Why passively managed assets escape fossil fuel policies
Passive investing has been posed as a threat to the planet – but how far does the data support these claims?
Asset class
Asset class
Why capitalism should have listened to the King of Bhutan
The idea of incorporating gross national happiness into mainstream economic thought has long been a subject reserved for debating societies and 'lefty' thinkers. As politicians are cornered into taking immediate action on climate change, capitalism is in for a big surprise.
US solar sees brighter prospects as Sunnova issues first green bond
America's solar industry has faced challenges getting financing, but investor and public sentiment is improving and government support is growing. A $400m debt issue last month was another positive sign.
DWS probes signal stark new reality for ESG funds
The investigations by US and German financial watchdogs into $1trn asset manager DWS reflect a general tightening of regulatory criteria for funds labelled as ESG or sustainable.
Green gilts to stand out for social impact, but bankers seek more details
The UK is about to launch its first green sovereign bond programme, which will incorporate innovative social indicators. Senior banking executives expect it to boost the corporate debt market, but want more specifics on impact benchmarking targets and deadlines.
White Papers
Why gender lens investing is struggling to make an impact
Recently criticised for failing to deliver returns above their peer group, gender lens funds are under immense scrutiny to up their game. And while legitimate concerns exist about how they are marketed, the lack of suitable companies remains a serious problem.
A look inside Asia’s first green commercial paper guarantee
Green short-term funding has struggled to take off as an asset class. With Asia’s first green commercial paper guarantee for Taiwan’s Sing Da Marine Structure, Crédit Agricole hopes that a new wind is blowing.
How Australia’s Aware Super is tackling modern slavery
The A$150bn pension fund is using its financial heft to address modern slavery and has developed a risk-assessment tool to support its reporting requirements. But while some asset managers have shown overwhelming support, others are still burying their heads in the sand.
Why Côte d’Ivoire’s first green bond is so important
The private placement from shopping centre operator Emergence Plaza had the advantage of a beneficial economic backdrop and high market liquidity. There is much for potential issuers to learn from only the fourth green corporate bond from sub-Saharan Africa.
Japan’s young sustainable loan market gets healthcare booster
Medical device maker Nipro has become a rare Japanese issuer of a sustainability-linked loan, and the first from the healthcare sector. Disclosed details are limited, but it aims to use the proceeds to help address Covid-19 issues and generally improve public health both domestically and overseas.
Shareholder resolutions surge, but impact in doubt
The year to date has seen record-breaking support for shareholder resolutions, with asset managers such as BlackRock and Vanguard stepping up their stewardship. However, a lack of data on the real-world impact means the jury is still out on their efficacy.
How a top UK pension is building its ESG data architecture
Border to Coast Pensions Partnership, one of the largest British retirement asset pools, is developing its approach to ESG data as it ramps up its focus on private markets, carbon measurement and diversity issues. The institution's head of internal management gives Capital Monitor the lowdown.
Lack of coal policy leaves asset managers behind net-zero curve
Despite coal's influence on global warming, less than half of the world’s largest asset managers have an investment policy in place for it, according to non-profit organisation Reclaim Finance.
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