Standard Chartered Private Bank has launched ESG e-learning modules developed by Robeco, according to a statement from Robeco.
The Robeco Sustainability Investing Essentials module explains what sustainability investing is and how ESG integration works. It clarifies trends and misconceptions around sustainability investing, takes a closer look at performance and active ownership and details a number of specific case studies, according to the statement.
The module will be launched internally to Standard Chartered PB’s employees globally, including Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai and the UK. Robeco first introduced the module for investment professionals in 2018.
The module will include an exam at the end, which gives participants two hours towards their continuous professional development (CPD) accreditation, according to the statement.
Although clients have shown more interest in ESG-related investments, a number of relationship managers have received limited ESG-related training. Standard Chartered PB plans to close this gap by partnering with Robeco.
“Our clients are increasingly looking to get more involved in sustainability investing, and [are asking] their private banking partner for solutions,” Eugenia Koh, head of sustainability investing and engagement strategy at Standard Chartered, said in the statement.
“This collaboration with Robeco allows us to leverage Robeco’s expertise to further equip our bankers to drive these conversations with clients and to bridge the gap between social impact and finance,” she said.
Other wealth managers, such as UBS Wealth Management, believe that ESG investing is starting to gain traction in the region. It launched its sustainable investing mandate to Asia-Pacific clients in April last year and the bank said it has since gathered $550m in assets from the region.
Some do not share the same sentiment, however. Pictet Wealth Management, for example, believes it will take a decade for ESG to rise to prominence in Asia client portfolios.
