company-level fundamental financial and risk modelling and corporate culture assessment, but ultimately relies on our qualitative decisions.

This structured and disciplined investment process is designed to efficiently focus analysts’ time on the deep fundamental research of a shortlist of companies that make it through our universe filter and idea generation, to identify businesses with sustainable drivers of structural growth, competitive advantages, and sustainable returns. The portfolio is then constructed from the bottom-up, based on the level of conviction in each position. Ongoing management and monitoring of holdings are intrinsically linked with our engagement work and active stewardship.

Process:

The strategy employs a bespoke bottom-up investment process designed specifically for the relevant diverse universe of global equities that are best positioned to capture the long-term secular growth opportunities arising from the shift towards sustainability. We look to identify companies providing solutions to sustainability challenges where the corporate sector plays a key role, and which have significant potential for long-term, structural growth. We have developed methodologies to identify companies that we believe are genuinely providing sustainable solutions to unmet needs across six structural growth areas: 

  1. Healthcare impact: we see significant structural growth potential for healthcare impact companies that address unmet needs through innovation in healthcare products and services, and by extending healthcare access to underserved regions and communities. 
  2. Financial inclusion: we see significant structural growth potential for companies that drive financial inclusion by providing underserved cohorts with accessible financial products and services.
  3. Decarbonisation: we see significant structural growth potential for companies that provide products and services that contribute to reducing carbon emissions.
  4. Climate adaptation, water & pollution management: we see significant structural growth potential for companies that provide products and services that help manage the impact of climate change, creating a diverse global climate adaptation investment universe. This methodology expands into water and pollution management where we see significant need for products and services given resource constraints and ageing infrastructure and a large amount of public funding is going towards tackling water scarcity, creating attractive long-term growth opportunities for companies with leading solutions.
  5. Digital inclusion: investing to close the digital divide is more urgent than ever. Small and medium-sized enterprises are significant contributors to commerce and innovation globally, and supporting their inclusion in a digital economy continues to grow in importance in all countries.
  6. Access to education: we see significant structural growth potential for companies that extend quality education and training to underserved cohort and address global skills gaps. 

 

The investment process incorporates proprietary models, such as our sustainable revenues screen, our detailed company-level fundamental financial and risk modelling and corporate culture assessment, but ultimately relies on our qualitative decisions.

This structured and disciplined investment process is designed to efficiently focus analysts’ time on the deep fundamental research of a shortlist of companies that make it through our universe filter and idea generation, to identify businesses with sustainable drivers of structural growth, competitive advantages, and sustainable returns. The portfolio is then constructed from the bottom-up, based on the level of conviction in each position. Ongoing management and monitoring of holdings are intrinsically linked with our engagement work and active stewardship.

The five defined stages to the investment process are described in further detail below:

1) Universe Screen

The investment team constructs a sustainable investment universe by screening for companies with more than 50% of revenues across one or more of the Bloomberg Industry Classification Standards (BICS) categories we believe align to sustainability challenges. These companies have the potential to capture the long-term secular growth opportunities arising from the shift towards a more sustainable future. It is important to think not just about the direct beneficiaries of this sustainable transition, but the entire related supply chains that need to be built up. The universe comprises ~5,000 companies across sectors, regions, and market capitalisations.

The investment team also filters based on our defined set of externalities and research- driven exclusions; these are not ethically or morally derived exclusions. These can be found on our website here

 

2) Idea Generation 

The main source of idea generation is a ranking of the resultant universe based on key financial, sustainability and competitive advantage metrics that reflect the structural growth, competitive advantage, and sustainable return characteristics that we seek in businesses. The ranking stimulates team debate, whilst analyst experience and knowledge enable a qualitative overlay to broaden the idea pool as appropriate. The metrics chosen derives from decades of investment team and firm-wide experience as well as rigorous back-testing and relevant cross-sector analysis. This screen directs analyst research, which can then lead to further qualitative idea generation.

We have also integrated an internal sustainability indicator into this part of the process. This indicator assesses companies across various sustainability and ESG factors that we've identified as being likely to have a financial impact on a company, with each company appraised relative to its sector. Once a company screens to be included in stage three (Fundamental Analysis), we perform our own sustainability analysis of the company. This is an integral part of the investment process as we believe that companies with strong sustainability characteristics, focused on minimising their negative externalities, can outperform over time.

 

3) Fundamental analysis

Once a company comes through our idea generation screen, we move it to the next stage of the investment process where the team conducts the fundamental analysis to identify whether sustainability factors and competitive advantages are underpriced by the market. This diagram summarises our approach to fundamental analysis:

The first stage of our fundamental analysis process is focused on the company’s business model and whether it fits with our requirement for structural growth, sustainable returns and competitive advantage. At this stage we also carry out our own sustainability  analysis by assessing the externalities generated by the company. When we are comfortable that the company fulfils our requirement and there are no material sustainability risks, we take it forward to a second, more detailed stage of fundamental analysis.

We also conduct detailed fundamental analysis of sub-sectors and technologies exposed to the sustainable structural growth areas that we invest in. This helps us to inform and stress test our company models. See our paper “A sustainable investment edge” for more details on the structural growth we expect to see from these areas.

The key areas of our company research are described below:

 

a) Company analysis and understanding on structural growth opportunity 

The investment team works through a rigorous checklist for each investment idea. We want to find the best companies in our universe which are intrinsically undervalued. 

The team conducts fundamental analysis by constructing detailed models. We build sustainability insights directly into our financial models, enabling us to construct portfolios of companies where the sustainable investment case is underappreciated by the market and where we therefore expect sustainability to be a driver of long-term alpha.

Using our proprietary Capitals Framework, we assess companies qualitatively and quantitatively through a lens that incorporates relevant stakeholders, to evaluate how a company’s impacts on its stakeholders are likely to influence its growth and return potential. 

 

b) Competitive advantage

Market participants systematically underestimate the quantum and persistence of returns in cases where businesses have sustainable long-term competitive advantages. This results in exploitable inefficiencies. Our competitive advantage analysis can be simplified by answering the key questions/topics shown below:

  1. Company factors: culture, technology, brand, cost competitiveness, R&D spend, and market share; and 
  2. Market factors: market growth, pricing power, barriers to entry, substitutes, and consumer acceptance.

We use these competitive advantage factors to determine the long-term sustainability of the business in question. In addition, we believe a strong balance sheet and outstanding management are also a competitive advantage and ensure we cover these factors during our fundamental analysis. We pay particular attention to having an informed perspective of the competitive advantage period and how that translates into the sustainable margin, cash flow generation and/or economic value added. 

Culture is an aspect of a company’s competitive advantage we believe is often poorly understood by investors as it is challenging to evaluate and consequently may be mispriced – suggesting an opportunity for active investors. We only buy a stock when we have made a culture assessment of a company, using our bespoke corporate-culture framework. This framework draws on insights from company meetings, academic collaborations, expert-network access and employee resources. The framework was developed from a collaborative research project between Ninety One’s Investment Institute and Alex Edmans, Professor of Finance at London Business School. For more information on our corporate culture work, refer to our paper “Culture as a driver of sustainable alpha”. The goal of this step is to identify areas of competitive advantage often overlook and mispriced.

We believe this analysis helps us identify companies that can create value by generating a return on investment. 

 

c) Return profile and growth

It is important to note that profitable growth and efficient use of capital is embedded within each of the above calculations. Structural growth and sustainable returns are two key drivers of our stock selection and analysis. We believe growth and compounding characteristics are key factors in determining a reasonable fair value for any company. In compounders, we are looking for enduring competitive advantages and companies with a durable and resilient outlook. We therefore do not claim to be only growth or only value investors, instead we invest in the leading companies within our universe where we believe there is underappreciated value. 

 

d) Valuation

The team conducts full financial and valuation analysis by constructing individual company models to determine the growth, earning, cash generation, and intrinsic value of the companies under review. Our proprietary equity models are maintained within the team and contain our own forecasts which embed our sustainability insights both on the impact opportunity side as well as from a risk and negative externality perspective. Research from earlier parts of the process is used and built on here. In undertaking full income statement, cashflow statement and balance sheet analysis we can focus on specific financial metrics which we believe to be the drivers of long-term returns. The output of the equity analysis is a target price for the company across different scenarios. We aim to buy companies with attractive blended upside and positive valuation skew.

 

e) Management, sustainability, and engagement assessment

Capital allocation decisions and operational performance are important considerations for us when evaluating management. Much of these considerations feed into our competitive advantage and valuation work. We also place huge significance on sustainability factors as highlighted in our initial screens. Sustainability reports and net zero emissions targets are important throughout our fundamental analysis as well as topics featuring in team debates.

This fundamental bottom-up research stage of the investment process also includes company meetings and onsite visits where we will focus on all the key factors mentioned above. We will only buy a stock for the portfolio after we have met with company management.

When all factors described above score positively for an investment idea, we will add it to our list of best ideas[1] and compare to the existing holdings. 

 

4) Portfolio Construction

The portfolio is constructed from the bottom-up in a benchmark-agnostic fashion, using the best ideas from previous stages of the investment process. We take an absolute contribution to risk-based approach to portfolio construction such that our highest-conviction stocks represent the highest contribution to risk. We consider elements such as the strength of sustainability credentials, competitive advantages, carbon footprint and trajectory and the contribution to the portfolio's overall risk. The portfolio is then reviewed at a sub-sector level with regards to overall risk budget, sub-sector risks, stress tests and style analytics metrics. Weightings may then be adjusted accordingly. We use MSCI Barra One for quantitative portfolio risk analysis and optimisation.

We constantly reassess our portfolio positions. Our decision whether to buy or sell a stock will be based on the risk-reward trade-off, in both isolation and in a portfolio context, and is also determinant on our conviction in the sustainability opportunity within the company, including the ability to make a positive impact to society or the environment. If we assess a degradation in any of these pillars when analysing an existing holding, it could lead to us selling such an investment.

 

5) Engagement and Reporting

We believe that individual and collective engagements are powerful tools to effect positive change. We meet management and set engagement goals for all portfolio companies, with an explicit focus on the disclosure of KPIs that allow us to measure the impact of their products and services, growth of these KPIs, adoption of net-zero commitments and science-based targets, as well as to engage on any material sustainability or financial matters. Engagement is bespoke and generates information that feeds back into our portfolio monitoring, including valuable insights into company progress and any culture changes. Key principles of our engagement approach are set out below:

  1. We set engagement goals for all portfolio companies, engage regularly, reporting progress to clients in our annual sustainability report. 
  2. Many of the engagement topics are long-term in nature and we acknowledge progress incrementally.
  3. We also vote on proxies to hold board and management teams accountable to the highest standards.

In our annual sustainability report, we provide transparency on positions and company engagement, as well as an explanation of why we believe the companies may see structural growth and have a competitive advantage.

 

Measuring impact and sustainability

While our preference is to quantify the impact of the sustainable solutions delivered by the companies we own where possible, not all positive impacts can be perfectly quantified today. We do not believe this should prevent investors from providing the capital required support a more sustainable future. In reporting on impact, we are transparent about our choice of KPI used to determine impact, and will explain any changes in these KPIs over time as data and company reporting evolves. Below is an example of these company level KPIs from our most recent impact report.

