FS Sustainability

Podcast: Green Bonds - From niche to mainstream

THE GREENER WAY   How have green bonds evolved, what risks and opportunities do they present for investors, and what are the biggest misconceptions about this asset class?

Funding into environmental R&D up, but not in line with inflation

VINNY VUCAGO   Government expenditure on research and development (R&D) rose modestly in 2024 to 2025, with environmental sciences emerging as the largest area of investment as funding increasingly aligns with Australia's net zero ambitions.

Broad exclusions in defence investing don't work anymore: Experts

RIDDHIMA TALWANI   The Future Fund confirmed it has not reviewed its exclusions framework in defence investments recently, the Senate Committee heard in late May.

ACCC sues Grill'd over alleged 'greenwashing' tree-planting promotion

VINNY VUCAGO   The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has launched Federal Court proceedings against Grill'd, alleging the burger chain misled consumers about the extent of donations made under its Tree Day Tuesday environmental campaign.

ART to employ more First Nations members into its workforce

MATTHEW WAI   Australian Retirement Trust has launched its second Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan, highlighting initiatives the super fund will complete by the end of 2028, including setting up a First Nations workforce target.

Climate reporting finally compares apples to apples: ASIC

RIDDHIMA TALWANI   ASIC commissioner Kate O'Rourke says the mandatory climate reporting introduced this year will help investors for the first time and provide a baseline for comparability and consistency on climate-related financial disclosures.

Wesfarmers partners for affordable housing venture

VINNY VUCAGO   Built Group and Wesfarmers have formed a 50:50 joint venture aimed at accelerating housing delivery through industrial-scale manufacturing, as Australia grapples with persistent supply shortages.

Greenpeace settles Woodside lawsuit

MATTHEW WAI   Greenpeace Australia Pacific has settled a lawsuit against ASX-listed Woodside Energy over alleged misrepresentation of its emission reductions targets.

Private sector pushes for NZ modern slavery law

RIDDHIMA TALWANI   Multiple private sector players including AMP Wealth Management New Zealand, Ausbil, Future Group, Metrics Credit Partners, U Ethical Investors and Westpac have signed a statement to support the introduction of laws to address modern slavery in New Zealand.

ANZ to enhance financial literacy for First Nations people in new partnership

MATTHEW WAI   ANZ has announced a two-year partnership with First Nations Foundation to expand its outreach program for improved financial literacy among First Nations communities.

NZ Super Fund doubles down on sustainability

VINNY VUCAGO   The New Zealand Super Fund (NZ Super Fund) has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable investing, arguing climate changes, resource constraints and broader sustainability risks reman central to delivering resilient long-term returns despite shifting market sentiment around environmental, social and governance (ESG) investing.

Nest mandates IFM Investors for climate credit strategy

RIDDHIMA TALWANI   The UK National Employment Savings Trust (Nest) has mandated IFM Investors with £200 million ($382m) for its growth credit strategy to invest in next-generation climate technologies.

U Ethical appoints distribution lead

VINNY VUCAGO   U Ethical Investors has appointed veteran funds management executive Stuart James as head of distribution, as the firm continues to build out its leadership team and pursue its next phase of growth.

LGT taps sustainable investing specialist

VINNY VUCAGO   LGT Wealth Management has strengthened its sustainable investing capabilities with the appointment of former Wellington Management director Tessa Volkmer as head of sustainable investment, as demand for climate aware and impact focused portfolio strategies continues to grow among high-net-worth investors.