Sustainable Investing

Sustainable Investing

Changing Client Needs

The investment world is fast-paced and constantly evolving. New strategies, solutions, and ways to invest are continually being created to match changing client needs.

One aspect of our service that has not changed at OCN Group is the relationship of trust and transparency with our clients. Client needs are always the first consideration in all that we do, and that will never change.

One area that has seen significant growth over the last few years is the demand for investment managers to invest in a more socially responsible manner. At OCN Group, we are fully on board with reviewing, adapting, and implementing better practices within our company that contribute in a small way to building a better world.

As technology has improved, it is now easier to implement Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategies while still generating good returns.

What SRI Means To You

It has become more customary over the last few years for clients to add an SRI element to the list of requirements when constructing investment portfolios as more people realize the impact their investment decisions can make. Sustainable Investing means different things to different people, so we must have an open and honest dialogue with clients about what SRI means to them. This is one area that investment managers such as ourselves cannot offer specific advice.

While there are some sectors that many people agree should be excluded, arms and tobacco are two examples, it is down to the client to determine what sustainable investing means to them personally. Once their values are preferences are clearly defined, we can establish a portfolio that is aligned without sacrificing returns.

Impact of SRI

With more and more money being invested in SRI year by year, the impact of those decisions is being felt in the working practices of many companies, affecting where they source materials and labor, for example, and forcing improvements in other ways they run their businesses.

Even after an appropriately aligned portfolio has been created for a client, our job at OCN Group is not over. We continue to monitor the investments within SRI portfolios to ensure whether the companies we invest in are continuing to adhere to their commitments to implement change and ensure accountability.

As custodians of client money and investments, we have to remain open and honest in our conversations with clients, confirming or updating changes to their aims and objectives. When evaluating companies, we always act as an extension of our clients' wishes and take a pragmatic approach to our role as advocates of socially responsible investments.