ESG
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.
Putting beneficiaries first with stewardship reporting
Claudia Chapman sets out why schemes should look at expand their stewardship reporting and learn from best practice.
Two-thirds of fund managers reduce investments in companies failing on diversity and inclusion
Two-thirds of UK fund managers are reducing investments in companies that fail on diversity and inclusion scores, according to a survey by Edelman.
Brunel invests £840m in in clean infrastructure; PIC appoints municipal bond manager
Brunel Pension Partnership has launched two investment vehicles to target infrastructure assets that meet Paris Agreement objectives for its partner funds.
'Social' real estate investing 'firmly on the radar' for institutional investors
There has been a growing focus from institutional investors on social benefits when investing in real estate, according to research by Alpha Real Capital.
Webinar: Engage or divest? How can the pension industry make a real ESG impact
Professional Pensions is holding a webinar on how the pensions industry can make a real impact when it comes to ESG – asking what is better, to engage or to divest.
Auto-guidance gets cross-party support; Labour calls for net-zero pensions
A proposal to ensure savers receive a Pension Wise appointment prior to accessing their retirement pot has received cross-party support in parliament, while Labour seeks net-zero pensions by 2050.
UK to issue first green bond and require firms to disclose climate risk
The government plans to cement the UK's position as a global centre for green finance have received a significant boost, with chancellor Rishi Sunak unveiling proposals to issue the country's first sovereign green bond next year and make climate risk...
Barriers to pooled funds implementing trustees' voting policies 'not insurmountable'
The Association of Member Nominated Trustees (AMNT) has published a report outlining the barriers in allowing trustees’ voting policies to be implemented by fund managers in pooled fund arrangements.
Scottish Widows to divest £440m from companies failing on ESG
Scottish Widows has begun work with its fund management partners to divest at least £440m from companies which do not meet its ESG standards under a new exclusions policy.
Responsible investment bill proposed to provide 'clear pathway' on trustee ESG duties
New legislation is needed to push pension trustees and asset managers to consider ESG factors within their legal duty to beneficiaries, as well as ensuring trustees are up to standard, ShareAction says.
Exclusive: Trustees urged to 'refocus' their time to fix ESG crisis
Trustees need to address two urgent priorities in order to “unlock real ESG action” in UK pensions, Willis Towers Watson says.
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