Misperceptions and a general lack of understanding of ESG products are the reasons for scant interest, according to a survey conducted by the Hong Kong Investment Funds Association (HKIFA).
Category: ESG
In case you missed it (16 November 2018)
Natixis IM hires three Pictet AM managers of theme funds; ASI creates new role for institutional investors; Morningstar IM names new APAC CIO; BNY Mellon IM affiliate creates ESG model for sovereign debt; MAS proposes ‘sandbox express’; and more…
UBS Wealth seeks more China-focused products
Qualitative factors such as after-sales service and management team calibre are what influence the bank’s fund selection process, according to Jansen Phee, Singapore-based head of fund investment solutions for Asia-Pacific.
Eastspring plans ESG quant strategy
The firm believes market volatility will increase demand for another quant product, its Asia-Pacific low volatility strategy, according to Sarah Lien, Singapore-based client portfolio manager for equities at Eastspring Investments.
Blackrock readies EM ESG funds in Singapore
The asset management giant is also expected to launch three thematic funds in the Lion City, according to records from the Monetary Authority of Singapore.
Be wary of ESG data, Templeton says
ESG disclosures from companies and data providers are backward-looking, argues Maarten Bloemen, Toronto-based portfolio manager and research analyst for global equities at Franklin Templeton Investments.
HK ESG reporting is just box-ticking
Investors in Hong Kong have interest in sustainable investing, but among locally-listed companies a ‘box-ticking attitude’ toward ESG reporting remains prevalent, according to industry reports.
Do ESG metrics generate alpha?
Investors in Asia are the least convinced globally about the link between alpha generation and incorporating ESG metrics in an investment approach, according to a survey by RBC Global Asset Management.
In case you missed it (28 September 2018)
Principal Global hires Amundi’s Asia fixed income head; Unigestion appoints two investment managers for cross-asset solutions; Japanese firms using machine learning to invest; Microsoft, Alphabet and Apple still the most widely-held companies; Global firms launch tobacco-free finance pledge; and more…
Expensive ESG products turn off HK investors
Sustainable investment products come with higher fees than traditional products, according to a UBS survey of Hong Kong investors.