In this issue of the Greenbank Review, we report on our 2024 Investor Day. The discussion focused on the social, environmental and economic risks posed by water scarcity, and the potential for companies and investors to offer solutions to these challenges.
Greenbank Investor Day Review 2024
10 July 2024
Article last updated 25 July 2024.
2024 is a milestone for Greenbank – 20 years ago this year we were formally established as Rathbone Greenbank Investments, though the history of our work in ethical and sustainable investment goes back to the nineties when the original Greenbank team members – some of whom still work in Greenbank today – developed one of the UK’s first tailored ethical portfolio services.
John David, Head of Greenbank
Over the years, the team has expanded to over 70 members across five offices, and we have an enviable breadth of expertise allowing us to deliver a range of investment services for private clients, charities and trusts, all focussed on sustainability. We work hard for our clients and are proud of the service we provide, and we were delighted to win the award for ‘the Best Sustainable Investment Wealth Manager’ at the 2023 Investment Week Sustainable Investment Awards.
Our investment proposition continues to evolve. It is refined around the eight sustainable development themes underpinning our portfolios and is supported by our programme of stewardship and engagement work which aims to drive positive change in business and society.
And sadly, I think we can all accept that change is needed. In the most recent report on Global Risks the World Economic Forum listed five of the top ten ten year risks, as being environmentally related (extreme weather events and biodiversity loss for example). Others, such as involuntary migration are to a large extent environmentally related.
Of course social and environmental risks are often closely intertwined and, as an example, in March 2023 the United Nations warned of a looming global water crisis and an “imminent risk” of shortages due to overconsumption, pollution and climate change.
At our Investor Day, with our focus on water, we looked at these risks but also the potential for business and the investors who support them to offer solutions to these challenges. With challenge comes opportunity and at Greenbank our goal is to deliver sustainable returns in all senses.
I hope you enjoy reading this record of the day – and that you might join us at future events.
