UBS raises USD 440 million for Rockefeller sustainable investment fund

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UBS Switzerland AG
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Zurich, June 24 2020 – UBS is investing in Rockefeller Asset Management’s Global Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Equity fund, broadening the sustainable investment opportunities that it offers to clients.

UBS, the world’s largest global wealth manager, has allocated directly to the fund through its 100% sustainable multi-asset portfolio, which surpassed USD 10 billion in size earlier this year. The fund is also available to UBS Global Wealth Management clients in specific locations as a standalone investment.

Across these channels, UBS has raised USD 440 million so far for the product, which remains open to investment from its clients in the relevant regions.

The Rockefeller Global ESG Equity strategy takes an “ESG improvers” approach, seeking to identify and invest in the equity of listed companies that are improving their performance on material ESG issues and are likely to continue doing so.

Investors gain exposure to the incremental positive change on ESG issues these companies are achieving, as well as to the potential financial performance benefit that can result from these improvements. Shareholder engagement with those companies can also help drive positive change.

Overall, ESG improvers investments form an integral part of UBS GWM’s 100% sustainable portfolio. They represent roughly 15% of a balanced version of the portfolio depending on clients’ financial objectives and risk tolerance.

Andrew Lee, Head of Sustainable and Impact Investing at UBS Global Wealth Management, said: “In our view, investing in public companies that are changing their behavior for the better is an important and growing area of sustainable investing. It also forms a core part of our 100% sustainable cross-asset portfolio for private clients. By improving their social and environmental performance, firms can mitigate risks, support their brands, and take advantage of sustainable business opportunities.”

David Harris, Chief Investment Officer, President of Rockefeller Asset Management and Co-Portfolio Manager, said: “We have long held the view that ESG integration and deep engagement can identify risks and opportunities that traditional fundamental analysis alone may not uncover. An ESG improvers approach offers a convincing alternative to more traditional strategies based on identifying companies with existing leadership in ESG.”

The fund is a UCITS product and is available to both retail and institutional investors. The fund is registered for sale in various countries including Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the U.K.

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