Pathfinder gets new shareholder

Rātā Foundation has acquired a 25% stake in Alvarium Management Holdings, the parent Pathfinder and Alvarium Wealth.

Monday, March 31st 2025, 8:41AM

Rātā is a South Island based foundation with funds of $700 million that generates around $26 million annually which has paid out in social impact to community organisations in Canterbury, Nelson, Marlborough, and the Chatham Islands.

It has invested in Alvarium to expand direct investment and co-investment with goals of strong financial returns and positive community outcomes.

Alvarium wanted to expand its South Island presence, and partner with community-based organisations and Iwi to deliver values-aligned returns.

Rātā chief executive Leighton Evans and Pathfinder chief executive John Berry said there was clear values alignment between the two organisations, including a strong commitment to delivering impact back into communities through best-in-class wealth management.

"Rātā has allocated 30% of our investment portfolio to direct investment. The Alvarium investment marks the first direct shareholding for Rātā in a private New Zealand company," Evans said.

“Rātā will continue to actively seek direct investment opportunities that offer enduring and sustainable revenue through highly responsible means, with the end goal of increasing the funds we have available for allocation in our communities.

“In line with its strategic goals, our private market strategy will bring us closer to our investments, ensuring a clearer alignment between our purpose and the funds we manage.

“Rātā aims to take a leadership and advocacy role in ethical investment, a sector where we also see potential for excellent growth,” Evans said.

Berry said the transaction supported the organisation’s strategic goal of continuing rapid growth in areas where it can maximise its social and economic contribution.

“This transaction demonstrates the opportunity to expand our offer and directly support community organisations in the management of their resources.”
“The South Island has been an important part of the genesis of Alvarium and we are excited about actively supporting the aspirations of South Island communities and growing our South Island presence,” Berry said.

Evans said, “We believe there is potential growth through the provision of KiwiSaver and managed funds for investors who want to see their returns underpinned by values. “

“Our investment recognises the potential for fund managers like Pathfinder to increase market share as more Kiwi support ethical investment.”
After a recent performance review of Rātā Foundation’s Trans-Tasman equity mandate, it invested $10 million in Pathfinder’s Trans-Tasman Equity Fund, separate from the shareholding transaction.

Tags: Alvarium Wealth John Berry Pathfinder Asset Management Rata Foundation