Exclusions
The industries we specifically avoid.
What is impact investing?
Impact investing is a growing area of investment focusing on investing in companies that are addressing the world’s social and environmental issues. Investments are made with the intention of generating both positive and measurable impact, alongside a financial return.
Lots of customers have asked us for a different sort of fund. They want to put their investment to work to give the world a better future, but still want solid long term returns. We've listened, and created a new option for our ASB KiwiSaver Scheme members, the Positive Impact Fund.
Examples of impact investments
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Clean energy infrastructure
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Affordable housing
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Climate or environmental projects
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Clean water and sanitation
Investments held in the fund are determined by three factors:
Impact Investments
Hand-picked investments in businesses that are actively building a better future for the world.
Is the Positive Impact Fund right for me?
The fund could be suitable for you if you want to align your values with your investment choices while still striving for long term savings.
If your priority is to save as much as you can for your first home deposit or retirement, then one of our other funds might be the best option for you. Check out our Help Me Choose tool.
We also have a Positive Impact Fund available for our ASB Investment Funds customers, if this sounds more like you, please find further information here.
How do I invest in the Positive Impact Fund?
Already with the ASB KiwiSaver Scheme?
You can switch all of your funds using FastNet Classic online banking or through the ASB Mobile App.
Or, move some of your funds into the Positive Impact fund through this form.
Ready to join or transfer to the ASB KiwiSaver Scheme?
What does the Positive Impact Fund invest in?
The fund is made up of both income assets and growth assets, with a preference for investments that generate a positive and measurable social and/or environmental impact, alongside a financial return. It’s a portion of the growth assets that are made up of impact investments, shares in listed companies that are selected based on their positive impact to society.
We expect the investments held by the Positive Impact Fund to evolve over time, based on changes in impact investing and through customer feedback.
What are the industries that we exclude?
The Positive Impact Fund will not invest in companies that have significant business activities in fossil fuels, alcohol, tobacco, gambling, controversial weapons, whale meat and adult entertainment. Currently the Positive Impact Fund invests in third party managed funds. These funds have certain exclusion policies and each define what is meant by 'significant business activities'. To find out about the exclusion policies, read the Positive Impact Fund Schedule in the ASB KiwiSaver Scheme Statement of Investment Policy and Objectives.
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors
ESG factors are used to measure the sustainability and ethical impact of investing in a company. In the Positive Impact Fund they’re used to identify the right sort of companies to invest in, along with incorporating these considerations into the investment decision making process.
Impact Investments
About 35% of the fund’s growth assets will focus on investments in companies solving global issues. Whenever possible, these investments will align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Here are some examples of the types of industries actively building a better future for our world. Renewable and alternative energies, water infrastructure and technologies, pollution and waste management, social services, sustainable consumer goods, responsible finance.
About the Positive Impact Fund
The Positive Impact Fund aims to provide moderate to high returns from a diversified portfolio of investments, with a preference for investments in organisations whose activities make a positive impact on society or the environment. Investors should expect a negative return less than one in every four years.
Learn more about income assets and growth assets.
Join or transfer to the ASB KiwiSaver Scheme
Change your fund
You can switch your fund using FastNet Classic online banking or via the ASB Mobile App, or move some of your funds through this form.
Interests in the ASB KiwiSaver Scheme (Scheme) are issued by ASB Group Investments Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of ASB Bank Limited (ASB). ASB provides Scheme administration and distribution services. No person guarantees interests in the Scheme. Interests in the Scheme 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 available from this website and the register of offers of financial products at www.disclose-register.companiesoffice.govt.nz (search for ASB KiwiSaver Scheme).
Interests in ASB Investment Funds are issued by ASB Group Investments Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of ASB Bank Limited (ASB). ASB provides administration and distribution services for ASB Investment Funds. No person guarantees interests in ASB Investment Funds. Interests in ASB Investment Funds 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 Investment Fund 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 Investment Funds).
