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Europe
Growing investor support for coalition on shale gas link to methane emissions
Growing backing for Scottish Widows’ initiative
Renewable energy covered bonds proposed to tap €2.5trn market
Potential new channel for private sector low-carbon investment
RI ESG Briefing, May 22: Pfizer, Potash removed from sustainability index
The round-up of environmental, social and governance news
Energy giant becomes first listed company to back new German Sustainability Code
Blue chip backing is a major boost for new code
RI People & Appointments, May 21: UN PRI seeks Head of Research & Public Policy
ESG movers and shakers
RI ESG Briefing, May 17: CalPERS seeks support at Nabors AGM
The round-up of environmental. social and governance news
RI ESG Briefing, May 16: Mutual funds falling short on climate change voting - Ceres
The round-up of environmental, social and governance news
SRI retail fund sales recover slightly, green funds flat - Lipper stats
Asset flows for February 2012
40% back union pension fund’s proposal for independent chair at J.P. Morgan
Dutch pension giant PGGM votes against Dimon as director
Luxembourg seeks leading role in responsible investment funds
Plan to make RI the “third pillar” of Grand Duchy’s funds industry
More German asset owners sign up to UN Principles for Responsible Investment
PRI continues to gain traction in Germany
RI People & Appointments, May 9: APG seeking Governance & Sustainability Specialist
ESG movers and shakers
Aviva CEO Moss steps down after shareholder pay revolt
New interim chief aims to “regain the respect” of shareholders
Responsible Funds, May 4: New Sparinvest ethical emerging markets fund
The round-up of responsible funds news
Nearly half of German investors plan to engage on ESG - survey
Union Investment survey also shows UN PRI gaining traction
RI ESG Briefing, May 3: Aviva loses non-binding remuneration vote
The round-up of environmental, social and governance news
RI ESG Briefing, May 2: Christian Brothers on Parliament’s Murdoch verdict
The round-up of environmental, social and governance news
Danish listed clean energy investment fund founder and CEO exits
New team at Copenhagen-listed investor
RI ESG Briefing, May 1: New York City funds to vote against Wal-Mart directors
The round-up of environmental, social and governance news
The missing shareholder links in France’s AGM reforms
French SIF responds to the recent corporate governance consultation.
German insurers debate voluntary cluster bomb exclusion
Lack of agreement by industry players
RI People & Appointments, April 30: Canadian funds hire BP exec for forestry role
ESG movers and shakers
Pension-backed water fund in breach of London exchange listing rules
Possible change to “premium” London listing
RI ESG Briefing, April 27: Strathclyde fund hires GES for “two-way” engagement
The round-up of environmental, social and governance news
Rabobank looking at “strategic options” for fund arm Robeco
Bank mulling future of responsible investment subsidiary
RI ESG Briefing, April 26: UK eyes renewable energy trading
The round-up of environmental, social and governance news
German institutional shareholder advisor VIP critical of Deutsche Bank CEO plan
Further pressure on banking giant in run-up to AGM
Tessa Tennant wins Joan Bavaria Award for Building Sustainability into the Capital Markets
Award presentation kicks off Ceres conference in Boston.
RI ESG Briefing, April 25: Ex-BP CEO Browne calls for extractives transparency
The round-up of environmental, social and governance news
RI ESG Briefing, April 24: New intergovernmental biodiversity body established
The round-up of ESG news
Korea sovereign fund backs new EIB Climate Awareness Bonds
Asian giant among new investors in climate bonds
New German corporate sustainability code gaining momentum
Energy giant RWE says it is considering signing up
RI People & Appointments, April 23: South Africa investment chief joins Global Compact board
ESG movers and shakers
Responsible Funds, April 20: responsAbility fund backs Central American co-ops
The round-up of responsible funds news
RI ESG Briefing, April 19: New Canadian board diversity database launched
The round-up of ESG news
Dutch pension fund giant explains why it voted against Citigroup pay
More details from investor on unexpected annual meeting result
UK pension fund group says banks could be breaching law by overstating assets
Risks identified over IFRS accounting standard.
