The four Ethos investment funds that underwent the certification procedure this year have all been awarded the maximum three stars. Awarded by the University of Hamburg, this label distinguishes investment funds that pursue a rigorous and transparent approach to sustainability.
Since 2021, Ethos and its banking partners have been submitting four equity funds to a certification procedure developed by the German Forum for Sustainable Investments (FNG). This year, all four funds received the maximum award of three stars for their “particularly ambitious and comprehensive sustainability strategy”.
- Vontobel Fund (CH) - Ethos Equities Swiss Mid&Small (managed by Vontobel) : ***
- Ethos II - Ethos Swiss Sustainable Equities (managed by Banque Cantonale Vaudoise) : ***
- Ethos – Equities Sustainable World ex-CH (managed by Banque Cantonale Vaudoise) : ***
- Clartan - Ethos ESG Europe Small & Mid Cap (managed by Clartan Associés) : ***
“We are very pleased with this result, which demonstrates that the sustainability strategy of the funds we offer our clients is not only ambitious but also based on quality management based on strong convictions”, says Vincent Kaufmann, CEO of Ethos. “It is also a reward for the work of all our teams and the very good collaboration we have with our banking partners.”
Created in 2016 by the University of Hamburg, the FNG label is a recognised quality standard for sustainable investment funds, particularly in German-speaking countries. The assessment includes transparency criteria and consideration of labour and human rights, environmental protection and anti-corruption in investments. The exclusion of certain sectors (nuclear, coal, tobacco, arms, etc.) and the verification of each investment according to certain sustainability criteria are also part of the analysis.
However, the FNG label goes beyond a simple portfolio analysis. The 111 questions assess, among other things, the sustainable investment style, the investment process, ESG research capabilities and measures for engagement and shareholder dialogue. Only funds that excel in the areas of ‘institutional credibility’, ‘product standards’ and ‘portfolio focus’ (stock selection, commitment and publication of key performance indicators) are awarded three stars.
FNG sustainability certification must be renewed each year. The independent review and assessment is carried out by the non-profit scientific association F.I.R.S.T. in collaboration with a university spin-off (‘Advanced Impact Research’). The academic director is Professor Timo Busch from the University of Hamburg.