Resources, Affiliations & Corporate Strategies:

Ninety One operates a fully integrated approach to ESG, sustainability and stewardship. Therefore sustainability knowledge and expertise is held across a number of areas of the business. The Sustainability Committee oversees the sustainability ecosystem in the business. Ninety One’s firm-wide sustainability strategy and initiatives are overseen by the Chief Sustainability Officer, Nazmeera Moola, supported by the central Sustainability team. This includes investment integration, advocacy, corporate transition to net zero and developing and implementing efforts to mobilise dedicated funding for an inclusive and sustainable transition. 

Ultimately, the investment teams have responsibility for managing sustainability risks and opportunities within their investment process through their integration frameworks. We place a big emphasis on ensuring that the investment teams have the appropriate knowledge, insights, data and tools so that the expertise is a truly integrated part of the investment process. The investment teams are supported by dedicated ESG specialists across our Sustainability team and Investment Risk team. We also have further expertise that we can draw upon from the portfolio managers managing our dedicated sustainability strategies, and other sustainability specialists that are dedicated to individual investment teams.

The below provides an overview of the teams, committees and forums with oversight and responsibility for various aspects of sustainability: 

Sustainable, Social & Ethics Committee (SS&E)

  • Oversees compliance with sustainability, social and ethical commitments, targets, and performance.
  • Reviews sustainability initiatives and implementation across the three pillars of the framework.

Sustainability Committee (SC)

  • Responsible for the internal oversight of Sustainability and Stewardship, including:
  • Determining sustainability strategy and monitoring progress on ESG integration, stewardship, advocacy, climate risk, regulation, and other related matters.
  • Ensuring alignment of focus and integrity throughout the business.

Sustainable Investment Advisory Committee (SIAF)

  • Responsible for the internal coordination and challenge of investment-related sustainability issues:
  • Ensuring alignment and compliance of products with sustainability and impact objectives.
  • Serving as a forum for consultation and discussion on sustainability initiatives, guidelines, and policies.

Sustainability Team

Central custodian of the firm-wide Sustainability strategy, responsible for:

  • Development of strategy and sustainability and stewardship policies and frameworks.
  • Promoting best practice ESG integration and stewardship across investment teams.
  • Coordinating and leading advocacy and firmwide sustainability initiatives.
  • Providing sustainability expertise and monitoring implementation of sustainability strategy.

Investment Risk Team

  • Oversight and challenge of firm-wide ESG risk assessment, management, and integration quality.
  • Management of ESG and climate risk data.

Investment Operations: Proxy Voting

  • Coordination and execution of the voting process.
  • Work with the sustainability team to align voting with strategic initiatives.

Investment Teams

  • Responsible for developing ESG integration frameworks and engagement priorities.
  • Undertaking ESG analysis, engagement, and voting.
  • Supporting firmwide initiatives.

Product Development

  • Manages sustainable product strategy and product development process.

 Compliance

  • Coordinates input on, advises on, and ensures implementation of sustainability-related regulation.

 

We seek to contribute meaningfully to the conversation on sustainability and to encourage a deeper focus on sustainability-related issues in all of the jurisdictions where we invest, always to the benefit of our clients and their long-term investment outcomes. We may collaborate with other investors as part of an engagement strategy if it can contribute to achieving our engagement objectives and can help address the relevant risks. . Our membership of regional and global organisations facilitates this.

Below details our firmwide collaborative partnerships and our role:

  • Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Declaration
    Start date: 2023
    Objective: Participate in regional industry initiatives signalling commitment to sustainable finance.
    Our role:
    • We are signatories to the declaration.
    • We join monthly meetings on progress on sustainable finance in Abu Dhabi.
    • We participate in local events hosted by ADSFD or ADGM where relevant.

 

  • Access to Medicine Foundation
    Start date: 2023
    Objective: Expand access to medicine and encourage healthcare companies to do more to reach people in low- and middle-income countries.
    Our role:
    • Ninety One has pledged support to the Foundation’s research.
    • Ninety One has signed the Access to Medicine Index Investor Statement.

 

  • Assessing Sovereign Climate-related Opportunities and Risks (ASCOR) Project
    Start date: 2021
    Objective: Develop a globally adopted climate assessment framework for sovereigns’ performance and governance on climate, including a just transition.
    Our role:
    • We are advisory board members.
    • We are funders of Phase 2 of the ASCOR project.

 

  • Association for Savings and Investment South Africa (ASISA)
    Start date: 2008
    Objective: Ensure that the South African savings and investment industry remains relevant and sustainable into the future in the interest of its members, the country and its citizens.
    Our role:
    • We actively participate in collaborative engagements and working groups.
    • We serve on the Responsible Investment Committee.
    • Thabo Khojane, Managing Director of our South African business, is a member of ASISA’s board and several committees, including the Executive Committee.

 

  • Chatham House Asia-Pacific Programme
    Start date: 2018
    Objective: Provide objective analysis of issues affecting APAC, engage decision-makers and undertake research to inform and influence policy.
    Our role:
    • We aim to actively contribute to conversations with academics, diplomats and policymakers.

 

  • CDP
    Start date: 2010
    Objective: Advocate for and implement increased disclosure on climate, water and forest issues for increased transparency.
    Our role:
    • We participated in the no-disclosure campaign.
    • Two investee companies we engaged with disclosed to CDP on Climate Change in 2024.

 

  • TheCityUK Green and Sustainable Finance Group
    Start date: 2026
    Objective: Focus on ensuring UK policy and regulations promote the UK as an internationally competitive and globally attractive destination for green investment.
    Our role:
    • We are a working group member.

 

  • Climate Action 100+
    Start date: 2018
    Objective: Ensure the largest corporate emitters take climate action.
    Our role:
    • We are involved in collaborative engagements with companies to ensure they minimise and disclose climate risks.
    • We co-lead engagements on three companies.

 

  • Crisis Group
    Start date: 2014
    Objective: Work to shape policies that will build a more peaceful world.
    Our role:
    • We leverage Crisis Group’s expertise in our investment decision-making and engagements.
    • We are involved with its Ambassador Council.
    • We are members of its Peacebuilding Society.

 

  • Emerging Markets and Developing Economies (EMDE) Investor Taskforce
    Start date: 2025
    Objective: Unlock private investment aimed at tackling climate change and seizing sustainable growth opportunities across emerging markets and developing economies.
    Our role:
    • Our CEO is an industry co-chair of the Taskforce.

 

  • Emerging Markets Investor Alliance
    Start date: 2019
    Objective: Enable institutional emerging market investors to support good governance, promote sustainable development and improve investment performance.
    Our role:
    • We are involved in working groups, particularly relating to fiscal transparency.
    • We lead some working groups and participate in others.

 

  • Farm Animal Investment Risk & Return (FAIRR)
    Start date: 2019
    Objective: Raise awareness of the material ESG risks and opportunities of intensive livestock production.
    Our role:
    • We participate in collaborative conversations to identify and engage on material ESG risks and opportunities in protein supply chains.

 

  • The Food Foundation
    Start date: 2025
    Objective: Drive change in food policy and business practice to ensure everyone can afford and access healthy and sustainable food.
    Our role:
    • We participate in meetings and conversations to gain further knowledge on food policy and business practice.
    • We support efforts to ensure everyone in the UK can afford and access a healthy diet.

 

  • Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ)
    Start date: 2021
    Objective: Convene firms from leading net zero initiatives across finance to accelerate the transition to net zero by 2050.
    Our role:
    • We are members of the Principal and Steering Group for GFANZ.
    • We are on the GFANZ Africa Board.
    • We actively participate in other GFANZ activities.

 

  • Global Climate Financial Centre (GCFC)
    Start date: 2023
    Objective: Drive the transformation of the UAE’s financial markets and institutions towards a more sustainable future.
    Our role:
    • We participate as Steering Committee members in the strategic direction of the GCFC.
    • We contribute to collateral, expert discussions and other deliverables.

 

  • Global Investor Commission on Mining 2030
    Start date: 2023
    Objective: Recognise the mining industry’s role in the energy transition and the need for it to manage systemic risks.
    Our role:
    • We are members of the Steering Committee.
    • We reviewed the Landscape Report launched in October 2024.

 

  • ISSB Investor Advisory Group
    Start date: 2025
    Objective: Improve the quality and comparability of sustainability-related financial disclosures.
    Our role:
    • Our CSO is a group member.

 

  • Institute of International Finance (IIF)
    Start date: 2021
    Objective: Support the finance industry to manage risks, develop best practices and advocate for policies that foster stability and sustainable growth.
    Our role:
    • We participate in global membership meetings.
    • We participate in collaborative efforts on financial policy and regulatory matters.

 

  • Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change (IIGCC)
    Start date: 2018
    Objective: Provide investors with a collaborative platform to encourage policies, practices and behaviour that address climate risks and opportunities.
    Our role:
    • We co-chair the investor practices programme.
    • We participate in the net zero implementation working group.
    • We participate in the corporate bond stewardship working group.

 

  • The Investment Association (UK)
    Start date: 2002
    Objective: Help the finance industry support the economy, provide access to fair and effective markets, and embed standards of sustainable governance.
    Our role:
    • We are full members.
    • We take part in various working groups.

 

  • The Investor and Issuer Forum
    Start date: 2025
    Objective: Enhance the effectiveness of UK equity markets with a clear focus on sustainable value creation.
    Our role:
    • Hendrik du Toit is on the Steering Committee.

 

  • The Investor Forum
    Start date: 2017
    Objective: Position stewardship at the heart of investment decision-making.
    Our role:
    • We participate in targeted strategic governance engagements.

 

  • Investor Leadership Network
    Start date: 2022
    Objective: Create a collaborative platform for addressing sustainability and long-term growth.
    Our role:
    • We contribute to three workstreams: private capital mobilisation; diversity, equity and inclusion; and climate change.
    • We contributed to the Blended Finance Handbook.

 

  • National Business Initiative
    Start date: 2022
    Objective: Work towards sustainable growth and development in South Africa and shape a sustainable future through responsible business action.
    Our role:
    • We contribute to working groups focused on South Africa’s net-zero transition and transition finance.
    • We sponsored the NBI South African pavilion at COP29.

 

  • Nature Action 100
    Start date: 2023
    Objective: Drive greater corporate ambition and action to reverse nature and biodiversity loss.
    Our role:
    • We have joined four collaborative engagements to improve nature-related disclosures at focus companies.

 

  • Net Zero Asset Managers Initiative (NZAMI)
    Start date: 2021
    Objective: Support investing aligned with net zero by 2050.
    Our role:
    • We are a signatory and have set net zero targets.
    • We have submitted our targets to the initiative.
    • We report progress annually.

 

  • PRI
    Start date: 2008
    Objective: Understand the implications of ESG factors and support investor signatories in incorporating them.
    Our role:
    • We are a signatory.
    • We participate in workstreams.
    • We present at UNPRI events.
    • We take part in collaborative engagements.

 

  • Responsible Investment Association (RIA) Canada
    Start date: 2021
    Objective: Promote responsible investment in retail and institutional markets.
    Our role:
    • We aim to support the RIA to advance responsible investment in Canada.

 

  • SOAS China Institute
    Start date: 2021
    Objective: Promote research and teaching on China, channelling expertise to government and business.
    Our role:
    • We aim to actively contribute to conversations with academics, diplomats and policymakers.

 

  • Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI)
    Start date: 2021
    Objective: Accelerate the transition to a sustainable future by engaging public, private and philanthropic sectors.
    Our role:
    • We participate in the Asset Manager / Asset Owner Taskforce.
    • We participate in the Blended Finance Taskforce.

