CT UK Social Bond Fund

Woven for social impact and long-term returns

A pioneer in social bond investing. We launched the UK’s first daily liquid social bond strategy in 2014, followed by European and US based strategies, and have been a leading advocate of the burgeoning green and social bond markets. 

The CT UK Social Bond Fund unlocks the full potential of bonds to deliver both financial returns and positive social outcomes.

To meet the twin fund objectives, bond investments are only included if proceeds deliver both a financial return and positive social impact. Bonds have the multiple advantages of scale, scope and ‘targeted’ ability to support highly social outcomes and impacts, while they are tradable and offer liquidity.
We actively allocate capital to outcomes that address real social needs predominantly in the UK, using a broad universe of bonds issued by corporates, government agencies, regional & local government bodies, mutuals and charities.
Square Mile Responsible A rating
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Ratings as at 30.09.2022

CT UK Social Bond Fund - annual impact report 2023

Explore in-depth engagement case studies and learn how the portfolio holdings are making the greatest contribution sustainability themes.

Overview

Strength in partnership

Our strong reputation across both bonds and social investment is enhanced by our partnership with The Big Issue Group, social entrepreneurs and a leader and innovator in backing sustainable social businesses.

Consistent track record in social bond investing

We have managed outcomes-focused social bond strategies for over five years and have delivered strong risk-adjusted returns for our investors.

Collaborative approach

The first Fund to unlock the full potential of bonds to deliver both financial returns and positive social outcomes. Using a dynamic social assessment methodology to guide investment decisions, the portfolio manager actively sources assets that combine clear social benefits with sound financial attributes.
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Reasons to invest

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Strength in partnership

Our proven experience in both fixed income credit and responsible investment is enhanced by our social partnership with Big Issue Group, social entrepreneurs and a leader and innovator in backing sustainable social businesses in the UK.

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The Big Issue Group, brings its expertise and reputation by:

  • Advising on our proprietary social classification methodology
  • Challenging our social assessments via a quarterly Social Advisory Panel independent panel
  • Producing an independent annual report

 

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Consistent track record in social bond investing

We have successfully managed outcomes-focused social bond strategies since 2013, and have invested in a range of strategies for clients in the UK, Europe and the US.
We have managed out-comes focused social bond strategies for over five years and have delivered strong risk-adjusted returns for our investors.
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Collaborative approach

The first Fund to unlock the full potential of bonds to deliver both financial returns and positive social outcomes. Using a dynamic social assessment methodology to guide investment decisions, the portfolio manager actively sources bonds that combine clear social benefits with sound financial attributes.

Positive Inclusion, Evidence-based Analysis & Engagement

We actively source bonds from the eight key social fields set by The Big Issue Group, targeting the most beneficial projects in the areas of most need, with geography being a key driver.
To qualify for inclusion in the portfolio

Eligible investments are ranked as high, medium or low intensity by our specialist Responsible Investment team, while our credit research analysts ensure investment ideas pass rigorous financial, ESG and liquidity tests for inclusion in the portfolio.

We actively engage with company managements to understand how their businesses work and take a proactive tole with both corporates and government in the development and growth of the social bond market.

Social performance

Read our Annual Social Performance Report, produced in conjunction with The Big Issue Group, to see how we are making a difference and meeting our impact objective of supporting a more inclusive and sustainable development in the UK.

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Annual Social Performance Report – 2022

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Annual Social Performance Report 2021

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Annual Social Performance Report 2020

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Annual Social Performance Report 2019

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Annual Social Performance Report 2018

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Annual Social Performance Report 2017

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Annual Social Performance Report 2016

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Annual Social Performance Report 2015

Insights

24 January 2024

UK Social Bond Fund impact report 2023 - Affordable housing and property

The shortage of affordable housing is still a critical issue for the sector.
Read time - 3 min
24 January 2024

CT UK Social Bond Fund - Foreword 2023

Welcome to our 2023 CT UK Social Bond Fund Annual Impact Report.
Read time - 3 min

Explore fund details

Fund Manager

Tammie Tang
Senior Portfolio Manager, Fixed Income

Important Information​

Key risk

Past performance is not a guide to future returns and the fund may not achieve its investment objective. Your capital is at risk. The value of investments can fall as well as rise and investors might not get back the sum originally invested. The fund holds assets which could prove difficult to sell. The fund may have to lower the selling price, sell other investments or forego more appealing investment opportunities. Most bond and cash funds offer limited capital growth potential and an income that is not linked to inflation. Inflation is likely to affect the value of capital and income over time. Changes in interest rates are likely to affect the fund’s value. In general, as interest rates rise, the price of a fixed rate bond will fall, and vice versa. The investment policy of the fund allows it to invest in derivatives for the purposes of reducing risk or minimising the cost of transactions. The fund invests in securities whose value would be significantly affected if the issuer either refused to pay or was unable to pay or perceived to be unable to pay. The fund holds assets which could prove difficult to sell. The fund may have to lower the selling price, sell other investments or forego more appealing investment opportunities. Most bond and cash funds offer limited capital growth potential and an income that is not linked to inflation. Inflation is likely to affect the value of capital and income over time. Changes in interest rates are likely to affect the fund’s value. In general, as interest rates rise, the price of a fixed rate bond will fall, and vice versa. The investment policy of the fund allows it to invest in derivatives for the purposes of reducing risk or minimising the cost of transactions. Please read the Key Investor Information Document and the Fund Prospectus if considering investing.

Columbia Threadneedle Opportunity Funds (UK) ICVC  is an open-ended investment company structured as an umbrella company, incorporated in England and Wales, authorised and regulated in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) as a Non-UCITS scheme. This material should not be considered as an offer, solicitation, advice or an investment recommendation. This communication is valid at the date of publication and may be subject to change without notice. Information from external sources is considered reliable but there is no guarantee as to its accuracy or completeness. The current Prospectus, the Key Investor Information Document (KIID), latest annual or interim reports and the applicable terms & conditions are available from Columbia Threadneedle Investments at PO Box 10033, Chelmsford, Essex CM99 2AL, your financial advisor and/or on our website www.columbiathreadneedle.com. Issued by Threadneedle Investment Services Limited. Registered in England and Wales, Registered No. 3701768, Cannon Place, 78 Cannon Street  London EC4N 6AG, United Kingdom. Authorised and regulated in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority. Columbia Threadneedle Investments is the global brand name of the Columbia and Threadneedle group of companies.