About us
Working collaboratively through ACSI, our members have been a leading investor voice on governance and sustainability for over 25 years.
We aim to lift the governance standards of corporate Australia, set the agenda for tackling long-term investment risks, and promote accountability when companies fall short of expectations.
ACSI’s integrated approach incorporates research, company engagement, public policy advocacy, thought leadership and collaboration, all aimed at protecting and enhancing investment value. We work to address both company level risk and systemic risk, based on research and the financial materiality of the issues.
By supporting members in exercising active ownership, ACSI helps to enhances the long-term value of the retirement savings entrusted to them to manage.
Our unique integrated approach drives value for our members.
ACSI was created by industry superannuation funds in 2001 to provide them with clear, evidence-based research on corporate governance issues and mutualise the costs. At the time, the collapse of HIH and One-Tel was shining a spotlight on the pitfalls of poor governance practices, and investors bore the costs.
Our principles
Our principles reflect ACSI members’ commitment to the delivery of absolute real investment returns to their beneficiaries over the long-term. Commitment to our principles is a prerequisite for membership of ACSI.
Environmental, Social and Governance performance is financially material
ESG investment risks and opportunities are financially material for long-term oriented investors. However, the short-term outlook of many participants in the investment system means that today’s market prices do not always capture these risks and opportunities.
Ownership rights have an economic value
The formal and informal ownership rights that accrue to investors havegenuine economic value, and their exercise can materially improve investment outcomes.
Markets do not always operate in the interest of long-term investors
The rules that govern investment markets and the conduct of individual companies do not always operate in the best interests of long-term fiduciary asset owners and their beneficiaries. There is therefore an opportunity and a responsibility for fiduciary investors to engage with policymakers to better align the operation of the financial system with the interest of the beneficiaries.
