The Big Issue has come together with a coalition of financial industry groups and figures from the UK investment industry to launch the first actively managed ESG platform, with a starting range of 36 funds.
Campbell Fleming, former global head of distribution at Aberdeen Standard Investments (ASI), and Jill Jackson, ex-head of UK retail and distribution support at ASI, have teamed up with the Big Issue Group and a number of financial firms to co-found the The Big Exchange, which has launched today (14 October).
Watch our exclusive video with Jill Jackson above to find out the motivation behind the platform’s launch, the targeted client base, the fund selection criteria and portfolio construction for ready-made, risk-rated funds, and plans for the future.
The new online marketplace will offer consumers and advisers access to 36 funds from 11 asset managers. Investors can choose funds themselves or select from a range of risk-rated portfolios with the asset allocation constructed by Square Mile.
The founding partners for the platform are ASI, Alliance Bernstein, Alquity, Civitas Social Housing, Columbia Threadneedle Investments, Liontrust, Nordea Asset Management, Pictet Asset Management, Quilter, Stewart Investors, Tortoise, UBP and Wheb.
See also: – Big Issue Invest makes landmark social housing investment
The co-founders said the Big Exchange is the first investment service that shows consumers a summary of how much positive impact on people’s lives and the environment an investment fund is making through a Gold, Silver or Bronze rating, and investors will be able to view how the individual funds contribute to the 17 United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Further groups and funds will be added to the platform in due course.
Users can top up savings including tax-efficient accounts ISAs and JISAs from as little as £25 a month, and there is no maximum amount. Charges are 25p per year for every £100 invested on The Big Exchange with no time period lock in.
Managing director of The Big Exchange Jackson (pictured above) said in a statement: “We’re launching The Big Exchange so people can do better with their savings. Encouraging everyone to do better for themselves, at the same time as doing better for society and the planet. For the first time, regular UK investors will have access to active investments, managed by leading fund managers, and see them independently awarded medals for the extent of positive impact they are creating on people and the planet.”
Director Fleming added: “The asset management community involved in The Big Exchange have a collective ambition to make sure people in the UK can access positively impactful investments, while aiming to improve their financial future. I was proud to be integral in Aberdeen Standard Investments joining forces with our co-founders, partners, and supporters and be part of a movement creating meaningful social impact – starting with the UK’s first actively managed social, environmental and impact investing platform.
Meanwhile, Nigel Kershaw OBE, chair of The Big Exchange and of The Big Issue Group, commented: “We created The Big Exchange to transform the financial system and give the opportunity for everybody with savings to invest in funds that give them a financial return as well as making a positive impact on the world around them. Through the tragic Covid-19 crisis we are seeing more and more people wanting to make their money count for more both for today and for future generations.”
The Big Exchange is looking for new corporate partners and supporters. Those interested should get in touch via melissa@bigexchange.com.
