Clarien Bank Launches International Equity Fund
Clarien Bank Ltd, one of the largest independent integrated financial services organisations in Bermuda, announced the launch of its new International Equity Fund, a global investment for sustainable development.
A spokesperson said, “The International Equity Fund seeks to generate strong financial returns for clients, as Clarien invests not only in companies that contribute to positive and social environmental outcomes, but also those with a proven performance track-record. Clarien’s International Equity Fund seeks to invest in high-quality companies that align themselves with primary sustainability themes [expected to persist, irrespective of changing geopolitical or environmental factors] including:
- Climate [e.g. cleaner energy, resource efficiency, sanitation and recycling, and sustainable transportation]
- Health [e.g. access to quality care, food security and clean water, medical innovation and wellbeing]
- Empowerment [e.g. education and employment services, financial security and inclusion, information and communication technologies, and sustainable infrastructure]
“These themes are based on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals [SDGs], which offer a roadmap for identifying thematic opportunities that have gone previously unnoticed or underappreciated by traditional investors. In total, 193 nations have expressed a commitment to achieving these SDGs, signalling broad global consensus and creating a powerful tailwind for aligned companies.”
“Investments that align with SDGs can help to end poverty, protect the planet and improve the lives and prospects of people around the world,” said Miguel DaPonte, Clarien’s SVP, Head of Investment Management.
“The UN’s SDGs address challenges relating to economic prosperity, environmental sustainability and social inclusion and as we invest in companies with the same mission and values as us, we are excited to see how it will encourage innovation and help to create healthier, greener and safer communities for us all.”
The spokesperson said, “In addition to Clarien’s own experienced investment management team, we have selected to work with fund managers, AllianceBernstein [AB], a U.S. based firm providing industry-leading research and investment solutions. Founded in 1967, AB has grown to become one of the largest independent investment managers, helping diverse clients to navigate the markets with clarity for over 50 years.
“Both Clarien and AB have a shared vision for success as it relates to the Fund, which is underscored by the belief that investment outcomes should be about more than just financial returns.”
“Clarien’s International Equity Fund will invest in companies creating solutions to the world’s largest sustainability challenges,” said Mr DaPonte. “The Bank will prioritise companies that demonstrate strong financial returns, have healthy balance sheets and a proven competitive advantage to help ensure durable growth for our clients over time.”
The spokesperson said, “The Fund has also selected companies that are:
- Managed in alignment with stakeholders – not only shareholders – and are best positioned to deliver sustainable, long term growth;
- Have a positive valuation case, which is essential to achieving dual goals of strong financial and social outcomes;
- And are in alignment with the UN’s SDGs, as this provides exposure to long term secular tailwinds [conditions that may lead to higher profits, revenue or growth].”
“There is significant impact to be made by investing in companies with a high level of corporate social responsibility,” explained Mr Da Ponte. “It not only encourages firms to improve business activities and responsibility practices, it also creates additional shareholder value. This is especially important as we see countries around the world facing multiple environmental and health challenges at the national and global level. In order to have any positive, long-lasting change, we need innovators and emerging leaders to join forces to help unlock new opportunities and expand the reach of these innovative approaches.”
The spokesperson said, “When measuring outcomes of the Fund, Clarien Bank will look at 18 metrics covering key environmental, social and governance indicators, secured from a qualified third party.
“The launch of Clarien’s International Equity Fund is yet another milestone in the Bank’s wider efforts to support ecological sustainability – in Bermuda and beyond. Last October, Clarien announced a partnership with Bermuda National Trust to plant 100 native and endemic trees per year for the next 3 years. In November 2022, Clarien also hosted a presentation for tech-savvy, socially conscious Clarien+ clients featuring keynote speaker Bryan Naqqi Manco, the Assistant Director of Research and Development in the Department of Environment and Coastal Resources from Turks & Caicos Islands.
“For more information, visit www.clarienbank.com.”