 

  • Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD)
    Start date: 2018
    Objective: Develop consistent climate-related financial risk disclosures for companies, banks and investors.
    Our role:
    • We support the recommendations.
    • We publish a TCFD report in our Integrated Annual Report.

 

  • Task Force on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) Forum
    Start date: 2022
    Objective: Develop a risk management and disclosure framework for nature-related risks.
    Our role:
    • We aim to support consultative work to develop the TNFD recommendations, including via the TNFD Forum.

 

  • Transition Finance Council
    Start date: 2025
    Objective: Raise and deploy transition finance in the UK.
    Our role:
    • We are members of the working group on credibility and integrity.
    • We are members of the working group on scaling transition finance.

 

  • Transition Pathway Initiative (TPI)
    Start date: 2019
    Objective: Assess companies’ preparedness for the energy transition.
    Our role:
    • We support the initiative.
    • We use the data it produces to assist our understanding of climate risks and opportunities.

 

  • World Bank Private Sector Investment Lab
    Start date: 2023
    Objective: Develop solutions that address existing barriers to private sector investment in emerging markets and developing economies.
    Our role:
    • We are members of working groups developing solutions that increase catalytic equity and risk-mitigation instruments.

Dialshifter

This fund is helping to ‘shift the dial from brown to green’ by…

investing in companies with sustainable drivers that are helping to build a better world. Our investment philosophy is focused on pricing positive and negative externalities better than the market, meaning the fund invests in businesses that can deliver sustainable structural growth by providing solutions to sustainability challenges, and can effectively manage sustainability risks. Central to this is carbon reduction in line with the Paris Agreement; all companies we own must have verified science-based targets by 2030 and a large proportion of the portfolio is invested in companies providing decarbonization solutions across renewable energy, electrification and resource efficiency pathways.

 

SDR Labelling:

Sustainability Impact label

Key Performance Indicators:

The Investment Manager identifies and measures a key performance indicator (KPI) which represents the number or value of products and/or services provided, volume of resource benefit, or the number of people made more resilient in areas at high risk of extreme weather events or long-term climate or pollution impacts, particularly those in low and middle-income regions, who are disproportionately affected by these challenges. For example, a provider of flood insurance products that enable those at greater risk of flooding to protect the value of their homes may be measured by the number of individuals purchasing the insurance policies or ‘Water saved’ represents the quantity of water recycled and treated by a company’s products to help customers safeguard precious water resources by holistically addressing water safety and scarcity.

Fund Holdings

Voting Record

Disclaimer

The personal information contained in this document is confidential, and only for the information of the intended recipient.  

This communication is for professional investors only. It is not to be distributed to retail customers who are resident in countries where the Fund is not registered for sale or in any other circumstances where its distribution is not authorised or is unlawful. Please visit www.ninetyone.com/registrations to check registration by country.

For further information on our sustainability-related funds, please visit please visit the sustainability-related disclosures section within the literature library at www.ninetyone.com. This product is out of scope of the UK Sustainability Disclosure Requirements.

The information may discuss general market activity or industry trends and is not intended to be relied upon as a forecast, research or investment advice. The economic and market views presented herein reflect Ninety One’s judgment as at the date shown and are subject to change without notice. There is no guarantee that views and opinions expressed will be correct and may not reflect those of Ninety One as a whole, different views may be expressed based on different investment objectives. Although we believe any information obtained from external sources to be reliable, we have not independently verified it, and we cannot guarantee its accuracy or completeness (ESG-related data is still at an early stage with considerable variation in estimates and disclosure across companies. Double counting is inherent in all aggregate carbon data). Ninety One’s internal data may not be audited. Ninety One does not provide legal or tax advice. Prospective investors should consult their tax advisors before making tax-related investment decisions.  

The Fund is a sub-fund of the Ninety One Global Strategy Fund, which is a UCITS authorised by the CSSF and organised as a Société d’Investissement à Capital Variable under the law of Luxembourg. Ninety One Luxembourg S.A. (registered in Luxembourg No. B 162485 and regulated by the Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier) is the Manager of the Fund. This communication is not an invitation to make an investment, nor does it constitute an offer for sale. Please refer to the Prospectus of the UCITS and to the Key Information Documents (KID) or Key Investor Information Documents (KIID), where relevant, before making any final investment decisions. 

Fund prices and English language copies of the Prospectus, annual and semi-annual Report & Accounts, Articles of Incorporation and where relevant, the local language copies of the KID and KIID may be obtained from www.ninetyone.com. A summary of investor rights can be found in the Prospectus, and details of Ninety One’s complaints handling procedures are available in English on www.ninetyone.com/complaints. Ninety One Luxembourg reserves the right to discontinue the marketing of its Funds in countries where they are registered. 

In Switzerland, this information is available free of charge from the Swiss Representative and Paying Agent, CACEIS Investor Services Bank S.A., Esch-sur-Alzette, Bliecherweg 7, CH-8027 Zurich, Switzerland. In Spain, the Ninety One Global Strategy Fund is registered with the Comisión Nacional de Mercados y Valores as a foreign collective investment scheme marketed in Spain, with the number 734. 

Daily transactional data is not available to fund investors.  Transparency around transactions costs is available to investors via PRIIPs and MiFID methodologies. 

In the US, this material may be distributed only to a person who is a “distributor,” or who is not a “U.S. person,” as defined by Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 (as amended). No shares may be offered or sold in the US to any US person. The fund has not been registered under the United States Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, nor the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (1933 Act).  

In Australia, this material has been prepared by Ninety One Australia Pty Ltd (AFSL 329636) and is intended for wholesale investors only as defined under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth).

Except as otherwise authorised, this information may not be shown, copied, transmitted, or otherwise given to any third party without Ninety One’s prior written consent. © 2026 Ninety One. All rights reserved. Issued by Ninety One, May 2026. 

Indices  

Indices are shown for illustrative purposes only, are unmanaged and do not consider market conditions or the costs associated with investing. Further, the manager’s strategy may deploy investment techniques and instruments not used to generate Index performance. For this reason, the performance of the manager and the Indices are not directly comparable.  

If applicable, MSCI data is sourced from/copyright of MSCI Inc., MSCI Solutions LLC, or their affiliates (“MSCI”), or information providers (together the “MSCI Parties”). Please note an important disclaimer applies to MSCI data and can be found at: Notice and Disclaimer for Reporting Licenses | MSCI. For regulatory disclosures mandated under the EU ESG Rating Activities Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2024/3005), please visit www.msci.com/legal/sustainability-and-climate-resources-and-disclosures for methodology and organizational disclosures and https://one.msci.com for rating level disclosures.

If applicable, FTSE data is sourced from FTSE International Limited (‘FTSE’) © FTSE 2026. Please note an important disclaimer applies to FTSE data and can be found at www.ftse.com/products/downloads/FTSE_Wholly_Owned_Non-Partner.pdf 

Targeted or projected performance returns  

These are based on Manager’s good faith estimate of the likelihood of the performance of asset classes under current market conditions. There can be no assurances that any investment will generate such returns, that any client or investor will achieve comparable results or that the manager will be able to implement its investment strategy. Actual performance may be adversely affected by a variety of factors, beyond the manager’s control, such as, political, and socio-economic events, adverse changes in the interest rate environment, changes to investment expenses, and a lack of suitable investment opportunities. Accordingly, target returns and expected results may change over time and may differ from previous reports. Additional and supporting information is available upon request. 

Back-tested results 

Hypothetical performance results shown are backtested and do not represent the performance of any account, fund or strategy managed by Ninety One but were achieved by means of the retroactive application, certain aspects of which may have been designed with the benefit of hindsight. The hypothetical back-tested performance does not represent the results of actual trading using client assets nor decision-making during the period and does not and is not intended to indicate the past performance or future performance of any account or investment strategy. If actual accounts had been managed throughout the period, ongoing research might have resulted in changes to the strategy which might have altered returns. The actual performance of any account or investment strategy managed by Ninety One will differ, perhaps materially, from the hypothetical back-tested performance results shown herein. Additional and supporting information is available upon request. 

Model return results 

This communication includes results which are not historical or actual in nature but are hypothetical illustrations involving modelling components and assumptions that are required for purposes of such hypothetical illustrations. No representations are made as to the accuracy of such hypothetical illustrations or that all assumptions relating to such hypothetical illustrations have been considered or stated or that such hypothetical illustrations will be realized. Actual events are difficult to predict and are beyond the Firm’s control. Actual events may be different, perhaps materially, from those assumed. No investor or client of the Firm has actually experienced the hypothetical results presented. Additional and supporting information is available upon request. 

Investment Team  

There is no assurance that the persons referenced herein will continue to be involved with investing assets for the Manager, or that other persons not identified herein will become involved at any time without notice. References to specific and periodic team meetings are not guaranteed to be held or fully attended due to reasonable priority driven circumstances and holidays. 

Investment Process  

Any description or information regarding investment process is provided for illustrative purposes only, may not be fully indicative of any present or future investments and may be changed at the discretion of the manager without notice. References to specific investments, strategies or investment vehicles are for illustrative purposes only and should not be relied upon as a recommendation to purchase or sell such investments or to engage in any particular Strategy. Portfolio data is expected to change and there is no assurance that the actual portfolio will remain as described herein. There is no assurance that the investments presented will be available in the future at the levels presented, with the same characteristics or be available at all. Past performance is no guarantee of future results and has no bearing upon the ability of Manager to construct the illustrative portfolio and implement its investment strategy or investment objective.  

Specific Portfolio Names  

References to particular investments or strategies are for illustrative purposes only and should not be seen as a buy, sell or hold recommendation. Such references are not a complete list and other positions, strategies, or vehicles may experience results which differ, perhaps materially, from those presented herein due to different investment objectives, guidelines, or market conditions. The securities or investment products mentioned in this document may not have been registered in any jurisdiction. More information is available upon request. 

Indices  

Indices are shown for illustrative purposes only, are unmanaged and do not consider market conditions or the costs associated with investing. Further, the manager’s strategy may deploy investment techniques and instruments not used to generate Index performance. For this reason, the performance of the manager and the Indices are not directly comparable.  

If applicable, MSCI data is sourced from/copyright of MSCI Inc., MSCI Solutions LLC, or their affiliates (“MSCI”), or information providers (together the “MSCI Parties”). Please note an important disclaimer applies to MSCI data and can be found at: Notice and Disclaimer for Reporting Licenses | MSCI. For regulatory disclosures mandated under the EU ESG Rating Activities Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2024/3005), please visit www.msci.com/legal/sustainability-and-climate-resources-and-disclosures for methodology and organizational disclosures and https://one.msci.com for rating level disclosures.

If applicable, FTSE data is sourced from FTSE International Limited (‘FTSE’) © FTSE 2026. Please note an important disclaimer applies to FTSE data and can be found at www.ftse.com/products/downloads/FTSE_Wholly_Owned_Non-Partner.pdf 

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

Ninety One Global Sustainable Equity Fund

Sustainability Tilt Sustainability Impact label OEIC Global Equity 27/03/2001 Jul 2026

Objectives

The Fund invests primarily (at least two-thirds and typically substantially more) in the shares of companies which the Investment Manager believes contribute to positive environmental change through sustainable decarbonisation (the process of reducing carbon dioxide emissions).

