Rathbones has underscored its commitment to creating long-term, values-driven wealth through responsible investment at its inaugural Group-wide Responsible Investment Summit in London, delivered by Rathbones Greenbank.
In its opening session Head of Rathbones Greenbank David Cox called for urgent investor action on the systemic risks to the planet. “As stewards of capital, we have a responsibility that extends far beyond financial returns,” he said. “The world is at a tipping point - climate, nature, and human rights are all on the line. We urge every investor, adviser, and business leader to join in driving real change.”
Hosted as COP30 draws to a conclusion in Brazil, Rathbones’ Responsible Investment Summit convened leading voices from across the investment, charity, and advisory communities to explore the future of responsible investing through provoking conversations, expert collaboration and real-world innovation.
Rathbones has long been at the forefront of integrating environmental, social, and governance considerations into investment decisions, launching its first ethical investment options in 1997 and establishing Rathbones Greenbank in 2004. Today, with more than £113 billion in client assets, it adopts a dual mandate: to protect long-term value for clients and positively influence the markets that underpin that value.
The Responsible Investment Summit, held at Rathbones’ London headquarters with support from partners, the UK Sustainable Investment and Finance Association (UKSIF) and Cambridge Institute of Sustainability Leadership (CISL), addressed the most pressing issues facing investors today: climate tipping points, nature loss, and human rights in global supply chains; all of which threaten the resilience of markets and the fabric of society.
Camilla Stowell, Chief Executive Officer of Wealth at Rathbones, who opened the summit, said: “Responsible investment is not an add-on at Rathbones – it is central to our purpose to enable clients to: Invest well. Live Well. Through Rathbones Greenbank, we have championed sustainable investment for over two decades, helping our clients align their capital with their values and the needs of society and the planet; Rathbones Greenbank’s strength is testament to the complexities of the issues we face as a planet and the immense focus required to tackle them in fast-moving global markets.
David Cox, Head of Rathbones Greenbank, added: “At Rathbones Greenbank we work every day at the intersection of long-term capital stewardship and real-world sustainability outcomes. Our responsibility is not only to protect and grow our clients’ wealth, but to recognise that the systems that underpin prosperity — from stable climates to functioning ecosystems and fair labour practices — are under strain. What we invest in, how we engage, and the expectations we set all have consequences beyond financial returns. Our stewardship, collaborative engagement, and research-driven principles reflect our leadership and accountability in responsible investment and I am pleased to convene a wealth of experts and insights in London today to interrogate issues that shape both investment portfolios and the world around us.”
The Responsible Investment summit brought together a diverse range of voices from across the investment, charity, and advisory sectors. The agenda included sessions featuring insights from leading experts on climate science, human rights, and sustainable finance, as well as a keynote from James Alexander, Chief Executive of UKSIF, and fireside session with CEO of CISL, Lindsay Hooper.
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