The University of Stirling has been violating its socially responsible investment policy after an investigation from Global Justice Stirling.
The University has been caught investing in a fund managed by JP Morgan, which invests in fossil fuels. Two of JP Morgan’s top 10 investments are in fossil fuel companies ConocoPhillips and Chevron.
Their SRI policy prohibits investing in fossil fuels, arms dealers and companies that violate international law. They are also looking into excluding investments in the border industry. Such as, detention centres and migration management. The University of Stirling first made its investment policy commitment in 2019. However it could have invested in fossil fuels indirectly through pooled funds. The loophole was closed last year. However, a Freedom of Information request confirmed the University it is investing in JP Morgan Assets Managers.
Since the Paris Climate Agreement in 2015, JPMorgan has invested $431 billion in coal, oil and gas.
Global Justice Stirling’s investigation with Brig confirmed that the university has violated this policy by investing £58,038 worth in market value as of July 31, 2025.
The Sustainability Officer of the Student Union Erin Smith made a statement with Global Justice Stirling on Instagram. In the video they said: “We are investigating this further and are working with the SU to ensure that the university complies with its own policy.
We might need to use student pressure to ensure that the university complies.”
After a request for comment from Brig a University of Stirling spokesperson said: “We are committed to ensuring that our investment activities make a sustainable, long‑term and positive contribution to the environment or society in general, and that these activities are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, as set out in our Socially Responsible Investment policy.
We work closely with our external investment managers to monitor adherence to the policy, which was developed in collaboration with the Students’ Union. When our investments are held in collective funds, external managers carry out a detailed quarterly check of what those funds contain, and will recommend divestment if needed.”
JPMorgan Chase is the world’s largest financier of fossil fuels. Bank Green, (an organization that follows the climate responsibility of banks and suggests greener alternatives) gives the firm a Worst score for sustainability.
From Brig’s and Global Justice Stirling’s communications with the university, it is not clear how it plans to divest and prevent violations of the policy in the future.
Featured Image Credit: University of Stirling
Third year journalism student. 2025/2026 Lifestyle and Comment Editor at Brig. Published in The Yucatán Times, Mi Campeche and The Mourning Paper. Host of From the 40s with Air3Radio.
