Martin Currie has announced the launch of its first social impact fund, the Martin Currie Improving Society Fund.

The fund is a sub-fund of the Franklin Templeton Global Funds and is categorised as Article 93 under the EU’s Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR). Martin Currie says the new fund aims to deliver long-term capital growth while advancing fairness of social opportunity and narrowing the equality gap. It will invest in a portfolio of 20-35 companies globally that contribute to three impact pillars: improving well-being, improving inclusion and supporting a just transition toward a sustainable economy.

Lauran Halpin, Portfolio Manager and Head of Impact Equities says, “This new fund invests in companies innovating to address societal needs with long-term growth potential, which in turn encourages cash flow and returns and reinvestment into addressing other societal issues. Companies with products that make a difference in people’s lives can benefit from long-term profit pools generated by ongoing societal needs and ultimately gain a competitive advantage.”

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