Australian Ethical launches its first-ever actively-managed ethical ETF

SYDNEY, Feb. 1, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Australia's original responsible investment and super fund manager Australian Ethical has launched its first ever ETF, providing new access for all Australian investors to its award winning ethical investment capability.

The "High Conviction Fund ETF" (ticker: AEAE) is an actively managed portfolio of 20 to 35 companies primarily drawn from the ASX 300, that each meet extensive ethical criteria for investment based on Australian Ethical's rigorous Ethical Charter.

It is one of just a small handful of actively managed ethical ETFs in Australia, and will only invest in a select group of companies that exhibit attractive investment fundamentals based on the team's in-depth research process.

Mike Murray, Head of Domestic Equities of Australian Ethical, said: "The High Conviction Fund ETF is our first product in an increasingly important channel, to give all Australians investors access to our award-winning ethical investment and high-performance strategies. With rising demand for ethical investing, there is a growing need for access to authentic, true-to-label, and robust investment solutions across a range of different channels.

"Our first ETF leverages the combined depth of our ethical research and domestic equities capabilities, and seeks exposure to forward-looking industries such as renewables, healthcare, communications, and information technology. It targets a highly liquid portfolio of mid- and large-cap securities complemented by select smaller cap exposures that all meet our twin ethical and investment hurdles.

John McMurdo, CEO & MD of Australia Ethical, said: "Our investment team leverages over 35 years of proven track record and expertise as Australia's original ethical investor. We are extremely proud of having some of the highest standards in the market for both our ethical portfolio and financial returns.

"Democratising access to ethical investment, through the release of products such as this ETF, is a very important part of our strategy."

The ETF follows last year's launch of the High Conviction Fund as a wholesale trust and complements a suite of domestic equities products that meet the growing demand for quality ethical investments with long-term capital appreciation. These have driven up Australian Ethical's funds under management (FUM) 37.4 percent in 12 month from $5.05 billion to $6.94 billion as at 31 December 2021.

Angus Dennis has also recently joined Australian Ethical as an Investment Director to lead the institutional channel strategy. Angus was formerly the Institutional Sales Executive at Vanguard Australia, and has over 30 years of experience in institutional funds management and marketing.

The High Conviction Fund ETF listed on CBoe Australia (formerly Chi-X) at 10am on Tuesday 1 February 2022.

Australian Ethical (www.australianethical.com.au) is Australia's original responsible investment and fastest-growing super fund manager, with a 35-year track record, over $6 billion in Funds Under Management (FUM), and above-market returns in its premium products.

Australian Ethical offers eight managed funds and 13 investment options in its superannuation fund. These are managed by an in-house team of investment professionals consisting of sector specialists with an average of over 16 years' experience, and an internal ethics team with a separate reporting line. Every decision made by both teams is guided by the Australian Ethical Charter and its responsible investment philosophy. The investment team combines the most comprehensive ethical assessment process in the market with fundamental bottom-up stock analysis that goes far deeper than generic ESG investing.

Australian Ethical is rated as one of the top-performing super fund and investment managers by Super Ratings, Chant West, Morningstar, Money Magazine, Rainmaker, Forbes, and Financial Standard.

Recently, Australian Ethical was awarded:    

• 1 of just 6 global leaders for ESG commitment, and the only Australian asset manager, by Morningstar
• Australian Ethical Australian Shares option is 1^st over 1 year, 3, 5, 7 and 10 years in the SR50 Australian Shares Index in the SuperRatings Fund Crediting Rate Survey as at 30 June 2021
• Australian Ethical Balanced option is 2^nd for 3 years (9.99%) in the SR50 Balanced (60-76) Index, and has outperformed the SR50 Balanced (60-76) Index over the 5 and 7 years in the SuperRatings Fund Crediting Rate Survey as at 30 June 2021
• Emerging Companies Fund (Wholesale) and the Diversified Shares Fund (Wholesale) 5-star rating by Canstar
• Money Magazine Best of the Best Award: ESG Trailblazer
• Finder.com.au Green Superannuation Fund of the Year
• SuperRatings Infinity Award for best sustainable super fund, best performing SR50 Australian shares option over 5 years and Gold for MyChoice Super and MySuper++
• Financial Standard Investment Leadership Award: ESG - Australian Equities