Leading independent law firm Johnson Winter & Slattery has advised Bell Asset Management Limited (BAM) on its establishment of the Bell Global Sustainable Fund, an environmental, social and governance (ESG) focused fund for Australian retail and wholesale clients.
As investors’ commitment to ESG focused investments continues to rise, the fund offers access to a portfolio of global equities with the potential to deliver long-term returns by investing in companies that are leading for their ESG principles and action.
The fund benefits from BAM’s disciplined investment framework with the addition of ESG specific considerations, including ESG screening, active ESG analysis and engagement with the companies held in the fund. It has been awarded a ‘Recommended’ rating in its first review by research house, Zenith Investment Partners. The carbon footprint of the portfolio is currently significantly lower than its Benchmark, the MSCI World Ex Australia Index (currency hedged and unhedged).
Partner Austin Bell led the matter alongside Associate Jared McLachlan who advised on the establishment of the fund that has hedged and unhedged unit classes.
Austin Bell said the team was proud to advise BAM on its expanding product offering:
“We are seeing more and more investment managers incorporate ESG factors into their investment strategies and processes. Bell Asset Management has a long history in building responsible investment portfolios and has been committed to integrating ESG principles across its strategies and funds. We are proud to have played a role in the establishment of this fund, which will help give a range of prospective Australian investors more exposure to ESG investments.”
BAM has been managing global equities strategies since 2003. This is the third fund managed by BAM that is available to the wholesale and retail market, alongside the Bell Global Equities Fund and the Bell Global Emerging Companies Fund. BAM is a signatory to the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment and is a member of the Responsible Investment Association of Australasia.
About Johnson Winter & Slattery
Johnson Winter & Slattery is an independent national Australian law firm with over 70 partners and offices across Australia. We advise major Australian and international corporations and investment funds on their most challenging transactions and disputes across Australia and surrounding regions. Working closely with clients, knowing their business, and appreciating their objectives, we tailor our approach to deliver optimal commercial outcomes.
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Daya Knapton, Communications Manager
E: Daya.Knapton@jws.com.au
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E: Kate.Potter@jws.com.au
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