Ethical Investment Week
28 September – 4 October 2026
Each year, Ethical Investment Week highlights the objectives and benefits of ethical investments and advice.
The 13th annual Ethical Investment Week in 2026 will focus on the strong connection between Ethical Investing and Growing Generational Wealth.
Every financial decision we make today has the potential to shape the future for those who come after us.
Ethical Investment Week 2026 explores the theme of The Legacy We Leave, continuing our focus on intergenerational wealth transfer and the impact our choices can have across generations.
Throughout the week, we’ll share short, practical insights into some of the key issues our advisers help clients navigate, from investing and retirement planning to estate planning, family conversations, and creating lasting positive impact.
At the heart of each topic is one simple but powerful question:
How will this decision be judged by the next generation?
We invite you to join the conversation and explore what it means to build a legacy that reflects your values, supports the people you care about, and contributes to a better future.
Spotlight on AI & Human Rights: How your investments can shape AI
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is changing how we live and work. How can your investments support its benefits while addressing the risks to people and society?
The new Ethical Investment Guide to Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights is an initiative of the Ethical Advisers’ Co-op and the Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA) produced for Ethical Investment Week 2026. It explains how AI can affect human rights and how ethical and responsible investment can help manage emerging risks and support positive outcomes.
The Guide highlights five reasons why AI matters to investors:
- Reputational risk: AI misuse can damage trust and a company’s social licence to operate.
- Legal and regulatory risk: Failure to meet emerging AI requirements can lead to fines, litigation and higher compliance costs.
- Operational and financial risk: Biased or insecure systems can disrupt businesses and erode long-term shareholder value.
- Social responsibility: Ethical investors want AI to support wellbeing, human rights, democracy, privacy and fairness.
- Systemic risk: AI-related harms can affect many companies and portfolios at once; diversification alone cannot avoid them.
With company examples and practical guidance on what to look for from fund managers, the Guide helps you ask your financial adviser how your portfolio addresses AI and human rights.
Take Action this Ethical Investment Week
During the week, you can:
- Download the new Ethical Investment Guide to Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights and explore how your investments can help shape AI’s impact on people and society.
- Take the quick, 3-minute Ethical Investment Week Survey
- Join seminars and webinars to explore how to align your portfolio with your values
- Access short courses on ethical investment with practical steps for investors of all ages and circumstances
Ethical Investment Week Events
| Date | Organiser | Event | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Monday 28 September 2026 | Money Matters | Ethical Investing in the Age of AI — On-demand video podcast series | Online | Watch the podcast series |
| Friday 2 October 2026 | Ethical Invest Group | Live Webinar & Q&A: How to invest in line with your values | Online | Register here |
| From Saturday 3 October 2026 | Money Matters | Ethical Investing: The Legacy We Leave with Dean Hegarty – On-demand podcast | Online | Watch the podcast |
| From Sunday 4 October 2026 | Money Matters | Human Wisdom, AI and Ethical Investing – On-demand webinar | Online | Watch the webinar |
| Wednesday 7 October 2026 | Ethical Investment Advisers | An evening of film, food and collaboration | Brisbane | Register here |
Ethical Investment
Guides:
The Legacy We Leave
Research Papers
Next Gen Investing “What Are We Passing On?”
AI, Energy & ESG
Why This Matters for You
“Younger investors plan to increase sustainable allocations at higher rates — they are the future of wealth stewardship.”
Australia is about to experience the largest transfer of wealth in its history. Over the next 20 years, between $3.5–$5.4 trillion will move from one generation to the next. Most of it will be in property and superannuation — assets many Australians hold today. At the same time, 88% of Australians now expect their investments to be managed responsibly and ethically.
People over 55 hold 60% of New Zealand’s $2.29 trillion wealth. $1.11 trillion will be transferred in the next 20 years. 75% of New Zealanders expect their investments to be managed ethically and responsibly.
Globally, around USD 83 trillion will be transferred over the next 25 years.
- The US alone accounts for USD 29 trillion.
- Women and younger investors (Gen Z and Millennials) are increasingly directing these funds — and they overwhelmingly prefer ethical, sustainable investment strategies.
Research Spotlight
- 88% of global investors are interested in sustainable investing
- 99% of Gen Z and 97% of Millennials express strong interest
- 59% plan to increase sustainable allocations in the coming year
- 80% would choose an adviser or platform based on sustainable offerings (96% of Gen Z; 92% of Millennials)
(Source: Morgan Stanley Institute for Sustainable Investing – Sustainable Signals, 2024)
How to Make Ethical Investing Part of Your Legacy
Here are three steps to consider:
- Choose an Adviser Who Understands Your Values
Work with a financial adviser who specialises in ethical investing. They’ll work to understand your values and help ensure your portfolio reflects what matters most to you.
- Formalise Your Wishes
Include your ethical investment intentions in your will, trust, and estate plan. This could mean directing funds to be managed sustainably or setting up structures that ensure the wealth you leave via this legacy is invested ethically and will continue to reflect your values long after you’re gone.
- Educate others and the next generation
Talk to others, including your people in your life, about investing in line with their ethics. Share your story about why and how you invest ethically helps others see the impact their choices can make. Provide them with resources and guidance on ethical investing so they can make informed decisions – your ethical adviser can help with this.
