Atlas has become one of the first master trusts in the UK to become a signatory to the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI).
This £1.1bn master trust, of which Capita is the founder, has signed up to the asset owner category of these internationally-recognised principles.
Atlas says this demonstrate the trust’s ongoing commitment to incorporate environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors into its investment strategy. Earlier this year its transferred the core equity holdings in its multi-asset portfolio funds into sustainable investments. This makes up its default strategy.
Altas chief executive Gary Smith says: “I’m delighted we have become a PRI signatory and shown we meet the high standards required to do so.
“The trustee board and the executive team are wholly committed to sustainability. Atlas has a firm conviction that ESG issues, such as climate change and human rights, can and do affect investment performance over the long-term.
“At Atlas, therefore, our members’ savings are not just invested in companies which are the best in the world, but also those which are the best for the world.
“As a leading master trust we think it is vital that our members know that we are focusing on sustainability whilst delivering good outcomes for our members. It is vitally important that we use our influence to drive the sustainability agenda and I would encourage other master trusts to do the same”.
PRI chief executive Fiona Reynolds adds: “We are very pleased to welcome Atlas Master Trust as a signatory to the PRI. The engagement of pension funds in ESG investing is critical in ensuring retirement funds are invested responsibly. We look forward to working with the Atlas team”.