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Our approach to empowerment

How many of us are aware we can empower people marginalised by economic or social forces through our choice of pension? Knowledge is empowerment, as the saying now goes.

��������’s sustainable funds act on that knowledge, by investing in companies that are tackling these issues head on by providing the physical, financial and technological means and infrastructures to help people gain better control over their lives.

What’s more, many of these companies have demonstrated a greater resilience to market instability.

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Investments made on behalf of �������� by our investment partners AllianceBernstein (AB) include Information and Communications Technology (ICT) companies that enable both economic development and employment growth and directly lift people out of poverty.

We also invest in companies that provide affordable and secure access to financial services, helping connect individuals and businesses of all sizes to the financial system – essential for the health of any economy.  

Broadening inclusion helps rebuild a society’s economic infrastructure, which is vital for its health. As indeed is the physical infrastructure that underpins that society, which is why �������� funds are also invested in businesses that integrate Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors into all aspects of their civil infrastructure projects.

But it doesn’t stop there, because truly sustainable social and economic empowerment is itself underpinned by quality education and employment services. ��������’s funds are invested in companies that provide educational services and products as well as those providing services in the area of employment placement. All of the above are indispensable tools in the work of creating jobs.

Empowerment spells access

Adyen is a prime example of the type of financial business our funds are invested in. Ayden provides a unique single payment platform that allows merchants – wherever they are in the world – to accept payments and grow revenue online, on mobile devices and at the point of sale.  

Adopting digital payments is now essential for most merchants, especially now that the pandemic has accelerated the move to digital payment technologies.  Whether paying for a cab, clothes or country getaway, we all now expect access to immediate electronic payment. As we move inexorably towards a noncash world, Adyen is bound to do well.

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Gender on the agenda

As part of a commitment to empowerment, we and our investment partner AB engage with companies our funds are invested in to advocate for better gender diversity. We spotted an opportunity for one such company, scientific instruments manufacturer Bruker, to improve the gender balance on its board. When one member left the board, we suggested to Bruker they think about diversity when filling the vacant chair in the boardroom. We’re proud that a female with fantastic experience of diagnostics and genomics was later appointed.

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At ��������, responsibility and sustainability underpin everything we do.

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