The German Sustainable Investment Forum (FNG) has awarded its FNG Label 2017 for sustainable investment funds in German-speaking countries for the second time. With 38 funds fulfilling the minimum requirements (compared to 35 in 2015) and 7 funds achieving the highest quality grade of three stars, the certification indicates that the financial industry is increasingly committed to sustainable investment practices. The three stars quality grade is achieved if the fund shows strong performance in the sections "Institutional Credibility", "Products standards" and "Impact".
The study also reveals that investors place climate change high on the agenda, as 14 out of 17 financial providers that applied for the label have taken action in this area, mostly by excluding or reducing coal investments.
One of the funds awarded with three stars for its ambitious and comprehensive sustainability strategy is the equity fund "Steyler Fair und Nachhaltig - Aktien". Supported by South Pole Group, Steyler Ethik Bank has taken considerable efforts to weather-proof their fund in order to tackle climate change. "We would like to congratulate Steyler for this great achievement", says Dr. Maximilian Horster, Partner and Financial Director, South Pole Group. "This demonstrates that ambitious sustainability strategies are paying off and can provide measurable positive impacts for investors and the environment alike. Recognised certifications such as the FNG label contribute to improving transparency, comparability, and credibility of the sustainable finance industry."
Access the Impact Report (in German) here and find a list of all funds awarded with the FNG label 2017 here.