 

 

Fund/Portfolio Size: £192.00m

(as at: 31/03/2025)

Total Screened Themed SRI Assets: £4130.00m

(as at: 30/03/2025)

Total Responsible Ownership Assets: £143632.00m

(as at: 30/09/2026)

Total Assets Under Management: £171795.00m

(as at: 31/03/2026)

ISIN: GB00B01VDL32

Sustainable, Responsible &/or ESG Overview

The Ninety One Global Sustainable Equity strategy is a global active bottom-up and benchmark agnostic strategy focused on identifying Sustainability Leaders - companies that will benefit from a more sustainable future. We focus on assessing company externalities (the impact companies have on the environment, society and employees) as a way to identify Sustainability Leaders. We also incorporate an appraisal of corporate culture into our investment process with a view to finding those companies thinking long-term about their businesses and have what it takes to be Sustainability Leaders into the future. We combine these externalities and corporate-culture assessments with a disciplined investment approach to select companies with enduring competitive advantages at attractive market valuations.

Primary fund last amended: Jul 2026

Information received directly from Fund Manager

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Fund Filters

Sustainability - General
Sustainability policy

Has policies that consider (environmental and social) sustainability issues. Strategies vary but are likely to consider environmental issues like climate change, carbon emissions, biodiversity loss, resource management, environmental impacts; and social issues like equal opportunities, human rights, labour standards, diversity and adherence to internationally recognised codes. See individual entry information.

Sustainable transport policy or theme

Has documented policies or thematic investment approaches supporting 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.

Encourage more sustainable practices through stewardship

Aim to encourage higher sustainability standards through responsible ownership / stewardship / engagement / voting activity

Transition focus

Aim to support the shift to a sustainable future. See eg https://www.transitionpathwayinitiative.org/

Report against sustainability objectives

Publicly report performance against named sustainability objectives

Environmental - General
Environmental policy

Has policies which relate to environmental issues. These will typically set out their stance on issues such as pollution, climate change, resource management, biodiversity loss, carbon emissions, plastics and/or additional environmental impacts. Strategies vary.

Resource efficiency policy or theme

Has a policy or theme that relates to managing natural resources more efficiently. Strategies vary. See individual entry information.

Favours cleaner, greener companies

Aims to invest in companies with strong or market leading environmental policies and practices. Strategies vary. See individual entry information for more detail.

Waste management policy or theme

Has a written policy or theme focused on waste management - typically to support or encouraging higher levels of recycling and better efficiency / reducing waste. Strategies vary.

Nature & Biodiversity
Biodiversity / nature policy

Has a written biodiversity policy or theme typically aimed at supporting, encouraging and improving environmental protection and safeguarding the natural world (sometimes referred to as 'natural capital'). See eg https://www.un.org/en/climatechange/science/climate-issues/biodiversity

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

Avoid investment in major coal, oil and/or gas (extraction) companies. Strategies vary.

Fracking & tar sands excluded

Avoid companies involved in fracking and tar sands - which are widely regarded as controversial methods of oil and gas extraction. Strategies vary.

Arctic drilling exclusion

Avoid companies that are involved in extracting oil from the Arctic regions.

Fossil fuel reserves exclusion

Avoid investing in companies / assets with coal, oil and gas reserves. See individual entry information for further details.

Clean / renewable energy theme or focus

Invest (or may invest) in clean / renewable energy companies and other assets. The proportion directly or indirectly invested in renewable energy may vary over time.

Encourage transition to low carbon through stewardship activity

Encourage the transition to lower carbon activities through asset selection and / or responsible ownership activity.

Energy efficiency theme

Has an energy efficiency theme - typically meaning that the 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

Invest in renewable energy companies and / or companies where renewable energy is a significant part of their business. Strategies vary.

Hydrogen policy or theme

Has a policy or theme which sets out their position on investment in companies researching/developing hydrogen as an energy solution.

Fossil fuel exploration exclusion - direct involvement

Excludes companies and other assets with direct involvement in fossil fuel exploration (eg coal, oil and gas companies)

Require net zero action plan from all / most companies

Requires all, or most of, the assets they invest in to have a ‘net zero action plan’ - describing how they will reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.

Social / Employment
Favours companies with strong social policies

Aims to invest in assets with high social values - this may include strong human rights, labour standards and equal opportunities or safety related practices.

Health & wellbeing policies or theme

Has policies or themes that set out their approach to health and wellbeing issues, typically aims to invest in companies with high standards - or encourage high standards.

Diversity, equality & inclusion Policy (product level)

Has a written diversity policy – where the manager will aim to select companies with a carefully considered, positive employment standards. This may cover a range of issues including gender, ethnicity, disability, beliefs and sexual orientation.

Ethical Values Led Exclusions
Tobacco & 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 & 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.

Controversial weapons exclusion

Excludes companies which make controversial weapons such as landmines, cluster munitions and chemical weapons.

Armaments manufacturers avoided

Avoids companies that manufacture weapons intended specifically for military use. Strategies vary - may or may not include non-strategic military products.

Civilian firearms production exclusion

Has 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.

Meeting Peoples' Basic Needs
Water / sanitation policy or theme

Have policies or themes that set out the position on investment in the water sector and/or sanitation. Strategies vary.

Demographic / ageing population theme

Has 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.

Responsible food production or agriculture theme

Has a responsible food production or agriculture theme or strand of investment. May have a single or many themes.

Healthcare / medical theme

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

Gilts & Sovereigns
Does not invest in sovereigns

Does not invest in / excludes 'sovereigns' - debt issued by governments. See eg https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/sovereign-debt.asp

Banking & Financials
Invests in banks

Can include banks as part of their holdings / portfolio.

Invests in insurers

May invest in insurance companies.

Governance & Management
Avoids companies with poor governance

Avoids 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.

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

Encourage board diversity e.g. gender

Encourage the companies they invest in to have more diverse board structures (e.g. more women on boards)

Encourage higher ESG standards through stewardship activity

Aim to encourage higher ESG standards through responsible ownership / stewardship / engagement /voting activity

Product / Service Governance
ESG integration strategy

Find fund / asset managers 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
Over 50% large cap companies

Invests more than half of their money into what are commonly regarded as 'large companies'. This will typically mean that the market capitalisation (or value) of the companies they hold is in excess of £5 to £10 billion.

Invests mostly in large cap companies / assets

Invests mainly in larger companies / assets. (e.g. over circa £5-£10bn)

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

Invests >25% of their capital in companies where a major part of their business is focused on helping to address environmental or social challenges.

Invests >50% of fund in environmental / social solutions companies

Invests >50% of their capital in companies where a major part of their business is focused on helping to address environmental or social challenges.

EU Sustainable Finance Taxonomy holdings 5-25% of assets

Invests in between 5-25% of capital in assets which meet the EU Taxonomy requirements. This will typically require adding up the proportion of each individual company's activity that is regarded as 'green' so that the manager can produce an overall total for the whole fund or portfolio.

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

Has policies 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.

Measures positive impacts

Aims to measure the positive real world environmental and / or social benefits that are associated with their investment strategy. Investments that aim to deliver positive impacts and measure those impacts may be referred to as 'Impact' - although impact measurement is not restricted to Impact investments. Strategies vary.

Described as an ‘impact investment’

Investments which are specifically marketed as ‘Impact investments' and work to deliver both financial performance and specific, measurable positive, real world social and/or environmental benefits. Strategies vary.

Positive environmental impact theme

Specifically sets out to help deliver positive environmental impacts, benefits or 'real world' outcomes.

Positive social impact theme

Specifically states that they aim to deliver positive social (i.e. people related) impacts and/or outcomes.

Invests in environmental solutions companies

Directs 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

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

Specifically sets 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.

Aim to deliver positive impacts through engagement

Aims to deliver positive environmental and or social impacts (real world benefits) through its engagement with investee assets

Over 50% in assets providing environmental or social ‘solutions’

Invests more than 50% of capital in assets which are regarded as being significantly focused on providing solutions to environmental or social challenges. Strategies vary.

Publish ‘Theory of Change’ explanation

Policy explains the ways in which the manager believes things need to change in order to deliver a more sustainable future, which they are working to help achieve.

How The Fund/Portfolio Works
Positive selection bias

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

Limited / few ethical exclusions

Has some exclusions - typically for example excludes tobacco or companies that breach commonly adopted standards or norms such as the UN Global Compact.

SRI / ESG / Ethical policies explained on website

Publish explanations of their ethical, social and/or environmental policies online (i.e. investment decision making strategies/ buy/sell &/or asset management strategies).

Do not use stock / securities lending

Does not use stock lending for performance or risk purposes.

Unscreened Assets & Cash
Assets typically aligned to sustainability objectives 70 - 79%

Holds between 70-79% of assets which align to the sustainability objectives; which are not being held purely for risk management purposes, such as derivatives and cash equivalent assets.

Assets typically aligned to sustainability objectives 80 – 89%

Holds between 80-89% of assets which align to the sustainability objectives; which are not being held purely for risk management purposes, such as derivatives and cash equivalent assets.

Assets typically aligned to sustainability objectives > 90%

Holds at least 90% of assets which align to the sustainability objectives; which are not being held purely for risk management purposes, such as derivatives and cash equivalent assets.

Intended Clients & Product Options
Intended for clients interested in sustainability

Designed to meet the needs of individual investors with an interest in sustainability issues.

Intended for clients who want to have a positive impact

Designed to meet the needs of individual investors with an interest in ‘Impact investment’ which help or support the delivery of positive social or environmental impacts (or societal/real world outcomes) by investing in companies regarded as beneficial to people and / or the planet. Strategies vary.

Labels & Accreditations
SDR Labelled

Find options that have chosen to adopt one of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) SDR labels. Please note: there are a range of reasons why potentially relevant options may not use an SDR label eg. adopting a label may be work in progress, the manager may not yet be allowed to do so because of the product type, a manager may feel they are insufficiently aligned to SDR requirements.

ACT signatory

A voluntary corporate culture standard for investment managers, see https://www.investorsact.com/ - City Hive

Fund Management Company Information

About The Business
Responsible ownership / stewardship policy or strategy (AFM companywide)

Finds fund / asset management companies that have a published company wide stewardship, engagement and / or responsible ownership policy or strategy that covers all investments. Stewardship typically involves encouraging higher ESG standards through voting and dialogue.

ESG / SRI engagement (AFM companywide)

Find fund / asset management companies that actively encourage higher 'environmental, social and governance' and / or 'sustainable and responsible investment' practices across investee companies - typically where the aim is to encourage positive change that is aligned with the best interests of investors. Strategies vary. See additional information and options.

Vote all* shares at AGMs / EGMs (AFM companywide)

Find fund / asset managers that vote all* the shares they own at Annual General Meetings and Extraordinary General Meetings. A commitment to voting shares is a key indicator of 'responsible share ownership' demonstrating their support for or disagreement with management policy. (*situations can legitimately, occasionally occur where voting proves impossible, but in principle all shares should be voted.)

Responsible ownership / ESG a key differentiator (AFM companywide)

Find fund / asset managers that consider responsible ownership and ESG to be a key differentiator for their business.

Senior management KPIs include environmental goals (AFM companywide)

The leadership team of this fund / asset manager have performance targets linked to environmental goals.

SDG aligned aims / objectives (AFM companywide)

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

Responsible ownership policy for non SRI / sustainable options (AFM companywide)

Find options run by managers that apply Responsible ownership or 'Stewardship' policies to all or most of their investment assets. This means active involvement (e.g. voting, dialogue) with the companies across all or most funds, products and services.

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

Find fund / asset 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.

