South African financial services group Alexforbes (more formally, Alexander Forbes) has entered a collaboration with local green advisory and investment group Alternative Prosperity to enter the sustainability consulting sector. This expands Alexforbes’ ability to deliver advice to corporates and retirement funds in South Africa regarding sustainability and environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues.

“The landscape of sustainability practices has become complex, which can hinder the effective adoption of sustainability frameworks,” explains Alexforbes executive: governance, legal, compliance and sustainability Carina Wessels. “Our approach is to conduct research, simplify complex topics into useable insights, and provide advice and solutions which enable sustainable outcomes for our clients. Retirement funds and corporates have the potential to have a substantial positive impact.”

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Alexforbes,” enthuses Alternative Prosperity CEO Christiaan van der Merwe. “This partnership will expand our existing ESG assistance to the retirement fund industry. The aim is to help retirement funds navigate their rapidly changing environment for the ultimate benefit of their members.”

The new service will be delivered through the Alexforbes Impact Centre of Excellence. This is composed of sustainability specialists supported by strategic partners. Clients will be provided with insights, practical advice and solutions.

“We assist clients in securing their relevance, resilience and long-term success,” affirms Wessels. “We achieve this by providing bespoke advice and solutions, including sustainability strategy development, impact measurement and monitoring, and affordable access to high-quality sustainability-focused education for both retirement funds and corporate clients, through the Alexforbes Impact Academy.”

The expertise of Alternative Prosperity covers ESG advisory services, research, education, responsible investment strategies and climate change initiatives, as well as customised financial education for the retirement fund sector, broad-based black economic empowerment, transformation, and development finance. The company’s aim is for society and the environment to both prosper.

“There is little doubt that the R4-trillion-plus in assets under management by the retirement fund sector are fundamental to the trajectory and transformation of the South African economy, as well as our stewardship of the environment,” highlights Alternative Prosperity chairperson Trevor Chandler. “We are thus excited to collaborate with a leading brand like Alexforbes to address the ever-evolving needs of this vital sector.”

“Making an impact requires working with experts,” pointed out Wessels. “Combined with our internal team of specialists, this collaboration with Alternative Prosperity demonstrates our commitment to partnering with leading experts to assist our clients both now and into the future.”