How investors are refining SDGs to measure impact
Asset owners and managers are becoming more proactive in assessing positive and negative impact in respect of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. But some experts feel they can go further.
Institution / Investment managers
Investment managers
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?
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.
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.
Are the SDGs fit for purpose?
Thousands of companies say they report against or otherwise align themselves with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. But where are these high-level targets failing and what more can businesses and policymakers do to help achieve them?
No bite: Lack of net-zero accountability puts onus on investors
One-fifth – and counting – of the world’s largest companies have committed to achieve net-zero carbon emissions, largely by 2050. But there is no legal or regulatory recourse if they don't, and seemingly little appetite for that to change.
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.
The policy wish list to avoid climate catastrophe
The IPCC’s latest report is unequivocal: humans are warming the planet. With COP26 looming, everyone is clear that rapid policy action is required to mobilise trillions of public and private finance to reverse the damage done. We outline what policies they are.
IPCC warning adds urgency to calls for global carbon pricing
Investors are increasingly joining the IMF, OECD and World Bank in pushing for a global system for carbon pricing. Implementing it remains politically problematic, but the ever-louder alarm bells over climate change are raising hopes it could happen.
Time to adapt fiduciary duties for sustainable investing?
The debate over how the fiduciary duty to seek the best returns affects ESG investing – and whether it should do – has intensified lately, with prices of both sustainable assets and many 'dirty' investments soaring.
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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