Elizabeth Haigh wins Sustainable Investment Award

It was a very successful evening for Rathbone Greenbank (Greenbank) at the Investment Week Sustainable Investment Awards 2022.  

Greenbank were nominated in four categories, with founder member and investment director Elizabeth Haigh winning the ‘Outstanding contribution to the sustainable investment industry’ award, while our research team were highly commended in the category of ‘Best sustainable investment research team.’ 

Speaking about the award and her incredible career so far, Elizabeth said “I am delighted and honoured to receive the Investment Week ‘Outstanding contribution’ award in recognition of my 30-year career in the sustainable investment industry. 

It is hard to believe now that, when I started my career in finance, it was almost impossible for retail investors to invest according to their values. 

"I have always believed in the positive power of money to work for good. That was my inspiration to create a service to allow investors to make a difference with their portfolios through positive as well as negative investment choices." – Elizabeth Haigh 

I have always believed in the positive power of money to work for good. That was my inspiration to create a service to allow investors to make a difference with their portfolios through positive as well as negative investment choices. I then went on to co-found Rathbone Greenbank Investments in 2004. 

Our way of investing was seen as highly controversial because we were not just trying to make the most money! We managed to convince many sceptics with examples of what positive ethical investment really looks like; forward-thinking, well-managed companies making products and services which benefit people, the planet and animals. Unsurprisingly, these companies are often also very successful financially. 

Many of the challenges from the early 90s are still facing us today but the good news is that many more investors are keen to use their money to help tackle them. One of the greatest privileges of my job is to work with so many inspirational investors, often experts and activists in the thematic areas we prioritise for investment. Today we have a thriving sustainable investment industry working in partnership with clear-sighted NGOs, focussed on raising awareness and finding solutions to the greatest problems of our time. I am encouraged by the hard work, talent and enthusiasm of my colleagues at Rathbone Greenbank and the wider industry that we will continue to make a difference.” 

Congratulations to all those shortlisted as well as the winners in this year’s awards. 

A full list of 2022’s winners can be viewed here.