In-house diversity improvement programme (AFM companywide)

Finds organisations / fund managers that have an in-house (company wide) diversity improvement programme - meaning that they are working to ensure that within their own businesses they employ people from diverse backgrounds - often typically focused on ethnicity and/or sex.

Invests in new sustainability linked bond issuances (AFM companywide)

Fund / asset management company has investments in bonds designed to meet sustainability requirements - however these assets may not be 'ringfenced' for this purpose. See website for details.

Offer structured intermediary sustainable investment training

Fund management entity offers unstructured intermediary training on sustainable investment (ie for financial advisers and wealth managers)

Collaborations & Affiliations
PRI signatory

Find fund / asset management companies that have signed up to the UN backed 'Principles of Responsible Investment'.

TNFD forum member (AFM companywide)

A member of the Taskforce for Nature Related Financial Disclosures group which aims to aid risk management and shift money towards nature-positive outcomes.

Investment Association (IA) member

Fund management entity is a member of the Investment Association https://www.theia.org/

Resources
In-house responsible ownership / voting expertise

Find fund / asset management companies that employ people to steer and support fund managers in voting shares at company AGM's and EGMs in ways that are consistent with encouraging higher ESG/sustainability standards.

Employ specialist ESG / SRI / sustainability researchers

Find a fund / asset management company that directly employs specialist ESG/SRI/sustainability researchers or analysts. This allows asset managers to discuss environmental, social and governance risks and opportunities directly with companies.

Use specialist ESG / SRI / sustainability research companies

Find fund / asset 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 companywide)

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

Accreditations
PRI A+ rated (AFM companywide)

Finds organisations / fund managers that have an A+ PRI rating - meaning they are highly rated according to the 'Principles of Responsible Investment'

UK Stewardship Code signatory (AFM companywide)

Find fund / asset managers that are signatories to the FRC UK Stewardship Code, which sets out a framework for constructive investor / investee relations where managers are encouraged to behave like responsible, typically longer term 'company owners'.

Engagement Approach
Regularly lead collaborative ESG initiatives (AFM companywide)

Find fund / asset management companies that regularly initiate or run industry wide (collaborative) investor projects aimed at raising environmental, social and governance standards amongst investee companies.

Engaging on climate change issues

Fund / asset manager has stewardship /responsible ownership strategy that is focused on addressing climate change with investee assets.

Engaging with fossil fuel companies on climate change

Fund / asset manager has a stewardship /responsible ownership strategy that involves working with fossil fuel companies on climate change related issues. See fund manager website for details.

Engaging to reduce plastics pollution / waste

Fund / asset manager has stewardship /responsible ownership strategy with involves encouraging investee asset to reduce plastic waste and pollution.

Engaging to encourage responsible mining practices

Fund / asset manager has a stewardship / responsible ownership policy that means they are working to encourage more responsible mining practices - where environmental and social issues are properly dealt with by the companies they invest in.

Engaging on biodiversity / nature issues

The fund / asset manager has a responsible ownership / stewardship strategy that focuses on biodiversity and nature issues relating to the assets they invest the aim of which will be to reduce harm and or deliver improvement. Strategies vary. https://tnfd.global

Engaging to encourage a Just Transition

Fund / asset manager has a responsible ownership / stewardship strategy which means they are working to encourage the shift to more sustainable business practices in ways that respect and are sensitive to social issues and the impact change has on people effected by the changes that are taking place. https://www.transitionpathwayinitiative.org/ https://transitiontaskforce.net/

Engaging on human rights issues

Fund / asset manager has responsible ownership / stewardship strategy in place which aims to address human rights issues in investee companies (and potentially their suppliers) with the aim of raising standards

Engaging on labour / employment issues

Fund / asset manager has responsible ownership / stewardship strategy in place that aims to improve labour standards for the benefit of employees in investee companies (and potentially their suppliers)

Engaging on diversity, equality & / or inclusion issues

Fund / asset management company has a stewardship strategy in place which involves working to raise diversity, equality and inclusion standards across investee assets

Engaging to stop modern slavery

Fund / asset manager is working with the assets they hold to help stamp out modern slavery - where direct or indirect company employees are exploited for business benefits.

Engaging on governance issues

Fund / asset managers have stewardship strategies in place that focus on improving governance standards across investee assets

Engaging on responsible supply chain issues

Has a stewardship / responsible ownership strategy that encourages responsible supply chain - ie the managers will discuss environmental, social and governance issues with investee companies with the aim of raising standards

Stewardship escalation policy

Escalation policies describe how a manager will proceed if stewardship / engagement activity is not successful in the short term.

Company Wide Exclusions
Controversial weapons avoidance policy (AFM companywide)

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

Climate & Net Zero Transition
Net Zero commitment (AFM companywide)

Fund / asset management organisations that have pledged to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions to ‘net zero’. Strategies vary - this area is changing rapidly.

Voting policy includes net zero targets (AFM companywide)

Fund / asset manager AGM / EGM voting strategy has processes in place that mean they will normally be expected to vote in a way that will encourage the transition to net zero greenhouse gas emissions.

Net Zero - have set a Net Zero target date (AFM companywide)

This fund / asset management company has set a date by which they plan to achieve net zero greenhouse gas / CO2e emissions.

Encourage carbon / greenhouse gas reduction (AFM companywide)

Find fund / asset management companies that are working with the companies they invest in to encourage reductions in carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions.

Carbon transition plan published (AFM companywide)

Finds organisations / fund managers that have a company wide carbon transition plan - meaning that they have plotted a path to how they will move away from activities that produce or use carbon based energy sources (that emit greenhouse gases) towards clean, alternative, renewable energy sources.

‘Forward Looking Climate Metrics’ published / ITR (AFM companywide)

Finds organisations / fund managers that have published ‘forward looking climate metrics’ e.g. 'implied temperature rise' data that are a total of the asset management company's share (% owned) of all the investee company emissions of the assets they manage, as well as their own direct and other indirect emissions.

Carbon offsetting - offset carbon as part of net zero plan (AFM companywide)

This fund / asset management company plans to achieve net zero greenhouse gas (CO2e) emissions with the help of a scheme that will lock away an amount of carbon that is equivalent to the company’s own emissions – so that the end result is ‘net zero’. Calculations and scope vary.

Transparency
Publish responsible ownership / stewardship report (AFM companywide)

Find fund / asset management companies that publish a report detailing their responsible investment ownership - also known as 'Stewardship' - activity.

Full stewardship / responsible ownership policy information on company website

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

Full stewardship / responsible ownership policy information available on request

Find fund / asset management companies that will supply information about their sustainable and responsible investment activity on request.

Just Transition policy on website (AFM companywide)

This fund / asset management company has published information on their website about the delivery of a 'just transition' - ie the delivery of the necessary shift to a sustainable future that takes full account of social implications - how change effects people. See eg https://www.unepfi.org/social-issues/just-transition/ or LSE Grantham

Publish full voting record (AFM companywide)

Fund / asset management companies that publish a full record of how they vote their shares at AGMs (annual general meetings) and EGMs (extraordinary general meetings). Voting strategies have an important role to play encouraging higher environmental, social and governance standards.

Sustainability transition plan publicly available (AFM companywide)

This fund / asset management company has published a plan that explains how they are to become a sustainable business - without significant negative environmental or social impacts.

Paris Alignment plan publicly available (AFM companywide)

This fund / asset management company has published a plan that explains how they will align to the climate change commitments made at the Paris Climate Talks, COP21.

Net Zero transition plan publicly available (AFM companywide)

This fund / asset management company has published a plan that explains how they are going to achieve net zero greenhouse gas / CO2e emissions.

Comments

Please note: 

  • Responsible Ownership/ESG a key differentiator (AFM company wide) - applies to certain sustainable strategies 
  • Senior management KPIs include environmental goals (AFM company wide) - does not apply to all of senior management, notably CEO and Chief Sustainability Officer.
  • SDG aligned aims/objectives (AFM company wide) - climate targets relate to SDG 13, although not formally aligned.
  • Voting policy includes net zero targets (AFM company wide) - whilst zero targets are not explicitly stated, we will vote against where insufficient action is being taken 
  • Carbon offsetting – offset carbon as part of our net zero plan (AFM company wide) - for operations, not investments
  • In house carbon/GHG reduction policy (AFM company wide) - for operations, investments are a coverage target
  • Just Transition policy on website (AFM company wide) - whilst not an explicit policy, we detail our approach to a Just Transition within our sustainability policy report

Sustainable, Responsible &/or ESG Policy:

The Strategy places ESG analysis and criteria at the heart of its investment decisions, embedding it within all steps of our investment process. We view ESG criteria as a component of both risk and opportunity, and we seek to avoid those businesses with significant negative ESG exposure and allocate capital to those with positive ESG exposure. We screen for ESG elements in our universe screen, we rank for sustainability indicators in our idea generation phase, and our fundamental analysis approach dives deep on all ESG and sustainability considerations, using our proprietary Capitals Framework to assess externalities and sustainable opportunities, and capturing these insights directly into our internally built and maintained company models. Our portfolio construction process aims to create a balance between the identified ESG opportunities, and our engagement and reporting processes place transparency, ESG-relevancy, and sustainability at the centre.

 The Capitals Framework enables the analysis of companies' externalities across various dimensions of sustainability: natural capital, social capital and human capital:

  • Our Natural Capital analysis covers carbon, biodiversity, and water.
  • Our Social Capital analysis considers stakeholder interactions and diversity and inclusion.
  • Our Human Capital analysis draws heavily on our distinctive methodology for evaluating corporate culture and considers ownership mindset, recognition, trust, and support.

We use this framework to analyse those points of interaction between companies and the society and environments they operate in, and evaluate their magnitude, materiality, and importance (how they may influence a company’s return potential). Our Capitals Framework ultimately allows us to identify Sustainability Leaders.

Features of the framework:

  • Aligned with our investment philosophy: the analysis centres on the drivers of growth and returns.
  • Embedded within our fundamental analysis: externalities analysis directly influences the investment case.
  • Focused on value creation: the ultimate aim of the analysis is to understand how an investment creates or destroys value for all stakeholders.
  • Proprietary and systematic: incorporating both qualitative and quantitative assessments, the framework is proprietary and enables the systematic analysis of complex areas. We do not rely on third-party ESG data providers.

The strategy employs a bespoke bottom-up investment process designed specifically for the relevant diverse universe of global equities that are best positioned to capture the long-term secular growth opportunities arising from the shift towards sustainability. We look to identify companies providing solutions to sustainability challenges where the corporate sector plays a key role, and which have significant potential for long-term, structural growth. We have developed methodologies to identify companies that we believe are genuinely providing sustainable solutions to unmet needs across six structural growth areas: 

  1. Decarbonisation: we see significant structural growth potential for companies that provide products and services that contribute to reducing carbon emissions;
  2. Climate adaptation, water & pollution management: we see significant structural growth potential for companies that provide products and services that help manage the impact of climate change, creating a diverse global climate adaptation investment universe. This methodology expands into water and pollution management where we see significant need for products and services given resource constraints and ageing infrastructure and a large amount of public funding is going towards tackling water scarcity, creating attractive long-term growth opportunities for companies with leading solutions;
  3. Healthcare impact: we see significant structural growth potential for healthcare impact companies that address unmet needs through innovation in healthcare products and services, and by extending healthcare access to underserved regions and communities. 
  4. Financial inclusion: we see significant structural growth potential for companies that drive financial inclusion by providing underserved cohorts with accessible financial products and services;
  5. Digital inclusion: investing to close the digital divide is more urgent than ever. Small and medium-sized enterprises are significant contributors to commerce and innovation globally, and supporting their inclusion in a digital economy continues to grow in importance in all countries; and
  6. Access to education: we see significant structural growth potential for companies that extend quality education and training to underserved cohort and address global skills gaps. 

