Getting started with investing
Investing is all about trying to get your money working hard so you can do the things that matter most.
Everyone's definition of responsible investing is different. Some people want to avoid doing harm. Others want to avoid industries that don’t align with their values. And some want to use their funds to actively make the world a better place. At the same time, everyone wants a strong return on their investment.
At ASB, we believe being responsible means two things. First, we invest your money to achieve the best possible financial outcome for you. That could be achieving a strong return, preserving your capital, or a balance of the two. Second, we need to choose investments that are legal and that align to the ethical and environmental values of our community.
To achieve these two priorities, we will use these principles:
It's your money, so you need to be able to see where it's invested. Whenever possible, you should also be able to see the funds environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance. If you have fund's in the ASB KiwiSaver Scheme, ASB Investment Funds or ASB Superannuation Master Trust, our online tool can show you where we’ve invested your money.
We've built responsible investing into our investment beliefs. Our investment beliefs are the principles that guide all our decisions when it comes to investing your money.
This means we incorporate Environmental, Social and Governance considerations into our investment analysis and decision making process.
The following are ESG characteristics we take into account when making investment decisions:
Measures a company’s energy use, waste, pollution, natural resource conservation and treatment of animals. It also evaluates any environmental risks that could affect the company’s long-term income, and how the company manages those risks.
Measures how well a company works with its suppliers, its workers, the community and its other stakeholders. Businesses need to use their financial influence to create positive outcomes for all of these areas.
Does the business operate in a transparent, above-board way? Do they use accurate and transparent accounting methods, and give all shareholders the right to vote on important issues? Do they avoid conflicts of interest in board members and employment practices? Do they operate legally and without corruption?
Responsible investing means bringing together both financial and values based considerations when making investment decisions.
In saying that, we exclude some investments, regardless of their financial performance, based on our exclusion framework. Some of the considerations we take into account when deciding to exclude an investment are:
When you invest with ASB, our underlying investment managers use your funds to buy shares in different companies.
Those investment managers, such as Blackrock, actively engage with those companies as shareholders.
They vote at shareholder meetings on our behalf, and use those votes to move companies toward more responsible and sustainable practices.
It won't always be enough to simply exclude bad companies or vote to improve others. Many people also want us to focus our investments in companies that are actively improving our world, even if it means accepting different financial outcomes.
We've created two Positive Impact Funds - one for investment by our ASB KiwiSaver Scheme members and another for investment by our ASB Investment Funds customers.
Both funds aim to provide moderate to high returns from a diversified portfolio of investments. Using impact investing, they invest in companies that are making a positive, social or environmental impact, allowing you to align your values with your investment while striving for a long-term financial return.
Find more information on each of the funds and how to join, transfer or invest.
ASB is a signatory to the Principles for Responsible Investment. That commits us as an organisation to enhancing our responsible investing practices, and contributing to developing a more sustainable global financial system.
Investing is all about trying to get your money working hard so you can do the things that matter most.
Whether you're a seasoned investor or just starting out, ASB offers a wide range of investments and resources that you’d expect from a bank that’s committed to helping you find the best solution.
If you're an experienced investor, or just starting out, ASB offers a wide range of investment options to suit your individual needs.
Recently inherited money, sold a business or have significant savings you'd like to grow further? With such big decisions to make and a lot at stake, you might want to get professional investment advice from an ASB Wealth Manager. Here’s what to expect.
Interests in the ASB KiwiSaver Scheme and ASB Investment Funds (Schemes) are issued by ASB Group Investments Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of ASB Bank Limited (ASB). ASB provides administration and distribution services for the Schemes. No person guarantees interests in the Schemes. Interests in the Schemes are not deposits or other liabilities of ASB. They are subject to investment risk, including possible loss of income and principal invested. For more information see the ASB KiwiSaver Scheme Product Disclosure Statement or the ASB Investment Funds Product Disclosure Statement available from this website and the register of offers of financial products at www.disclose-register.companiesoffice.govt.nz (search for ASB).