At Bedrock, we endeavour to be responsible stakeholders in the global financial community and for our corporate activities to reflect our values and those of our clients. An important milestone in such endeavour was our decision to join the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) in January 2021.
The PRI is an independent investor network supported by the UN that seeks to promote responsible investment among its members, the wider investment community, and society at large. Having been founded in 2005, the PRI has since become the leading proponent of incorporating ESG factors into investment and asset ownership decisions globally. The organisation is non-prescriptive in its approach to responsible investment, given that how such terms are understood around the world and from person to person varies widely while best practice is a moving target. However, all investors who join the PRI must sign up to its six core principles which underscore their commitment to engage with and report on ESG matters; namely:
We will incorporate ESG issues into investment analysis and decision-making processes.
We will be active owners and incorporate ESG issues into our ownership policies and practices.
We will seek appropriate disclosure on ESG issues by the entities in which we invest.
We will promote acceptance and implementation of the Principles within the investment industry.
We will work together to enhance our effectiveness in implementing the Principles.
We will each report on our activities and progress towards implementing the Principles.
To help signatories live up to these principles and embed ESG in their investment decision-making processes, the PRI provides its members with access to high quality SRI research and forums, a vast network of ESG-conscious investors with whom to converse, and a comprehensive framework for reporting on the ESG characteristics of investment portfolios.
Steep, erratically implemented US tariffs have shaken financial markets, business and consumer confidence, and the global economy. Growth is expected to slow—with the potential for a sharper deterioration if threatened ‘reciprocal tariffs’ are implemented later in the year. To be sure, the US can fall back on strong fundamentals including its technology leadership and greater dynamism and competitiveness than many peer economies—all of which Trump is keen to promote through supply side and tax reform. And the President has already retreated from some of his maximalist policy positions as the dollar sinks and US Treasury market swings wildly. But the volatility is likely to persist—and a ‘hard landing’ may yet close out this cycle. In this environment, we like precious metals and cash and government bonds, as well as hedge fund diversifiers
We sit down with Alex Ikonn, Co-Founder and CEO of Intelligent Change, to explore the deeply personal journey behind building a brand that has helped millions cultivate gratitude and intentional living. From being fired from a banking job to launching the Five Minute Journal and curating transformational wellness experiences, Alex shares how moments of adversity, purpose-driven product design, and a belief in inner growth shaped the foundation of Intelligent Change.
