Asia continues to lag other regions for integrating ESG principles with investing; better data and stronger regulatory requirements will help institutional investors, market observers say.
Finding companies that can navigate the current social, regulatory and technological changes will be key to generating long-term returns and help lead the transition to a more sustainable world.
Nearly 50% of institutional investors and family offices in Asia Pacific intend to increase the number of external managers for their thematic investments in equities over the next 12 months.
Although sustainable funds have seen increasing inflows amid growing environmental awareness and the spotlight on social issues due to Covid-19, the industry still lacks a standard definition of sustainable investing. Nicholette MacDonald-Brown, head of European blend equities at Schroders, explains the firm’s three-pronged approach of people, process and purpose.
Japan’s $130 billion National Federation of Mutual Aid Associations for Municipal Personnel has made a landmark first step into sustainable investment.