Serafin Asset Management has established itself as Europe’s leading sustainability-focused asset manager, redefining industry standards. At the core of their success is the ARTICO Equity Team, which accomplishes the seamless integration of investment performance, sustainability, and climate goals across all equity portfolios.
A Unique Approach to Sustainable Investing
Serafin‘s approach stands out for its ability to maintain diversification and investment performance while achieving ambitious sustainability objectives. This strategy contrasts sharply with many other sustainable investment models that often compromise on diversification or returns to meet environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria.
The ARTICO Equity Team‘s philosophy, «investing in good companies,» focuses on selecting firms with faster growth, higher profitability, healthier balance sheets, and lower valuations. Their portfolios also emphasise superior ESG ratings, and reduced carbon footprints, aligning with sustainable and responsible investing.
The Five Dimensions of Excellence
Serafin‘s exceptional performance is primarily driven by a meticulous stock selection process that evaluates companies across five critical dimensions: growth, profitability, financial health, valuation, and sustainability. By assessing the potential for business expansion, evaluating operational efficiency and earnings strength, and examining the company‘s stability and resilience, Serafin ensures that its portfolios are aligned with sustainability goals. Additionally, they determine market price attractiveness and analyse ESG ratings for long-term viability, optimising for robust financial performance. This holistic approach sets Serafin apart in the industry, balancing both sustainability and strong investment returns.
Article 9 Classification: A Testament to Commitment
All of Serafin’s ARTICO equity funds have been classified under Article 9 of the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR). This designation is reserved for financial products with the core objective of sustainable investment or carbon reduction, underscoring Serafin‘s dedication to upholding the most stringent regulatory standards in sustainability.
The Power of ESG Integration and Sustainability Metrics
Serafin’s conviction in the power of ESG factors is rooted in rigorous research and analysis. The team believes that companies with high ESG ratings tend to outperform their lower-rated counterparts due to several key factors: high ESG scores often reflect excellent management practices, attract significant institutional capital flows, and mitigate both investment and reputational risks. The AR TICO Equity Team has further enhanced this approach by developing a proprietary ESG factor based on MSCI ESG scores, an innovative metric that has proven to be a reliable indicator of future performance, reinforcing Serafin‘s commitment to sustainable investing.
Serafin‘s focus on responsible investing extends beyond its portfolio strategies. As a signatory to the UN-supported Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), they commit to integrating ESG factors into investment decisions in alignment with the six PRI principles. Additionally, the ARTICO Equity Team adheres to the Swiss Association for Responsible Investment‘s (SVVK) commitment and exclusion list, fully supports the Paris Agreement on climate change, and is a supporter of the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD).
Performance: The Ultimate Proof
Serafin is convinced that sustainable investing must deliver strong financial performance to ensure its success. The track record demonstrates consistent outperformance against benchmarks while maintaining high sustainability standards.
By combining systematic investment strategies with a strong commitment to sustainability, Serafin Asset Management is reshaping sustainable investing in Europe, proving that investors can achieve both financial success and positive impact.