Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, India and China have all become less transparent since the pandemic, according to a new report. China continues to be the least transparent major sourcing market. Just 38% of all audits undertaken in the second half of 2022 were an accurate representation of factory conditions. In India, just over half of all … Read more
The debate around ESG investing in the US has evolved from a debate around fiduciary duty and maximising return, to Wall Street versus Main Street, American Century Investments’ head of sustainable investing Sarah Bratton-Hughes has said. In a visit to ESG Clarity’s London studio for this Green Dream video interview, New York-based Bratton-Hughes dispelled some myths … Read more
Mediolanum International Funds has launched an Article 9 fund investing in sustainable nutrition companies that will benefit from growth in this area in the next 10 to 30 years. Mediolanum Best Brands Future Sustainable Nutrition is an actively managed multi-manager equity fund. Its aim is to generate long-term capital growth investing in companies that will … Read more
Asset managers are wary about putting pressure on the companies they invest in to meet new rules to report on Scope 3 emissions, even as research suggests most firms are unprepared for the rules and could risk fines, amid limited support among asset managers for the changes. The European Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) this … Read more
Given the growing costs of climate change, it is more important than ever for shareholders to support climate resolutions this AGM season. Shareholders play a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and climate-related risks. As part of the investment process, shareholders frequently engage with portfolio companies seeking to improve corporate climate readiness and reduce … Read more
Since launching in 2021, ESG Out Loud has sought to bring together insights from inside and outside the investment industry to discuss topics such as fast fashion, fair tax, regulatory changes and diversity that need more than a soundbite or news story to unpack. To that end we’ve been joined by academics, economists and scientists … Read more
Advisers at last week’s Responsible Pathway event heard about the various approaches to engagement and the red flags to look out for during the first two panel sessions. In the opening panel, moderated by Square Mile’s senior investment consultant Jake Moeller, the panellists reflected on the world’s current global warming path with Moeller concluding: “You … Read more
Following the publication this week of the EU’s proposal for regulation for ESG rating providers, industry commentators have called for further clarity, saying it leaves many questions unanswered. Earlier this week the EU Commission set out, among its wider sustainable finance package, the requirement that ESG rating providers must be authorised to provide ESG ratings in … Read more
Imagine, everyone has what they need to thrive. Every worker has dignity, respect, fair wages, and safety. It’s a beautiful idea. As investors, we can contribute to making this dream a reality. Worker-driven social responsibility (WSR) was developed as a response to corporate social responsibility. Corporations have the responsibility to respect human rights, which applies … Read more
BlackRock is targeting the transition to decarbonize the materials sector with a new fund investing in the area. The BlackRock Brown to Green Materials fund aims to provide exposure to both materials that are essential to a transition, and opportunities created by decarbonizing materials supply. This includes companies engaged in metals and mining, chemicals, steel … Read more