Karen McLeod

Member of the Ethical Adviser's Co-Op, Adviser at Ethical Investment Advisers
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Karen McLeod is a Certified Financial Planner™ (CFP). She also holds a Bachelor of Business (with Distinction). During her decade spent working at traditional financial planning firms: Australian Financial Services, Godfrey Pembroke and Genesys Wealth Advisers, she realised her personal desire to help clients invest successfully without compromising their values.

Professionally, Karen McLeod is a member of the Financial Planning Association (FPA). She is also accredited as a Certified Financial Adviser with Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA).

Why Switch to Ethical Investment?

“There is absolution for clients that switch to ethical investment. They’re frustrated with mainstream researchers, who view ethical investment as restricting in the investment universe, and it is, but in a good way; it’s restricting operations and businesses that are harmful to the environment. The financial success of these businesses is being questioned because of their unethical activities.

Financial markets are also becoming extremely fickle about the companies on the exchange. Loads of information are disclosed daily, which influences the price of stock. It’s very important for a client to have the benefit of someone who understands these risks.

The growth in ethical investment shows how the world is changing: the average investor is now looking for more than just a return. Ethical investment is much more authentic and in-line with my clients values. The fact that it is financially rewarding for clients as well is very important.

For example, some of my clients are very much looking at divesting, not only for ethical reasons, but for the risks fossil fuels pose in a financial portfolio. They are looking to the future, and don’t want to invest in a company that hasn’t or won’t change their views. It’s been very successful for my clients and myself: more than I could have possibly imagined.”

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The Ethical Advisers' Co-op acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we work and live, the Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander people of Australia, and pay our respect to the Elders past, present and emerging. We recognise and respect their cultural heritage, beliefs and relationship with the land and waters, and recognise their role in caring for and maintaining the land over thousands of years. We also extend that respect to other First Nations. We see reconciliation as a fundamental responsibility for The Ethical Advisers' Co-op and we are committed to advancing reconciliation with Australia’s First Peoples and engaging with their concerns.

We acknowledge and pay our respects to Māori as the tangata whenua the indigenous people of Aoteroa (New Zealand) and their ancestors who have cared for the whenua (land), its forests, rivers, and mountains for generations. We recognise their continuing connection and contribution to the whenua, and as Treaty of Waitangi partners and we are committed to building respectful relationships with Māori communities and to working towards a more just and equitable society.

As ethical financial advisors, we commit to building respectful relationships with Indigenous communities, working towards economic empowerment and self-determination, and supporting the financial well-being of all Australians and New Zealanders. We recognise that ethical financial advice creates positive change and contributes to a sustainable future, and we are committed to using our skills and expertise to make a difference.

​The contents of this website are intended as general advice only.  The information provided by the Ethical Advisers Co-operative do not account for any individual’s personal objectives, financial situation or needs. It should not be used, relied upon, or treated as a substitute for specific professional advice.  The Ethical Advisers Co-operative recommends all users obtain their own independent professional advice from an appropriately qualified financial adviser before making any decision relating to their particular requirements or circumstances. Investing in, or switching between investments or superannuation funds may have unintended financial consequences. 
 
The survey results, and all information contained in this website including all documents, consider only the ethics of each fund and do not include any analysis of fees, performance or financial suitability. The ethical score is subjective and benchmarked against each adviser’s average ethical client. Your ethics may differ. We recommend you speak to an experienced ethical financial adviser for personalised advice before making any decisions. The information provided by the Ethical Advisers Co-operative does not constitute financial advice. The information is presented in order to inform people motivated by ethical, environmental or social concerns.