4th November 2024

Serafin Asset Management: Pioneering Sustainable Investing Without Compromise

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.