Ethical Investing: The Legacy We Leave - with RIAA Co-CEO Dean Hegarty

What kind of future are we investing in and how can we help shape it?

In this conversation, Dr Rodger Spiller speaks with Dean Hegarty, Co-CEO of the Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA), about turning values into action and the legacy our investments help create.

Recorded at RIAA’s Aotearoa New Zealand Conference 2026 in Auckland, Dean shares what drew him to responsible investment and how the industry is shifting from discussing principles to putting them into practice.

Rodger and Dean explore the roles of ethical exclusions and investor engagement, why engagement must come with accountability, and what RIAA certification—including the Sustainable Plus classification—tells investors about a fund’s approach.

The conversation also examines challenges involving artificial intelligence, energy, modern slavery and defence, and why investors need to understand how these issues connect.

For anyone seeking to align their money with their values, this discussion offers a starting point for asking better questions about how their investments are managed and the difference they can make.

Disclaimer: Money Matters does not endorse or recommend any specific investment, fund, or strategy. This podcast is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Listeners are encouraged to consult a qualified financial adviser before making any investment decisions.

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