Financial services group GSB said on 12 June it has achieved Certified B Corporation™ (B Corp,™) status, joining a global community of businesses dedicated to high social and environmental performance standards.
The UK and UAE based wealth manager said the certification "reflects GSB’s commitment to balancing profit with purpose and reinforces its dedication to addressing some of the world's most pressing challenges through responsible business practices".
Alison Whatnall (pictured), co-founder of GSB, said: “We are incredibly proud to achieve B Corp,™ Certification. This milestone is a testament to our dedication to building a business that not only delivers competitive financial returns but also drives solutions to some of the world's most important issues."
GSB further said it has set "ambitious goals" to be a Carbon Net Zero business by 2030. Through its impact initiative, the wealth manager fully offset its scope one and two carbon emissions annually by planting trees. Its commitment to sustainability extends to every facet of its operations, from investment strategies to the construction of its team, it said.
The company is dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive team that reflects wider society. GSB said it believes that by striving to be the change it wants to see in the advice profession, it can make a significant impact. GSB’s social responsibility initiatives, supporting the work of The Maria Cristina Foundation and Evolvin’ Women directly, are driven by a strong belief in giving back and contributing to the betterment of society.
Its investment solutions were evolving to provide clients with choices that align with their values. The firm offers traditional evidence-based investing, ESG (environment, social, governance) investing, and impact investing, with the overarching goal to enable clients to make a positive impact on the world through their investments.
Whatnall added: "Our vision is to transcend financial services and build a business for good. We aim to attract ambitious, talented, and energetic people to join us in our mission to deliver both competitive financial returns and meaningful social and environmental impact."
Since GSB was founded by Ross and Alison Whatnall in April 2021, the company provides a range of wealth management services to a broad range of clients "seeking high-quality, investment, wealth and financial planning based on a strong ethical foundation".
In January 2024 GSB became the first-ever international firm to achieve CISI Chartered FirmTM status.
