About us

what we do about

Established in 2001, ACSI exists to provide a strong voice on financially material environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues. Our members include Australian and international asset owners and institutional investors with more than $1 trillion in funds under management.

Through our research, engagement, advocacy and voting recommendations, ACSI supports members in exercising active ownership, which enhances the long-term value of the retirement savings entrusted to them to manage.

ACSI members can achieve value for their beneficiaries through genuine and permanent improvements to the ESG practices of the companies in which they invest.

ACSI Beliefs

Our beliefs reflect ACSI members’ commitment to the delivery of absolute real investment returns to their beneficiaries over the long-term. Commitment to our beliefs is a prerequisite for membership of ACSI.

ESG performance is financially material

ESG investment risks and opportunities are financially material for long-term oriented investors. However, the short-term outlook of many participants in the investment system means that today’s market prices do not always capture these risks and opportunities.

Ownership rights have an economic value

The formal and informal ownership rights that accrue to investors have genuine economic value, and their exercise can materially improve investment outcomes.

Long-term investors therefore have a responsibility to exercise these ownership rights judiciously as part of their stewardship of assets on their beneficiaries’ behalves.

Markets do not always operate in the interest of long-term investors

The rules that govern investment markets and the conduct of individual companies do not always operate in the best interests of long-term fiduciary asset owners and their beneficiaries. There is therefore an opportunity and a responsibility for fiduciary investors to engage with policymakers to better align the operation of the financial system with the interest of the beneficiaries.

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