This June marks the 10^th anniversary of the first Maltese retail ethical investment fund. Launched by APS Funds SICAV p.l.c., the APS Regular Income Ethical Fund was a milestone, both for APS Funds SICAV p.l.c. and APS Bank plc in its endeavour to secure a good return for investors by investing in companies whose business is not considered harmful to society or the environment. This is achieved by adherence to the ethical principles outlined in the Fund's Ethical Policy. The policy combines a number of selection criteria for inclusion in the fund's investable universe, such as ensuring that organisations making it into the list have a responsible approach to social, environmental, and governance issues. On the other hand, companies engaging in activities known to harm society such as those involved in the military, tobacco and alcohol sectors are excluded from the said universe.

APS Funds SICAV plc is managed by ReAPS Asset Management, a wholly owned subsidiary of APS Bank. Josef Portelli, APS Bank Head of Investment Management and ReAPS Managing Director, said: "This Fund was truly innovative in Malta at its time of launch and has performed well over the past decade. We strongly believe in this product, as it is very much in line with the Bank's ESGs principles. Ethical investing is beneficial for both investors and society at large, as it supports businesses that follow ethical business practices."