Responsible Investing and Sustainability
at Investec Wealth & Investment International
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
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.
DOWNLOAD OUR POLICY DOCUMENTS
Long-term investing requires an active and evolving approach, now more than ever
ESG and responsible investing guidebook
How to get started
The risk of non-compliance
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
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.
Read the Road to 2030, an educational article series featuring different perspectives and insights on each of the SDGs.
