Q&A with The Path Financial

Ethical Consumer: Tell us about Path Financial Limited 

Path Financial: 
We are unique. We were the first financial advisers set up in the UK with the purpose of having all client money invested in line with positive outcomes for people and planet. There are regrettably few ethical financial advisers in the UK. They mostly still operate on the old model of merely excluding certain unethical investments which has limited real-world impact. 

We seek out the investment managers who are finding solutions and using their votes to change for the better. We think this process will also be a predictor of superior financial returns over the longer term. We think this approach is better aligned with the values of ethical consumers.

EC: Do you see a growing demand for ethical financial advice?

Many consumers make very careful decisions on what they buy and who they buy from. They recognise the power they have to alter company behaviour and to effect change.

Sadly this is less true for investments. We think this is because there is an intangible link between investment products and how the money is deployed. As customers start to realise that they should have a voice as shareholders, they will start demanding that their voice is heard.

What is your advice to consumers?

Ask yourself whether you know exactly what shares your pension and investments are in. There is every chance that they are supporting fossil fuel, climate change, deforestation, human and animal rights abuse. 

If you are not happy with that then how can you change your underlying investments? We exist to help with that advice.

Why do you think you received our Best Buy Label? What separates you from other financial advisers?

We take our role as ethical financial advisers very seriously. We make sure we have the most rigorous investment standards. We exclude the negative and invest in solutions. 

We also walk-the-walk with our company behaviour and B-Corp certification. We attend shareholder meetings on behalf of clients, which is unique. We campaign for capital to be a force for good and give our client money as loud a voice as possible. 

Have you ever had to make a business decision that challenged your ethical standpoint?

No. We know our boundaries and stick rigorously to them so there is never a dilemma.

Where would you like to see Path Financial in the next 5 years?

As one of the largest financial advisers in the UK with even greater influence and an active clientele who are spreading the word on the power of investments and pensions as a possible force for positive change.

If you had to sum up the ethos of Path Financial in two sentences, what would it be?

We give client money a purpose as a powerful voice for change encouraging better outcomes for people and planet.

We also happen to be great financial advisers who give money purpose for the financial security and financial goals of our clients and their loved-ones.

What do you think is the most important aspect of Path Financial?

We have a strong purpose.

What big change would you like to see in the financial industry?

For too long investments have followed the principles of ‘capitalism red-in-tooth-and-claw’ which has led to the parlous state we are in now. With enough support from ethical consumers we can change this to be a more caring capitalism or mindful money. Grass-roots support can influence this change. 

Where can consumers find your products?

www.thepath.co.uk