Written by Steve Day
March 4, 2024
Green Bank, Green Pension?
Kudos to Make My Money Matter (again!) for their ranking of how green UK pension providers are. It’s a welcome insight into the ethics, policies, and intentions of these companies.
Similar comparisons of banks have been around for a while, with https://bank.green/ being an excellent example of this.
However, it’s important to be aware of the differences that exist between choosing a green bank and choosing a green pension.
When you have money in your bank accounts, it will be the policies of the bank itself that determines how that money will be used by them. So, you can have peace of mind that having an account with a “green” bank will mean that your money isn’t been used for loans to fossil fuel companies or similar.
A pension is different.
Yes, it’s important to consider the credentials of the provider itself.
However, it’s the funds that you invest in where the true impact occurs. Holding an unsustainable fund with a high-ranking provider won’t be as positive as holding a sustainable fund with a low-ranking one.
Think of it like a supermarket.
You probably shop with a company that has ethics, policies, and intentions that you’re comfortable with. But if you choose to buy products from them that contradict this, then you’ve not had the impact you’d intended.
So do make sure that your pension provider is one with whom you’re comfortable.
More importantly, make sure that the funds that you have within your pension are aligned with your expectations.
Don’t know where to start? Here are a few tips:
- Investigate Your Current Investments: Start by finding out what funds your pension is currently invested in. Your pension provider’s regular valuations or online access should provide this information. Look for the fund factsheet, which outlines objectives and may include a breakdown of the top 10 holdings.
(Tip: Use codes like SEDOL or ISIN for easier online searches. If a direct link to the fund factsheet isn’t provided, use search engines like Ecosia for assistance.)
- Use MSCI for Greater Insight: Gain a second opinion on your fund’s sustainability by utilising MSCI, a global provider of portfolio analysis. Enter your fund details on their ESG Fund Ratings and Climate Search Tool to access information on temperature alignment, carbon intensity, fossil fuel revenues, and more (https://www.msci.com/our-solutions/esg-investing/esg-fund-ratings-climate-search-tool)
Assess Your Satisfaction with Current Investments: If you find your current fund(s) align well with your sustainability criteria, that’s excellent news. However, if changes are needed, explore alternative funds offered by your pension provider. You’ll find information on what these are either on your documentation, online, or by giving them a call.
Seek Financial Advice with a Sustainability Lens: If you feel overwhelmed, seeking financial advice is a valid option. However, it’s crucial to choose a firm with strong sustainability credentials. Check their website for details on impact, independent accreditations, and other relevant information before engaging with them.
*All investments carry risk and past performance is no guarantee of future returns. Our fossil-fuelled past is very unrepresentative of the future we need to build and adapt to. The timing and speed of our transition to a new economy makes short to medium term returns more uncertain.
Steve Day
Independent Financial Adviser
I started Switchfoot Wealth to offer financial planning that matches the way we live and work today. Using the best technology and offering expertise gained through both formal qualifications and years of working closely with clients, we are bringing financial planning into the 21st century, helping people, businesses and professional advisers make the most of their time and their money.
– Sebastian Ewell
Switchfoot Wealth Founder
Read more about Switchfoot Wealth
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