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Given the seriousness of the many environmental and the social challenges we face, and the fact we are struggling to ‘keep +1.5 degrees alive’, I find it surprising that some in the investment community appear to think most funds that mention ESG or responsible ownership should qualify for a sustainability label. I don’t think they … Read more
Should ESG be more clearly defined? Is double-think a problem? Can any fund engage in greenwashing? Is net zero a clear concept? Did Tariq Fancy have some good points? In the latest episode of the ESG Out Loud podcast, ESG Clarity global editor Natasha Turner is joined by London Business School professor of finance Alex Edmans to discuss … Read more
Stewardship is an important part of the investment process. Tell us about your recent stewardship successes with asset managers? Our stewardship work is conducted through a rigorous process whereby third-party fund managers are reviewed on their securities purchases, their own stewardship efforts and by a detailed questionnaire covering seven sustainability areas, such as biodiversity, climate … Read more
For decades, investment managers considered ESG analysis to be a discretionary add-on to the traditional approach. A take it or leave it, not to be sworn into the research fold. But as investors increasingly seek to incorporate ESG research into investment decisions – hoping to align their investment outcomes with their sustainability goals – fund … Read more
The global auto sector – which includes original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) of passenger, light, and heavy-duty vehicles as well as auto suppliers – contributes to global emissions, but is also being impacted by a regulatory focus on the climate transition as well as the physical risks it poses, more scrutiny of health and safety, and … Read more
A consortium of European asset managers including Man Group, Edmond de Rothschild Asset Management and PGGM Investments have filed a resolution to TotalEnergies asking the French oil major to address its emissions through reductions targets in line with the Paris Agreement. Alongside shareholder activist group Follow This File, the 17 asset managers, representing €1.1trn in … Read more
New Zealand’s financial watchdog has issued a formal warning to Vanguard for failing to disclose details in time regarding infringement notices filed against it in Australia for alleged greenwashing. On 11 November, Vanguard was hit with three infringement notices by the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) for alleged greenwashing. ASIC was concerned that Vanguard … Read more
Most (95%) FTSE 100 companies have not published net-zero plans that would be deemed credible or detailed enough under the UK government’s transition plan guidance, according to research by EY. Even companies within the 5% with full plans have more work to do before their published intention can be considered fully Transition Plan Taskforce (TPT)-aligned, … Read more
Human rights are deteriorating across several middle-income countries that make up large parts of government debt portfolios, creating conflicts for ESG investors, according to the latest Verisk Maplecroft sovereign ESG ratings. Brazil, Indonesia, Mexico and South Africa are among the key sovereigns for ESG bond investors to watch, where institutions have weakened and violations have … Read more
With more engagement with ESG from retail investors, the investment platform space is buoyant with apps and innovation designed at increasing accessibility to ESG investments. One such fintech platform in the UK is Darksquare Capital, which allows investors access to alternative asset classes such as woodlands, wind farms, carbon capture and sustainable real estate. ESG … Read more