Following the COP26 conference in Glasgow in which leaders from across the world came together to agree action against climate change, a Dorchester financial advisor has set out how investments can help the planet.

Stephanie Bebbington-Dyke, founder and CEO of Blue Fox Wealth Management, is urging everyone to ask, "are your finances damaging the planet?" as she welcomes the government's announcement at COP26 to lead the way and become the "first-ever net zero aligned global financial centre".

She explains that the UK financial system is signed up to 2050 net zero targets, which means the companies they choose to finance and invest in will need to set out their green credentials, with world leaders setting out their pledges to change the financial system at COP26.

Stephanie said: "It's a bold move to hold companies accountable for their environmental impact and give financial advisors and clients important information to make informed decisions."

Recycling, reducing transport emissions and reusing are ways we can alleviate climate change, but going green financially is not often thought about.

Stephanie added: "For example, many people have a pension tied up in a default or managed funds and have never asked is they are inadvertently financing environmentally damaging companies."

She said: "In the near future all investment products will need to set out consumer-focused disclosures showing the sustainability impact, risks and opportunities of the activities they finance. You don't have to wait, you can make a difference today. Look at where your monies are invested and move the funds into those that offer both strong financial return and positive change."

Stephanie highlights that the industry will be working towards a streamlined reporting procedure named the 'Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures' which aims to stop greenwashing.

She added: "The term greenwashing is when a false impression is given of how environmentally sound a company's products area. The Financial Conduct Authority is looking at introducing a labelling method to enable customers to make informed investment decisions based on sustainability.

"Until this is implemented, I would recommend researching the companies you are investing in or discussing the options with an independent financial advisor."

Stephanie sets out her own company's environmental commitment: "Our net zero strategy is well developed. Our main systems have bene paperless for a number of years now and we have made huge inroads into making our client interactions paperless too. In addition, to reduce travel pollution, we can accommodate virtual as well as face to face meetings, and our staff have the flexibility to work from home."

She added: "But our biggest contribution has been the recognition of the importance of ESG funds [bonds and/or equities in which environmental, social and governance factors have been integrated into the investment process] and helping our clients make an informed decision regarding their investments.

"We welcome the Government's proposal and look forward to global, consistent reporting method companies can use to disclose their sustainability. Making informed investment decisions which factor in sustainability is key to driving us forward in the fight against climate change."

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