PRI-backed sovereign engagement group expands

Eighteen new investors have joined the Collaborative Sovereign Engagement on Climate Change, an initiative that was launched in September last year to improve dialogue with sovereigns over climate change, starting with Australia. The 18 new investors are Achmea, Ardea Investment Management, Brown Advisory, Candriam, Colchester Global Investors, Fidelity International, First Sentier Investors, IFM Investors, Insight … Read more

Morningstar reveals asset managers consistently committed to ESG

Only eight asset managers have earned the level of ‘Leader’ in Morningstar’s latest ESG Commitment Level Landscape assessment, while a number of the largest asset managers remain ‘Basic’ or ‘Low’ in their ESG credentials. Affirmative Investment Management, Australian Ethical, Boston Trust Walden, Domini, Impax, Parnassus, Robeco and Stewart Investors were awarded Morningstar’s highest distinction of … Read more

Castlefield hires ex-Barings European equities head for sustainable fund

Sustainable investment boutique Castlefield has hired James Buckley (pictured) as lead manager of the £22.1m CFP Castlefield Sustainable European fund. He joins from from Cantor Fitzgerald Ireland where he was head of equity research since 2021. Prior to that, he was head of European equities at Barings for over 14 years. Buckley has also held roles at Premier … Read more

Investor coalition urges ISSB to prioritize reporting on human and worker rights

The International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) has been urged to make human capital and human rights a priority for its next set of global reporting standards. Some 21 investment firms managing assets of more than $1trn, including Impax Asset Management, EQ Investors, Rathbone Greenbank and Tribe Impact Investment, have signed a letter to the ISSB, … Read more

Gender investing gap widest among under 25s

The gender investing gap is widest among the younger generation, according to AJ Bell’s Money Matters campaign. The campaign found that among under 25s, just 37% of stocks and shares ISA contributions are from female investors. This widens further in the 25-34 age bracket, with only 35% of stocks and shares ISA investors being women. … Read more

Rize ETF rolls out two thematic Article 9 strategies

Thematic investment firm Rize ETF has rolled out the Rize Global Infrastructure UCITS ETF and Rize USA Environmental Impact UCITS ETF. The SFDR Article 9 funds are listed on the London and Frankfurt stock exchanges, while they are set to launch on the SIX Swiss Exchange “in the coming weeks”. Rize Global Sustainable Infrastructure ETF … Read more

Specialised ESG analysis of real assets set to increase

Infrastructure and real estate are at the forefront of net-zero action – through the installation of solar farms, the upgrading of transmission lines, and improving building energy efficiency. Global utilities are pushing to shutter fossil-based generation and upgrade water systems, while in communications and transport, companies are enabling telecommuting, optimising logistics and reducing congestion. Companies … Read more

Epworth’s Harper: Investing is a ‘natural home’ for a vicar

A career in the church and a career in investment management might seem worlds apart, but for Rev Dr Andrew Harper, chief responsibility officer at Christian ethics-based investment manager Epworth Investment Management, they are a natural fit. Prior to joining the firm in April 2021, Harper spent time managing overseas aid and education programmes in … Read more