The Altius Sustainable Bond Fund (SBF) has reached more than $100m in funds under management, reflecting increasing investor demand for sustainable fixed interest investments and SBF’s consistent year-on-year returns.

The SBF, a diversified fixed interest fund, was launched in 2014 and invests in companies which are deemed to conduct their business and apply capital responsibly, giving full consideration to a range of environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors, while meeting Altius’ investment return criteria.

Altius Asset Management, which is wholly owned by Australian Unity, has grown its total assets under management to more than $1.4 billion and marked the milestone with the appointment of two investment specialists to its ranks.

Yen Wong will take up the role of Head of Credit Research. Yen is an experienced credit and ESG specialist who, prior to joining Altius, held senior positions with Colonial First State Global Asset Management (CFSGAM) and before that for Citigroup Asset Management.

Jing Jia joins the Altius team as an assistant portfolio manager from Australian Unity’s investments team . Prior to Australian Unity, Jing worked with VFMC and NAB.

Altius is also recruiting for a credit analyst.

Altius Asset Management’s Chief Investment Officer, Bill Bovingdon, said the new appointments would enable the team to capitalise on growing momentum around the sector.

“Reaching $100m in funds under management is a significant achievement for the Sustainable Bond Fund, and we’re growing the team to ensure we continue to augment this specialist area for our clients”, he said.

“There are limited Australian focused responsible fixed interest options for investors – particularly those that offer consistent returns while providing investors with the assurance that their money is not going to be invested in companies whose activities include the production of armaments, uranium and tobacco,” Mr Bovingdon said.

Originally launched to meet the demands of ethically focused investors, Mr Bovingdon said the SBF had seen growing interest in the past 12 months from dealer groups and advisers keen to meet their clients’ investment needs.

“We’re building a team that can service the growing demand and continue to capture the upside of the bond market while avoiding returns less than cash in a volatile environment”, he said.

The Altius Sustainable Bond Fund has a Recommended rating from Lonsec and was awarded Lonsec’s Innovation Award in October 2016.

-ENDS-

Enquiries: Nathan Clarke Six O’Clock Advisory 0400 442 414

For further information contact:

Bill Bovingdon

Altius Asset Management

Ph 02 9112 4700

M 0414 508 644

E bill.bovingdon@altiusam.com.au

About Altius Asset Management

Altius manages two Australian fixed interest funds including the flagship Altius Bond Fund and the Altius Sustainable Bond Fund . The Altius Bond Fund aims to deliver investors solid income generation coupled with low capital volatility. It is a diversified fund with a focus on managing downside exposure to interest rate, credit and liquidity risk. The Altius Sustainable Bond Fund is a diversified portfolio of fixed interest securities designed to align with investors’ specific personal and social values without compromising on returns over the long term.

Important information

The Altius Bond Fund and Altius Sustainable Bond Fund are issued by Australian Unity Funds Management Limited ABN 60 071 497 115 AFS Licence 234454. Information in this press release is general advice only and does not take into account the objectives, financial situation or needs of any particular investor. In deciding whether to acquire, hold or dispose of the product(s) investors should read the product disclosure statement and seek professional financial and taxation advice. For more information please visit australianunity.com.au/wealth.

The Lonsec Rating mentioned in this press release is published by Lonsec Research Pty Ltd ABN 11 151 658 561 AFSL 421445. The Rating is limited to “General Advice” (as defined in the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth)) and based solely on consideration of the investment merits of the financial product. Past performance information is for illustrative purposes only and is not indicative of future performance. It is not a recommendation to purchase, sell or hold Australian Unity Investments product, and you should seek independent financial advice before investing in this product(s). The Rating is subject to change without notice and Lonsec assumes no obligation to update the relevant document following publication. Lonsec receives a fee from the Fund Manager for researching the product using comprehensive and objective criteria. For further information regarding Lonsec’s Ratings methodology, please refer to our website at: http://www.beyond.lonsec.com.au/intelligence/lonsec-ratings. Lonsec does not issue, sell, guarantee or underwrite this financial product(s). Go to lonsec.com.au for details of its ratings criteria.

About Australian Unity

Australian Unity is a national health, wealth and living mutual company providing services to almost one million Australians, including 300,000 members. Australian Unity’s history as a trusted mutual organisation dates back to 1840. It has grown organically—by continually evolving to provide the services and products needed by the communities it serves—as well as through successful strategic mergers and diversification in to new business activities.