Investors should conduct due diligence even as SEC increases scrutiny of ESG funds
The Bottom Line: The increased SEC scrutiny of ESG funds will bolster confidence in sustainable investment products but investors should conduct their own due diligence. Introduction and summary On June 10, 2022, the Wall Street Journal reported that the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) was conducting a civil investigation of Goldman Sachs Asset Management (GSAM), […]
The INDEX Act, a gain for sustainable investors?
The Bottom Line: If enacted, the Investor Democracy is Expected (INDEX) Act will potentially give sustainable investors an influential voice by shifting proxy voting power. Summary/Conclusion The concentration of corporate voting power in the hands of a small number of investment advisers who are perceived to be aligned with an ESG agenda is engendering pushback. […]
Are 401(k) plan fiduciaries ready for Bitcoin as a plan option?
The Bottom Line: For at least three reasons it seems unlikely that plan sponsors will offer Bitcoin in company sponsored 401(k) plans any time soon. Introduction and conclusion On April 26, 2022 Fidelity Investments announced the launch of Fidelity’s workplace Digital Assets Account (DAA), the industry’s first offering that will enable individuals to have a portion of […]
ESG Issues in the Bond Fund Space presentation slides
The Bottom Line: Slides presented at Crane Data’s Bond Fund Symposium, March 28, 2022, on the topic of ESG Issues in the Bond Fund Space. Key takeaways from Crane’s Bond Fund Symposium presentation: ESG and sustainable investing are terms that are used interchangeably, leading to confusion and misunderstanding. Terms should be defined, and standards established […]
Focusing on ESG ratings: A more active due diligence role for sustainable investors
The Bottom Line: Scrutiny of ESG ratings identifies challenges and signals to investors to take an active due diligence role to understand their fund’s strategies. Sustainable investors should take on a more active due diligence role to understand the sustainable strategies pursued by their funds and ensure continued alignment with their sustainable investment preferences Financial […]
SRA Select Listing: ESG Integration Investment Funds-Q1 2022
Sustainable investors can establish cost-effective diversified portfolios of funds that pursue an ESG Integration investing approach aligned with their financial profile and risk tolerance (1). Summary Sustainable investors seeking to establish a diversified investment fund portfolio that pursues an ESG Integration investing approach, as defined and based on the criteria set out below, should consider […]
Net Zero Asset Managers initiative invites stakeholder questions
The Bottom Line: Net Zero Asset Managers initiative supports the carbon transition, but managers’ actions will have an impact on portfolio structures, investments and outcomes. Net Zero Asset Managers (NZAM) initiative has attracted 220 signatories with $57 trillion in assets under management Ahead of the conclusion on November 13, 2021 of the Glasgow Climate Pact […]
FSOC report addresses financial risks due to climate change
The bottom line: FSOC report acknowledges threat of climate change to financial stability and promulgates recommendations that should be beneficial to asset owners and investors. FSOC report issued last week, which recognizes the emerging threat of climate change, sets out specific recommendations on risk measurement, quantification and disclosures On October 21st the Financial Stability Oversight […]