Socially responsible investment advice for doctors. What is it? Can you make money and be socially responsible? This month Medics’ Money chats with specialist medical IFA Guy Roper FPFS, Chartered Financial Planner from Sunrise Independent Financial Advisers Limited. You can contact Guy for a free no obligation consultation via Medics’ Money here.
So Guy, tell us what is Socially Responsible Investing?
Investing money, in a way that aims for it to grow over time while also benefitting the world.
But isn’t that just for people who wear sandals and hug trees?
Haha, not at all! Socially Responsible Investing is becoming mainstream. According to the Investment Management Association, sales of ethical and sustainable funds more than doubled in June 2019 compared to the same time last year with British savers investing more than £230 million into companies doing good. And it’s not just about principles, some socially responsible investments have risen in value significantly in recent years too.
How can it make money and be good for the world?
When you invest money, you are usually investing in the fortunes of companies. You are investing in their ability to make profits for shareholders, to borrow and repay their debts, and to increase in value over time. Companies are successful when people want to buy what they are selling, even more so when government encourages it through regulation or subsidy.
So responsible companies can be successful too?
Absolutely! Today’s consumers want energy efficiency, sustainable materials, fair trade products, and not to cause harm with their purchases. And it’s not just individual consumers. A recent report by HSBC revealed that 44% of businesses planned to increase sustainability investment over the next two years. Companies whose products and services can fulfil these desires to be more sustainable could be very successful indeed.
Sounds interesting, but what has that got to do with me?
Maybe you have an investment ISA? Or a private pension of some sort? If so, your money will be invested in something. We help our clients invest intelligently, for the future, in a way that matches their principles. And principles are important, I spoke to a doctor recently where we discovered he was partially invested in a large tobacco company. He had selected the investment himself and had no idea! He was not pleased.
Oh dear! Is Socially Responsible Investing expensive?
Charges are generally comparable with traditional types of investment.
Is it risky?
Most investments feature risk to some degree, but there’s no reason why investing responsibly should be any riskier than investing in more traditional investments.
Is there anything else I should know?
Yes. The value of an investment can go down as well as up and you may not get back all of the capital invested.
That sounds a bit dry
That’s regulation for you!
So what should I do now?
If you would like to discuss how to invest your money in a socially responsible way, contact us at Sunrise IFA via Medics’ Money for a free no obligation consultation on investment advice, nhs pension advice or life insurance and protection advice for doctors. Whether you have an established portfolio or this will be your first investment, we’d be delighted to hear from you. You can find us via Medics’ Money.
Sunrise Independent Financial Advisers Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. This does not constitute advice and advice should be sought in all instances before acting on it.
Sources: The Investment Association press release 1/8/19, HSBC Navigator Made for The Future
report June 2019.
