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Responsible Investing and Sustainability

at Investec Wealth & Investment International

winding road on hill

Responsible investing and Sustainability are becoming increasingly important considerations for investors and investment managers alike. 

      

This is due not only to changes in regulation but also to a new generation of investors who are conscious of the positive impact their investment can have beyond traditional metrics such as capital growth and income.

As long-term investors, we acknowledge that as custodians of your wealth, we have the responsibility to invest and continue to invest in a way that promotes and aligns with long-term sustainability.

Investment managers who consider traditional risks together with sustainability, as well as environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues can allocate capital more effectively which can lead to improved returns. Further research shows that companies who incorporate sustainability as part of their overall strategy tend to maximize value for shareholders by having long-term sustainable profitability. Our Research Team incorporates ESG factors into our investment analysis across all asset classes, strengthened using Sustainalytics, a global leader in ESG research and risk metrics. Stewardship, voting, and active engagement are key tenets of upholding our fiduciary responsibility of being custodians of our clients’ assets.

We live in society, not off it

Our commitment to sustainability recognises the interconnected nature of our business, the economy, the environment, and society. ESG integration and deepening our approach to sustainability will remain a key investment priority for Investec W&I.

Sustainability is core to our fundamental investment approach by integrating ESG considerations into our investment decision-making and broader investment process, as well as actively engaging with the businesses that we invest in on behalf of our clients. A key focus for equity selection is identifying companies that sustainably generate returns above their cost of capital and are trading at fair to cheap prices. Companies that do not incorporate sustainability or appropriately consider all relevant stakeholders are unlikely to sustainably generate returns above their cost of capital. As signatories of the United Nations PRI (Principles for Responsible Investment), our commitment to sustainability recognises the interconnected nature of our business, the economy, the environment and society.

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DOWNLOAD OUR POLICY DOCUMENTS

Principle based Framework to guide Responsible Investment Integration PDF 1.37 MB

Proxy Voting Guidelines PDF 1.97 MB

Integrated Responsible Investment and Stewardship Guidance PDF 2.0 MB

 

 

ESG and responsible investing guidebook

Systemic challenges such as climate change and social issues continue to grow in their significance. Within the investment landscape, consideration of the impact of material environmental, social and governance risks on long-term investment performance is becoming best practice internationally. This evolution of our financial system brings a renewed responsibility and opportunities for investors, trustees, and decision-makers to play a more active role in the investment process. This ESG and responsible investing guidebook aims to guide investors in understanding responsible investing, including the impact of ESG risks on the long-term value of capital, and offers strategies and tools in responsible investment practices.

children playing on a windmill farm


 

How to get started

At the launch of the new guidebook, Nicky Newton-King, chairperson of the Social and Ethics Committee at Investec, and former CEO of the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, chats about what investors and charitable institutions should consider when embarking on their ESG and responsible investing journey.


 

The risk of non-compliance

Watch Barry Shamley, fund manager at Investec Investment Management, on what it means for investment portfolios if material ESG risks are ignored.


 

A responsible investing roadmap

The authors of the guidebook, Boipelo Rabothata, ESG Specialist and Co-Fund Manager of the Investec Global Sustainable Equity Fund and Maxine Gray, Business Strategist at Investec Wealth & Investment International speak to Jeremy Maggs in the latest episode of Investec’s No Ordinary Wednesday podcast. They cover how investors should approach responsible investing and measure its impact, given the lack of global ESG standardisation and its politicisation.

Voting records

As an active investment manager, we believe that with ownership comes responsibility, both to our investors and stakeholders. This responsibility requires us to constantly monitor our investments, exercise our right to vote, engage with company management and, when necessary, raise resolutions or call meetings. We will exercise our fiduciary voting responsibilities on all material issues, which can encompass anything from remuneration to board composition.

The table below summarises the results of our voting activities. Click on each company name to access detailed resolution information:

LEARN MORE ABOUT SUSTAINABILITY

The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. Find out more about the framework.
the class of 2030

Join the Class of 2030, a diverse mix of classmates as they embark on a learning journey of the SDGs, and learn how you can find your impact in creating a more sustainable world. 

the road to 2030

Read the Road to 2030, an educational article series featuring different perspectives and insights on each of the SDGs.