No Credit Check :: News
SHARE

Share this news item!

Vanguard Penalized $12.9M for Misleading Investors on Ethical Fund

Vanguard Penalized $12.9M for Misleading Investors on Ethical Fund

Vanguard Penalized $12.9M for Misleading Investors on Ethical Fund?w=400

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

Investment powerhouse Vanguard finds itself in hot water, facing a $12.9 million penalty after allegations of misleading claims about the ethical nature of one of its prominent funds.
This record fine marks a significant case in the realm of greenwashing.

According to the Federal Court's March ruling, Vanguard Investments Australia breached consumer protection laws by promoting false statements regarding ethical exclusions in a fund managing over $1.1 billion. The court found that these misleading assertions contributed to a false perception among investors about the ethical standing of the fund.

The landmark judgment against Vanguard sends a message across the financial sector about the importance of transparency in ethical investing. Ethical investing has gained substantial traction, with investors increasingly looking to align their portfolios with personal values such as environmental sustainability and corporate social responsibility.

This ruling highlights the challenges that financial institutions face in appropriately and transparently marketing ethical investment products. Misrepresentation, intentional or not, can erode trust and result in hefty penalties, as seen in the Vanguard case.

Given the growing interest in ethical investing, it is crucial for firms to thoroughly vet their compliance with stated ethical standards. Misaligned promises not only damage credibility but also, evidently, hold costly legal ramifications.

This is not the first instance of a major financial institution falling afoul of regulations concerning greenwashing. With the legal landscape tightening around ethical claims, it is incumbent on funds and investment firms to ensure their marketing materials accurately reflect their investment standards.

As investors look for more ethical investment options, the need for greater scrutiny and verification of such claims becomes apparent. One approach is the use of independent audits and third-party verification to lend credibility and enhance investor trust. Furthermore, providing clear and transparent reports on fund composition can prevent future missteps in green marketing.

For those in the financial services industry, the lesson from Vanguard’s penalty is clear - integrity and transparency are non-negotiable. By owning up to omissions and errors, and ensuring that ethical claims are backed by substantial evidence, firms can avoid the pitfalls of greenwashing and build lasting trust with investors.

The original article provided the details of the court ruling and was sourced from Duncan Murray's report via AAP.

Published:Monday, 30th Sep 2024
Source: Paige Estritori

Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.

Share this news item:

Finance News

RBA Weighs Additional Rate Cuts in Response to Economic Indicators
RBA Weighs Additional Rate Cuts in Response to Economic Indicators
29 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) is currently assessing whether further reductions in interest rates are necessary, following recent economic data indicating increased consumer spending and persistent inflation in certain sectors. This evaluation comes after the RBA's decision to hold the cash rate steady at 3.60% in September, subsequent to three cuts earlier in the year. - read more
Federal Court Halts Cigno Australia's Unlicensed Lending Operations
Federal Court Halts Cigno Australia's Unlicensed Lending Operations
29 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori
The Federal Court of Australia has issued permanent injunctions against Cigno Australia Pty Ltd and BSF Solutions Pty Ltd, preventing them from engaging in unlicensed credit activities and charging prohibited fees. This ruling follows findings that, between July 2022 and October 2023, the companies provided loans totaling $34 million to over 100,000 consumers, while charging fees exceeding $70 million, all without holding an Australian Credit Licence. - read more
Investment Boom in Battery Storage as Australia Accelerates Renewable Energy Goals
Investment Boom in Battery Storage as Australia Accelerates Renewable Energy Goals
29 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori
Australia is experiencing a surge in investments in Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) as the nation aggressively pursues its goal of achieving 82% renewable energy by 2030. This transition, driven by rapid expansion of solar and wind infrastructure and the closure of coal plants, has created a growing demand for flexible energy storage solutions. - read more
Surge in Investor Lending Pushes Australian Mortgages to Eight-Year Peak
Surge in Investor Lending Pushes Australian Mortgages to Eight-Year Peak
21 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori
Recent data reveals a significant resurgence in property investor activity within Australia's mortgage market. In the three months leading up to June 2025, investor loans accounted for 38% of new mortgages, marking the highest proportion since 2017. This uptick translates to nearly 50,000 loans valued at approximately $33 billion. - read more
RBA's October 2025 Review Affirms Australia's Financial System Resilience
RBA's October 2025 Review Affirms Australia's Financial System Resilience
21 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has released its October 2025 Financial Stability Review, providing a comprehensive assessment of the nation's financial health. The report concludes that Australia's financial system remains well-positioned to navigate the current global economic uncertainties. - read more
ANZ Bank Announces Significant Workforce Reduction by 2026
ANZ Bank Announces Significant Workforce Reduction by 2026
13 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori
In a strategic move to streamline operations, ANZ Bank has announced plans to reduce its workforce by 3,500 employees by September 2026. This decision is part of the bank's broader initiative to enhance operational efficiency and reduce redundancy within its organisational structure. - read more
Commonwealth Bank Achieves Record Profit Amidst Lending Surge
Commonwealth Bank Achieves Record Profit Amidst Lending Surge
13 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori
The Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA) has reported a record full-year cash profit of A$10.25 billion for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2025. This impressive financial performance is attributed to robust growth in both home and business lending sectors. - read more
DBS Bank Sets Ambitious Goal to Double Australian Lending
DBS Bank Sets Ambitious Goal to Double Australian Lending
13 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori
Singapore-based DBS Bank has announced plans to double its Australian lending book from A$11 billion to A$20 billion over the next five years. This strategic expansion aims to capitalise on growing trade ties between Australia and Southeast Asian countries, including Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Vietnam. - read more
ANZ Bank Penalised AU$240 Million for Corporate Misconduct
ANZ Bank Penalised AU$240 Million for Corporate Misconduct
05 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori
In a landmark decision, ANZ Bank has agreed to pay a record AU$240 million penalty following investigations by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) into significant corporate misconduct. This penalty, the largest ever imposed on a single entity for corporate wrongdoing in Australia, underscores the gravity of ANZ's violations and their widespread impact on customers and the federal government. - read more
RBA Calls for Prudent Lending as Borrower Financial Health Improves
RBA Calls for Prudent Lending as Borrower Financial Health Improves
05 Oct 2025: Paige Estritori
The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) has recently highlighted the need for continued caution in lending practices, even as data indicates an improvement in borrowers' financial health. This advisory comes in the context of a dynamic economic environment where both opportunities and risks coexist. - read more


