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Morningstar Sustainalytics has launched low carbon transition ratings to provide investors with a forward-looking science-based assessment of company’s alignment with net zero. Expressed as an implied temperature rise, the ratings will help identify and manage transition risks, respond to global regulatory requirements and disclosure initiatives, build climate investment strategies, and advance engagement activities, Morningstar Sustainalytics said. The … Read more

Legal and General Investment Management, Aviva Investors and AXA Investment Managers are among 15 investors worth £2.37trn in assets under management targeting cost-of-living measures this AGM season. The groups, which are part of ShareAction’s Good Work Coalition, have signed a statement urging businesses to: Ensure the lowest-paid workers, who are disproportionately impacted by the rising cost … Read more

In the ESG world, there is as much focus as ever on results. Transparency on objectives and outcomes is requested by the Financial Reporting Council in Stewardship Code reporting, and clients want to see results and not just warm words in policies. Such a focus on transparency is welcome but how does it help when … Read more

Organisations need to focus on specifity in their diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives even if that makes them feel uncomfortable, said Leanne Mair, CEO & Founder of Benefactum Consulting, in the latest Reboot episode. Mair also shares feedback from Black women and what they expect from their employees, why groups are overlooking the power … Read more

Quilter Cheviot has hired Sarah Osato as an investment manager within its charities team. Osato will be responsible for managing charity investment portfolios, and will work with the team in building new relationships with charities and promoting the Quilter Cheviot Global Income and Growth Fund for Charities. She will report to William Reid, Quilter Cheviot’s … Read more

The ESG movement is deeply divisive in the US. Some states restrict investment firms with ESG policies, nearly half outright prohibit ESG as a factor in state investments. Nonetheless, regulators are pushing ahead with new rules, albeit with some delays.  The US does not have a coherent, principles-based system of ESG regulation or established tools … Read more

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