RI ESG Briefing, April 18: Shell invites SRI investors to visit Nigeria operations
The round-up of ESG news
Foreign investors take stand against Volkswagen chief Piech at AGM (Update)
At least four non-domestic institutions oppose election to board
French investor calls for CEO/Chair split and oversight committee at SocGen
Corporate governance rising on French investor agenda.
RI ESG Briefing, April 13: Generation IM backs waste-to-energy firm’s financing
The round-up of ESG news
Norwegian pension fund drums up support for US governance campaign
Investor presentations on ‘proxy access’ proposals
BP AGM: almost 12% of votes go against remuneration report
Oil major facing investors almost two years after Deepwater Horizon
Swiss pension fund backs new Rothschild quantitative responsible investment strategy
Rothschild teams up with sustainability firm Conser Invest
RI ESG Briefing, April 10: French state fund issues responsible investment charter
The daily round-up of ESG news
Swiss private bank Sarasin excludes controversial weapons
Swiss move comes as UK investors reportedly impose “blanket ban”
RI People & Appointments, April 10: responsible investors on new SEC panel
ESG movers and shakers
Responsible Funds, April 5: SAM celebrates five years of Healthy Living and Climate funds
The round-up of responsible funds news
UK pension fund eyes agriculture, timber in long-term fiduciary mandate
Potential 10-year contract with supplier
RI ESG Briefing: Principles for Sustainable Insurance set for Rio+20 launch
The daily ESG news round-up
Scottish Widows building coalition to tackle methane emissions
Says US environmental watchdog keen to work with investors
German exchange teams up with CDP to offer carbon data on 1,800 global firms
Specific CDP data points on listed firms worldwide
Asset owners call for global debate on materiality in financial reporting (Update)
Response to European regulatory consultation
RI People & Appointments, April 2: Sustainalytics’ Germany MD joins life insurer
ESG movers and shakers
RI ESG Briefing: Investors write to energy firms on shale flaring
The daily round-up of environmental, social and governance news
RI ESG Briefing: Allianz takes renewables investment to €1.3bn with wind farm deals
The daily round-up of environmental, social and governance news
UK government seeks fund managers for non-domestic energy efficiency infrastructure
Focus is likely to be debt funding, says green investments team
UK government puts off decision on corporate emissions reporting
Carbon Disclosure Project: “surprised and disappointed”
RI ESG Briefing: ISS fires employee for supplying confidential client data
The daily round-up of environmental, social and governance news
RI People & Appointments, March 26: New role for former UNEP FI head Clements-Hunt
ESG movers and shakers
Sustainalytics to buy Asian ESG research rival
Deal for Responsible Research expected to close in May
Responsible Funds, March 23: Netherlands’ SNS merges sustainable equity fund
The regular round-up of responsible funds news
RI ESG Briefing: UK pension fund tenders proxy voting
The daily round-up of environmental, social and governance news
ERAFP takes major French step with shareholder voting and engagement policy
Move comes as AMF regulator consults on AGM process.
RI ESG Briefing: Danish pension fund’s Deepwater Horizon-related case dismissed
The daily round-up of environmental, social and governance news
Responsible Funds, March 16: €6bn UK local authority fund eyes food waste investment
RIs’ regular round-up of responsible funds news
Institutional investor-backed Royal Bank of Scotland legal action goes forward
Action group delivers claim against bank and directors
Norwegian fund giant’s environmental investments slip
Environmental mandates return -22.8% in 2011
RI Governance, March 15: New York City funds in director nomination push at two firms
RI’s regular round-up of governance and engagement news
Leading investment consultant calls for better ESG mandates
Owners need to show leadership, says respected industry figure
RI profile: How one of Switzerland’s largest pension schemes invested CHF130m into microfinance
PK Post’s Rolf Maurer explains how the fund made the strategic move.
