Man Group buys majority stake in impact investing asset manager

Man Group has bought a 51% stake in Geneva-based impact asset manager Asteria Investment Managers. The other 49% is held by Fideuram-Intesa Sanpaolo Private Banking, in a new partnership. Approval and clearance for the deal has been received from the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority (FINMA) and antitrust authorities. The focus will now be on … Read more

Working group set up to develop HK ESG code of conduct

The International Capital Market Association (ICMA) is to convene a working group tasked with the development of a globally consistent, interoperable and proportionate voluntary code of conduct for ESG ratings and data product providers, sponsored by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (HK SFC). Working group members, including Bloomberg, Fidelity International, Invesco and Morningstar … Read more

Three myths about investing sustainably in agriculture

One effective way investors can help secure and promote biodiversity is through investments in sustainable agriculture. Approximately $700bn of annual investment is needed before 2030 in order to halt and reverse biodiversity loss. Protecting biodiversity not only helps to mitigate the most devastating impacts of climate change but, crucially, also safeguards global food supply. In … Read more

‘Impact will gradually replace broad-brush ESG’

More funds will shift their focus from ESG to impact investing, according to Michael Loukas, principal and CEO of TrueMark Investments. “The days of simply gathering AUM based on ESG philosophies seem to be behind us,” he says. “Without a standardised definition of ESG, only the largest of investors will ever truly create value in … Read more

Exclusive: Schroders adds two Article 9 funds to Global Transformation range

Schroders has added two Article 9 sustainable global equity funds to its Global Transformation range of thematic funds in response to investor demand. Growth fund SISF Circular Economy will be managed by Jack Dempsey and will invest in 25-40 companies worldwide that contribute to the transition to a circular economy, which Dempsey said is vital … Read more

US Solar Fund widens investment policy

The £150m US Solar Fund has announced proposals to widen its investment policy following a strategic review. In a circular published this morning (October 31), the trust has amended its policy to include “development stage assets” that the board believes will allow for greater diversification and facilitate further growth opportunities. Meanwhile, the board said that … Read more

Abris launches DEI code to tackle inclusion at portfolio companies

Private equity ESG fund manager Abris Capital Partners has launched a practical diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) code for the firm and its portfolio companies. The DEI Code sets out six key commitments, covering education, governance, ownership and process, as well as a commitment from Abris to promote inclusion across private equity. The code also … Read more

Franklin Templeton launches two green bond ETFs

Franklin Templeton has launched three active fixed income ETFs, which includes two sustainable green bond funds. The Franklin Sustainable Euro Green Sovereign, Franklin Sustainable Euro Green Corp 1-5 Year and Franklin Euro IG Corporate are all Ucits offerings. The new funds will be managed by Franklin Templeton’s European fixed income team, headed up by David … Read more

Redwheel unveils three thematic sustainability funds

Redwheel has launched three funds in the sustainability and thematic space, aimed at tackling climate change, biodiversity loss and poor access to healthcare. The Redwheel Biodiversity Fund and the Redwheel Life Changing Treatments Fund launched in October, with the Redwheel Clean Economy Fund set to launch in November. The Redwheel Clean Economy Fund will seek … Read more