After a bruising period for sustainable investment featuring political turbulence, regulatory overload and market scepticism, 2026 looks set to be a year of consolidation and maturation rather than further retreat, according to market observers. While political noise and ESG backlash will continue to play a role in the narrative, the underlying regulatory frameworks, capital flows and investment opportunities are quietly…
Microsoft, MISO Partner to Modernize Grid for Increased Demand from Data Centers, Electrification
Microsoft and U.S. Midwest electric power provider Midcontinent Independent System Operator (MISO) announced the launch of a new grid modernization collaboration, using AI and cloud technology to help meet increasing energy needs driven by factors including data center growth and electrification. Among the key benefits highlighted by the companies from the collaboration is enhanced capabilities for MISO to make faster, more…
Guest Post: In 2026, Resilience & Sustainability Are Non-Negotiable
By: Katie McGinty, Vice President and Chief Sustainability and External Relations Officer at Johnson Controls In 2026, resilience and sustainability will be foundational for business success. Companies that embrace these imperatives will thrive and outpace the competition, while those that don’t risk falling behind. The evidence is in the data: extreme weather events cost businesses in the U.S. more than…
RLAM launches Global Equity Tilt fund
Royal London Asset Management (RLAM) has launched a global equity fund aiming to track the MSCI World with a tilt towards companies with a stronger ESG profile. The fund is designed to help clients access broad global equity market exposure at a comparatively low cost, while managing the portfolio’s carbon footprint. Using the MSCI World index as the benchmark, the…
Waygood steps away from Aviva Investors to set up think tank
Steve Waygood (pictured) has stepped away from his role as chief sustainable finance officer – and nearly two decades at Aviva Investors – to become the new founding CEO of think tank the Finance Transition Centre (FTC). The think tank will focus on mobilising capital to accelerate the global shift to a sustainable economy. Commenting on the move, Waygood said:…
EQ Investors’ Spiers awarded MBE
John Spiers, chair of EQ Investors, has been recognised with an MBE in the 2026 New Year Honours for his “outstanding contributions to business and the charitable sector”. Spiers, who was formerly CEO of EQ Investors and set up the firm in 2014, was also awarded the honour for his position as CEO of the firm’s charity the EQ Foundation….
Sector review: Three Asia and EM equity funds for 2026
Responsible investment in Asia and emerging markets is entering a new phase. Recent years have been marked by geopolitical tensions, policy shifts and changing political narratives. This has led in general to negative sentiment towards the region and a narrow market leadership as well as concentration risk, while from a style perspective, value has tended to outperform growth and quality…
Blackstone Acquires Environmental Compliance Services Provider Alliance Technical Group from Morgan Stanley
Alternative investment manager Blackstone’s energy-focused private equity business, Blackstone Energy Transition Partners, announced the acquisition of environmental testing, monitoring and compliance services provider Alliance Technical Group (ATG) from Morgan Stanley Capital Partners. Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Alabama, ATG provides environmental management and compliance solutions for companies and brands in North America. The company’s suite of solutions include source…
Sustainability Investor Impax Hires Former HSBC AM UK CEO Stuart White
Sustainable transition-focused investor Impax Asset Management announced today the appointment of former HSBC Asset Management UK CEO Stuart White to the newly created position of Executive Director, Business Development. White joins Impax after 15 years at HSBC, including five years as Chief Executive Officer, UK & Global Head of Official Sector Institutions of the firm’s asset management business. Additional roles…
2025 was the year of the transition, now investors must lead
2025 was a year defined by contradictions. We witnessed intensifying geopolitical realignments, heightened energy security concerns, and climate policy reversals in major economies. Yet, the transition is happening — at scale, globally and irreversibly — because economics are driving it. In this moment of turbulence, investor leadership, bipartisan policy engagement, and disciplined long-term strategy matter more than ever. Some of…