Improving Society | Martin Currie - North America
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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 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 

Our capabilities

Martin Currie operates as an independent specialist investment manager within the Franklin Templeton group. This means that we retain all the competitive advantages of a boutique investment firm.

Franklin Templeton is responsible for the sales and client service of our funds for financial advisers and individual investors.

Click the image to open the fund page on the Franklin Templeton website.

Our capabilities

Martin Currie operates as an independent specialist investment manager within the Franklin Templeton group. This means that we retain all the competitive advantages of a boutique investment firm.

Franklin Templeton is responsible for the sales and client service of our funds for financial advisers and individual investors.

Click the image to open the fund page on the Franklin Templeton website.

Our capabilities

Martin Currie operates as an independent specialist investment manager within the Franklin Templeton group. This means that we retain all the competitive advantages of a boutique investment firm.

Franklin Templeton is responsible for the sales and client service of our funds for financial advisers and individual investors.

Click the image to open the fund page on the Franklin Templeton website.

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

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

Francesca Moore

Senior Client Portfolio Manager


E: fcollard@martincurrie.com

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

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

Francesca Moore

Senior Client Portfolio Manager


E: fcollard@martincurrie.com

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.

Mark Cho

Mark Cho

Mark Cho

Mark Cho

Head of North American
Business Development,
Senior Client Portfolio Manager

T: +1 212 632 3292
E: mcho@martincurrie.com

Breanna Ellsworth

Breanna Ellsworth

Breanna Ellsworth

Breanna Ellsworth

Client Portfolio Manager

T: +1 212 632 3293
E: bellsworth@martincurrie.com

Drew Comatos

Drew Comatos

Drew Comatos

Drew Comatos

Client Portfolio Manager

T: +1 203 703 6472
E: dcomatos@martincurrie.com

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.

Mark Cho

Mark Cho

Mark Cho

Mark Cho

Head of North American
Business Development,
Senior Client Portfolio Manager

T: +1 212 632 3292
E: mcho@martincurrie.com

Breanna Ellsworth

Breanna Ellsworth

Breanna Ellsworth

Breanna Ellsworth

Client Portfolio Manager

T: +1 212 632 3293
E: bellsworth@martincurrie.com

Drew Comatos

Drew Comatos

Drew Comatos

Drew Comatos

Client Portfolio Manager

T: +1 203 703 6472
E: dcomatos@martincurrie.com

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 and for more information on our investment capabilities.

Ross Kent

Ross Kent

Ross Kent

Ross Kent

Client Portfolio Manager,
Australian Equities

T: +61 (0) 3 9017 8629
E: rkent@martincurrie.com.au

Felicity Walsh

Felcity Walsh

Felcity Walsh

Felicity Walsh

Managing Director,
Australia and New Zealand

T: (02) 9250 2200
E: felicity.walsh@franklintempleton.com

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

Francesca Moore

Senior Client Portfolio Manager


E: fcollard@martincurrie.com

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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.

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.

For professional investors in Canada.

This material is intended for residents in, or incorporated in, Canada and are a Permitted Client for the purposes of MI 31-103. The information on this section of the website is not intended for use by any other person, including members of the public.

Martin Currie Inc, incorporated in New York with its registered office at 280 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10017 and having a UK branch registered in Scotland (no SF000300), Head office, 5 Morrison Street, 2nd floor, Edinburgh, EH3 8BH, Tel: +44 (0) 131 229 5252 Fax: +44 (0) 131 222 2532 www.martincurrie.com, operates under the International Adviser Exemption with the Ontario Securities Commission (‘OSC’) and is therefore currently not required to be registered as a portfolio manager for the purposes of MI 31-103. Martin Currie Inc. is also authorised by the UK Financial Conduct Authority.

For the avoidance of doubt, nothing excludes, limits or restricts our obligations to you under the UK Financial Services and Market Act 2000, National Instruments or any other applicable law or regulation.

The opinions and views in this website do not take into account your individual circumstances, objectives, or needs and are not intended to be recommendations of particular financial instruments or strategies to you. This website does not identify all the risks (direct or indirect) or other considerations which might be material to you when entering any financial transaction. You should consult with your professional advisers before undertaking any investment activity. The information provided on this website should not be treated as advice or a recommendation to buy or sell any particular security or other investment. The information on this website has not been reviewed by any competent regulatory authority.


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.

For professional investors.

In Hong Kong:

The contents of this document have not been reviewed by any regulatory authority in Hong Kong.  You are advised to exercise caution in relation to the offer.  If you are in any doubt about any of the contents of this document, you should obtain independent professional advice.

In Singapore:

This document is provided by Templeton Asset Management Limited
(Registration Number (UEN): 199205211E) which is licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore and whose business address is at 7 Temasek Boulevard, #38-03, Suntec Tower One, Singapore, 038987. Templeton Asset Management Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Franklin Resources, Inc. This document is for information only and does not constitute an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any units in any fund. This advertisement or publication has not been reviewed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore. Martin Currie is not registered with or regulated by any regulatory authorities in Singapore.

This material is provided on the basis that you are a wholesale client within the definition of ASIC Class Order 03/1099. MCIM is authorised and regulated by the FCA under UK laws, which differ from Australian laws.

In Korea:

This document is for information purposes only. It is prepared and presented to provide an introduction to the business of MCIM and its related companies(collectively known as ‘Martin Currie’). This document does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of any offer to invest in any security, fund or other vehicle managed or advised by Martin Currie.

None of the security(ies), fund(s) or vehicle(s) managed by or advised by Martin Currie are registered in South Korea under the Financial Investment Services and Capital Markets Act of Korea and accordingly, none of these instruments nor any interest therein may be offered, sold or delivered, or offered or sold to any person for re-offering or resale, directly or indirectly, in South Korea or to any resident of South Korea except pursuant to applicable laws and regulations of South Korea.  Martin Currie is not registered with or regulated by any regulatory authorities in South Korea.

In China:

This document does not constitute a public offer of the strategy, whether by sale or subscription, in the People’s Republic of China (the “PRC”). These strategies are not being offered or sold directly or indirectly in the PRC to or for the benefit of, legal or natural persons of the PRC.  Further, no legal or natural persons of the PRC may directly or indirectly purchase any of the strategy or any beneficial interest therein without obtaining all prior PRC’s governmental approvals that are required, whether statutorily or otherwise. Persons who come into possession of this document are required by the issuer and its representatives to observe these restrictions.


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.

For wholesale investors in Australia.

This material is provided on the basis that you are a wholesale client within the definition of ASIC Class Order 03/1099. MCIM is authorised and regulated by the FCA under UK laws, which differ from Australian laws.


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.