The investment process incorporates proprietary models, such as our sustainable revenues screen, our detailed company-level fundamental financial and risk modelling and corporate culture assessment, but ultimately relies on our qualitative decisions.

This structured and disciplined investment process is designed to efficiently focus analysts’ time on the deep fundamental research of a shortlist of companies that make it through our universe filter and idea generation, to identify businesses with sustainable drivers of structural growth, competitive advantages, and sustainable returns. The portfolio is then constructed from the bottom-up, based on the level of conviction in each position. Ongoing management and monitoring of holdings are intrinsically linked with our engagement work and active stewardship.

Process:

The strategy employs a bespoke bottom-up investment process designed specifically for the relevant diverse universe of global equities that are best positioned to capture the long-term secular growth opportunities arising from the shift towards sustainability. We look to identify companies providing solutions to sustainability challenges where the corporate sector plays a key role, and which have significant potential for long-term, structural growth. We have developed methodologies to identify companies that we believe are genuinely providing sustainable solutions to unmet needs across six structural growth areas: 

  1. Healthcare impact: we see significant structural growth potential for healthcare impact companies that address unmet needs through innovation in healthcare products and services, and by extending healthcare access to underserved regions and communities. 
  2. Financial inclusion: we see significant structural growth potential for companies that drive financial inclusion by providing underserved cohorts with accessible financial products and services.
  3. Decarbonisation: we see significant structural growth potential for companies that provide products and services that contribute to reducing carbon emissions.
  4. Climate adaptation, water & pollution management: we see significant structural growth potential for companies that provide products and services that help manage the impact of climate change, creating a diverse global climate adaptation investment universe. This methodology expands into water and pollution management where we see significant need for products and services given resource constraints and ageing infrastructure and a large amount of public funding is going towards tackling water scarcity, creating attractive long-term growth opportunities for companies with leading solutions.
  5. Digital inclusion: investing to close the digital divide is more urgent than ever. Small and medium-sized enterprises are significant contributors to commerce and innovation globally, and supporting their inclusion in a digital economy continues to grow in importance in all countries.
  6. Access to education: we see significant structural growth potential for companies that extend quality education and training to underserved cohort and address global skills gaps. 

 

The investment process incorporates proprietary models, such as our sustainable revenues screen, our detailed company-level fundamental financial and risk modelling and corporate culture assessment, but ultimately relies on our qualitative decisions.

This structured and disciplined investment process is designed to efficiently focus analysts’ time on the deep fundamental research of a shortlist of companies that make it through our universe filter and idea generation, to identify businesses with sustainable drivers of structural growth, competitive advantages, and sustainable returns. The portfolio is then constructed from the bottom-up, based on the level of conviction in each position. Ongoing management and monitoring of holdings are intrinsically linked with our engagement work and active stewardship.

The five defined stages to the investment process are described in further detail below:

1) Universe Screen

The investment team constructs a sustainable investment universe by screening for companies with more than 50% of revenues across one or more of the Bloomberg Industry Classification Standards (BICS) categories we believe align to sustainability challenges. These companies have the potential to capture the long-term secular growth opportunities arising from the shift towards a more sustainable future. It is important to think not just about the direct beneficiaries of this sustainable transition, but the entire related supply chains that need to be built up. The universe comprises ~5,000 companies across sectors, regions, and market capitalisations.

The investment team also filters based on our defined set of externalities and research- driven exclusions; these are not ethically or morally derived exclusions. These can be found on our website here

 

2) Idea Generation 

The main source of idea generation is a ranking of the resultant universe based on key financial, sustainability and competitive advantage metrics that reflect the structural growth, competitive advantage, and sustainable return characteristics that we seek in businesses. The ranking stimulates team debate, whilst analyst experience and knowledge enable a qualitative overlay to broaden the idea pool as appropriate. The metrics chosen derives from decades of investment team and firm-wide experience as well as rigorous back-testing and relevant cross-sector analysis. This screen directs analyst research, which can then lead to further qualitative idea generation.

We have also integrated an internal sustainability indicator into this part of the process. This indicator assesses companies across various sustainability and ESG factors that we've identified as being likely to have a financial impact on a company, with each company appraised relative to its sector. Once a company screens to be included in stage three (Fundamental Analysis), we perform our own sustainability analysis of the company. This is an integral part of the investment process as we believe that companies with strong sustainability characteristics, focused on minimising their negative externalities, can outperform over time.

 

3) Fundamental analysis

Once a company comes through our idea generation screen, we move it to the next stage of the investment process where the team conducts the fundamental analysis to identify whether sustainability factors and competitive advantages are underpriced by the market. This diagram summarises our approach to fundamental analysis:

The first stage of our fundamental analysis process is focused on the company’s business model and whether it fits with our requirement for structural growth, sustainable returns and competitive advantage. At this stage we also carry out our own sustainability  analysis by assessing the externalities generated by the company. When we are comfortable that the company fulfils our requirement and there are no material sustainability risks, we take it forward to a second, more detailed stage of fundamental analysis.

We also conduct detailed fundamental analysis of sub-sectors and technologies exposed to the sustainable structural growth areas that we invest in. This helps us to inform and stress test our company models. See our paper “A sustainable investment edge” for more details on the structural growth we expect to see from these areas.

The key areas of our company research are described below:

 

a) Company analysis and understanding on structural growth opportunity 

The investment team works through a rigorous checklist for each investment idea. We want to find the best companies in our universe which are intrinsically undervalued. 

The team conducts fundamental analysis by constructing detailed models. We build sustainability insights directly into our financial models, enabling us to construct portfolios of companies where the sustainable investment case is underappreciated by the market and where we therefore expect sustainability to be a driver of long-term alpha.

Using our proprietary Capitals Framework, we assess companies qualitatively and quantitatively through a lens that incorporates relevant stakeholders, to evaluate how a company’s impacts on its stakeholders are likely to influence its growth and return potential. 

 

b) Competitive advantage

Market participants systematically underestimate the quantum and persistence of returns in cases where businesses have sustainable long-term competitive advantages. This results in exploitable inefficiencies. Our competitive advantage analysis can be simplified by answering the key questions/topics shown below:

  1. Company factors: culture, technology, brand, cost competitiveness, R&D spend, and market share; and 
  2. Market factors: market growth, pricing power, barriers to entry, substitutes, and consumer acceptance.

We use these competitive advantage factors to determine the long-term sustainability of the business in question. In addition, we believe a strong balance sheet and outstanding management are also a competitive advantage and ensure we cover these factors during our fundamental analysis. We pay particular attention to having an informed perspective of the competitive advantage period and how that translates into the sustainable margin, cash flow generation and/or economic value added. 

Culture is an aspect of a company’s competitive advantage we believe is often poorly understood by investors as it is challenging to evaluate and consequently may be mispriced – suggesting an opportunity for active investors. We only buy a stock when we have made a culture assessment of a company, using our bespoke corporate-culture framework. This framework draws on insights from company meetings, academic collaborations, expert-network access and employee resources. The framework was developed from a collaborative research project between Ninety One’s Investment Institute and Alex Edmans, Professor of Finance at London Business School. For more information on our corporate culture work, refer to our paper “Culture as a driver of sustainable alpha”. The goal of this step is to identify areas of competitive advantage often overlook and mispriced.

We believe this analysis helps us identify companies that can create value by generating a return on investment. 

 

c) Return profile and growth

It is important to note that profitable growth and efficient use of capital is embedded within each of the above calculations. Structural growth and sustainable returns are two key drivers of our stock selection and analysis. We believe growth and compounding characteristics are key factors in determining a reasonable fair value for any company. In compounders, we are looking for enduring competitive advantages and companies with a durable and resilient outlook. We therefore do not claim to be only growth or only value investors, instead we invest in the leading companies within our universe where we believe there is underappreciated value. 

 

d) Valuation

The team conducts full financial and valuation analysis by constructing individual company models to determine the growth, earning, cash generation, and intrinsic value of the companies under review. Our proprietary equity models are maintained within the team and contain our own forecasts which embed our sustainability insights both on the impact opportunity side as well as from a risk and negative externality perspective. Research from earlier parts of the process is used and built on here. In undertaking full income statement, cashflow statement and balance sheet analysis we can focus on specific financial metrics which we believe to be the drivers of long-term returns. The output of the equity analysis is a target price for the company across different scenarios. We aim to buy companies with attractive blended upside and positive valuation skew.

 

e) Management, sustainability, and engagement assessment

Capital allocation decisions and operational performance are important considerations for us when evaluating management. Much of these considerations feed into our competitive advantage and valuation work. We also place huge significance on sustainability factors as highlighted in our initial screens. Sustainability reports and net zero emissions targets are important throughout our fundamental analysis as well as topics featuring in team debates.

This fundamental bottom-up research stage of the investment process also includes company meetings and onsite visits where we will focus on all the key factors mentioned above. We will only buy a stock for the portfolio after we have met with company management.

When all factors described above score positively for an investment idea, we will add it to our list of best ideas[1] and compare to the existing holdings. 

 

4) Portfolio Construction

The portfolio is constructed from the bottom-up in a benchmark-agnostic fashion, using the best ideas from previous stages of the investment process. We take an absolute contribution to risk-based approach to portfolio construction such that our highest-conviction stocks represent the highest contribution to risk. We consider elements such as the strength of sustainability credentials, competitive advantages, carbon footprint and trajectory and the contribution to the portfolio's overall risk. The portfolio is then reviewed at a sub-sector level with regards to overall risk budget, sub-sector risks, stress tests and style analytics metrics. Weightings may then be adjusted accordingly. We use MSCI Barra One for quantitative portfolio risk analysis and optimisation.

We constantly reassess our portfolio positions. Our decision whether to buy or sell a stock will be based on the risk-reward trade-off, in both isolation and in a portfolio context, and is also determinant on our conviction in the sustainability opportunity within the company, including the ability to make a positive impact to society or the environment. If we assess a degradation in any of these pillars when analysing an existing holding, it could lead to us selling such an investment.

 

5) Engagement and Reporting

We believe that individual and collective engagements are powerful tools to effect positive change. We meet management and set engagement goals for all portfolio companies, with an explicit focus on the disclosure of KPIs that allow us to measure the impact of their products and services, growth of these KPIs, adoption of net-zero commitments and science-based targets, as well as to engage on any material sustainability or financial matters. Engagement is bespoke and generates information that feeds back into our portfolio monitoring, including valuable insights into company progress and any culture changes. Key principles of our engagement approach are set out below:

  1. We set engagement goals for all portfolio companies, engage regularly, reporting progress to clients in our annual sustainability report. 
  2. Many of the engagement topics are long-term in nature and we acknowledge progress incrementally.
  3. We also vote on proxies to hold board and management teams accountable to the highest standards.

In our annual sustainability report, we provide transparency on positions and company engagement, as well as an explanation of why we believe the companies may see structural growth and have a competitive advantage.

