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ESG Investing

Why is ESG important?

Real Asset Management (RAM) believes that identifying and managing ESG factors helps in finding new opportunities, steering capital towards more attractive areas, and managing long-term investment risks. As a result, it is expected that returns will be higher, and downside risks lower, over the long term. These benefits arise from avoiding the poor performance and enterprise failures that can arise from lax governance, and weak environmental, regulatory and social practices.

Implementation of ESG

ESG integration is tailored to the investment strategy and portfolio objectives. Some of our strategies have more formal ESG screening and integration whilst some strategies are more passive in nature designed to achieve specific investment outcomes with strict investment universe rules where ESG screening is limited. Clients can also set their own specific rules within their customised investment mandate to provide an additional layer of constraints.

The purpose of integrating ESG risk factors is to make better investment decisions and improve understanding of risks within portfolios. As part of our portfolio management process for our Diversified Fixed Interest & Credit strategy we monitor companies to maintain our exclusion list on a regular basis with focus on:

Industry Exclusions

For example specifically excluding investment in companies involved in the production of alcohol, gambling activities, munitions, tobacco or coal mining.

Conduct Based Exclusions

As part of our research process we can specifically exclude companies where there are serious governance risks/failures, violation of human rights, serious environment risks or other significant violations of ethical norms which may impact the businesses operations.

Our ESG Strategies

Real Asset Management (RAM) recognise the importance of ESG considerations when managing investment portfolios and specifically build portfolios to achieve specific objectives with minimal risks – including risks from ESG.

Recognise

We recognise clients entrust us, as fiduciaries to manage their wealth and manage the strategy in line with the investment objectives, risk constraints and investment universe.

Selection

We take a prudent approach when selecting investments for our clients and take a long-term approach to portfolio management.

Transparency

Our managed account solutions provides transparency on all holdings and investment transactions within the portfolio at all times.

  • Exclude exposure to some specific industry groups.
  • Integrating ESG considerations into our security research and portfolio construction process to penalise companies who rank poorly on a range of metrics.

RAM ESG Policy

The principal objective of the RAM ESG Policy is to ensure that ESG risks and opportunities are adequately considered and managed as an integral part of the Groupʼs investment process for our active investment strategies. Assessing ESG risks in the investment process is consistent with the Groupʼs fiduciary duties and responsibilities.

Certified Responsible Investment

The RAM Australian Diversified Fixed Income Fund and RAM Diversified Fixed Income & Credit SMA have been certified by the Responsible Investment Association Australasia according to strict disclosure practices required under the Responsible Investment Certification Program.

RIAAʼs RI Certification Symbol signifies that a product or service offers an investment style that takes into account environmental, social, governance or ethical considerations. The Symbol also signifies that the RAM Australian Diversified Fixed Income Fund and the RAM Diversified Fixed Income & Credit SMA adhere to the strict operational and disclosure practices required under the Responsible Investment Certification Program for the category of Product. The Certification Symbol is a Registered Trademark of the Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA). Detailed information about RIAA, the Symbol and RAM Australian Diversified Fixed Income Fundʼs and RAM Diversified Fixed Income & Credit SMAʼs methodology, performance and stock holdings can be found at www.responsiblereturns.com.au, together with details about other responsible investment products certified by RIAA.*

*The Responsible Investment Certification Program does not constitute financial product advice. Neither the Certification Symbol nor RIAA recommends to any person that any financial product is a suitable investment or that returns are guaranteed. Appropriate professional advice should be sought prior to making an investment decision. RIAA does not hold an Australian Financial Services Licence.

Negative Screens – Sector Exclusions

The RAM Diversified Fixed Interest & Credit Strategy specifically has a formal universe exclusion to companies which operate within the following industry groups. This sector exclusion acts as a hard universe restriction and companies within these sectors are not eligible for portfolio inclusion.

Gaming

Pornography

Coal Mining

Tobacco

Armaments

*Revenue maximum 10%. Maximum 0% production including Nicotine Alternatives.

Security Specific Research

The RAM Diversified Fixed Interest & Credit Strategy and RAM Interest Rate Securities strategy scores issuers on a range of metrics with a number being specifically related to ESG factors including:

Management

Governance

Environmental Risks

Social Risks

Reputational Risks

Disclosure

Off Balance Sheet Risks

Diversity

We recognise the importance of strong risk management in organisations we invest in and specifically focus on Environmental, Social and Governance risks and disclosure as part of our investment process. Like all investment risks, there is significant risk from poor behaviour or limited reporting which can have significant costs to investors. For example, reputational risks can impact sentiment, and risk premiums as well as the ability of the company to access suitable business funding. There can be direct significant costs/fines or loss of customers, which impacts profitability and balance sheets from illegal or unethical activities.

There have been many academic studies highlighting the linkage between ESG factors and investments risk and returns. Governance plays a key role given it is management that are responsible for honouring the terms of issue and making the promised payments and the agreed times for debt securities.

We consider ASX listed companies annual reporting and disclosure for compliance with regard to these factors and ASX listing ESG disclosure requirements, as well as direct meetings with management where further research is required. As a direct outcome of our research we can exclude specific companies and securities from investment, based on our view of risks and expected returns.

We supplement our internal research with consideration of Bloomberg ESG scoring as part of the research process.

Direct Real Estate Investments

RAM is committed to integrating Environmental, Social and Governance considerations into our operations and investment strategies.

Sustainabilty Rating

Ensuring assets are benchmarked by National Australian Built Environment Rating System (NABERS).

Energy Efficiency

Increasing implementation of energy-efficient products, renewable energy, and minimisation of waste generation.

Economic Development

Engaging and providing growth opportunities for metropolitan, regional, and/or rural locations and communities.

Due Diligence

Conducting thorough due diligence on all key counterparties to ensure compatibility with RAM ESG standards.

Our ESG Approach

Good governance, social responsibility, and sustainability are key pillars of our culture, evidenced by the below initiatives:

LGBTQ Workplace Inclusion

RAM proudly participates in the Pride in Diversity Inclusion Program, a cornerstone of our commitment to LGBTQ workplace inclusion in Australia. The team at RAM strives to create a truly inclusive and diverse workplace. Welcoming and supporting individuals from every stage of life, background, sexual orientation, and gender identity is written into our corporate DNA.

Pride in Diversity is the national not-for-profit employer support program for LGBTQ workplace inclusion specialising in HR, organisational change and workplace diversity. Pride in Diversity publishes the Australian Workplace Equality Index (AWEI), Australiaʼs national benchmarking instrument for LGBTQ workplace inclusion from which Top Employers for LGBTQ people is determined.

Corporate Social Responsibility

A proactive and transparent approach to ESG is linked to value creation and RAM is committed to making a positive contribution to the communities in which it operates. We strive to be a company that makes a positive impact on our clients, our broader communities, and our planet.