Matthews Asia Becomes Signatory to United Nations-Supported Principals for Responsible Investment

San Francisco, CA, February 9, 2016—Matthews Asia has become a signatory to the United Nations-supported Principles for Responsible Investment (UN PRI) underlining the firm’s commitment to incorporate environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations into its investment process. 

A United Nations-supported initiative launched in 2005, the Principles represent a commitment on the part of asset owners, investment managers and financial professionals to incorporate ESG issues into financial analysis, decision-making processes and ownership practices. In so doing, signatories contribute to the development of a more sustainable global financial system. 

William Hackett, CEO for Matthews Asia commented: “We are honored to be a signatory to these highly-regarded Principles focused on promoting responsible business and investment practices. Since the firm’s inception in 1991, a key part of our investment process has been a focus on identifying companies that adhere to good corporate governance and respect for minority shareholders. As a signatory, the broader consideration of environmental and social issues into the investment approach is a natural evolution of our existing investment process. 

We see a consideration of ESG issues as being particularly relevant in Asia, where so many of the world’s sustainability challenges and potential solutions are centered. A growing number of our clients and employees now recognize the positive impact companies who adopt ESG practices can have both in terms of the communities they operate in and through long-term shareholder returns. The recent launch of the Matthews Asia ESG Strategy seeks to address this need for an investment solution that is more aligned to this environmentally and socially-aware investment philosophy.”

About Matthews Asia

At Matthews, we believe in the long-term growth of Asia. Since 1991, we have focused our efforts and expertise within the region, investing through a variety of market environments. As an independent, privately owned firm, Matthews is the largest dedicated Asia-only investment specialist in the United States. With US$25.5 billion in assets under management as of December 31, 2015, Matthews employs a bottom-up, fundamental investment philosophy, with a focus on long-term investment performance. For more information please visit matthewsasia.com.

Disclosures

This announcement is for informational purposes only and does not, in any way, constitute investment advice or an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any security or product mentioned herein. Investing in international and emerging markets may involve additional risks, such as social and political instability, market illiquidity, exchange-rate fluctuations, a high level of volatility and limited regulation.