Asset Manager of the Year

Description

This award is for asset management firms which are trailblazers in managing client capital in a way that creates a meaningful shift in how capital is allocated, to achieve improved outcomes for people and the environment.

It recognises asset managers who are clear leaders in the field, and who set an example for others to follow, so driving progress across the board.

Judges do not expect perfection in all aspects of the firm’s activities: they know that embedding sustainability in all capital allocations is a challenging process! But they do expect a company to have a clear transition plan towards allocating all of its capital to companies and activities that take appropriate account of social and environmental performance.

They will be looking for examples of outstanding performance as a leader in ESG and/or impact, and of clear integration of ESG / impact goals with the asset manager’s core business.

They will expect to see measurable outcomes and impacts, as well as clear commitments to future progress. Specifically, they will be looking for real leadership in the selection and engagement of portfolio companies, and in monitoring and reporting, as reflected in the criteria below.

Criteria

Judges will be looking for evidence of progress on the following points (weighting percentages in brackets):

Selection and engagement (40%): How the asset manager selects and engages with companies in its portfolio on environmental and social issues such as:

·         carbon emissions reductions (Scope 1, 2 & 3)

·         commitments to science-based targets in line with net zero goals and the energy transition

·         zero-waste and zero-pollution progress and commitments

·         avoidance of deforestation and promotion of biodiversity restoration

·         diversity and inclusion

·         labour and human rights in the workplace and supply chain

·         impact on local communities

·         high standards of corporate governance.

Monitoring and reporting (40%): How the asset manager monitors and reports on the performance of its portfolio in these areas, including progress towards any relevant targets. The judges will be looking in particular for evidence that the asset manager is engaging with its clients to explain the importance of the sustainability performance of the portfolio, and how it compares with peers.

Integration (20%): How the asset manager has demonstrably integrated all its work on promoting high ESG / impact standards with its overall approach to investment. To what extent is it demonstrating a commitment to improved social and environmental outcomes through all aspects of its investment strategy?

Any confidential data will be treated as such and only shared with the judging panel, all of whom will have signed NDAs.