Introducing the NatWest Sustainable Equity Fund – a new self-select fund for members. 

We are always looking at ways to improve our fund choice for investors with specific interests. We introduced the Shariah Fund a few years ago and have now added the Sustainable Equity Fund. As part of our oversight of the Plan, we regularly consider whether the choice of funds available to you is broad enough. 

In 2023, we decided to increase the number of funds by launching a new fund with two underlying investment managers. These managers’ criteria for selecting company shares focuses on companies they consider to be sustainable from the perspective of environmental, social and economic outcomes. 

The decision to launch this fund followed a selection process where we considered several managers with differing approaches. This fund is different from the other options available to you within the self-select range, because it’s actively managed and the underlying investment managers are trying to outperform a benchmark. It may be higher risk than a typical equity fund since the managers’ focus on sustainable companies restricts the range of companies that can be invested in. 

Andy Cox, Chairman of the Trustees, says, ‘A key part of our role overseeing the Plan is to make sure you have sufficient investment options if you choose to select your own investments. We recently reviewed the range and felt that you would benefit from an additional equity fund option which had a specific focus on sustainable companies and avoiding those that the managers identify as having a negative impact by some of their business practices. We therefore considered, with the help of our investment advisers, a wide range of available funds in the market before narrowing our focus down to four fund managers. We met with all four and, from these, selected two funds for the new NatWest Sustainable Equity Fund.’ 

We offer a default lifestyle option for members who don’t wish to select their own investments. If you choose to self-select, please make sure you have enough time and knowledge to manage your investments yourself. 

Please take this opportunity to consider your investments and make sure you’re comfortable that they’re appropriate for your future plans.