Investment and wealth manager Quilter Cheviot is to offer training to financial advisers on how to spot and deal with ‘greenwashing’ - unrealistic and incorrect claims about the green credentials of investments.

The company says its online training initiative will also help advisers understand the regulatory requirements on responsible and sustainable investing.

The first training video to be released focuses on understanding and managing greenwashing risks.

The CPD-eligible training is available to external and internal financial advisers.

More focused training is offered internally within Quilter Cheviot and Quilter Private Client Advisers (part of the Quilter Cheviot business). Quilter Cheviot is part of Quilter plc which oversees £10.9bn in customer investments (as of March 2023)

The first training video will define greenwashing, the different ways in which it can exist and how advisers can mitigate against it in their advice and investment processes.

The training module will explain the different investment activities within responsible investment and how client preferences can be captured.

Gemma Woodward, head of responsible investment at Quilter Cheviot, said: “With a wave of regulatory changes coming down the line financial advisers will need to reconsider their approach to responsible investing and how these fit into their processes. In this first session we have focused on the anti-greenwashing rule which is expected to come into force later this year ahead of the wider Sustainable Disclosure Requirements.

“It is crucial that advisers are aware of how greenwashing can come about and how they can mitigate against it. We hope this training module will be a good introductory session, giving them the confidence to assess where they may be able to fine tune and enhance their advice.”

David Butler, head of distribution at Quilter Cheviot, added: “This is a complex and often emotive subject and given both the regulator’s focus and the need for action on climate and social issues, it needs to be made a success. Clients need to know what it is they are investing in and be confident that aligns with their goals and objectives. Advisers will play a crucial role in helping clients to identity responsible investing preferences and need to be on top of the information.”

• Advisers can sign up to the first module here.