Ms Benson, who started out as an IFA in 1989 following a spell teaching Spanish and French in Latin America, said she had always felt a strong belief in ethical investing.
She said: “I have always lived life by my values, and believe strongly that we have a duty to care about human rights and the environment, and the effect our actions have on people’s daily lives around the world.”
However, with the introduction of the RDR, Ms Benson felt it was time to move into a more campaigning role and leave the industry. In 2011, Gaeia was bought by Manchester-based Castlefield, run by managing director John Eckersley, with Ms Benson staying on to ensure a seamless transition.
She said: “Mr Eckersley had very similar values and vision to me, and the firm was the right cultural fit for the staff and for the clients, who care passionately that their money can be invested in a way that benefits humankind.”
According to Ms Benson, Castlefield runs its business with the interests of all parties at heart. All its employees, from administrative staff to advisers, as well as a charitable trust, the Burdens Charitable Foundation, own a stake in the firm.
Ms Benson next phase of life will be to continue her campaigning work, moving between Jamaica – where she has been helping an impoverished family for many years – the South of France, with her husband, and the UK, where she has strong links.
She has some speaking engagements lined up but nothing in finance, although she said she hoped the industry would wake up to the need to educate clients about ethical investing.
She added: “It suits some advisers not to recommend ethical funds. It suits them not to have conversations with clients about the future of humanity. But all the studies show the positive financial impact of long-term investing with an ethical world view. Things will change. They have to change.”
Olivia Bowen, an adviser who has been with Gaeia since 1999, will remain as the firm’s main spokesperson.
Adviser comment
Mark Hoskin, chartered financial planner for London-based Holden & Partners, said: “Ms Benson has always been a well-liked and respected member of the ethical advice community. She is highly trustworthy and the first person I would talk to about ethical industry issues. Her voice of reason will be sorely missed.”
