Ethical Futures move to Origen – Q&A
We know the news of our move to Origen Financial Services may have come as a bit of a surprise and that you will have some questions moving forward. So, we’ve put together a bit of a Q&A to hopefully answer your concerns. If you have a question that is not covered here, please get in touch and one of the team will be happy to help.
Who is Origen?
Since Leslie and Godwin first established their financial partnership in 1885, Origen has seen many changes in its 140 year history. From 2005 they have been owned by Aegon UK, part of Aegon Limited, one of the world’s largest financial services groups. Today, Origen is one of the UK’s leading financial advice firms, helping generations of people achieve their financial goals. Like at Ethical Futures, some of Origen’s clients have been with them for decades, trusting them to help build their financial futures and supporting them through life.
They have a highly qualified team of advisers throughout the UK, who support thousands of clients every year with their financial planning needs. Their aim is to build a brighter future for everyone; delivering the best financial outcomes for clients, minimising their impact on the environment and giving back to the communities in which they operate.
Does Origen offer ethical financial advice?
Currently Origen offers advice on ethical investments, but see the relationship with Ethical Futures as an opportunity to expand their knowledge and offer our ethical advice service to a much wider market.
What does Origen do aside from planning work?
As well as offering their clients comprehensive financial planning, Origen also tries to give back to their local communities. Some of the work they do includes sponsoring children’s football teams and youth groups, as well as making charitable donations and hosting events such as Macmillan Coffee Mornings. Every year Origen employees are given a day’s leave to use towards the voluntary project of their choice. Origen also operates a Cycle to Work scheme which helps their staff to purchase cycling equipment and encourages them to embrace active travel.
Who is Aegon?
Origen Financial Services is owned by Aegon UK, but they operate independently from them. Originally founded as Scottish Equitable, Aegon UK’s story starts almost 200 years ago. They are the UK’s largest investment platform. They work with customers, financial advisers and employers to offer pensions, savings and investment solutions.
Are Origen and Aegon ethical?
Aegon’s ESG Rating is AAA – placing the company among the world’s leading performers on sustainability risk management.
Aegon UK invests ethically by integrating environmental, social, and governance factors into its investment approach. With over £26 billion in ESG funds as of December 2024, Aegon aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions in its default funds by 50% by 2030 and reach net zero by 2050. As a signatory to the UK Stewardship Code and UN Principles for Responsible Investment, it demonstrates strong ethical standards. Its funds, including the Aegon Ethical Equity and Ethical Cautious Managed Funds, exclude companies involved in unethical practices like armaments or animal testing, ensuring investments align with sustainability and investor values.
Like Ethical Futures, Origen are a whole of market adviser so they are not tied to Aegon’s products. They support employee positive employment terms such as flexible and hybrid working, days off for birthdays and time off to volunteer. They also run pro bono planning sessions for the staff of NGOs and charities.
Does this mean the end of Ethical Futures?
No, we will still operate as Ethical Futures but under the umbrella of Origen Financial Services. In fact, Ethical Futures will grow as Origen has an aspiration to make ethical investment advice available to its UK wide client base over time.
Will my fees change?
Whilst our name has changed, your investment plans remain the same. Your fees will also remain the same for at least the next 12 months. If you decide to make any new investments or top-ups in the future, these will follow Origen’s standard fees that apply at that time.
What changes will there be to my service?
There should be no significant changes to your service.
Will my investments be affected?
No, providing you are happy with the investments that you currently hold, nothing changes.
Are you moving office?
Currently there are no plans to move from our Mansfield Place office. Origen’s Edinburgh office is based to the west of the city centre in the South Gyle area but we expect to stay where we are for the foreseeable future.
How do we get in touch with you?
Our office address remains the same, which is:
9 Mansfield Place,
Edinburgh,
EH3 6NB
At Origen Ethical Futures, our advisers are dedicated to finding an ethical and sustainable solution that’s right for you. Please contact us today.
Telephone: 0344 209 3160
Email: EthicalFutures@Origenfs.co.uk
Will you still have the same online presence?
As part of the move to Origen, we will be amalgamating our website with theirs. You can find us at: Ethical and sustainable investing - Origen Financial Services. Our existing website remains as a heritage page for Ethical Futures, where we will provide a history of the company and what we’ve done over the last 20 years.
What can I expect to receive from Origen?
Similar to Ethical Futures’ newsletter, Origen put together a monthly financial update with a market update and articles relating to current issues within finance. You can also expect to receive budget updates and other relevant information as well as invites to webinars.
Origen produce a lifestyle magazine called Aspire. It is distributed every six months and features a range of articles from financial updates such as tips for retirement, to client interviews and Q&As with our Head of Research. It can be delivered to you either digitally or as a physical publication.
Origen like to keep in touch and make sure you are kept informed about the important financial issues that matter to you.
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