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Matthews Categorizes All Its UCITS Funds to SFDR Article 8 and 9

Reclassification of six UCITS funds to Article 8 under the EU Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (“SFDR") means the firm’s UCITS fund range is now fully sustainable.

London, February 29, 2024 — Matthews today announced it has categorized its remaining six UCITS funds to Article 8 under the EU SFDR. This conversion ensures that all its UCITS Funds will incorporate and promote environmental and social characteristics. 

The six UCITS funds that have been categorised as Article 8 under SFDR regulations are:

  • Matthews India Fund
  • Matthews Asia Small Companies Fund
  • Matthews China Small Companies Fund
  • Matthews Asia Dividend Fund
  • Matthews China Dividend Fund
  • Matthews Asia Innovative Growth Fund

Effective today, Matthews’ UCITS Funds encompass 14 Article 8 funds and an Article 9 fund under SFDR.

Matthews considers the formal classification of these Funds as Article 8 a natural step in the evolution of its fundamentally driven investment and risk management process which includes consideration of material non-financial business factors. The Funds seek to promote environmental and social characteristics, while adhering to an activity and norms-based screening policy, and actively engaging with companies where appropriate.

These changes also reflect Matthews’ deep expertise in sustainable investing in Emerging Markets, Asia and China. Our company analysis has always included a focus on understanding the sustainability of revenues, cash flows and profits—factors that many investors consider to be a core component of sustainable, compounding investments. The firm first launched a dedicated Asia Sustainable strategy in 2015, and has continued to build out its investment and analytical resources. This includes the addition of a responsible investment and stewardship team based in San Francisco and Hong Kong with dedicated on-the-ground sustainability analysts, as well as significant investments in training, systems, process improvements and oversight. 

Cooper Abbott, CEO: “The evolution of our sustainable fund range underscores our commitment to deliver investment results while providing responsible, innovative and forward-thinking investment solutions to our clients.  By incorporating material, non-financial business factors such as sustainability, Matthews continues our history of being responsible stewards of investor capital and responds to a growing demand for responsible investment options for Emerging Markets, Asia and China.” 

Kathlyn Collins, VP, Head of Responsible Investment and Stewardship: “Companies that prioritize sustainability may be more resilient, adaptable and better equipped to thrive in a rapidly changing global landscape. By factoring in sustainability considerations, investors may contribute to building a more sustainable and equitable future while potentially safeguarding their portfolios against emerging risks associated with climate change, social issues and governance challenges. In addition, our investment universe spans many geographies at different stages of development, where sustainability issues are complex and evolving concepts. We believe our proprietary ESG research and active approach is key to identifying profitable and sustainable business models in these markets.” 

 

Media Contact in Europe:
Sam Emery
Quill PR
+44 207 466 5056

About Matthews:
Matthews is an independent, privately owned investment manager founded in 1991 on a belief that Global Emerging Markets offer exceptional long-term growth potential. As a trusted and experienced guide, Matthews takes a long-term, active, fundamental investment approach to construct highly differentiated portfolios that focus on Emerging Markets, Asia and China. The firm manages assets on behalf of institutions, advisors and individual investors globally in vehicles that include SMAs, mutual funds and active ETFs. 

Important Information
For Institutional/Professional Investors Only

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. 

This release does not constitute or contain an offer, solicitation, recommendation or investment advice with respect to the purchase of the Funds described herein or any security and such document has not been approved in any jurisdiction. Prospective investors should carefully review the information contained in the prospectus and any related offering document and consult their professional legal, tax and financial advisers as to the suitability of any investment in light of their particular circumstances and applicable citizenship, residence or domicile, including any tax or foreign exchange control restrictions. No securities commission or regulatory authority has in any way passed upon the merits of an investment in the Funds or the accuracy or adequacy of this information or the material contained herein or otherwise. Neither the prospectus nor any related offering document has been approved in any jurisdiction where the Funds have not been registered for public offer and sale. This information is not, and under no circumstances is to be construed as, a prospectus, a public offering or an offering memorandum as defined under applicable securities legislation. Application for shares may only be made by way of the Funds’ most recent prospectus which is available from Matthews International Capital Management, LLC. The Funds’ shares may not be sold to citizens or residents of the United States or in any other state, country or jurisdiction where it would be unlawful to offer, solicit an offer for, or sell the shares.      

Matthews Asia is the brand for Matthews International Capital Management, LLC and its direct and indirect subsidiaries. Matthews International Capital Management, LLC is the Investment Manager to the Matthews Asia Funds, and is a U.S.-based investment adviser registered with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission who has not represented and will not represent that it is otherwise registered with any other regulator or regulatory body.  

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