RHB Asset Management Bhd has launched the RHB Sustainable Global Thematic Fund, the first conventional fund in the market with a focus on environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) through a thematic approach.
The Fund enables investors to participate in long-term sustainability-focused investment themes including climate change, healthcare, and empowerment such as education and employment services, financial security and inclusion, information and communication technologies and sustainable infrastructure.
The RHB Sustainable Global Thematic Fund invests in the shares of the AllianceBernstein (“AB”) Sustainable Global Thematic Fund (Target Fund), which covers a diversified portfolio of companies with exposure to sustainability investment themes across developed and emerging markets.
The Target Fund adopts clear investment processes that are rooted in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs) and integrates ESG factors in all investment decisions.
“This latest addition in our line-up of sustainability and ESG related funds underlines our efforts to continuously play an active role in driving sustainable investing practices by providing wider options to investors seeking capital appreciation over the longer term, with focus on specific global sustainability themes. The RHB Sustainable Global Thematic Fund complements the diverse needs of our customers, in line with the increased interest for sustainability and ESG investing seen in recent times. We are optimistic on achieving an AUM of RM100 million within the first six months of its launch,” said Eliza Ong, Chief Executive Officer of RHB Asset Management.
The RHB Sustainable Global Thematic Fund seeks to generate superior financial returns through investments that contribute to positive social and environmental outcomes and will be distributed exclusively via Citibank Berhad (“Citi”) through its wide financial services network.
Jeremy Ho, Citi Head of Wealth Management Product added, “As distributor of the RHB Global Thematic Fund, we look forward to supporting investors who are increasingly keen on ESG strategies and investments. Over the last five years, ESG investments have gained significant momentum and performed relatively well in terms of growth and value from a risk-adjusted return perspective. They continue to gain traction with more investment options available across multiple asset classes, including global equities and bonds.”
AB is an experienced asset management and research firm dedicated to forward-looking secular investment themes to deliver long-term capital growth linked to global sustainability themes derived from the UNSDGs. The firm has a strong track record and undertakes disciplined financial analysis in ensuring that its sustainability-focused target investee companies are sound long-term investments.
