Pathfinder Asset Management
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2009
- HeadquartersAuckland, New Zealand
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
Pathfinder Asset Management firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Pathfinder Asset Management
- Legal name
- Pathfinder Asset Management Limited
- Website
- https://pathfinder.kiwi
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2009
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Pathfinder Asset Management industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Wealth Management
- NAICS
- Portfolio Management and Investment Advice (52394), Open-End Investment Funds (525910)
- SIC
- Investment Advice (6282)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Private Client/High-Net-Worth Advisory (FSAEAAAN)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Advisory Portfolio Management (Non-Discretionary) (FSAAABAD)
Keywords
Where Pathfinder Asset Management is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Auckland
- HQ country
- New Zealand
- HQ region
- Oceania
Offices1 record
Markets served
Pathfinder Asset Management business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Management fees from KiwiSaver funds: Pathfinder charges annual management fees calculated as a percentage of net asset value for KiwiSaver funds: Conservative 1.20% p.a., Balanced 1.30% p.a., Growth 1.35% p.a., High Growth 1.27% p.a. Fees cover investment management, supervisor, custodian and administration manager costs.
- Management fees from managed funds: Annual management fees for managed funds: Global Responsibility 0.93%, Global Water 1.3%, Global Property 1.0%, Ethical Trans-Tasman 1.0%, Ethical Growth 1.30%, Green Bond 0.60%. Includes management fee and external costs calculated as percentage of NAV.
- Charitable giving from revenue: From 1 April 2024, dedicating 1% of revenue from across all registered offers (retail managed funds and KiwiSaver funds) to support vision for better future. Total donated to local charities since launch is $1.4 million.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | KiwiSaver Conservative Fund - 1.20% p.a. |
| Subscription | Annual | KiwiSaver Balanced Fund - 1.30% p.a. |
| Subscription | Annual | KiwiSaver Growth Fund - 1.35% p.a. |
| Subscription | Annual | KiwiSaver High Growth Fund - 1.27% p.a. |
| Subscription | Annual | Global Responsibility Fund - 0.93% p.a. |
| Subscription | Annual | Global Water Fund - 1.30% p.a. |
| Subscription | Annual | Global Property Fund - 1.0% p.a. |
| Subscription | Annual | Ethical Trans-Tasman Fund - 1.0% p.a. |
| Subscription | Annual | Ethical Growth Fund - 1.30% p.a. |
| Subscription | Annual | Green Bond Fund - 0.60% p.a. |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels8 records
Pathfinder Asset Management product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Pathfinder Asset Management is a New Zealand-based ethical investment fund manager offering the Pathfinder KiwiSaver Plan (Conservative, Balanced, Growth, High Growth funds) and six Pathfinder Managed Funds (Ethical Growth, Ethical Trans-Tasman, Global Responsibility, Global Property, Global Water, Green Bond). All offerings operate under a strict ethical investment framework that excludes harmful industries and favors positive environmental, social and governance outcomes. The company earns annual management fees as a percentage of net asset value and serves individual investors in New Zealand through a digital direct-to-consumer channel.
Product overview
Pathfinder Asset Management is a New Zealand-based ethical investment fund manager offering two main product lines: the Pathfinder KiwiSaver Plan (comprising Conservative, Balanced, Growth, and High Growth Funds) and Pathfinder Managed Funds (comprising Ethical Growth, Ethical Trans-Tasman, Global Responsibility, Global Property, Global Water, and Green Bond Funds). All offerings operate under a strict ethical investment framework that avoids harmful industries and focuses on positive environmental, social, and governance (ESG) outcomes. The KiwiSaver funds provide retirement savings options with varying risk profiles, while the managed funds offer flexible investment solutions for individual investors seeking ethical returns across local (Trans-Tasman), global, and specialized thematic areas (water, property, green bonds). The company partners with MetLife Investment Management for its Green Bond Fund and distributes products through its own web-based member portal, as well as third-party platforms like Sharesies and InvestNow.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Pathfinder KiwiSaver Conservative Fund Lower-risk KiwiSaver fund targeting modest returns with highest exposure to income assets (cash, fixed interest) and lowest exposure to growth assets. Designed for investors with lower risk tolerance and a minimum 3+ year investment horizon. RIAA certified responsible investment. Annual management fee 1.20% p.a. plus $27/year membership fee.
