Australian Ethical Investment Ltd was established in 1986 for the purpose of pooling investor savings, specialising in environmental and socially responsible investment. It originally managed a private ethical trust until 1989, when what is now the Australian Ethical Balanced Trust opened for public subscription.

Australian Ethical Investment Ltd is an independent funds manager based in Canberra. Since 2002 the company has been listed on the Australian Securities Exchange.

The company has a commitment to improve the ethics of corporate Australia and promote ecologically sustainable and socially just enterprises through judicious investment throughout Australia. It currently manages five public unit trusts. Since November 1998, its wholly–owned subsidiary, Australian Ethical Superannuation Pty Ltd, has been Trustee for accumulation and pension superannuation strategies – each being modelled on one of the Australian Ethical Trusts.

All investments are selected to assist in:

• achieving a just and sustainable society,
• protecting the natural environment
• providing a competitive financial return to investors.

To do this, all investments are selected using the Australian Ethical Charter which aims to provide investment support to environmental and socially positive activities such as recycling, conservation, energy efficiency, preservation of endangered species, animal welfare, workplace relations and a range of related issues.