Recommended: No Known Exposure to Destructive Companies

Benefact Group is an independent, specialist financial services group headquartered in Gloucester, UK, owned by Benefact Trust, one of the UK’s leading grant-making charities. The group consists of a diverse family of financial businesses, including specialist insurance, broking, advisory, and investment management, all united by a shared purpose to give all available profits to charity and charitable causes. Since 2014, Benefact Group has donated over £250 million, making it the third-largest UK corporate donor over the past decade.

Within the UK insurance sector, Benefact Group operates several well-known sub-brands, with Ecclesiastical and Ansvar being the most prominent. Both brands are recognised for their ethical approach, deep sector knowledge, and commitment to social impact

Ecclesiastical, with roots dating back to 1887, is a specialist insurer renowned for its expertise in faith, heritage, education, and charity sectors, offering bespoke products for churches, historic buildings, and not-for-profit organisations. 

Ansvar, meanwhile, focuses on the charity, community, and education sectors, providing tailored insurance solutions for non-profits, social housing, and religious groups. 

Crucially, Benefact Group explicitly states its commitment to avoiding investment in and underwriting of “the most climate-harming industries.” Its Responsible & Sustainable investment policy actively excludes businesses deriving more than 10% of their revenue from fossil fuel exploration or production. Furthermore, the Group’s insurance businesses do not underwrite fossil fuels, heavy industry, or commercial aviation. This strong stance against fossil fuel exposure, aligned with the Paris Agreement’s 1.5°C goal, sets Benefact Group apart from many peers. Their charitable mission and ethical investment/underwriting policies position them as a company actively working to mitigate their contribution to the climate crisis.