RI Briefing, March 14: Dutch bank signs up as UN PRI goes past 1,000 signatories
RI’s regular round-up of responsible investing news
UK starts six-week consultation on final binding shareholder pay vote laws
Final review to examine impact, costs and benefits.
Shareholders and campaigners call for legal clarity on fiduciary responsibility
Mis-interpretation leads to erroneous focus on short-term returns
Environment, March 13: Norway fund buys into California water project
RI’s regular round-up of environmental investing news
NAPF Conference Report: reconciling short-termism and stewardship
The tension between long-term aspirations and short-term pressures
Pension fund-backed ‘long-term/sustainable’ model mandate set for formal launch
International Corporate Governance Network project
Denmark’s ATP says new UK DC arm to have responsible investment at core
Interview with Chair and CEO at Now:Pensions
RI Briefing, March 7: Global CEOs commit to Women’s Empowerment Principles
RI’s regular round-up of responsible investing news
EU starts 3-month consultation before possible regulation to put more women on boards
Commissioner says current rates will take 40 years for gender parity.
RI Governance, March 1: Danish pension fund divests mining firm over pollution
RI’s regular review of governance news
Investors get high-level support for Draghi letter on climate ‘stranded’ assets
Appeal to ECB Chief goes out today.
Environment, February 28: New carbon indices launched for Australia, Europe and Japan
RI’s regular review of environmental investing news
Investors await Kay Review into long-term decisions making and markets
Fiduciary duty a possible area of focus
The €6bn ESG mandate tender you should know about…
France’s Ircantec revamps entire portfolio on RI lines.
Investors step up annual board vote threat on 30% female exec representation
World’s largest fund manager among new 30% Club signatories
Responsible Funds, February 24: New manager at LGT sustainable global equity fund
The round-up of ESG funds news
Dutch pension giant backs massive $1bn Mexican wind farm project
Investor says project is in line with ESG criteria
RI Governance, February 23: South African state investor takes stand on exec pay
RI’s regular review of governance and engagement developments
RI Briefing, February 22: Global Investor Survey on Climate Change
RI’s regular round-up of responsible investing news
European SRI funds slow down sales slide, green funds continue to lose assets: RI Lipper stats
Asset flows for December 2011.
UK county council pension fund awards €71.5m timberland mandate
Fund puts 2% of assets into timberland
Study looks at pay, headcount and gender balance at SRI firms
Survey from recruitment firm
Investor support grows for CDP-backed corporate ‘Carbon Action’ initiative
$10trn of assets now back call for energy cost cutting
RI People & Appointments, February 20: SNS names Active Ownership Specialist
ESG movers and shakers
Private equity giant Carlyle working with Dutch pension funds on ESG
Firm reveals “working partnerships” with funds
RI Governance, February 16: Co-operative AM presents case study of Murdoch engagement
RI’s regular round-up of governance news
UK CEOs paid ‘excessive’ short and long-term bonuses compared to European peers: report
UK corporate chiefs 7 out of 10 best-paid in Europe in 2011
RI Briefing, February 15: Principles for Investors in Inclusive Finance: first year case studies
RI’s regular roundup of ESG news.
Environment, February 14: Pension–backed low carbon VC fund to liquidate portfolio
Key news in environmental investing
Investors to write to ECB chief Mario Draghi on carbon risk of indexed assets
European Systemic Risk Board urged to carry out an assessment on regulatory bind.
RI People & Appointments, Feb. 13: New investment chief at Australian Ethical
The round-up of ESG movers and shakers
Counting share buy-backs as dividends is overstating investor returns!
Shareholders are starting to resist a technically dubious and politically dangerous trait, says Pierre-Henri Leroy.
