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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
Supporting those companies delivering impact at scale and actively engaging with companies to accelerate delivery of these ambitions.
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
Companies with products generating true positive social impact could potentially generate more attractive returns due to stronger competitive positions or greater demand.
Investment strategy
The strategy aims to deliver an attractive and growing income stream through:
- Impact Focussed - Investing in the world’s most socially impactful companies.
- Innovative Research Process - Three long-term impact pillars inform our fundamental research.
- Performance Measurement - Measuring company-specific impact through KPIs.
- Engagement - Engagement is central to driving pace of impact and changes in behaviour.
- Differentiated portfolio construction - Blend of impact conviction and investment opportunity.
Investment strategy
The strategy aims to deliver an attractive and growing income stream through:
- Impact Focussed - Investing in the world’s most socially impactful companies.
- Innovative Research Process - Three long-term impact pillars inform our fundamental research.
- Performance Measurement - Measuring company-specific impact through KPIs.
- Engagement - Engagement is central to driving pace of impact and changes in behaviour.
- Differentiated portfolio construction - Blend of impact conviction and investment opportunity.
Investment team
Lauran Halpin
- Job title
- Head of Impact Equities
John Gilmore, CFA
- Job title
- Portfolio Manager, Impact Equities/ Stewardship, Sustainability and Impact Specialist
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Center Heading Latest insights
Latest insights
-
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 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
-
Impact Report 2023
The inaugural Impact Report for the Improving Society Strategy - through an culmination of an enormous amount of careful work to create a robust measurement and reporting process.
- Date published
- 21 Dec 2023
- Tag
- Improving Society Strategy
-
Impact Investing is now
As investors ask themselves some fundamental questions, Lauran Halpin, Head of Impact Equities, looks at the increasing popularity of sustainable investment.
- Date published
- 12 Dec 2023
- 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.
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.