General frequently asked questions
What makes Australian Ethical different to other ethical funds?
Australian Ethical is unique because it is a ‘deep green’ fund manager, which means that it adopts positive and negative screening practices, along with corporate engagement in the investment process.
Further information
< back
How are investments researched and selected?
We consult a wide range of sources to identify potential investments, including:
- journals
- research from major institutions
- discussions with non-government organisations and investors
- our Australian Ethical Charter to assess an investment’s ethical merits.
This research is submitted to our investment team for financial analysis. They then decide whether an investment will be included in the portfolios.
Our researchers also regularly monitor the ethical position of investments, as well as taking into account investors' feedback on the ethics of our investment portfolio.
Further information
< back
Does Australian Ethical provide summaries of all the investments held by the trusts and Super Fund?
Yes, we are one of the few fund managers who publish detailed investment profiles. We hold investments in about 140 companies across a broad spectrum of sectors.
In particular, our investments come from the following areas:
- infrastructure and communications
- renewable energy and energy efficiency
- health care and wellbeing
- efficient transport
- waste management
- wealth
- knowledge.
< back
Personal financial advice and financial advisers
I want personal financial advice, what do I do?
Australian Ethical can offer you general advice on the financial products it offers – that is, advice on the Australian Ethical trusts and Superannuation Fund. This advice will not take your personal circumstances into account.
A professional financial adviser can offer you personal advice and can help you make financial decisions, taking into account your individual financial situation, needs and objectives. A financial adviser can recommend appropriate strategies and, when required, appropriate financial products to suit your individual needs and goals.
Further information
- List of financial advisers and helpful contacts
< back
How can I find a good financial adviser?
Australian Ethical provides a list of financial advisers and helpful contacts. However, we do not provide this list as a recommendation on any particular adviser. None of the individuals or firms on the financial advisers list is an agent or representative of Australian Ethical Investment Ltd.
To help you choose and find a good financial adviser you should read the Australian Securities and Investments Commission and Financial Planners Association guide on ‘Getting advice’.
You can also visit the Australian Securities and Investments Commission website Fido which is designed to provide financial tips and safety checks for consumers.
Below are some other useful links to help you find an adviser:
You can also visit the sites of the:
You can also make a free call to the Financial Industry Complaints Service on 1800 670 040 if you have a complaint regarding a financial adviser.
< back
Contact us
Who do I contact with enquiries about my investments?
Contact us to make direct enquiries relating to your trusts investments or your superannuation strategies.
If you have a general enquiry about your shareholding in Australian Ethical Investment Ltd you should contact Registries Ltd (callcentre@registriesltd.com.au; 02 9290 9600).
< back
What do I do if I have a problem with the ethics of an investment?
Our portfolios are constructed to take into account not only the ethics of individual investments, but also to ensure that there is adequate diversification (that is, a spread of investment risk).
However, if you feel there are aspects of an investment’s credentials that warrant attention, we encourage you to contact us and your feedback will be referred to our ethical researchers and investment team.
< back
Definitions
What type of investor am I?
If you have invested in an Australian Ethical investment trust, you own units and are classified as a unitholder or investor.
If you have invested in an Australian Ethical superannuation strategy, you are classified as a superannuation member.
If you have purchased shares in Australian Ethical Investment Ltd (the company), you are classified as a shareholder of the company.