On April 30th, London’s Bush House hosted an engaging gathering, “The Varieties of Investor Stewardship.” This blog summarises the event’s highlights, encapsulating key discussions led by thought leaders in the investor stewardship landscape. The sessions explored emerging trends, essential actors, innovative strategies, and specific sector challenges within the stewardship ecosystem. Re-imagining Investor Stewardship: Running Themes and Emerging Trends Dionysia Katelouzou opened the event by discussing the evolving paradigms in investor stewardship. She highlighted how transparency, accounta ..read more

As the financial landscape evolves, the demands of Gen Z investors are significantly reshaping how asset managers approach risk, return, and real-world impact. These digital natives are not only reshaping investment trends but are also redefining the very essence of stewardship. This blog explores how the values and expectations of Gen Z are transforming the principles of effective stewardship in the financial sector.  Understanding Gen Z’s Investment Perspective: Generation Z, those born between 1996 and 2012, are true digital natives who grew up during the rise of social media and rapid ..read more

Effective stewardship extends beyond mere participation in annual general meetings (AGMs) and superficial corporate governance actions. In fact, poorly executed stewardship strategies can negatively impact both companies and investors. For asset owners, adopting a holistic and proactive stewardship approach is crucial for enhancing and protecting asset value over time. Recently, at the Stewardship Summit, our team engaged with asset owners, asset managers, and policymakers. This post distils key insights from these discussions, offering a comprehensive guide to effective stewardship for asset ..read more

The Stewardship Summit 2024, by ESG Investor, held on 10 April in London, showcased advancements in sustainable investment practices. Maanch actively participated, bringing forth insights from our team.  Here’s a concise summary of the key discussions and takeaways: Opening the Dialogue on Stewardship: The summit commenced with a focus on the evolving landscape of regulatory frameworks, highlighted by Andrea Tweedie from the Financial Reporting Council. Her deep dive into the UK Stewardship Code set the tone, emphasising the growing expectations and responsibilities placed on investors to ..read more

In the investment world, a profound shift is underway. Firms are rethinking risk, moving beyond traditional financial metrics to incorporate sustainability into their core strategies. This evolution reflects a broader recognition: sustainability risks, from climate change to social inequality, have profound implications for long-term financial performance. The New Frontier in Investment: Investment firms are now on the frontline, championing this transition. They recognise that to thrive in a rapidly changing world, integrating sustainability is not just ethical—it’s essential. Here’s how the ..read more

In the world of investment, stewardship embodies the diligent oversight and risk management of assets. Traditionally, many investors adopted a passive stance, focusing mainly on financial returns without active engagement in company affairs. However, a significant shift towards active stewardship is underway, prompted by a growing recognition of its potential to drive substantial real-world impact. Will Martindale, in his insightful book “Responsible Investment – An Insider’s Account of What’s Working, What’s Not, and Where Next,” eloquently defines responsible investment as a strategy that no ..read more

In the realm of sustainable investing, impact attribution in stewardship is pivotal, steering us towards measurable outcomes. Stewardship, the strategic management of investments to foster long-term value, is increasingly critical in today’s financial landscape. This shift underscores the growing emphasis on sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations. However, accurately measuring the impact of stewardship activities and attributing specific outcomes to these actions presents a significant challenge, spotlighting the need for robust methodologies and transpar ..read more

As we venture into 2024, the emphasis on stewardship within asset management continues to sharpen, underscored by the UK Stewardship Code’s pivotal role. This guide equips asset managers, asset owners, and their service providers with the knowledge to craft a compelling stewardship report in 2024. Key points from the Financial Reporting Council (FRC) advice are summarised below. Key Guidance for Stewardship Reporting: Showcase Your Approach: Use your stewardship report as a canvas to illustrate your unique approach and the specific actions taken throughout the year. Remember, the Code values ..read more

In the realm of asset management, the spotlight on Stewardship and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) integration has never been brighter. A glance at client-facing ESG materials from top asset managers worldwide reveals a uniform narrative: polished, insightful reports adorned with sleek visuals that narrate the engagement journey compellingly. Yet, the behind-the-scenes reality of compiling this data often contrasts starkly with the polished façade. The majority juggle last-minute data collection through emails and spreadsheets, indicating a glaring need for systemic overhaul to kee ..read more

The proxy season is a pivotal time for investment teams. It offers a unique opportunity to shape corporate governance and long-term strategies through voting and engagement. The evolving landscape of shareholder engagement and growing ESG focus highlights the need for a strategic plan for the 2024 season. 2024 Proxy Season Landscape ESG Priorities Take Center Stage: Climate Accountability: With global attention on climate change, companies face growing pressure to disclose environmental impacts, set ambitious carbon targets, and show progress. Social Responsibility: The social dimension of ..read more