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ESG criteria and considerations
Sustainable funds are not all the same
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors are the three pillars of sustainable investing. As such, fund managers will typically consider the following within these three areas when analysing investment opportunities:
- Environmental issues – how a company is addressing issues such as climate change, resource depletion, waste, pollution and deforestation
- Social issues – a company’s policies and record in relation to human rights, modern slavery, child labour, working conditions and employee relations
- Governance issues – a company’s record in relation to bribery and corruption, executive pay, board diversity and structure, political lobbying/donations and tax strategy.
A potential issue for investors is that sustainable funds adopt different policies and investment approaches. In order to create a common language for advisers, fund managers and investors, the Investment Association (IA) has introduced a range of definitions for investment approaches.
Implications when recommending funds
Some clients may be satisfied that a fund is managed on a broadly sustainable basis. Stocks from certain ‘sin’ sectors may be included, for example, if the company has demonstrated that their ESG credentials are moving in the right direction. However, due to ethical, moral or religious considerations, other clients may state that certain stocks or industry sectors should be avoided completely.
It is therefore important to check a fund’s investment approach and policy on exclusions before making a recommendation.
In our
Adviser Guide to Sustainable Investing, we examine the various types of funds and approaches in more detail.
Adviser guide to sustainable investing
To aid your client discussions, we’ve produced a guide that explains all things ESG to your clients.
Sustainable investing glossary
Our glossary defines some of the more frequently-used terms in this field of investment.
Sustainable fund options on FundsNetwork
We offer over 310 sustainably-managed funds from 81 different fund groups through our platform.
Important Information - Please note that the value of investments and the income from them can go down as well as up so your client may get back less than they invest.
Lending for impact: the case for impact investing in private debt
Impact investing continues to play a pivotal role in channelling private capital towards projects and companies that can help to address key social and environmental challenges.
Pushing for greater impact through company engagement
M&G explain by putting money to work in a purposeful way, investing in companies that are committed to solving the world’s challenges, we can aim to have a meaningful impact.
Phasing out thermal coal
M&G plans to phase out investments in thermal coal and that it had joined the Powering Past Coal Alliance, a coalition of governments, businesses and organisations working to advance the transition.