INTRO TO THIS YEAR’S SURVEY
The why, who and what
In many ways, the strength of the reaction is a compliment to ESG and sustainable investment, suggesting it now holds significant enough influence in markets to rouse some opposition.
But that doesn’t make us any less saddened to see this year’s survey supporting the narrative that managers are turning their backs on ESG. For the first time, the data shows progress to be reversing across key areas such as ESG integration & stewardship, net zero and diversity, equity & inclusion (DEI).
From reports of corporate governance and safety travails, to the $41 billion worth of damage that’s been caused by extreme weather events since COP 281, the underlying issues have clearly not gone away.
And as responsible long-term investors, our clients remain focused on these issues, with an increasing need for ESG data and integrated reporting to measure progress against their sustainable investment priorities. This isn’t just being driven by regulatory commitments either, but rather a genuine commitment to helping their end-beneficiaries achieve financial stability and have a habitable world to retire into.
How, then, can so many managers be slowing on progress?
With so many voices supporting the opposing narrative, we can’t help but wonder: are asset owners doing enough to make clear their expectations on ESG? After all, as guardians of the world’s capital, they’re arguably the most powerful force when it comes to influencing change.
Through our 2024 Sustainable Investment Survey, our goal is to create a platform which asset owners can use to engage and fully wield their influence, while allowing managers to assess the effectiveness of their efforts and best practice.
Of course, the data only tells us part of the story and is not, in itself, a solution. It’s how these findings are communicated, engaged with, and acted upon that dictates future outcomes. And that’s why, this year, we’ll be looking to bring together both asset owners and consultants via a series of discussions to facilitate that feedback loop and help carve out a path to future improvements.
We’d love it if you joined the debate through engagement with this publication or talking with the team.
Zoe Taylor | Deputy CEO
Please note, the information contained within this report was sourced directly from the surveyed asset managers. Whilst we believe their responses to be reliable, they haven’t been independently verified; therefore, we can’t guarantee their completeness and accuracy.
