Castlefield recognised as 'Best Buy' for ethical investment funds

Castlefield funds have been recognised as 'Best Buys' in Ethical Consumer's Ethical Investment Funds Guide. 

The funds were awarded ‘Best Buy’ status by Ethical Consumer magazine, within its investment funds guide, based on the publisher's in-depth research.  

Funds were assessed, along with the investment companies providing them, against criteria including sustainability, transparency around the disclosure of investments, tax conduct, executive pay, climate, and whether funds have holdings in harmful sectors such as tobacco, weapons or illegal occupations.

Ethical Consumer ranked 22 ethical and sustainable investment funds. Castlefield's strong ethical investment policy was specifically referenced as a positive reason for selection, and the report made an exception for our funds despite them not displaying one of the FCA's sustainability labels. 

Castlefield Founder John Eckersley said: "It's pleasing that the report acknowledges the importance of the investment company's ethos and behaviour, alongside the ethical qualities of their fund and its holdings. This echoes our own approach of offering 'Values-based investment from the perspective of being a values-based investment manager'."

Partner and Head of Stewardship at Castlefield, Ita McMahon, said: "We know from experience the research Ethical Consumer conduct is in-depth and robust, so we're delighted to be recognised as one of their 'Best Buys' for Ethical Investment Funds."

Demand for ethical funds was also featured, with the report highlighting that it has been steadily growing as more investors look to align their investments with their values. The report pointed to Morningstar research quoting that "global sustainable fund assets reached an all-time high of $3.2tn at the end of 2024, an 8% increase from the previous year and more than quadruple the size in 2018."

"we're delighted to be recognised as one of their 'Best Buys' for Ethical Investment Funds."

Only two other firms achieved the 'Best Buy' award for ethical investment funds - Triodos who is not based in the UK so its funds aren't eligible for sustainability labels, and EdenTree who appeared lower down the rankings.

Click here to find out more about Castlefield's Thoughtful fund range.

Ethical Consumer's Ethical Investment Funds Guide can be found here: https://www.ethicalconsumer.org/money-finance/shopping-guide/ethical-investment-funds