Square Mile Investment Consulting and Research has built on its ESG analysis and research with the acquisition of Ethical Money and its associated trading entity, 3D Investing
Founded in 2014 by John Fleetwood, 3D Investing has focused on supporting IFAs and asset managers develop portfolios with a high social impact. Its 3D philosophy – ‘doing good, avoiding harm and leading change’ – is used to identify funds that have expertise in impact investing.
The company also has a 3D star rating, which currently applies to over 270 responsible and sustainable funds, and are used by fund selectors to create model portfolios.
Meanwhile, since being established in 2014, London-based Square Mile has built a reputable investment consulting and research business, which also holds ESG credentials in high regards. It rates funds and asset managers based on their sustainable policies and recently contributed to our sister publication ESG Clarity’s Responsible Ratings Index (RRI).
Quantifying impact
Richard Romer-Lee, managing director at Square Mile, said, “Responsible and impact investing are now a central consideration for growing numbers of advisers and their clients.
“For many, the potential for contributing to a better society and protecting the environment is just as important as a financial gain. However, it is equally important for investors to be able to quantify the impact for good that their investments have.
“Through 3D Investing, John has built a highly-regarded centre of excellence for assessing this impact. Furthermore, the experience he has gathered over a career dedicated to this field is unparalleled and supports our aspiration of being the market-leading specialists in this area.
“This acquisition was particularly attractive to Square Mile as it enables us to broaden and deepen our research and services we provide our clients.”
People moves
Following the acquisition Ethical Money, founder Fleetwood will join Square Mile as director of responsible and sustainable investing, and will work with the firm’s executive committee to strengthen the independent assessment of the positive impact of a fund’s investments.
He said: “I am delighted to be joining Square Mile, as the additional resource will enable the further development of the 3D Investing ratings and bring our services to a much wider market.
“Our services are highly complementary and bringing them together will create a market-leader in the responsible and sustainable investing market.”
The 3D Investing brand will be retained to identify research and consulting practices which have a focus on impact assessment.
