FAQs

Ethical Adviser’s Co-op Frequently Asked Questions

We are a Co-operative of Financial Advisers that specialise in ethical investment.  Our mission is to make it easy for Australians to invest ethically, whilst still achieving their financial goals. 

Our Advisers are the pioneers of ethical investment in Australia. We continue to innovate and create ethical investment solutions that match your financial situation and risk tolerance.

 

​We can advise you where to invest in robust ethical investments, including ethical shares, ethical superannuation or setting up your own ethical self-managed superannuation fund. 

 

We are able to recommend investments which suit your ethical values.  Our research includes ongoing analysis of an investment’s Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance track record. In addition, we also analyse the financial appropriateness of stocks, managed funds and other investment products to determine if they are well-priced, have the potential to outperform and suit your needs.
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Our advice is tailored to your financial situation and ethical values. ​

You might not be aware that many industry, university or government super funds (sustainable option or not) still invest in fossil fuel companies, and also uranium mining.  The sustainable options should at least exclude tobacco and armaments. ​   We can help you move your super and other investments towards a sustainable future by investing worldwide in renewable energy, energy efficiency, alternative transport, healthcare, education providers and sustainable property. ​

 

Lots of managed funds claim to be ‘ethical’ or ‘sustainable’ while still investing in uranium mining, coal seam gas and fossil fuels. For every company or investment that we consider we conduct a thorough research process. Our advisers use specialist ethical investment research house, papers from NGOs (like Friends of the Earth, Market Forces, 350.org).  

We also conduct our own internal ESG research.  In addition, we source financial information from large research houses, stockbroking firms and other experts (eg. Aperio Group, Oxford University). 
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Our aim is to recommend companies and investments that meet your ethical values whilst also delivering competitive returns. ​

​Our members charge transparent and fair fees.  This may include an initial fee for an advice report, and an ongoing fee for ongoing advice and portfolio maintenance.  You are welcome to contact your local Co-op Adviser and ask for a copy of their Financial Services Guide.  This is a standard document which outlines their fees and services in detail.   ​

There are very few Financial Advisers that specialise or are capable of giving well-informed advice on ethical investments.  All of the most experienced ethical investment advisers in the country are members of the co-operative.  Additionally, all of our advisers are members of the Responsible Investment Association Australasia. This is the peak body for Ethical Investment in Australia.  

​On average, most Advisers have been ethical investment specialists for over 7 years.  Many have been working in this field for 15-20 years. Because the ethics of companies are changing all the time, it makes it very difficult for advisers that don’t specialise in this area to keep abreast of all of the issues. This often leads to poor advice for Australians that seek ethical advice from these less qualified advisers.  ​

Ethical Advisers Co-operative was founded to make it easy for you to reach an adviser that is a specialist in the area and local to you.  Find your nearest adviser based on your location and contact them directly. Alternatively, contact us. Your Adviser will take into account your personal ethical values and importantly your risk tolerance.  You will receive advice which is specifically tailored for you. 

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The Ethical Advisers’ Co-op acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we work and live, the Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander people of Australia, and pay our respect to the Elders past, present and emerging. We recognise and respect their cultural heritage, beliefs and relationship with the land and waters, and recognise their role in caring for and maintaining the land over thousands of years. We also extend that respect to other First Nations. We see reconciliation as a fundamental responsibility for The Ethical Advisers’ Co-op and we are committed to advancing reconciliation with Australia’s First Peoples and engaging with their concerns.

We acknowledge and pay our respects to Māori as the tangata whenua the indigenous people of Aoteroa (New Zealand) and their ancestors who have cared for the whenua (land), its forests, rivers, and mountains for generations. We recognise their continuing connection and contribution to the whenua, and as Treaty of Waitangi partners and we are committed to building respectful relationships with Māori communities and to working towards a more just and equitable society.

As ethical financial advisors, we commit to building respectful relationships with Indigenous communities, working towards economic empowerment and self-determination, and supporting the financial well-being of all Australians and New Zealanders. We recognise that ethical financial advice creates positive change and contributes to a sustainable future, and we are committed to using our skills and expertise to make a difference.

The contents of this website are intended as general advice only. The information provided by the Ethical Advisers Co-operative do not account for any individual’s personal objectives, financial situation or needs. It should not be used, relied upon, or treated as a substitute for specific professional advice. The Ethical Advisers Co-operative recommends all users obtain their own independent professional advice from an appropriately qualified financial adviser before making any decision relating to their particular requirements or circumstances. Investing in, or switching between investments or superannuation funds may have unintended financial consequences.

The survey results, and all information contained in this website including all documents, consider only the ethics of each fund and do not include any analysis of fees, performance or financial suitability. The ethical score is subjective and benchmarked against each adviser’s average ethical client. Your ethics may differ. We recommend you speak to an experienced ethical financial adviser for personalised advice before making any decisions. The information provided by the Ethical Advisers Co- operative does not constitute financial advice. The information is general in nature and is presented in order to inform people motivated by ethical, environmental or social concerns.

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