SEC emphasizes probing ESG, marketing rule, Reg BI compliance

The SEC will place an emphasis on its new marketing rule, Regulation Best Interest, private funds and environmental, social and governance investing in its regulatory examinations this year. It didn’t take long for the Securities and Exchange Commission to launch probes of how registered investment advisors advertise their practices. It’s one of several regulations highlighted … Read more

GIB unveils corporate culture European equities fund

GIB Asset Management has launched an Article 8 European equities fund focused on corporate culture. The GIB AM European Focus Fund is part of the Amundi UCITS Fund Partners ICAV, an Irish-domiciled UCITS collective investment scheme, and will be managed by Matthew Kates (pictured), supported by head of equities Neil Brown and the wider global … Read more

$5trn investor coalition creates sovereign debt climate framework

A coalition of asset managers and owners representing $5trn in assets is launching a framework assessing the low-carbon transition progress of governments. The Assessing Sovereign Climate-related Opportunities and Risks (Ascor) project hopes to get asset managers talking with sovereign debt issuers in order to facilitate more net-zero aligned issuance, as well as provide a one-stop … Read more

BNY files for Women’s Empowerment ETF

BNY Mellon is readying an ETF aiming to invest in companies that help improve the quality of life for women, according to a regulatory filing made last week. The BNY Mellon Women’s Empowerment ETF will focus on holdings that support “the process of becoming stronger and more confident, especially in controlling one’s life and claiming … Read more

UK government creates net-zero department

UK prime minister Rishi Sunak (pictured) has announced a new department for energy security and net zero today as part of a cabinet reshuffle. It will be headed up by Grant Shapps (pictured right), previously secretary of state for transport. The new department is one of four replacing the former business, energy and industrial strategy … Read more

Redington appoints first chief people officer

Redington has expanded its senior team with the appointment of its first chief people officer focused on staff wellbeing and engagement. Katherine FitzGerald takes up the role, joining the firm’s executive leadership team. She joined Redington as head of people in 2020, and leads all aspects of the firm’s people operations. This includes culture, well-being … Read more

Redwheel engages UK companies for climate fund

Redwheel has launched an Article 8 UK climate fund led by John Teahan. The Redwheel UK Climate Engagement Fund is supported by the firm’s new sustainability research arm, Greenwheel, and will engage companies on aligning with the Paris Agreement in order to deliver real-world impact. Teahan (pictured), said: Divestment and exclusion may decarbonise a portfolio, … Read more

FCA to test ESG claims at asset managers

UK regulator The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) will be testing asset management firms on whether they deliver on their ESG claims. In a letter to CEOs last week, the regulator outlined five supervisory priorities in light of what it described as “ineffective governance”. One of these priorities is ESG, which the FCA said has grown … Read more

CCLA appoints stewardship lead

CCLA Investment Management has expanded its sustainability team with the appointment of a stewardship lead for the environment. Tessa Younger, who joined CCLA last month, has taken up the role. She will help contribute to the climate work undertaken by Helen Wildsmith and CCLA’s wider sustainability team. Younger will lead CCLA’s ‘Better Environment’ work, managing … Read more