ESG Spotlight
Sponsored by Aviva Investors
After a few false dawns, ESG now seems to be worthy of the label ‘mainstream'. In association with Aviva Investors we bring you the latest news and research into this sustainable mega trend.
Trustees are under increasing pressure to give more consideration to ESG factors. Stephanie Baxter looks at the most important questions they should be asking.
PPI and Phoenix warn joint industry approach is needed if climate change goals are to be reached
The Pensions Policy Institute (PPI) and Phoenix Group have warned a joint approach is needed across the pensions industry and the government to improve scheme engagement with climate change.
LGIM adds green bond ETF to fixed income range
Legal & General Investment Management (LGIM) has bolstered its fixed income exchange traded fund (ETF) range with the launch of a new green bond ETF.
Investment management 'not fit for purpose' in delivering sustainable wealth creation
The overall business model of the investment management industry needs to be reengineered to deliver sustainable wealth creation that spans decades, not quarterly targets, says the 300 Club.
Scottish Widows Master Trust launches responsible investment-focused fund range
Scottish Widows Master Trust has expanded its fund range with the launch of five ESG funds, offering greater choice for members looking to invest their pension more sustainably.
DB schemes need own journeys to net-zero commitments, industry says
Four in five (81%) industry professionals believe defined benefit (DB) schemes should choose their own framework and pathway to net-zero rather than following set prescriptions.
Guy Opperman: Landmark legislation moves pensions into the digital age
The Pension Schemes Act 2021 will revolutionise savings and help build back better and greener, says Guy Opperman.
Pension Schemes Act 2021 becomes law with DB, CDC, ESG and dashboard rules
Enhanced criminal and civil sanctions for defined benefit (DB) scheme negligence have become law after the Pension Schemes Act 2021 gained its place on the statute book.
'Good' net-zero pensions: Turning commitment into action
Tony Burdon and Nick Robins set out how to make the green pledges go further.
Covid increases investor focus on ESG but major implementation obstacles remain
One third of investors say the pandemic has increased their focus on ESG issues, with the issue now a focus across asset classes, research from bfinance shows.
Dyfed cuts equity carbon footprint by 16%
The £2.7bn Dyfed Pension Fund will move 15% of its assets into low-carbon equity portfolios in a move to reduce its carbon footprint by screening out fossil fuel and thermal coal exposure.
AMX and DWS team up for stewardship-focused pooled funds service
The Asset Management Exchange (AMX) and DWS have launched an investment solution which allows schemes in pooled funds to express their stewardship preferences.
Aegon partners with HSBC to embed ESG criteria into default funds
Aegon has embedded ESG criteria across its in-house workplace default funds through a partnership with HSBC Global Asset Management.
Exclusive: Mobius Life launches ESG reporting service
Mobius Life has launched a service to provide pension schemes with a report which collates asset managers’ ESG themes to help trustees complete their annual implementation statements.
PP parent Incisive Media launches Sustainable Investment Festival
Join us on 22-24 June
Aegon commits to net-zero default funds by 2050
The carbon emissions in Aegon UK’s default pension funds will be slashed in half by 2030 under a longer-term plan to reach a net-zero position by the middle of the century.
Barclays Bank UK Retirement Fund integrates ESG and climate risk into £1.3bn DGF
The Barclays Bank UK Retirement Fund (Barclays UKRF) has integrated ESG factors and climate risk into a £1.3bn diversified growth fund (DGF) portfolio used for its defined contribution (DC) scheme.
Navigating covenant and ESG in 2021 - what does the environment look like?
Michael Bushnell looks at the continuing impact of the pandemic on employer covenant and ESG risks, and how schemes can plan ahead.
2021 outlook: What's next for ESG?
After a year that took everyone by surprise, experts tell Professional Pensions what could be on the horizon for ESG in 2021.
Europe-wide regulation of ESG needed to stop greenwashing, trade body says
The European Fund and Asset Management Association (EFAMA) is calling for a European regulation of ESG data, research and ratings, in part to stamp out greenwashing.
Divestment alone dangerously undermines pursuit of zero-carbon economy
Dr Pooja Khosla and Amer Khan argue that schemes should use their monetary power to seek change rather than divest.
A quarter of savers would forego returns for ESG funds, AB finds
Defined contribution (DC) savers believe responsible investing is at least as important as returns, with 26% stating they would forego the latter if their fund was invested in an ESG-conscious manner.
LGIM, Kempen, and Schroders among 30 signatories to net-zero initiative
Thirty asset manager have founded and signed up to a new sustainable investment initiative which aims to achieve net-zero portfolios by 2050 or sooner.
Standard Life expands responsible investment fund range
Standard Life has expanded its range of responsible investment offerings for pension savers with the introduction of four new funds.
2021 is our chance to get the ball rolling on AE reform
After a tumultuous year for every industry, James Phillips says 2021 can give the pensions industry and government a chance to tackle the long-term needs in retirement savings.
How other asset classes could help improve ESG credentials
Justin Craib-Cox looks at the role that green convertible bonds can play in pension fund portfolios.
L&G to halve emission intensity of £81bn annuity book by 2030
Legal and General Retirement (LGR) has committed to cutting the carbon emission intensity of its annuity book by half by 2030, while the overall group targets a net-zero portfolio by 2050.
Phoenix launches ESG DC default solution
Phoenix Group will launch an ESG defined contribution (DC) default solution for pension fund clients of its Standard Life Assurance business and their scheme members.
Half of scheme representatives agree fiduciary duty hinders trustees in addressing climate change, finds XPS
Half of scheme representatives believe the current fiduciary duty of trustees hinders them in their ability to address climate change, according to a poll by XPS Pensions Group.