 

Measuring impact and sustainability

While our preference is to quantify the impact of the sustainable solutions delivered by the companies we own where possible, not all positive impacts can be perfectly quantified today. We do not believe this should prevent investors from providing the capital required support a more sustainable future. In reporting on impact, we are transparent about our choice of KPI used to determine impact, and will explain any changes in these KPIs over time as data and company reporting evolves. Below is an example of these company level KPIs from our most recent impact report.

Resources, Affiliations & Corporate Strategies:

Ninety One operates a fully integrated approach to ESG, sustainability and stewardship. Therefore sustainability knowledge and expertise is held across a number of areas of the business. The Sustainability Committee oversees the sustainability ecosystem in the business. Ninety One’s firm-wide sustainability strategy and initiatives are overseen by the Chief Sustainability Officer, Nazmeera Moola, supported by the central Sustainability team. This includes investment integration, advocacy, corporate transition to net zero and developing and implementing efforts to mobilise dedicated funding for an inclusive and sustainable transition. 

Ultimately, the investment teams have responsibility for managing sustainability risks and opportunities within their investment process through their integration frameworks. We place a big emphasis on ensuring that the investment teams have the appropriate knowledge, insights, data and tools so that the expertise is a truly integrated part of the investment process. The investment teams are supported by dedicated ESG specialists across our Sustainability team and Investment Risk team. We also have further expertise that we can draw upon from the portfolio managers managing our dedicated sustainability strategies, and other sustainability specialists that are dedicated to individual investment teams.

The below provides an overview of the teams, committees and forums with oversight and responsibility for various aspects of sustainability: 

Sustainable, Social & Ethics Committee (SS&E)

  • Oversees compliance with sustainability, social and ethical commitments, targets, and performance.
  • Reviews sustainability initiatives and implementation across the three pillars of the framework.

Sustainability Committee (SC)

  • Responsible for the internal oversight of Sustainability and Stewardship, including:
  • Determining sustainability strategy and monitoring progress on ESG integration, stewardship, advocacy, climate risk, regulation, and other related matters.
  • Ensuring alignment of focus and integrity throughout the business.

Sustainable Investment Advisory Committee (SIAF)

  • Responsible for the internal coordination and challenge of investment-related sustainability issues:
  • Ensuring alignment and compliance of products with sustainability and impact objectives.
  • Serving as a forum for consultation and discussion on sustainability initiatives, guidelines, and policies.

Sustainability Team

Central custodian of the firm-wide Sustainability strategy, responsible for:

  • Development of strategy and sustainability and stewardship policies and frameworks.
  • Promoting best practice ESG integration and stewardship across investment teams.
  • Coordinating and leading advocacy and firmwide sustainability initiatives.
  • Providing sustainability expertise and monitoring implementation of sustainability strategy.

Investment Risk Team

  • Oversight and challenge of firm-wide ESG risk assessment, management, and integration quality.
  • Management of ESG and climate risk data.

Investment Operations: Proxy Voting

  • Coordination and execution of the voting process.
  • Work with the sustainability team to align voting with strategic initiatives.

Investment Teams

  • Responsible for developing ESG integration frameworks and engagement priorities.
  • Undertaking ESG analysis, engagement, and voting.
  • Supporting firmwide initiatives.

Product Development

  • Manages sustainable product strategy and product development process.

 Compliance

  • Coordinates input on, advises on, and ensures implementation of sustainability-related regulation.

 

We seek to contribute meaningfully to the conversation on sustainability and to encourage a deeper focus on sustainability-related issues in all of the jurisdictions where we invest, always to the benefit of our clients and their long-term investment outcomes. We may collaborate with other investors as part of an engagement strategy if it can contribute to achieving our engagement objectives and can help address the relevant risks. . Our membership of regional and global organisations facilitates this.

Below details our firmwide collaborative partnerships and our role:

  • Abu Dhabi Sustainable Finance Declaration
    Start date: 2023
    Objective: Participate in regional industry initiatives signalling commitment to sustainable finance.
    Our role:
    • We are signatories to the declaration.
    • We join monthly meetings on progress on sustainable finance in Abu Dhabi.
    • We participate in local events hosted by ADSFD or ADGM where relevant.

 

  • Access to Medicine Foundation
    Start date: 2023
    Objective: Expand access to medicine and encourage healthcare companies to do more to reach people in low- and middle-income countries.
    Our role:
    • Ninety One has pledged support to the Foundation’s research.
    • Ninety One has signed the Access to Medicine Index Investor Statement.

 

  • Assessing Sovereign Climate-related Opportunities and Risks (ASCOR) Project
    Start date: 2021
    Objective: Develop a globally adopted climate assessment framework for sovereigns’ performance and governance on climate, including a just transition.
    Our role:
    • We are advisory board members.
    • We are funders of Phase 2 of the ASCOR project.

 

  • Association for Savings and Investment South Africa (ASISA)
    Start date: 2008
    Objective: Ensure that the South African savings and investment industry remains relevant and sustainable into the future in the interest of its members, the country and its citizens.
    Our role:
    • We actively participate in collaborative engagements and working groups.
    • We serve on the Responsible Investment Committee.
    • Thabo Khojane, Managing Director of our South African business, is a member of ASISA’s board and several committees, including the Executive Committee.

 

  • Chatham House Asia-Pacific Programme
    Start date: 2018
    Objective: Provide objective analysis of issues affecting APAC, engage decision-makers and undertake research to inform and influence policy.
    Our role:
    • We aim to actively contribute to conversations with academics, diplomats and policymakers.

 

  • CDP
    Start date: 2010
    Objective: Advocate for and implement increased disclosure on climate, water and forest issues for increased transparency.
    Our role:
    • We participated in the no-disclosure campaign.
    • Two investee companies we engaged with disclosed to CDP on Climate Change in 2024.

 

  • TheCityUK Green and Sustainable Finance Group
    Start date: 2026
    Objective: Focus on ensuring UK policy and regulations promote the UK as an internationally competitive and globally attractive destination for green investment.
    Our role:
    • We are a working group member.

 

  • Climate Action 100+
    Start date: 2018
    Objective: Ensure the largest corporate emitters take climate action.
    Our role:
    • We are involved in collaborative engagements with companies to ensure they minimise and disclose climate risks.
    • We co-lead engagements on three companies.

 

  • Crisis Group
    Start date: 2014
    Objective: Work to shape policies that will build a more peaceful world.
    Our role:
    • We leverage Crisis Group’s expertise in our investment decision-making and engagements.
    • We are involved with its Ambassador Council.
    • We are members of its Peacebuilding Society.

 

  • Emerging Markets and Developing Economies (EMDE) Investor Taskforce
    Start date: 2025
    Objective: Unlock private investment aimed at tackling climate change and seizing sustainable growth opportunities across emerging markets and developing economies.
    Our role:
    • Our CEO is an industry co-chair of the Taskforce.

 

  • Emerging Markets Investor Alliance
    Start date: 2019
    Objective: Enable institutional emerging market investors to support good governance, promote sustainable development and improve investment performance.
    Our role:
    • We are involved in working groups, particularly relating to fiscal transparency.
    • We lead some working groups and participate in others.

 

  • Farm Animal Investment Risk & Return (FAIRR)
    Start date: 2019
    Objective: Raise awareness of the material ESG risks and opportunities of intensive livestock production.
    Our role:
    • We participate in collaborative conversations to identify and engage on material ESG risks and opportunities in protein supply chains.

 

  • The Food Foundation
    Start date: 2025
    Objective: Drive change in food policy and business practice to ensure everyone can afford and access healthy and sustainable food.
    Our role:
    • We participate in meetings and conversations to gain further knowledge on food policy and business practice.
    • We support efforts to ensure everyone in the UK can afford and access a healthy diet.

 

  • Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ)
    Start date: 2021
    Objective: Convene firms from leading net zero initiatives across finance to accelerate the transition to net zero by 2050.
    Our role:
    • We are members of the Principal and Steering Group for GFANZ.
    • We are on the GFANZ Africa Board.
    • We actively participate in other GFANZ activities.

 

  • Global Climate Financial Centre (GCFC)
    Start date: 2023
    Objective: Drive the transformation of the UAE’s financial markets and institutions towards a more sustainable future.
    Our role:
    • We participate as Steering Committee members in the strategic direction of the GCFC.
    • We contribute to collateral, expert discussions and other deliverables.

 

  • Global Investor Commission on Mining 2030
    Start date: 2023
    Objective: Recognise the mining industry’s role in the energy transition and the need for it to manage systemic risks.
    Our role:
    • We are members of the Steering Committee.
    • We reviewed the Landscape Report launched in October 2024.

 

  • ISSB Investor Advisory Group
    Start date: 2025
    Objective: Improve the quality and comparability of sustainability-related financial disclosures.
    Our role:
    • Our CSO is a group member.

 

  • Institute of International Finance (IIF)
    Start date: 2021
    Objective: Support the finance industry to manage risks, develop best practices and advocate for policies that foster stability and sustainable growth.
    Our role:
    • We participate in global membership meetings.
    • We participate in collaborative efforts on financial policy and regulatory matters.

 

  • Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change (IIGCC)
    Start date: 2018
    Objective: Provide investors with a collaborative platform to encourage policies, practices and behaviour that address climate risks and opportunities.
    Our role:
    • We co-chair the investor practices programme.
    • We participate in the net zero implementation working group.
    • We participate in the corporate bond stewardship working group.

 

  • The Investment Association (UK)
    Start date: 2002
    Objective: Help the finance industry support the economy, provide access to fair and effective markets, and embed standards of sustainable governance.
    Our role:
    • We are full members.
    • We take part in various working groups.

 

  • The Investor and Issuer Forum
    Start date: 2025
    Objective: Enhance the effectiveness of UK equity markets with a clear focus on sustainable value creation.
    Our role:
    • Hendrik du Toit is on the Steering Committee.

 

  • The Investor Forum
    Start date: 2017
    Objective: Position stewardship at the heart of investment decision-making.
    Our role:
    • We participate in targeted strategic governance engagements.

 

  • Investor Leadership Network
    Start date: 2022
    Objective: Create a collaborative platform for addressing sustainability and long-term growth.
    Our role:
    • We contribute to three workstreams: private capital mobilisation; diversity, equity and inclusion; and climate change.
    • We contributed to the Blended Finance Handbook.

 

  • National Business Initiative
    Start date: 2022
    Objective: Work towards sustainable growth and development in South Africa and shape a sustainable future through responsible business action.
    Our role:
    • We contribute to working groups focused on South Africa’s net-zero transition and transition finance.
    • We sponsored the NBI South African pavilion at COP29.

 

  • Nature Action 100
    Start date: 2023
    Objective: Drive greater corporate ambition and action to reverse nature and biodiversity loss.
    Our role:
    • We have joined four collaborative engagements to improve nature-related disclosures at focus companies.

 

  • Net Zero Asset Managers Initiative (NZAMI)
    Start date: 2021
    Objective: Support investing aligned with net zero by 2050.
    Our role:
    • We are a signatory and have set net zero targets.
    • We have submitted our targets to the initiative.
    • We report progress annually.

 

  • PRI
    Start date: 2008
    Objective: Understand the implications of ESG factors and support investor signatories in incorporating them.
    Our role:
    • We are a signatory.
    • We participate in workstreams.
    • We present at UNPRI events.
    • We take part in collaborative engagements.

 

  • Responsible Investment Association (RIA) Canada
    Start date: 2021
    Objective: Promote responsible investment in retail and institutional markets.
    Our role:
    • We aim to support the RIA to advance responsible investment in Canada.

