Trust funds & turtles: BPI launches the first ‘sustainable fund suite’ in the Philippines

On top of adopting 280 pawikan nests and committing to release tens of thousands of olive ridley sea turtle hatchlings to support the Pag-Asa Pawikan Conservation and Protection Center, BPI Asset Management and Trust Corp. (BPI AMTC) also commemorated the launch of the BPI Invest Sustainable Fund Suite.  A first in the country, the fund Suite employs a multi-theme and multi-asset approach to cater to a wide range of investors who are looking for opportunities to grow their wealth while contributing to creating a more sustainable world.  

Pag-Asa Pawikan Conservation and Protection Center head Edna Fajardo, Barangay Pag-asa Capt. John Harry Carreon, BPI AMTC president and CEO Atty. Sheila Tan and head of client segment division Yvette Mari De Peralta.

Aligned with its parent bank BPI as a champion of sustainability, BPI AMTC has developed three (3) new Unit Investment Trust Funds (UITFs) that seek to address issues such as climate change, renewable energy, resource efficiency, inequality, and other areas identified in the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals — all while seeking to deliver long-term financial returns.  

The BPI Invest Sustainable Fund Suite employs a multi-theme and multi-asset approach to cater to a wide range of investors who are looking for opportunities to grow their wealth while contributing to creating a more sustainable world.  

“BPI AMTC recognizes that investors have now matured in their preferences, searching for investments that are not only profitable but also meaningful, not only rewarding but also impactful. Through our new funds, everyone can proactively shape the growth of responsible industries and businesses. With a minimum of USD 1,000, investors are able to access and invest in companies that integrate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) metrics and considerations in their business practices, products, services, and investment decisions, or are creating sustainability projects with positive and measurable social and environmental impact,” said Sheila Marie Tan, BPI AMTC president and CEO.

Consistent with BPI AMTC’s thrust towards diversification, the BPI Invest Sustainable Fund Suite, which comprises the BPI Invest Sustainable Global Bond Fund-of-Funds, BPI Invest Sustainable Global Balanced Fund-of-Funds, and BPI Invest Sustainable Global Equity Fund-of-Funds, is made available across a range of asset classes designed to address investors’ unique needs and risk profiles. 

The pawikan (olive ridley sea turtle) hatchlings before they are released to the sea

Following a fund-of-funds structure, each fund in the BPI Invest Sustainable Fund Suite will be invested in a portfolio of carefully selected global target funds that invest in the best-in-class companies that adhere to the highest ESG standards or are directly tied to sustainability projects and other enabling initiatives. For this, BPI AMTC is collaborating with some of the biggest names in the global asset management industry and sustainable investing such as Janus Henderson Investors, Schroder Investment Management, Wellington Management, JP Morgan Asset Management, and PIMCO to name a few.

According to reports from Bloomberg, global ESG assets may grow to $41 trillion by the end of 2022 and may hit the $53 trillion mark by 2025, one-third of the projected total global assets under management. Accelerated growth is expected in the ESG markets, especially with increasing customer demand, government commitments, and continuous development across asset classes and themes.

“Organizations that integrate sustainability in their businesses are likely to experience more consistent growth and returns over the long term.  This favorable outcome is the product of combining operational efficiency and innovation with a progressive risk management framework that is responsive to the welfare of the environment and to society at large.   In these times of unpredictable climate change and the ongoing global pandemic, investors are becoming more concerned and are expressing very keen interest to invest preferably in companies that demonstrate they are providing goods and services in a responsible and sustainable manner.” said Smith Chua, Chief Investment Officer of BPI AMTC. 

To know more about the funds, investors may visit https://bit.ly/BPIInvestSustainableFunds.