Indexed Climate Focus World Equity fund launched by Zurich

Financial Brokers are increasingly in the middle of that conversation: balancing growth targets, regulatory change and clients’ desire to make a positive impact.

It is against this backdrop that Zurich has launched the Indexed Climate Focus World Equity Fund for Irish investors. Managed by Zurich Investment Management in Switzerland, the fund is designed to give clients global equity exposure while actively aligning capital with the transition to a low-carbon economy. By combining Paris-aligned objectives, a tilt towards clean technology and an explicit move away from high-emitting and controversial sectors, it aims to help climate-conscious investors put their money where future growth and climate ambition meet.

Expanding Zurich's responsible investment range

As sustainable investing continues to evolve, many investors are looking for solutions that align with their environmental values without sacrificing long-term growth potential. Financial Brokers see this in client meetings every day: pension members and long-term savers want their money to work for both their future and the world they will retire into.

To help meet this demand, Zurich has launched the Indexed Climate Focus World Equity Fund to Irish investors - a globally diversified equity fund designed to support both investment objectives and climate ambitions.

Global equity exposure with a climate focus

The fund provides broad exposure to developed market equities while tracking the MSCI World Climate Paris Aligned ex Select Business Involvement Screens Index. This index is specifically designed to support the objectives of the Paris Agreement and the global transition to a lower-carbon economy.

Key features include:

• Creating a portfolio of investments that seeks to align with the 1.5⁰C goal of the Paris Agreement.
• Offsetting the financed carbon footprint of the fund with carbon credits.
• A focus on clean technology companies.
• A deliberate move away from fossil-fuel-linked companies.
• Avoiding investments in controversial businesses such as weapons, gambling, or tobacco.
• The fund is the first in our offering to be managed directly by our Swiss colleagues in Zurich Investment Management at Group level; giving your clients access to the same institutional expertise that underpins Zurich’s own balance sheet.

Why responsible investing matters

Responsible Investment combines long-term financial opportunity with a clear alignment to global climate and policy trends. For Financial Brokers, it offers a way to position clients’ capital where future growth, regulatory support and customer demand intersect.

• Opportunity for strong financial returns.
• Green tech is now at an inflection point where profitability and sustainability align. What began as a “nice to have” is now a competitive, mainstream sector, with many companies demonstrating robust earnings and strong growth potential.
• This sector is driven by high-growth, cost-competitive innovation. From clean energy to efficiency technologies, climate solutions are attracting talent, capital and policy support, creating a dynamic environment for long-term investment.

Regulatory support

Strong regulatory tailwinds are reshaping markets. Governments and regulators are increasingly favouring low-carbon business models, which can create a more supportive backdrop for sustainable investments.

Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) 2.0, the EU Green Deal and Paris-aligned policies are mobilising trillions of euro globally. These frameworks are designed to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy, opening new investment avenues and reinforcing demand for climate solutions.

Capital flows via subsidies, grants and green bonds into climate and green solutions. This targeted support helps scale innovative technologies, offering investors a clearer pathway into sustainable opportunities.

Transition risk mitigation

As economies move away from fossil fuels, companies unable or unwilling to adapt may face declining valuations.

Climate-aligned strategies can reduce exposure to regulatory costs such as carbon taxes and emissions-related penalties. By tilting towards lower-emission businesses and climate-aligned approaches, investors may lower the risk of future policy shocks and compliance costs.

Increasing consumer demand

There is growing end-customer and corporate demand for sustainable products and services. Clients increasingly expect their investments to reflect their values, and businesses are responding with greener offerings.

Shifting consumer habits and stronger Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) commitments are pushing companies to rethink their operations and supply chains. Firms that adapt early may be better positioned to capture new markets and loyalty.

Rising demand for circular-economy products, resource efficiency and green energy is creating new growth segments. For investors, this means more opportunities in companies that prioritise innovation, resilience and sustainability.

For Financial Brokers, sustainable investing offers a compelling narrative: it is about positioning clients’ money where future growth, regulatory support and customer demand meet - helping them pursue attractive financial outcomes while contributing to a more climate-resilient economy.

A new option for clients seeking growth and climate alignment

Alongside the responsible investment features already incorporated within the Prisma funds and broader internally managed fund range, Zurich continues to enhance the options available to investors.

The Prisma funds continue to provide the core diversified responsible investment solution for many pension members. The launch of the Indexed Climate Focus World Equity Fund further demonstrates Zurich’s commitment to offering a broad spectrum of responsible investment choices - including a dedicated, Paris-aligned global equity solution for clients with a specific focus on climate.

For more information

Responsible investing is increasingly becoming a standard expectation rather than a specialist investment approach. Through the integration of ESG considerations within the Prisma funds and the continued development of innovative solutions such as the Indexed Climate Focus World Equity Fund, Zurich is helping pension members invest for both their financial future and the world they will retire into.

For more information on Zurich’s commitment to Responsible Investment, we recommend reaching out to your Zurich Broker Consultant or visiting our  Responsible Investment hub.