AIM-listed asset manager Impax Asset Management has released its assets under management position for its second quarter ending 31 March, this being £14.4 billion.

According to the firm’s chief executive Ian Simm, he said in a statement: “During this very unusual time we are focused on protecting the health and safety of our staff while continuing to provide a full service to clients.

Despite the recent sharp fall in markets, Impax's performance in the second quarter of our financial year has been robust. Over the three months to 31 March 2020 net inflows were £1.1 billion, a number that includes positive net inflows of £6.0 million during the month of March.

The companies that we invest in are generally well established with experienced management teams, diversified business models and strong balance sheets. Consequently, over recent months we have had almost no financial exposure to distressed companies.

Although conversion timeframes may lengthen, our new business pipeline remains strong and we anticipate that post the current crisis there will be increased interest among asset owners in the investment strategies that Impax offers, particularly those that provide exposure to mitigating and adapting to climate change, reducing pollution and navigating a path towards a more sustainable economy."

While the AUM is down on 31 December’s figure of £12.7 billion, the drop was due entirely to market movements as the global sell-off includes companies involved in sustainability. The inflows into Impax’s funds show that despite the black swan market, there’s still a desire for ethical investing.