Cambridge SRI Program Gives Faith-Based Investors A Hedge Fund Prayer

Cambridge Associates has been building up a stable of hedge fund managers for a new socially-responsible investment program targeted at faith-based investors.

The consultancy has been in talks with a number of U.S.-based hedge fund about offering SRI products or share classes, HFMWeek reports.

"We found that, in many instances, managers have been able to offer SRI share classes and our clients are excited about the opportunities that are opening up to them," Cambridge's Marjorie Asfour told HFM. "I think a lot of Catholic and other faith-based institutions don't realize that this is an option and have not invested in hedge funds at all as a result."

Cambridge is currently implementing a "handful" of direct SRI programs, Asfour said. Like other SRI investments, the hedge funds and share classes would have to skip out on alcohol, tobacco, firearms and gambling companies. Those targeted at Catholic institutions might also have to avoid some healthcare companies.

Asfour added that Cambridge hopes to expand the program to include non-U.S. hedge funds.