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Begin by doing what is necessary, then what is possible. And suddenly you will find yourself doing the impossible."

Innovative solutions aligning your values with your investment portfolio

Discover the performance potential of global equities and emerging market sovereign debt, all selected according to Catholic principles, through our distinctive and cost-effective ETFs.

Apply Catholic Principles

Integrate your ethics and purpose-driven values in your standard for investing.

Consciously Unique

The Franklin MSCI World Catholic Principles UCITS ETF targets carbon reduction with the exclusion of the top 20% of the highest carbon emitting companies, while Franklin Catholic Principles Emerging Markets Sovereign Debt UCITS ETF aims to reduce exposure to carbon by at least 30% more than the conventional parent index.

Competitive pricing

The Franklin MSCI World Catholic Principles UCITS ETF offers a competitive total expense ratio (TER) of 0.27%. Similarly, the Franklin Catholic Principles Emerging Markets Sovereign Debt UCITS ETF is priced at a TER of 0.35%.

ESG + Ethics = Ethics in Investments

Investment management requires fair and clear conduct, rejecting corruption. Investing in line with Catholic principles means you can unite civil responsibilities and ethics towards society, environment, and governance. Together, we can contribute towards an economy that isn’t driven solely by the pursuit of profit, but by values that benefit society as a whole.

Catholic principles for countries

We assess countries based on eligibility criteria and specific values-based standards.

• Abolition of Death Penalty
• Control of Corruption
• Government Effectiveness
• Political Stability
• Social Justice
• Political Rights and Freedom
• Civil Liberty
• Care for the Planet
• Carbon Reduction

Catholic principles for companies

We exclude companies that are high carbon emitters and are involved in controversial business activities**:

• Alcohol
• Gambling
• Tobacco
• Stem Cells
• Abortion & Contraceptives
• Civilian firearms
• Thermal coal
• Adult entertainment
• Animal testing
• Oil & Gas

Our Approach

A combination of values-based exclusions and a strict screening process identify the investable universe of the fund’s benchmark index.

Catholic Principles

Many value such principles and want their investments to adhere and align with Catholic values

Ethical finance is a core tenet for them

Care for the earth (our common home) and its environment is a central principle

Catholic Principles
Values-Based Exclusions

Entities are assessed based on eligibility criteria and specific values-based standards

Entities with deteriorating fundamentals that practice activities inconsistent with Catholic principles are eliminated

“Not free” countries which practice the death penalty are excluded

Values-Based Exclusions
Simple and Stringent Screening Process

Entities must meet certain criteria, which apply a yes/no answer for inclusion

Certain thresholds and scores must be met for inclusion in the index

Entities must pass ALL screens and criteria to be included

Simple and Stringent Screening Process
Environmental Impact

Investors gain exposure to entities working towards sustainability and carbon reduction

Investors express a commitment to having positive environmental impacts

Environmental Impact

Invest with purpose

Align your investment strategy with ethical values and purpose-driven standards using our featured funds.

Franklin Catholic Principles Emerging Markets Sovereign Debt UCITS ETF

  • Seeks exposure to euro and US dollar-denominated sovereign debt issued by emerging market countries.
  • Participate in the performance of emerging market sovereign debt that adheres to Catholic principles through a simple ETF, with a TER of 0.35%*.

Franklin MSCI World Catholic Principles UCITS ETF

  • Seeks exposure to large and mid-capitalisation stocks issued by environmentally and socially responsible companies in developed market countries worldwide.
  • Participate in the performance of the global equities that adhere to Catholic principles through a simple ETF, with a TER of 0.27%*.

*The total expense ratio of a fund (TER) are the fees the fund charges to investors to cover the costs of running the Fund. Additional costs, including transaction fees, will also be incurred. These costs are paid out by the Fund, which will impact on the overall return of the Fund. Fund charges will be incurred in multiple currencies, meaning that payments may increase or decrease as a result of currency exchange fluctuations.