Most South African asset managers have taken the steps of responsible investment, such as having a responsible investment policy and ensuring senior-level responsibility for ESG oversight and implementation, but a recent survey suggests that these basic steps are not sufficient for strong responsible investment performance.
The ESG Annual Asset Manager Survey for 2022, published by 27four Investment Managers, presents key metrics to accurately measure the impact of ESG efforts across the industry and a guidebook for decision makers in search for managers that are making a real impact against those who are perhaps just talking about it. The 53 participating asset managers were scored based on their responses to the survey. Rounding out the Top 3 highest ranking firms are Ninety One, Aeon Investment Management and Old Mutual Investment Group.
“These are the leaders within ESG integration based on real data and not rebranding products or clever marketing. We want to know the steps they have taken to get here, the impact they are making and if, at the end of the day, it all matters” said Thenjiwe Maseko, an ESG analyst at 27four commenting on the findings.
While the firms with larger AUM often have an advantage given the resources required to meet ESG standards, smaller firms remain resilient with some developing a niche offering such as Aeon Investment Management ranking high amongst established firms.
The survey goes into greater detail covering policy, ESG implementation, active stewardship, transparency, and climate change.
The report will be launched in partnership with Batseta at a hybrid event, live from the Wits Origins Centre Museum on the 7th of April 2022. PRI Head of Africa, Darron Scorgie will provide global perspectives on responsible investing and the impact of climate change in South Africa. ESG consultant and former PIC Head of ESG, Hangwi Manavhela will provide an outlook on ESG integration across Africa and into South Africa. The Sustainable Asset Manager Award presentation to the Top 3 performing firms within the survey and a winners round table will close out the programme.
Visit www.27four.com/ESG to access the survey and watch the launch event.
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