Aberdeen Standard Investments has launched a Multi-Asset Climate Solutions fund in partnership with The Big Issue Group to give investors the opportunity to “actively participate in the climate shift”.
The fund is designed for those who want to invest in companies whose products and services play a decisive role in mitigating climate change and building a more sustainable future. Investors will be able to invest across a range of different asset classes, including equities, bonds and real estate.
Aberdeen said the fund will invest in renewable energy, electric vehicles, smart working, energy efficient buildings and other green technologies, while avoiding exposure to fossil fuel producers and other controversial activities.
It will be headed up by lead fund manager Craig Mackenzie, head of strategic asset allocation, Chris Paine, investment manager, and Fiona Ritchie, ESG investment manager, multi-asset solutions.
As part of the partnership, Aberdeen will share 20% of the net revenue generated by the fund to support The Big Issue Group’s social causes. The Big Issue magazine currently works with over 1,700 vendors to earn a living by selling the magazine and plans to extend its employment opportunities in 2021. The Group’s work also includes direct investment into more than 350 social enterprises across the UK.
Craig Mackenzie, lead fund manager, Multi-Asset Climate Solutions, Aberdeen Standard Investments said: “We have searched the globe to find companies whose products drive the shift to a zero-carbon green economy. Renewable energy, electric vehicles and other green technologies are likely to expand rapidly in the coming decades, offering a strong growth opportunity. Our multi-asset approach diversifies risk across asset classes, allowing our customers to put their money to work financing the climate transition with less volatile investment returns.”
Nigel Kershaw, chair, The Big Issue Group, commented: “The Big Issue’s mission is to build a world that works for everyone, for now and for future generations. This fund is a natural extension of our mission, given that the negative effects of climate change are likely to have a disproportionate impact on vulnerable people across the world. We are proud of our partnership with Aberdeen Standard Investments and are excited to bring such an innovative product to market.”
Aberdeen has chosen FTSE Russell as its climate solutions data provider. Aberdeen will use the firm’s new Green Revenues 2.0 data model which measures the green revenue exposure of portfolio companies to comply with the incoming EU Taxonomy.
