SVM’s top priorities are to do our best for our clients by maximising their portfolio returns and protecting their interests. At the same time if a responsible approach is taken to investing activities there is also the possibility of wider benefits to society as a whole.
Responsible Investment is an investment approach that integrates environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors into investment analysis and decisions. It is an important aspect of the service we offer our clients. SVM seeks an approach to investing which integrates ESG analysis into day-to-day investment activities. This is combined with an active engagement approach which has the potential to influence change and encourage better practice with regard to the environment, society and governance from the companies in which our managers invest. Not only does this approach provide a valuable further insight for our fund managers over and above more traditional financial metrics, but also there it is logical that those companies demonstrating best practices toward ESG matters may benefit from enhanced business prospects.

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SVM recognises the important role that environmental, societal and governance factors play in fundamental company analysis, as well as portfolio construction and maintenance. In turn we seek an approach to the management of our portfolio’s that encompasses not only the most material ESG risks and opportunities for our investee companies but also a detailed review of company specific factors to aid the analysis of every aspect of relevant ESG exposure. More detail on how the Investment Manager incorporates this strategy is available here “Link to RGI Sustainability &amp; Stewardship Policy”

All companies in which SVM invests must be subject to both an analysis of the material risks and opportunities of the industry in which they operate as well as a scrutiny of the company specific factors which impact the environmental, societal and governance strategy of individual investee companies. Detail on how the Investment Manager incorporates this approach can be found here “Link to RGI Sustainability &amp; Stewardship Policy”.
The SVM All Europe SRI Fund also utilises the influence of its position as a shareholder in a constructive and active manner with regard to these issues. Dialog is entered into with every holding in the fund in order to positively influence the company concerned with regard to ESG reporting, strategy, and responsible conduct of business. While negative screening is kept to a minimum, as all companies regardless of the nature of their corporate activities have the potential to improve their ESG profile, we do recognise that there are certain industries whose activities run contrary to the ideals of a socially responsible investor. Specifically, the fund will not invest in companies operating in any of the following three industries: Tobacco, Pornography and Armaments.

Responsible Investing