RI Governance, Feb. 9: Finland’s Ilmarinen appeals ‘minimum dividend’ judgment (update)
RI’s round-up of governance and engagement news
Major pension fund-backed offshore wind farm set for official launch
Walney project shows role of institutional investors
France’s €12bn ERAFP tenders for €865m in SRI convertible bond and real estate mandates
Huge ESG tender will follow fund’s SRI charter.
RI Briefing, February 8: New UK social impact bond in pipeline
RI’s regular round-up of responsible investing news
Denmark’s ATP “gratified” asset firms Goldman Sachs AM and PIMCO signed UN PRI
Fund giant says it engaged with managers to “induce” them to sign up
Environment, Feb. 7: Generation IM discloses stake in smart grid firm
RI’s regular review of environmental investing news
RI People & Appointments, February 6: UN PRI seeking Director of Global Development
ESG movers and shakers
Responsible Funds, February 3: the round-up of ESG funds news
RI’s regular look at responsible funds news
RI Governance, Feb. 2: MSCI’s governance earnings slip in fourth quarter
RI’s regular review of governance developments
Aviva Investors names new Chief Responsible Investment Officer
First details of new structure emerge after shake-up
RI Briefing, February 1: Man Group hopes others will follow its lead on UN PRI
RI’s regular review of responsible investing news
Environment, January 31: Institutional investors’ climate change group reacts to EU working paper
RI’s regular round-up of environmental investing developments
Aviva Investors’ SRI team seeks to stay together with new parent
Team leader Michaelis confirms intention
Aviva Investors cuts London SRI equity desk amid wider job cull
Formation of new Global Responsible Investment Team
Norwegian pension fund meets resistance in US shareholder rights campaign
Western Union seeks to omit shareholder resolution from ballot
UK’s €10bn responsible investment-focused pensions lifeboat in bond move
Leading responsible investor seeking bond managers
RI People & Appointments, January 30: New chairman at Finnish pension giant
RI’s regular round-up of responsible people moves
A third of Swedish companies making little sustainability progress despite local investor pressure
Sustainable Value Creation in Sweden reports second year findings.
RI Governance, Jan. 26: New proxy consultant launches in UK
RI’s regular round-up of govenrance and engagement news
Major US corporate lobby groups tells SEC to regulate proxy firms as investment advisers
US regulator to issue ruling in coming months.
RI Briefing, January 25: Royal Bank of Canada in social and environmental initiative
RI’s regular review of responsible investing developments
Reto Ringger’s Globalance taps ex-Deutsche wealth chief for board
New top appointment at SAM founder’s new venture
Vedanta Wal-Mart and Freeport most excluded companies in European investor sample: Novethic
15 most blacklisted companies listed by large investors.
New Dutch class action pay-out could lead investors to chase US claims in the Netherlands
Lawyers exploit Dutch Court of Appeals to get shareholder damages.
RI People & Appointments, January 23: ex-UN PRI operating chief takes up mission investing post
Ri’s regular round-up of people news
Group warns Bank of England over “systemic risk” of high carbon investments
Investors and campaign groups write to BOE Governor
RI Governance & Engagement, Jan. 19: Tokyo exchange planning governance changes
RI’s regular round-up of governance and engagement news
Siemens faces investor call at Jan 24 AGM to quit US Chamber of Commerce over bribery issue
German company faces ‘reputation risk’ say investors as DoJ reviews Foreign Corrupt Practices Act.
Investors braced for key UK executive pay proposals next week as Fidelity enters debate
Long-awaited government pay proposals to be unveiled by Business Secretary Vince Cable
RI Briefing, January 18: UN PRI signatory managers sought by Danish pension funds
RI’s regular round-up of responsible investing news
UK investors meet with government and warn that binding pay vote could backfire
Proposal to vote on ‘forward-looking’ pay policy floated.
Clean Investor, January 17: CDP chief named to Clean Development Mechanism panel
RI’s regular round-up of clean investing news
Flight to safety in European SRI and green fund sales reflects continuing market crisis
Cash funds best sellers in both sectors as downturn persists.
