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M&G to Adopt “Sustainability Improvers” Label for Climate-Focused Fund Range

M&G to Adopt “Sustainability Improvers” Label for Climate-Focused Fund Range

International investment manager M&G Investments announced that it will adopt the new “Sustainability Improvers” label introduced by the UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)’s Sustainability Disclosure Requirements (SDR) for its Sustain Paris Aligned range of climate mitigation-focused investment funds. The FCA’s SDR regulations were introduced by in November 2023, aimed at helping investors assess the sustainability attributes of investment products, and to avoid…

Sumitomo Mitsui Becomes First Japanese Bank to Exit Net Zero Banking Alliance

Sumitomo Mitsui Becomes First Japanese Bank to Exit Net Zero Banking Alliance

Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group (SMFG), Japan’s second largest bank, revealed that it has decided to exit the Net-Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA), further expanding what had been a primarily North America-focused series of exits from the UN-backed coalition of banks dedicated to advancing global net zero goals through their financing activities. In statements to media outlets, SMFG said that its decision…

Over 40% of Senior Executives Prioritizing ESG in Career Decisions: Survey

Over 40% of Senior Executives Prioritizing ESG in Career Decisions: Survey

More than 40% of senior executives report that they prioritize ESG factors when applying for jobs, well ahead of their more junior peers, and many see a rising role for sustainability in talent attraction over the longer term, according to a new survey released by Economist Impact. For the report, “Transitioning to sustainability: employee perspectives on workplace practices,” Economist Impact…

Investors Await Investment Plans for UK NDC

Sector roadmaps are the “crucial missing layer” for reaching climate and nature transition targets. While the UK has been widely applauded for putting forward an ambitious nationally determined contribution (NDC), there remains a pressing need for clear investment plans. Under the UK’s NDC, the country plans to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 81% in the next 10 years,…

M&G to adopt Improvers label across its Sustain Paris Aligned fund range

M&G Investments’ Sustain Paris Aligned fund range will adopt the Sustainability Improvers label, adhering to the Financial Conduct Authority’s Sustainability Disclosure Requirements (SDR). The range includes three funds: the M&G Global Sustain Paris Aligned Fund, the M&G European Sustain Paris Aligned Fund and the M&G UK Sustain Paris Aligned Fund. The first two funds are managed by John William Olsen,…

EQ Investors recruits Yeoman as BDM

Wealth manager EQ Investors has hired Alistair Yeoman (pictured) as business development manager.  He joins from Momentum Global Investment Management where he was distribution development manager and has over eight years’ experience including nearly three years at TIME Investments.  In his new role based in London, he will support the expansion of the discretionary fund management business, including its custom…

New Twist as Water Utilities Turn on the Debt Taps

With great change coming down the pipe, sustainability-linked bonds could help the sector address its poor financial and environmental record. The mounting need for debt issuance in the UK water sector could yield opportunities for increased use of innovative deal structures and greater investor engagement, according to new analysis. In particular, sustainability-linked bonds (SLBs) could play more of a role…

Collidr rolls out ‘AI-driven’ MPS range for advisers

Collidr has launched a range of AI-driven model portfolios called Select Portfolios.  The service provides advisers with a range of investment style options including Strategic Index, Enhanced Index, Hybrid, Active, Income, Responsible and Decumulation. Collidr said its ‘data and evidence-based approach’ utilises proprietary investment technology to deliver an ‘enriched client experience’ through reporting, investment analytics, and risk management.  This investment…

Q&A: Key considerations for boards balancing AI adoption with intention

Liza Tullidge, CEO and founder of Netā, a training consultancy for non-executive directors, answers PA Future‘s questions on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) from a governance perspective and helping executive teams adapt to an evolving business environment. How is AI being used internally at businesses in terms of governance?  AI isn’t a governance solution – it’s a tool that…

The ‘dog’ days aren’t over for under pressure UK sustainability funds

The investment landscape for investors in UK funds has been challenging since 2016 due to a shrinking universe, fund outflows, regulatory changes, the rise of passive solutions and artificial intelligence (AI). The UK economy has also endured Brexit, the pandemic, rapid inflation, interest rate hikes and a new government, which has inherited a dysfunctional economy. The political instability has added…