- Pathfinder KiwiSaver Balanced Fund Medium-risk KiwiSaver fund balancing growth assets (shares) and income assets (bonds) for steady returns. Suitable for investors with a 5+ year timeframe and medium risk tolerance. RIAA certified responsible investment. Annual management fee 1.30% p.a. plus $27/year membership fee.
- Pathfinder KiwiSaver Growth Fund Higher-risk KiwiSaver fund with larger allocation to shares for higher long-term returns. Designed for investors with an 8+ year timeframe. RIAA certified responsible investment and Mindful Money certified Animal Cruelty Free, Weapons Free, and Climate Friendly. Annual management fee 1.35% p.a. plus $27/year membership fee.
- Pathfinder KiwiSaver High Growth Fund Enhanced risk KiwiSaver fund with the largest allocation to growth assets (shares, property) for the highest long-term returns. Designed for investors with a 10+ year timeframe. Mindful Money certified Animal Cruelty Free, Weapons Free, and Climate Friendly. Annual management fee 1.27% p.a. plus $27/year membership fee.
- Pathfinder Ethical Growth Fund Managed fund version of the KiwiSaver Growth Fund, highly diversified across different asset types, geographies, and sectors aligned with Pathfinder's ethical investment policy. Awarded 'Best New Ethical Fund 2021' by Mindful Money. Target investment horizon 8+ years. Annual management fee 1.30%.
- Pathfinder Ethical Trans-Tasman Fund Actively managed fund investing in hand-picked Australian and New Zealand companies that align with Pathfinder's ethical investment policy. 100% invested in the Trans-Tasman region with approximately 95% Australasian equities and 5% listed property. Annual management fee 1.0%.
- Pathfinder Global Responsibility Fund Pathfinder's core global managed fund investing in approximately 200 international companies aligned with its Ethical Investment Policy. Offers a diversified portfolio with strong ESG standards, aiming for above-average returns over 8-10 year periods. RIAA certified responsible investment. Annual management fee 0.93%.
- Pathfinder Global Property Fund Managed fund investing in 50-100 global property companies that align with Pathfinder's ethical investment policy. Targets above-average long-term returns over a 10+ year investment horizon with 100% global real estate (listed property) allocation. Annual management fee 1.0% plus buy/sell spread 0.05%/0.05%.
- Pathfinder Global Water Fund Pathfinder's flagship and longest-running fund, investing in companies connected to water quality, accessibility, or sustainability. Invests in water utilities, filtration, monitoring technology, pumps, pipes, and irrigation equipment. RIAA certified responsible investment and Mindful Money Best Ethical Fund award winner. Annual management fee 1.30%.
- Pathfinder Green Bond Fund New Zealand's first dedicated Green Bond Fund investing exclusively in bonds that allocate money to climate and environmental solutions including clean transportation, clean water access, resilience to extreme weather events, and renewable energy. Winner of Mindful Money's Best New Ethical Fund 2023. Managed by MetLife Investment Management as sub-investment manager. Annual management fee 0.60%.
Quantifiable outcome
- KiwiSaver Conservative Fund: 4.13% p.a. since inception July 2019
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use Pathfinder Asset Management
Customer profileNamed customers10 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Pathfinder Asset Management technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Pathfinder Asset Management partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Four partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- The Curve WeeklyminorPathfinder sponsors The Curve Weekly podcast, a platform focused on helping women with ethical investing decisions. Partnership includes the 'Ethical Hotline' feature where Pathfinder provides guidance on ethical investing questions.
- Public TrustcorePublic Trust serves as the independent custodian and supervisor for Pathfinder's KiwiSaver Plan and managed funds. If Pathfinder ran into difficulties, investments would be transferred to another manager with Public Trust overseeing the process.
- MetLife Investment ManagementcoreMetLife Investment Management serves as sub-investment manager for the Green Bond Fund, classifying bonds as Green Bonds based on their Sustainable Investment Policy.
- Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA)coreRIAA provides independent certification that Pathfinder's KiwiSaver Growth, Balanced and Conservative funds, Global Responsibility Fund, and Global Water Fund meet responsible investment standards. Verifies investment process is fit-for-purpose and true-to-label.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
Pathfinder Asset Management competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Fisher Funds: One of NZ's largest KiwiSaver providers and fund managers, offering diversified and ethical options; competes with Pathfinder for KiwiSaver members and managed-fund investors.
- Mint Asset Management: New Zealand-based ethical/responsible investment manager offering KiwiSaver and managed funds with a values-aligned screen, directly comparable to Pathfinder in product mix and target investors.
- Kernel Wealth: NZ digital wealth platform offering KiwiSaver and managed funds including ethical options; competes with Pathfinder on direct-to-consumer KiwiSaver with a digital-first, low-fee model.
- Milford Asset Management: NZ-based active investment manager offering KiwiSaver and managed funds; comparable in investment philosophy and fee structure, and represents a competitive KiwiSaver/managed fund incumbent.
- Booster Financial Services: NZ KiwiSaver scheme and fund manager offering ethical and standard fund options; comparable in product set and target audience to Pathfinder's KiwiSaver Plan.
- Triodos Investment Management: Global sustainable/ethical investment manager running impact and screened funds; comparable to Pathfinder in mission-driven philosophy and fund structure, though operating across multiple European markets.
- Generate Investment Management: NZ KiwiSaver and managed funds provider with ethical and growth-oriented funds; targets the same direct-to-consumer KiwiSaver segment as Pathfinder.
- Simplicity (Simplicity KiwiSaver and Investment Funds): NZ KiwiSaver and managed funds provider competing on low fees and ethical screens; a direct competitor for values-driven KiwiSaver members alongside Pathfinder.
Broad incumbents
- ANZ Investments: Large incumbent NZ KiwiSaver provider through ANZ bank distribution; competes broadly in the KiwiSaver market with Pathfinder but offers ethical options as part of a much wider retail banking product set.
Emerging players
- Calvert Research and Management: US-based responsible investment manager focused on ESG and impact strategies across mutual funds and SMAs; comparable to Pathfinder in its only-responsible-investing stance and screen-based product lineup.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Pathfinder Asset Management social profiles
Digital presencePathfinder Asset Management compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance6 records
Pathfinder Asset Management financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Pathfinder Asset Management leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles13 records
Pathfinder Asset Management funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Pathfinder Asset Management M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Pathfinder Asset Management
What does Pathfinder Asset Management do?
Pathfinder Asset Management is a New Zealand-based ethical investment fund manager offering the Pathfinder KiwiSaver Plan (Conservative, Balanced, Growth, High Growth funds) and six Pathfinder Managed Funds (Ethical Growth, Ethical Trans-Tasman, Global Responsibility, Global Property, Global Water, Green Bond). All offerings operate under a strict ethical investment framework that excludes harmful industries and favors positive environmental, social and governance outcomes. The company earns annual management fees as a percentage of net asset value and serves individual investors in New Zealand through a digital direct-to-consumer channel.
Is Pathfinder Asset Management a public or private company?
Pathfinder Asset Management is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Pathfinder Asset Management founded?
Pathfinder Asset Management was founded in 2009. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Pathfinder Asset Management based?
Pathfinder Asset Management is headquartered in Auckland, New Zealand, in the Oceania region.
How does Pathfinder Asset Management make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Management fees from KiwiSaver funds are the primary driver. The others are management fees from managed funds and charitable giving from revenue.
Who are Pathfinder Asset Management's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Fisher Funds, Mint Asset Management, Kernel Wealth, Milford Asset Management, Booster Financial Services, Triodos Investment Management, Generate Investment Management and Simplicity (Simplicity KiwiSaver and Investment Funds). ANZ Investments is listed as a broad incumbent. Calvert Research and Management is listed as an emerging player.
Does Pathfinder Asset Management have an API?
No public API is recorded for Pathfinder Asset Management.
What industry is Pathfinder Asset Management in?
Pathfinder Asset Management's product category is Wealth Management. Its primary akta.pro industry code is FSAEAAAN, Private Client/High-Net-Worth Advisory, with a secondary code of FSAAABAD, Advisory Portfolio Management (Non-Discretionary). Its NAICS code is 52394 and its SIC code is 6282.