Ninety One has launched a global sustainable equity strategy for Stephanie Niven, who joined the company less than a year ago.
The asset manager said the strategy would focus on identifying “sustainable leaders” but also look at corporate culture.
It said it is investing for a world transitioning towards a more sustainable future where “externalities” will be increasingly priced and valued.
Last year Niven joined Ninety One from Aviva Investors, where she co-managed the Global Equity Endurance fund which launched in 2017 and has been one of the best performing funds in the IA Global sector over the past three years.
She said: "We believe the world’s measure of success is shifting from the zero-sum game – where shareholder value is maximised at the expense of other stakeholders – into a world where considering multiple stakeholders in business decisions creates greater value for all."
Mimi Ferrini, co-chief investment officer at Ninety One, said the broadening of the company’s global sustainable equity offering was another milestone in its drive to put sustainability at the core of its business.
“However, providing sustainability with substance is key, and it is imperative that we develop solutions to address the challenges investors are facing as the world transitions to a more sustainable growth model”.
Before joining Aviva, Niven spent six years as a global equity portfolio manager at Tesco Pension Investments.
Since joining Ninety One, she has been a portfolio manager on the company's multi-asset team.
Ninety One recently de-merged from its parent company Investec Bank.
Shortly after, chief executive Hendrik Du Toit told FTAdviser sustainability was a key area for his business going forward.
He said: “This is not just about specific products in that area, it is about a mindset that has to go through the whole of the company.
"Quite simply, the world is not going to stand for a company that ignores the issues of the wider world.”
sally.hickey@ft.com
