When we speak about Catholic investing, we often think about which sectors to avoid, which companies to support, or how to build a portfolio that aligns with our values. But there’s another, less visible—yet equally important—dimension of ethical investing: the right to vote as a shareholder.
Because investing is not just about putting our resources to work. It’s also about having a voice. And that voice can be used to propose, accompany, build, and ultimately, influence positively from within.
What is proxy voting?
Proxy voting is a mechanism that allows any shareholder to delegate their vote to another person or entity who will cast it on their behalf, following their criteria. It is especially useful when one cannot attend a shareholder meeting or when the issues to be voted on require prior analysis.
For those who seek to live out a faith-based investing approach, this opportunity has particular significance. It allows them to engage with important corporate decisions respectfully and proactively, ensuring that Catholic values in investing are also present in corporate dialogue.
A simple way to contribute to the common good
Voting at a shareholder meeting may not always change the course of a company. But it can open conversations, support good practices, raise concerns from a human and Christian perspective, and offer new proposals.
This type of participation is part of socially responsible investing, understood not as a trend, but as a form of co-responsibility. If you are a shareholder, you are also part of the direction that company takes.
Guidance and tools for voting with discernment
At Altum, we offer professional investing tools that help clients vote with peace of mind and coherence. Through Altum Proxy Voting, we accompany investors in the process of exercising their voting rights at shareholder meetings, helping them do so in line with the teachings of the Catholic Church.
Altum has developed the first voting policy fully aligned with the Social Doctrine of the Catholic Church, inspired by Mensuram Bonam and the Investment Guidelines of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
Voting as an expression of communion
Proxy voting is not just a technical process; it is an opportunity to influence business practices and decisions through one’s voice and vote, in accordance with the Catholic faith and with the aim of building community.
Because Catholic investing must unite profitability, responsibility, and faith. And if investing is legitimate, so is participating actively in decisions that can contribute to the common good.