Finance Articles

Loan Hunting with Confidence: How to Check Options Without Credit Damage
Loan Hunting with Confidence: How to Check Options Without Credit Damage
Embarking on the journey to secure a loan can feel like navigating a minefield with your credit score as the prize. It's no secret that your credit score is your financial fingerprint, impacting not just your loan prospects but also the terms you're offered. However, the act of loan hunting itself, if not done carefully, can take a toll on this crucial number. - read more
What to Do if You've Been Denied a Loan Due to Your Credit Score
What to Do if You've Been Denied a Loan Due to Your Credit Score
Your credit score is a critical number that plays a significant role in your financial life. It represents your creditworthiness, or in simpler terms, how reliable you are in repaying borrowed money. - read more
Savvy Spending: Innovative Budgeting Tips for Smooth Loan Repayments
Savvy Spending: Innovative Budgeting Tips for Smooth Loan Repayments
Managing personal finances judiciously becomes paramount when dealing with loans and their repayments. A potential obstacle many encounter is preserving or enhancing their credit score while simultaneously undertaking the necessary financial commitments of loan repayments. Understanding how to navigate this terrain is vital to financial health. - read more
Navigating Financial Uncertainty: Tips for Managing Money Worries
Navigating Financial Uncertainty: Tips for Managing Money Worries
Financial stress is a common issue that affects a large portion of individuals, often due to unexpected expenses, unemployment, or a high cost of living. It can lead to both mental and emotional strain, influencing one's quality of life and decision-making abilities. Credit scores, a critical measurement of financial health, are used by lenders to evaluate the risk of lending money. - read more
Steps to Take Immediately During a Financial Crisis: A Credit-Friendly Approach
Steps to Take Immediately During a Financial Crisis: A Credit-Friendly Approach
A financial crisis can come in many forms, such as a job loss, unexpected medical bills, or an economic downturn. These events can drastically alter your financial stability and may lead to financial distress. - read more
Choosing the Right Loan for Your Personal Needs in Australia
Choosing the Right Loan for Your Personal Needs in Australia
Choosing the right loan can be a pivotal decision in your personal financial journey. In Australia, where a diverse range of loan options is available, selecting the loan that aligns perfectly with your needs is more crucial than ever. A judicious choice can help you fulfill your dreams—be it buying a new home, investing in education, or consolidating debt—while ensuring that the repayments remain manageable and do not lead to financial strain. - read more
How to Create a Budget that Keeps Your Debt in Check
How to Create a Budget that Keeps Your Debt in Check
Managing debt is a cornerstone of financial wellness. Whether it's credit card debt, student loans, or a mortgage, keeping debt in check helps you maintain a healthy financial state. High levels of debt can lead to financial stress, impacting your overall well-being and limiting your ability to save for future goals. - read more
The Importance of an Emergency Fund: A Guide for Families
The Importance of an Emergency Fund: A Guide for Families
Let's dive into the essential topic of emergency funds. An emergency fund is a stash of money set aside to cover the financial surprises life throws your way. These unexpected events can include sudden unplanned repairs, medical emergencies, or job loss. - read more
How to Improve Your Financial Health and Secure Loans Effortlessly
How to Improve Your Financial Health and Secure Loans Effortlessly
Financial health refers to the state of one's personal financial situation. It encompasses a variety of factors, such as income stability, expenses control, savings, investments, and debt management. - read more
Quick and Easy Tips to Boost Your Loan Approval Odds Without Affecting Credit
Quick and Easy Tips to Boost Your Loan Approval Odds Without Affecting Credit
Loan approval can often be a crucial milestone in achieving your financial goals. Whether you're looking to buy a home, pay for education, or consolidate debt, securing a loan can provide the financial boost you need to move forward. - read more


Need Help Finding a Loan?
Find out now if you qualify and compare rates, offers and options from multiple lenders - without a credit check!
Loan Amount:
Postcode:
All finance quotes are provided free and without obligation. We respect your privacy.

Knowledgebase
Jumbo Loan:
A mortgage loan that exceeds the conforming loan limits set by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA).


Quick Links: | No Credit Check Loans | Personal Loans No Credit Check | Bad Credit Loans | Business Loans No Credit Check | Fast Cash Loans Australia | Unsecured Loans | Guaranteed Approval Loans | Short Term Loans | Emergency Loans | Same Day Loans