Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high - risk investment and you are unlikely to be protected if something goes wrong. Take 2 mins to learn more
Don’t invest unless you’re prepared to lose all the money you invest. This is a high - risk investment and you are unlikely to be protected if something goes wrong. Take 2 mins to learn more
Due to the potential for losses, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) considers investments listed on the Ethex website to be high risk. What are the key risks?
You could lose all the money you invest
Most investments on the Ethex platform are either withdrawable shares in community benefit societies, known as community shares, or bonds issued by them. Ethex also offers bonds issued by charities and other social purpose businesses. Some of the businesses raising finance with Ethex are start-ups and you need to be aware that most start-up businesses fail.
Some of these investments can be held in an Innovative Finance ISA (IFISA). An IFISA does not reduce the risk of the investment or protect you from losses, so you can still lose all your money. It only means that any potential returns will be tax free.
Ethex undertakes due diligence on businesses looking to raise investment. This covers the intended use of funds, governance, financial viability and social & environmental impact. While this due diligence process is conducted in good faith it should not be relied upon and you should do your own research before investing.
You won’t get your money back quickly
Even if the business you invest in is successful, it is unlikely that you will be repaid sooner than set out in the offer materials.
If the business you invest in does not meet its targets, it may not be able to pay you on the scheduled dates. You may find that you do not have access to your money until later than expected.
Currently, Ethex does not operate a secondary market for investments made via the website. Although bonds qualifying for the IFISA must be transferable, there is no Ethex mechanism provided for you to sell these bonds, nor is there any guarantee you will find a buyer at the price you are willing to sell, or at all.
Don’t put all your eggs in one basket
Putting all your money into a single business or type of investment for example, is risky. Spreading your money across different investments makes you less dependent on any one to do well. A good rule of thumb is not to invest more than 10% of your money in high-risk investments.
The value of your investment can be reduced
The value of community shares cannot increase, however under certain circumstances, the directors of a community benefit society have the power to write down the value of community shares, which means you will lose part or all of the money you have invested. This may occur where the value of assets of a society fall below the total value of money invested into shares of the society.
You are unlikely to be protected if something goes wrong
Ethex is exempt from regulation by the FCA . Learn more about our regulatory status here. Protection from the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS) only considers claims against failed regulated firms. Learn more about FSCS protection here.
The Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) will not be able to consider complaints related to this firm.
If you are interested in learning more about how to protect yourself, visit the FCA’s website here. For further information about investment-based crowdfunding, visit the FCA’s website here.
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Green investments create the opportunity for us all to thrive and grow. Where the returns come back to you AND the world we live in. For a greener, fairer, more ethical future.
We’re on a mission to help investors take back control, so their money and values can line up.
Ethex is a not-for-profit organisation which has created a vibrant marketplace for positive investment. We see money as the most powerful force for social and environmental transformation.
Our vision is a world where everyone can use their money to create a lasting positive impact that aligns with their values. Where we can collectively help pioneering and extraordinary businesses to deliver community-owned initiatives, renewable energy projects, sustainable transport and housing solutions.
We provide expert support, easy-to-access products and a handpicked choice of attractive positive investment opportunities. Our passion is reflected in a compelling track record of financial performance, putting the transformative power of money back in your hands.
What have you achieved?
We’ve helped around 20,000 people raise over £100 million in green investments to back more than 200 projects* That’s a lot of money doing a lot of good!
We’re also got over 250 reviews on Trustpilot so you can read what our investors think of us and be confident when you use our platform.
*Cumulative totals for Ethex and our sister platform Energise Africa.
What do our users say?
"My money helped an innovative organisation raise investment for the generation of more community-owned clean energy from the River Thames."
Ben - Investor in Low Carbon Hub
"My money helped support sustainable farms and greener food production."
Megan - Investor in the Ecological Land Cooperative
"My money is generating renewable energy and improving lives in the UK and Africa."
Sam - Investor in various community energy projects and Energise Africa
How to get started
Keen to start green investing with us? You need to register an account in order to invest. Here’s a handy help video explaining the registration process: