Register For Our Mailing List

Register to receive our free weekly newsletter including editorials.

Register

8 January 2026

Home / Noticeboard 2021

Australian Ethical

  •   15 July 2021
  •      
  •   

Australian Ethical (ASX:AEF) FUM jumps 50% to $6.07B: Aussies vote with their wallets on climate change

ASX Announcement

Sydney, 15 July 2021: Australia’s original responsible investment and super fund manager Australian Ethical (ASX:AEF) has increased funds under management (FUM) by 50 per cent or $2.02 billion in just one year, racing to $6.07 billion as of 30 June 2021, up from $4.05 billion at 30 June 2020.

This was driven by record net flows of $1.03 billion for the year to 30 June 2021 - a 56 per cent increase on the previous 12 months - and strong investment performance of $0.99 billion.

Australian Ethical believes that its rapidly accelerating FUM is the result of thousands of Australians deciding to take climate action into their own hands and voting with their wallets, in the face of a government that appears unwilling to take any concrete action to address the issue.

“Australians are sick of a government that refuses to acknowledge the very real danger we are all facing when it comes to climate change,” said John McMurdo, CEO and MD of Australian Ethical.

“The ‘sticking our heads in the sand and doing nothing’ approach is simply unacceptable when we know Australia is going to be hit harder than many other countries by economic losses resulting from increasing climate impacts, such as bushfires.

“A few months ago, we released research that showed ‘climate change’ and ‘the environment’ were the number one drivers of investment decisions by individuals considering ESG factors. But, not only that, the research also revealed that it was your average Australian leading the charge by instructing their financial advisers to invest in climate-friendly options, not the other way around.

“We see this significant rush of funds into our ethical and climate-friendly superannuation and managed funds as another clear indication that the average Australian is continuing this drive. As a nation, we are collectively opening our eyes to the power of our money to address climate change in the face of an ambivalent and seemingly unwilling government,” Mr. McMurdo concluded.

The Lowy Institute’s Climate Poll 2021 showed 70% of Australians think Australia should “increase its commitments to address climate change”, 74% believe “the benefits of taking further action on climate change will outweigh the costs”, and 78% support “setting a net-zero emissions target for 2050”.

Yet Australia’s emissions per capita are three times the G20 average, and fossil fuels make up 93 per cent of its energy mix - one of the G20's highest - according to the Climate Transparency Report. 

Australia also received the lowest score for climate action out of any of the 193 members of the United Nations in a different report produced by the UN-backed Sustainable Development Solutions Network.

On top of the yearly jump in FUM, Australian Ethical’s quarterly FUM also increased by 12 per cent or $0.66 billion between 31 March ($5.41 billion) and 30 June 2021 ($6.07 billion). The increase was driven by record quarterly net flows and strong investment performance.

 

  •   15 July 2021
  •      
  •   

 

Leave a Comment:
Firstlinks is sponsored by:
banner

Most viewed in recent weeks

Australia's retirement system works brilliantly for some - but not all

The superannuation system has succeeded brilliantly at what it was designed to do: accumulate wealth during working lives. The next challenge is meeting members’ diverse needs in retirement. 

Australian stocks will crush housing over the next decade, 2025 edition

Two years ago, I wrote an article suggesting that the odds favoured ASX shares easily outperforming residential property over the next decade. Here’s an update on where things stand today.

The 3 biggest residential property myths

I am a professional real estate investor who hears a lot of opinions rather than facts from so-called experts on the topic of property. Here are the largest myths when it comes to Australia’s biggest asset class.

Get set for a bumpy 2026

At this time last year, I forecast that 2025 would likely be a positive year given strong economic prospects and disinflation. The outlook for this year is less clear cut and here is what investors should do.

AFIC on the speculative ASX boom, opportunities, and LIC discounts

In an interview with Firstlinks, CEO Mark Freeman discusses how speculative ASX stocks have crushed blue chips this year, companies he likes now, and why he’s confident AFIC’s NTA discount will close.

Property versus shares - a practical guide for investors

I’ve been comparing property and shares for decades and while both have their place, the differences are stark. When tax, costs, and liquidity are weighed, property looks less compelling than its reputation suggests.

Latest Updates

Superannuation

Meg on SMSFs: First glimpse of revised Division 296 tax

Treasury has released draft legislation for a new version of the controversial $3 million super tax. It's a significant improvement on the original proposal but there are some stings in the tail.

Investment strategies

10 fearless forecasts for 2026

The predictions include dividends will outstrip growth as a source of Australian equity returns, US market performance will be underwhelming, while US government bonds will beat gold.

Infrastructure

How many hospitals will an extra 1 million people need?

We're about to add another million people to cities like Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne. How many hospitals and other essential infrastructure are needed to cater to a million more people? This breaks down the numbers.

Risk management

Is the world's safest currency actually the riskiest?

The US dollar’s long-standing role as a ‘shock absorber’ during times of market stress is showing cracks. The ‘Liberation Day’ sell-off was a timely reminder of this, and here's what investors should do about it.

10 things I learned about dementia and care homes from close range

My mother developed dementia before eventually dying in June last year. She was in three aged care homes before finding the right one. Here is what I learned along the way.

Economics

China's EV and solar backlog and future trade wars

China has flooded the world with electric cars and solar panels to offset the economic drag from a weak domestic property market. How long can this go on, and what are the implications for commodities and Australia?

Investment strategies

Why Elon Musk's pay packet is justified

Tesla copped criticism after its shareholders approved a package allowing Musk to earn up to $1 trillion in stock options. If only Australian businesses were more like Tesla.

Sponsors

Alliances

Site Map

About Firstlinks

© 2026 Morningstar, Inc. All rights reserved.

Disclaimer
The data, research and opinions provided here are for information purposes; are not an offer to buy or sell a security; and are not warranted to be correct, complete or accurate. Morningstar, its affiliates, and third-party content providers are not responsible for any investment decisions, damages or losses resulting from, or related to, the data and analyses or their use. To the extent any content is general advice, it has been prepared for clients of Morningstar Australasia Pty Ltd (ABN: 95 090 665 544, AFSL: 240892), without reference to your financial objectives, situation or needs. For more information refer to our Financial Services Guide. You should consider the advice in light of these matters and if applicable, the relevant Product Disclosure Statement before making any decision to invest. Past performance does not necessarily indicate a financial product’s future performance. To obtain advice tailored to your situation, contact a professional financial adviser. Articles are current as at date of publication.
This website contains information and opinions provided by third parties. Inclusion of this information does not necessarily represent Morningstar’s positions, strategies or opinions and should not be considered an endorsement by Morningstar.