Square Mile Investment Consulting and Research (Square Mile) confirms the acquisition of Ethical Money Limited and its associated trading entity, 3D Investing, a specialist in the assessment of impact investing. This acquisition brings together two leading proponents of ESG and responsible investing: it further enhances Square Mile’s capabilities in the fields of ESG integration, responsible and impact investment services while extending the reach of 3D Investing’s proposition.

3D Investing is a leading provider of assessments on the impact of investments and is an excellent complement to Square Mile’s responsible investing research. The process driving 3D Investing centres on a fund’s ability to make a positive and measurable environmental and/or social impact as evidenced by its underlying investments. Square Mile has a broader focus on identifying funds that fall into three categories: exclusion, sustainability and impact as explicitly stated in their mandate. They are assessed on their ability to meet their performance objectives as well their responsible investment commitments. The combination of these specialisms creates a compelling and comprehensive resource dedicated to all aspects of responsible and impact investing.

Founded in 2014 by John Fleetwood, 3D Investing helps IFAs and asset managers develop portfolios with a high social impact. In 1991, John became one of the first financial advisers to focus his practice on ethical investment, and 3D Investing draws on the deep expertise he has gained over some 30 years. It helps investors identify funds that best meet the 3D philosophy of ‘doing good, avoiding harm and leading change’. Its 3D Star Rating is an extension of this and is applied to over 270 responsible and sustainable funds and is used by both advisers and asset managers in selecting funds and developing model portfolios. 3D Investing also publishes the highly-regarded Good Investment Review twice-yearly while John is a founding partner of the Big Exchange.

Following the acquisition, John will join Square Mile as Director, Responsible and Sustainable Investing, and will work with the firm’s Executive Committee to strengthen the independent assessment of the positive impact of a fund’s investments. This has growing market appeal and the combined resource and expertise will bring these services to a broader audience while maintaining the integrity of the proposition. The 3D Investing brand will be retained to identify research and consulting practices which have a focus on impact assessment.

Richard Romer-Lee, Managing Director, Square Mile said, “Responsible and impact investing are now a central considerations for growing numbers of advisers and their clients. For many, the potential for contributing to a better society and protecting the environment is just as important as a financial gain. However, it is equally important for investors to be able to quantify the impact for good that their investments have. Through 3D Investing, John has built a highly-regarded centre of excellence for assessing this impact. Furthermore, the experience he has gathered over a career dedicated to this field is unparalleled and supports our aspiration of being the market-leading specialists in this area. This acquisition was particularly attractive to Square Mile as it enables us to fast track our service proposition to the benefit of our customers, be they asset managers, financial advisers or discretionary wealth managers.”

John Fleetwood, said, “I am delighted to be joining Square Mile, as the additional resource will enable the further development of the 3D Investing ratings and bring our services to a much wider market. Our services are highly complementary and bringing them together will create a market-leader in the responsible and sustainable investing market.”

For more information on 3D Investing, click here.