The first proxy season since Donald Trump swept back into power and waged war on prominent three letter acronyms – DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) and ESG (environmental, social and governance) – has been and gone. While overshadowed somewhat by tariff-related drama, there have been a number of crucial observations for those working in responsible and sustainable investment. Up to…

As the investment industry continues to grapple with geopolitical volatility, market shocks and shifting client demands, the role of fund selectors has never been more critical – or more complex. And it was a recurring theme from a recent panel session at our Investors ACT conference. The message from fund gatekeepers was clear: in a world where black swan events…

Cognitive diversity can lead to better performance from investment teams, a new survey from the London Business School has suggested, but firms also need to consider if they have a culture of inclusivity to see the benefits. The study by professor of finance Alex Edmans, (pictured) commissioned by the Diversity Project, found cognitive diversity must be effectively managed – through…

A group of leading investors including Rathbones Investment Management, Sarasin & Partners, Scottish Widows and NEST, are calling on companies to recommit to diversity and inclusion. The 19 investment firms, which have a combined £498bn in assets under management, have signed a statement coordinated by ShareAction urging businesses to reaffirm their commitments to advancing diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) in…

Private credit is poised to become the fastest-growing strategy in European alternative investments over the next 12–18 months, according to a new survey of fund managers. The EU Core Alternative Managers’ Mood Index (CAMMI) was conducted by Gen II Fund Services, an independent private capital fund administrator. The survey of 110 UK and European fund managers revealed that 64% plan to launch…

A majority (56%) of global investors have said president Donald Trump’s pro-fossil fuels and anti-clean energy policy will hamper the net-zero transition, but that momentum will recover once US leadership changes, according to the findings of Robeco’s fifth Global Climate Investing Survey. At present, nearly six-in-ten (59%) of investors inidicated they will see how the new US policy agenda develops further…

Shareholders at Walmart and Netflix voted overwhelmingly to reject anti-DEI proposals brought by a conservative shareholder group, with resolutions brought at each company’s annual meeting receiving less than 1% shareholder support. The votes mark the latest in a series of anti-DEI proposal rejections at major U.S. companies, following similar results at Apple, Amazon, Deere and Goldman Sachs, among several others….