Karen McLeod: Helping investors make greener choices, which are authentic and true to label

In this interview I talk to a fellow Financial Planner, my colleague Karen McLeod. Career wise, we have a fair bit in common - like myself, she is an Authorised Representative of Ethical Investment Advisers, is a member of our Investment Committee, is accredited by the Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA) as a Certified Financial Adviser, is a member and former Chair of the Ethical Advisers’ Co-op, and has made the FS Power50 list of the 50 most influential Financial Advisers in Australia. 

 Karen has run her own practice in Brisbane since 2009 and is actively involved in all issues related to ethical investment, in fact you will often find her in the media discussing topical ethical investment issues. In 2010, she was appointed a board member for the Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA), a position which she still holds. She also sits on their Certification and Governance Committees. Karen is also a Certified Financial Planner, and holds a Bachelor of Business degree. You can find Karen at: www.ethicalinvestment.com.au 

 In this discussion we try to cut through the jargon, and explain how issues like modern slavery, engagement, divestment, stewardship, and greenwashing apply in the real world of ethical investing for clients. We also get an insight into why Karen chose to focus on investing ethically for clients, and how she helps investors make greener choices, which are authentic and true to label. 

 We wish to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land we recorded on, the Wardandi Noongar people. We pay our respects to them and their culture; and to elders past, present & future.