EdenTree Investment Management has announced it will be changing the name of its recently launched EdenTree Global Select Government Bond Fund as the fund adopts a Sustainability Disclosure Requirements (SDR) label.

The fund will adopt the Financial Conduct Authority’s (FCA) ‘Sustainability Focus’ label under the SDR regime.

From 3 February, the fund will be named the EdenTree Global Sustainable Government Bond Fund in recognition of its labelled status.

The global portfolio of government and government-related ESG-labelled bonds is managed by EdenTree head of fixed income, David Katimbo-Mugwanya.

It targets at least 80 per cent asset exposure to government and government-related green, social, sustainable, or impact bonds, the proceeds of which finance new or existing projects that support a reduction in carbon emissions.

EdenTree said the fund would continue to be run with “the same rigorous sustainable investment approach”, underpinned by its selection of screened issuers and securities, following its renaming and label adoption.

Commenting on the announcement, EdenTree head of wholesale distribution, James Tomlinson, said: “We are really pleased to announce this change, made to reflect the fund’s new labelled status and fully crystalise for investors the truly sustainable credentials of this portfolio.

“From launch, the fund has been run with a comprehensive approach to sustainability, both actively targeting investment in bonds designed to make a positive contribution to the world, while employing strict negative screening criteria.

“We know that the current landscape for clients looking to select sustainable investment vehicles can be challenging, and, while we will be making no changes to the fund’s investment approach or process, we hope that by making this update, and adopting this label, we can fully confirm for investors that the fund they are buying is truly aligned to their investment and sustainability goals.”

Katimbo-Mugwanya added: “Global governments continue to play a pivotal role in the transition to a lower-carbon economy.

“Countries keen to enhance their climate commitment credentials are growing their ESG-labelled debt funding programmes, while inaugural sovereign bond issuances dedicated towards environment-related projects - such as those seen from Japan and Australia in 2024 – continue apace.

“Our Global Sustainable Government Bond Fund therefore not only enables investors to dial up sustainability objectives in global government debt allocations, but also presents an opportunity, as compared to historic lows registered over the last decade, to pick up attractive yields for the asset class.”

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