 

  • SOAS China Institute
    Start date: 2021
    Objective: Promote research and teaching on China, channelling expertise to government and business.
    Our role:
    • We aim to actively contribute to conversations with academics, diplomats and policymakers.

 

  • Sustainable Markets Initiative (SMI)
    Start date: 2021
    Objective: Accelerate the transition to a sustainable future by engaging public, private and philanthropic sectors.
    Our role:
    • We participate in the Asset Manager / Asset Owner Taskforce.
    • We participate in the Blended Finance Taskforce.

 

  • Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD)
    Start date: 2018
    Objective: Develop consistent climate-related financial risk disclosures for companies, banks and investors.
    Our role:
    • We support the recommendations.
    • We publish a TCFD report in our Integrated Annual Report.

 

  • Task Force on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) Forum
    Start date: 2022
    Objective: Develop a risk management and disclosure framework for nature-related risks.
    Our role:
    • We aim to support consultative work to develop the TNFD recommendations, including via the TNFD Forum.

 

  • Transition Finance Council
    Start date: 2025
    Objective: Raise and deploy transition finance in the UK.
    Our role:
    • We are members of the working group on credibility and integrity.
    • We are members of the working group on scaling transition finance.

 

  • Transition Pathway Initiative (TPI)
    Start date: 2019
    Objective: Assess companies’ preparedness for the energy transition.
    Our role:
    • We support the initiative.
    • We use the data it produces to assist our understanding of climate risks and opportunities.

 

  • World Bank Private Sector Investment Lab
    Start date: 2023
    Objective: Develop solutions that address existing barriers to private sector investment in emerging markets and developing economies.
    Our role:
    • We are members of working groups developing solutions that increase catalytic equity and risk-mitigation instruments.

Dialshifter (Fund)

This fund is helping to ‘shift the dial from brown to green’ by…

investing in companies with sustainable drivers that are helping to build a better world. Our investment philosophy is focused on pricing positive and negative externalities better than the market, meaning the fund invests in businesses that can deliver sustainable structural growth by providing solutions to sustainability challenges, and can effectively manage sustainability risks. Central to this is carbon reduction in line with the Paris Agreement; all companies we own must have verified science-based targets by 2030 and a large proportion of the portfolio is invested in companies providing decarbonization solutions across renewable energy, electrification and resource efficiency pathways.

 

SDR Labelling:

Sustainability Impact label

Key Performance Indicators:

The Investment Manager identifies and measures a key performance indicator (KPI) which represents the number or value of products and/or services provided, volume of resource benefit, or the number of people made more resilient in areas at high risk of extreme weather events or long-term climate or pollution impacts, particularly those in low and middle-income regions, who are disproportionately affected by these challenges. For example, a provider of flood insurance products that enable those at greater risk of flooding to protect the value of their homes may be measured by the number of individuals purchasing the insurance policies or ‘Water saved’ represents the quantity of water recycled and treated by a company’s products to help customers safeguard precious water resources by holistically addressing water safety and scarcity.

Fund Holdings

Voting Record

Disclaimer

The personal information contained in this document is confidential, and only for the information of the intended recipient.  

This communication is for professional investors only. It is not to be distributed to retail customers who are resident in countries where the Fund is not registered for sale or in any other circumstances where its distribution is not authorised or is unlawful. Please visit www.ninetyone.com/registrations to check registration by country.

For further information on our sustainability-related funds, please visit please visit the sustainability-related disclosures section within the literature library at www.ninetyone.com. This product is out of scope of the UK Sustainability Disclosure Requirements.

The information may discuss general market activity or industry trends and is not intended to be relied upon as a forecast, research or investment advice. The economic and market views presented herein reflect Ninety One’s judgment as at the date shown and are subject to change without notice. There is no guarantee that views and opinions expressed will be correct and may not reflect those of Ninety One as a whole, different views may be expressed based on different investment objectives. Although we believe any information obtained from external sources to be reliable, we have not independently verified it, and we cannot guarantee its accuracy or completeness (ESG-related data is still at an early stage with considerable variation in estimates and disclosure across companies. Double counting is inherent in all aggregate carbon data). Ninety One’s internal data may not be audited. Ninety One does not provide legal or tax advice. Prospective investors should consult their tax advisors before making tax-related investment decisions.  

The Fund is a sub-fund of the Ninety One Global Strategy Fund, which is a UCITS authorised by the CSSF and organised as a Société d’Investissement à Capital Variable under the law of Luxembourg. Ninety One Luxembourg S.A. (registered in Luxembourg No. B 162485 and regulated by the Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier) is the Manager of the Fund. This communication is not an invitation to make an investment, nor does it constitute an offer for sale. Please refer to the Prospectus of the UCITS and to the Key Information Documents (KID) or Key Investor Information Documents (KIID), where relevant, before making any final investment decisions. 

Fund prices and English language copies of the Prospectus, annual and semi-annual Report & Accounts, Articles of Incorporation and where relevant, the local language copies of the KID and KIID may be obtained from www.ninetyone.com. A summary of investor rights can be found in the Prospectus, and details of Ninety One’s complaints handling procedures are available in English on www.ninetyone.com/complaints. Ninety One Luxembourg reserves the right to discontinue the marketing of its Funds in countries where they are registered. 

In Switzerland, this information is available free of charge from the Swiss Representative and Paying Agent, CACEIS Investor Services Bank S.A., Esch-sur-Alzette, Bliecherweg 7, CH-8027 Zurich, Switzerland. In Spain, the Ninety One Global Strategy Fund is registered with the Comisión Nacional de Mercados y Valores as a foreign collective investment scheme marketed in Spain, with the number 734. 

Daily transactional data is not available to fund investors.  Transparency around transactions costs is available to investors via PRIIPs and MiFID methodologies. 

In the US, this material may be distributed only to a person who is a “distributor,” or who is not a “U.S. person,” as defined by Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 (as amended). No shares may be offered or sold in the US to any US person. The fund has not been registered under the United States Investment Company Act of 1940, as amended, nor the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (1933 Act).  

In Australia, this material has been prepared by Ninety One Australia Pty Ltd (AFSL 329636) and is intended for wholesale investors only as defined under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth).

Except as otherwise authorised, this information may not be shown, copied, transmitted, or otherwise given to any third party without Ninety One’s prior written consent. © 2026 Ninety One. All rights reserved. Issued by Ninety One, May 2026. 

Indices  

Indices are shown for illustrative purposes only, are unmanaged and do not consider market conditions or the costs associated with investing. Further, the manager’s strategy may deploy investment techniques and instruments not used to generate Index performance. For this reason, the performance of the manager and the Indices are not directly comparable.  

If applicable, MSCI data is sourced from/copyright of MSCI Inc., MSCI Solutions LLC, or their affiliates (“MSCI”), or information providers (together the “MSCI Parties”). Please note an important disclaimer applies to MSCI data and can be found at: Notice and Disclaimer for Reporting Licenses | MSCI. For regulatory disclosures mandated under the EU ESG Rating Activities Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2024/3005), please visit www.msci.com/legal/sustainability-and-climate-resources-and-disclosures for methodology and organizational disclosures and https://one.msci.com for rating level disclosures.

If applicable, FTSE data is sourced from FTSE International Limited (‘FTSE’) © FTSE 2026. Please note an important disclaimer applies to FTSE data and can be found at www.ftse.com/products/downloads/FTSE_Wholly_Owned_Non-Partner.pdf 

Targeted or projected performance returns  

These are based on Manager’s good faith estimate of the likelihood of the performance of asset classes under current market conditions. There can be no assurances that any investment will generate such returns, that any client or investor will achieve comparable results or that the manager will be able to implement its investment strategy. Actual performance may be adversely affected by a variety of factors, beyond the manager’s control, such as, political, and socio-economic events, adverse changes in the interest rate environment, changes to investment expenses, and a lack of suitable investment opportunities. Accordingly, target returns and expected results may change over time and may differ from previous reports. Additional and supporting information is available upon request. 

Back-tested results 

Hypothetical performance results shown are backtested and do not represent the performance of any account, fund or strategy managed by Ninety One but were achieved by means of the retroactive application, certain aspects of which may have been designed with the benefit of hindsight. The hypothetical back-tested performance does not represent the results of actual trading using client assets nor decision-making during the period and does not and is not intended to indicate the past performance or future performance of any account or investment strategy. If actual accounts had been managed throughout the period, ongoing research might have resulted in changes to the strategy which might have altered returns. The actual performance of any account or investment strategy managed by Ninety One will differ, perhaps materially, from the hypothetical back-tested performance results shown herein. Additional and supporting information is available upon request. 

Model return results 

This communication includes results which are not historical or actual in nature but are hypothetical illustrations involving modelling components and assumptions that are required for purposes of such hypothetical illustrations. No representations are made as to the accuracy of such hypothetical illustrations or that all assumptions relating to such hypothetical illustrations have been considered or stated or that such hypothetical illustrations will be realized. Actual events are difficult to predict and are beyond the Firm’s control. Actual events may be different, perhaps materially, from those assumed. No investor or client of the Firm has actually experienced the hypothetical results presented. Additional and supporting information is available upon request. 

Investment Team  

There is no assurance that the persons referenced herein will continue to be involved with investing assets for the Manager, or that other persons not identified herein will become involved at any time without notice. References to specific and periodic team meetings are not guaranteed to be held or fully attended due to reasonable priority driven circumstances and holidays. 

Investment Process  

Any description or information regarding investment process is provided for illustrative purposes only, may not be fully indicative of any present or future investments and may be changed at the discretion of the manager without notice. References to specific investments, strategies or investment vehicles are for illustrative purposes only and should not be relied upon as a recommendation to purchase or sell such investments or to engage in any particular Strategy. Portfolio data is expected to change and there is no assurance that the actual portfolio will remain as described herein. There is no assurance that the investments presented will be available in the future at the levels presented, with the same characteristics or be available at all. Past performance is no guarantee of future results and has no bearing upon the ability of Manager to construct the illustrative portfolio and implement its investment strategy or investment objective.  

Specific Portfolio Names  

References to particular investments or strategies are for illustrative purposes only and should not be seen as a buy, sell or hold recommendation. Such references are not a complete list and other positions, strategies, or vehicles may experience results which differ, perhaps materially, from those presented herein due to different investment objectives, guidelines, or market conditions. The securities or investment products mentioned in this document may not have been registered in any jurisdiction. More information is available upon request. 

Indices  

Indices are shown for illustrative purposes only, are unmanaged and do not consider market conditions or the costs associated with investing. Further, the manager’s strategy may deploy investment techniques and instruments not used to generate Index performance. For this reason, the performance of the manager and the Indices are not directly comparable.  

If applicable, MSCI data is sourced from/copyright of MSCI Inc., MSCI Solutions LLC, or their affiliates (“MSCI”), or information providers (together the “MSCI Parties”). Please note an important disclaimer applies to MSCI data and can be found at: Notice and Disclaimer for Reporting Licenses | MSCI. For regulatory disclosures mandated under the EU ESG Rating Activities Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2024/3005), please visit www.msci.com/legal/sustainability-and-climate-resources-and-disclosures for methodology and organizational disclosures and https://one.msci.com for rating level disclosures.

If applicable, FTSE data is sourced from FTSE International Limited (‘FTSE’) © FTSE 2026. Please note an important disclaimer applies to FTSE data and can be found at www.ftse.com/products/downloads/FTSE_Wholly_Owned_Non-Partner.pdf