MEDIA RELEASE

05/08/2024

The Responsible Investment Association of Australasia (RIAA) have confirmed that U Ethical’s Australian and International equities capabilities, U Ethical’s International Equities Trust (Wholesale), Australian Equities Trust (Retail & Wholesale) and Growth Portfolio have been assessed and verified as meeting the requirements of a ‘Sustainable Plus’ classification in July this year.

A ‘Sustainable Plus’ classification signifies that a product meets all the criteria of the Responsible Investment Standard for its product category; its sustainability objectives (as defined by RIAA) are clearly stated in legal documentation; investment selection and ownership activities align with stated sustainability objectives; and performance against one or more stated objectives and/or targets is tracked and reported.

RIAA launched the Sustainability Classifications Initiative in May this year, which builds on their well-known Responsible Investment Certification Program. The new initiative has three classifications: responsible, sustainable and sustainable plus, which indicate to the market the

“It is great acknowledgement of the work we do,” said Rachel Alembakis, stewardship manager, U Ethical. “Being an active owner, including engaging with companies on material ESG challenges and opportunities, and advocating for increased sustainable progress where beneficial to people and, as well as actions like proxy voting, is not just responsible stewardship of our clients’ capital, but also an integrated part of our investment process.”

Mathew Browning, chief executive officer, reflected on U Ethical’s long-standing relationship with RIAA. “From the establishment of its first funds in 1985, U Ethical has been a responsible investment pioneer and has been on the journey with RIAA since its founding in 2000, from minimising harm to contributing positively to a more sustainable society.”

U Ethical’s first funds were established in 1985 and since then it has grown steadily to become one of Australia’s largest not-for-profit fund managers managing over $1.3 billion* of assets across more than 3,500 clients accounts for universities, superannuation funds, private health insurers and religious organisations. U Ethical is one of few investment businesses in Australia to have been certified as B Corp – which verifies meeting the highest standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability.

*as at 30 June 2024

Media enquiries:

Rebecca Ephraums

Marketing Manager

Rebecca.ephraums@uethical.com

Disclaimer:

U Ethical Australian Equities Trust (Wholesale), U Ethical Australian Equities Trust (Retail), U Ethical International Equities Trust (Wholesale) and U Ethical Growth Portfolio has been certified and classified by the Responsible Investment Association Australasia according to the operational and disclosure practices required under the Responsible Investment Certification Program. See www.responsiblereturns.com.au and RIAA's Financial Services Guide for details.

The Responsible Investment Certification Program provides general advice only and does not take into account any person’s objectives, financial situation, or needs. Neither the Certification Symbol nor RIAA recommends to any person that any financial product is a suitable investment or that returns are guaranteed. Because of this, you should consider your own objectives, financial situation and needs and also consider the terms of any product disclosure document before making an investment decision. Certifications are current for 24 months and subject to change at any time.