Pathfinder to screen its Water Fund for nasties

John Berry

Pathfinder Asset Management has selected Sustainalytics, a leading global provider of ESG and corporate governance research and ratings, as its environmental, social and governance (ESG) research provider.

Working with Sustainalytics’ office in Sydney, Pathfinder will screen companies in its Global Water Fund for revenues including gambling and tobacco, as well as for involvement in controversial weapons. Pathfinder will also assess companies on environmental and labour and corruption records.

Pathfinder’s Global Water Fund is an ethical and socially responsible fund that invests in the equities of companies that generate significant income from water-related activities. The fund currently has 59 direct holdings including industrials, water utilities and technology-based stocks. The fund has averaged returns of 12% annually after fees over the past five years.

“Our firm understands the importance of investing according to ESG factors, so working with a global firm that has local presence and proven in-depth ESG capabilities is important to us,” Pathfinder executive director John Berry says. “By applying Sustainalytics’ screening and ESG ratings, we can ensure our investments align with the values we promote in our Global Water Fund.”