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Improving Society

Impact-focussed and actively managed strategy, investing in a concentrated, long-only, long-term portfolio of sustainable investments.

Overview

We believe that advancing fairness of social opportunity and narrowing the equality gap can help empower individuals and deliver greater levels of human equity. However, over recent years, we have observed a structural increase in inequality and a widening gap between the goals and delivery of key societal development objectives.

In addressing these issues, we believe the private sector will have a large part to play both as involved corporate citizens and in providing products and  to facilitate improvements in equality of opportunity and equality of outcome. Companies with products that truly make a difference in people’s lives have the opportunity to exploit long-term profit pools generated by true, ongoing societal need. Those that take their responsibility to society seriously and endeavour to treat employees, customers, and the community with respect and dignity may also find they have a competitive advantage over those who do not.

The Martin Currie Improving Society Strategy aims to take advantage of opportunities presented by investing in companies whose products and services positively impact fundamental human needs and create the conditions for advancements in equity. Active ownership is a fundamental tenet of the strategy with structured engagement on company-specific impact goals, sustainability issues and business topics at the heart of the investment process. The strategy leverages Martin Currie’s strong track record within Sustainability thought leadership and business integration and is well-aligned with our corporate purpose of ‘Investing to Improve Lives’.

Key Information

To invest in companies that contribute to human equity and improving lives.

Portfolio characteristics UK Equity Income
Objective Social Impact
Asset Class Equities
Style Impact
Investable universe Global
Market capitalisation All-cap 
Sector/country allocations As a result of stock selection-managed within factor risk analysis
Maximum sector allocation of 30%
Security limit Maximum 10% absolute stock weight 
Number of stocks 20-35
Portfolio turnover Low- expected turnover
Inception  2023

Why invest in the Improving Society strategy

We believe in supporting companies delivering the most meaningful positive impact on society. Seeking those that narrow the equality gap and make a real, measurable difference.

Impact-led approach

Impact-led approach

Supporting those companies delivering impact at scale and actively engaging with companies to accelerate delivery of these ambitions.

Positive impact

Positive Impact

Contribution to the UN SDGs across three key pillars of Improving Wellbeing, Improving Inclusion, and Supporting a Just Transition.

The three impact pillars consist of SDG targets mapped using Martin Currie’s proprietary SDG Target Taxonomy.

Underappreciated opportunities

Underappreciated opportunities

Companies with products generating true positive social impact could potentially generate more attractive returns due to stronger competitive positions or greater demand.

Investment strategy

Investment team

Lauran Halpin

Job title
Head of Impact Equities
John Gilmore

John Gilmore, CFA

Job title
Portfolio Manager, Impact Equities/ Stewardship, Sustainability and Impact Specialist
Eoghan McGrath

Eoghan McGrath, CFA

Job title
Investment Analyst, Stewardship, Sustainability and Impact 

We offer access to the strategy via segregated accounts and separately managed accounts. Please contact us or speak to a member of our sales team, to discuss the most appropriate investment to meet your requirements.

Mel Bucher

Mel Bucher

Mel Bucher

Mel Bucher

Head of Global Distribution

T: +44 (0) 758 414 7720
E: mbucher@martincurrie.com

Mark Elliott

Mark Elliott

Mark Elliott

Mark Elliott

Head of UK Business Development, Senior Client Portfolio Manager

T: +44 (0) 207 073 8569
E: melliot@martincurrie.com

Mark Elliott

Mark Elliott

Mark Elliott

Francesca Moore

Senior Client Portfolio Manager


E: fcollard@martincurrie.com

Center Heading

Latest insights

  • China

    Impact Report 2024

    Our 2024 report demonstrates for the first time the social impact our portfolio’s companies have delivered towards their Key Performance Indicators.

    Date published
    17 Dec 2024
    Tag
    Improving Society Strategy
  • Making an impact: one year on

    As we celebrate Improving Society's first anniversary – offering clients one of the first socially-focussed impact equity strategies – we are delighted to share an update with you, on what has been a fruitful first year.

    Date published
    20 Jun 2024
    Tag
    Improving Society Strategy
  • Impact Stories - Valmont Group

    We explore Valmont Group. A market leader in creating vital infrastructure and advancing agricultural productivity.

    Date published
    10 Jun 2024
    Tag
    Strategy profile
  • Improving Society

    Impact Report 2023 Summary

    The Improving Society Strategy was developed to generate intentional, measurable positive change in the world while also generating long-term financial returns for our clients. The inaugural report provides the ethos and aims of the Strategy.

    Date published
    6 Jun 2024
    Tag
    Improving Society Strategy

Important information

This information is issued and approved by Martin Currie Investment Management Limited (‘MCIM’), authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. It does not constitute investment advice. Market and currency movements may cause the capital value of shares, and the income from them, to fall as well as rise and you may get back less than you invested.

The information contained in this document has been compiled with considerable care to ensure its accuracy. However, no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made to its accuracy or completeness. Martin Currie has procured any research or analysis contained in this document for its own use. It is provided to you only incidentally and any opinions expressed are subject to change without notice.

The document does not form the basis of, nor should it be relied upon in connection with, any subsequent contract or agreement. It does not constitute, and may not be used for the purpose of, an offer or invitation to subscribe for or otherwise acquire shares in any of the products mentioned.

Past performance is not a guide to future returns.

The distribution of specific products is restricted in certain jurisdictions, investors should be aware of these restrictions before requesting further specific information.

The views expressed are opinions of the portfolio managers as of the date of this document and are subject to change based on market and other conditions and may differ from other portfolio managers or of the firm as a whole. These opinions are not intended to be a forecast of future events, research, a guarantee of future results or investment advice.

The analysis of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors forms an important part of the investment process and helps inform investment decisions. The strategy/ies do not necessarily target particular sustainability outcomes.

Risk warnings – Investors should also be aware of the following risk factors which may be applicable to the strategy shown in this document.

  • Investing in foreign markets introduces a risk where adverse movements in currency exchange rates could result in a decrease in the value of your investment.
  • This strategy may hold a limited number of investments. If one of these investments falls in value this can have a greater impact on the strategy’s value than if it held a larger number of investments.
  • Smaller companies may be riskier and their shares may be less liquid than larger companies, meaning that their share price may be more volatile.
  • Emerging markets or less developed countries may face more political, economic or structural challenges than developed countries. Accordingly, investment in emerging markets is generally characterised by higher levels of risk than investment in fully developed markets.
  • The strategy may invest in derivatives, Index futures and FX forwards to obtain, increase or reduce exposure to underlying assets.
  • The use of derivatives may result in greater fluctuations of returns due to the value of the derivative not moving in line with the underlying assets. Certain types of derivatives can be difficult to purchase or sell in certain market conditions.