Head of Sustainable Investing
Keep up with the latest sustainable insights
Join our newsletter to explore the trends shaping SI.
• Insight
Robeco comes top for sustainability in ShareAction report
Robeco has again been ranked the world’s top manager for sustainable investing in the ShareAction Responsible Investment Benchmark report.
Summary
- Unique AA rating given for sustainability skills in five areas
- Climate action and protecting biodiversity have higher priority
- Two-thirds of asset managers received a CCC rating or worse
We were the only asset manager to score an AA rating out of 77 global firms assessed by the UK-based research firm. It is the second time in a row that Robeco has been ranked in first place in the annual ShareAction survey of asset managers across sustainable investing themes.
ShareAction gave ratings on five core sustainability capabilities – governance, stewardship, climate, biodiversity and social – after participants answered more than 100 questions on how they handled these issues. Ratings ranging from AA to E were then given, based on the results.
While no one scored a AAA rating, Robeco was unique in getting AA, while only three other firms out of the 77 assessed – BNP Paribas Asset Management, Aviva Investors and Legal & General Investment Management – received an A score.
The leaderboard for the 2023 survey. Source: ShareAction
Two-thirds of asset managers received a CCC rating or worse, indicating serious gaps in their sustainable investment policies, ShareAction said. As part of the report, the group also lays out specific recommendations for asset managers, asset owners and policymakers to try to improve their scoring.
How SI works
Climate and biodiversity strategies
How asset managers were dealing with climate action and protecting biodiversity were particular focus points of interest. In 2022, Robeco launched investment products for Net Zero 2050 Climate Equities and Biodiversity Equities, as well as making enhancements to existing climate and SDG-based strategies.
The survey also questioned how investment firms were addressing social issues such as labor rights and public health, and how well their governance and stewardship practices embedded sustainability at the heart of the business. As a pioneer of sustainable investing, Robeco has had an Active Ownership team since 2005 and has routinely integrated environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors into the investment process since 2010.
“The ShareAction Global Responsible Investment Benchmark is important within our industry,” says Carola Van Lamoen, Head of Sustainable Investing at Robeco. “Ranking number one is a great recognition we can be proud of, and many colleagues contributed to this success. Continuously raising the bar on sustainable investing is definitely a team effort of colleagues across the organization.’’
ShareAction research
ShareAction has produced research on asset managers and asset owners since 2007. The primary aim of its work is to create a valuable public resource that allows diverse stakeholders to see how effective the largest institutional investors are when it comes to sustainable investment.
In addition to the yearly voting assessment, ShareAction also manages the Asset Owners Disclosure Project (AODP) which publishes a yearly ranking of the world’s 75 largest asset managers according to their sustainable investment practices, with a specific focus on governance, climate change, human and labor rights, and biodiversity.
Important information
THIS WEBSITE IS SOLELY INTENDED FOR PROFESSIONAL INVESTORS, WHICH HAS THE MEANING ASCRIBED TO IT IN THE SECURITIES AND FUTURES ORDINANCE (CAP. 571 OF THE LAWS OF HONG KONG) AND ITS SUBSIDIARY LEGISLATION. Investment involves risks. Past performance is not indicative of future performance. The information contained in this website is provided for reference only and does not constitute investment advice or an offer or solicitation to buy or sell in any securities or to adopt any investment strategy. Investors should not base their investment decisions solely on the information provided on this website and are advised to seek independent advice (including advice on tax implications) before making any investment decisions. Investors should ensure they fully understand the risks associated with the investment products and should also consider their own investment objectives and risk tolerance level. The investment decision is yours. You should not invest unless the intermediary who sells you the investment products has advised you that it is suitable for you and has explained how it is consistent with your investment objectives. Please refer to the relevant offering documents or other legal documents for further details including the risk factors. This website is published by Robeco Hong Kong Limited which is regulated by the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (“SFC”) (CE No. APU851). This website has not been reviewed by the SFC. No assurance can be given that the investment objective of any investment products will be achieved. No representation or promise as to the performance of any investment products or the return on an investment is made. The value of investments may fluctuate. Past performance, projections, or forecasts included in this website should not be regarded as guarantees or indications of future performance, and no express or implied warranty is provided. The contents of this website are based on sources believed to be reliable, but due to the nature of information delivery technology and the necessity of using multiple data sources, including third party content, their accuracy is not guaranteed. The opinions expressed are as of the date shown above and may change as market conditions evolve, and are subject to change without notice. These opinions may differ from those of other Robeco investment professionals. Robeco accepts no liability for any direct, indirect, or consequential loss arising from the use of this material or any comments, opinions, or estimates contained herein. Robeco has no duty to update this website or any website content. Materials on this website may not be reproduced, distributed, or published without prior written permission from Robeco. Unless otherwise specified, Source: Robeco.