Responsible Funds, January 13: the round-up of ESG funds news
RI’s regular look at responsible funds news
RI Governance & Engagement, Jan. 12: CalSTRS votes against entire Aberdeen AM board
RI’s regular review of governance and engagement developments
Clean Investor, January 10: French state investor signs Tunisia carbon credits deal
RI’s regular round-up of clean investing news
Threadneedle names new Head of Governance and Responsible Investment
€75bn funds firm hires from rival Aviva Investors
UK government indicates binding pay vote on the way: but will it work?
PM Cameron says there is a market failure on pay, so let the ‘market’ decide!
RI People & Appointments, January 9: New operations chief at APG
RI’s regular round-up of people news
Kris Douma. Mn Services: Food crisis and commodities: are investors to blame?
Pension fund addresses public concern after media coverage on agricultural commodities investing.
Zembla documentary blasts ABP, PGGM and Mn Services, saying commodity investments behind food crises
Report says funds are ignoring research that speculation is fuelling food price bubbles.
RI Governance & Engagement, Jan. 5: Funds take legal action over failed brokerage MF Global
RI Briefing, January 4: €5bn charity sector fund signs up to Stewardship Code
RI’s regular round-up of responsible investing news
RI Briefing, December 21: Microfinance transparency project winds down
RI’s regular round-up of responsible investing news
France’s FRR re-tenders €600m in ESG mandates
SRI briefs awarded in 2006 up for review.
Clean Investor, December 20: Clean Development Mechanism under review
RI’s regular round-up of clean investing news
RI People & Appointments, Dec. 19: J.P. Morgan seeks Director of Environmental Performance
RI’s regular round-up of people news
Stake institutional investors mull Climate Change Capital sale ‘deal’ reports
New-York listed Bunge reported to be close to CCC buy-out
Responsible Funds, Dec. 16: the round-up of ESG funds news
RI’s regular look at responsible funds news
RI Governance & Engagement, Dec. 15: US pension funds take on drilling firm Nabors over pay
RI’s regular look at governance and engagement news
Pension-backed NIBC fund expands German wind portfolio
The latest in a string of transactions
RI Briefing, Dec. 14: $4bn set to go into impact investments - JP Morgan
RI’s regular round-up of responsible investing news
RI Interview: Francois Passant, new Eurosif head on Brussels and changes to the SRI market survey
Evolution not revolution, says former Vanguard exec.
Asset owners seeking stewardship assurance from fund managers - watchdog
Stewardship becoming integral to investment mandates, says FRC
Henderson SRI team’s talks with management end
Six-strong team will be made redundant after talks reach no outcome.
UK government sets up £200m interim Green Investments team, seeks fund managers
Green Investment Bank gets a step closer
RI People & Appointments, December 12: New class actions head at ISS
RI’s regular round-up of people news
New UK workplace pension giant to use ESG research from EIRIS
NEST also backs Stewardship Code and UKSIF
European Commission’s new funds label aims to make social investment easier
New social funds label initially only available for professional investors
RI Governance & Engagement, Dec. 8: Australian govt looks at role of AGMs
RI’s regular round-up of governance and engagement news
RI Briefing, December 7: Hedge fund giant signs up to UN Principles for Responsible Investment
RI’s regular round-up of responsible investing news
Sweden’s AP2 responds to NGO’s “land grab” comments
Comments made in Parliament by non-governmental organisation
NAPF survey says 72% of UK’s biggest pension funds to use RI criteria in manager hires
Trade body says funds also becoming more ‘hands on’ with investee companies.
Clean Investor, December 6: Deutsche Bank on Durban climate talks
The regular Tuesday round-up of clean investing news
Norwegian government fund seeks to nominate directors at big US firms
Norges makes its first ever ‘proxy access’ move
RI People & Appointments, Dec. 5: Switzerland’s Ethos seeks Enviro & Social Sustainability Head
RI’s regular round-up of people news
NBIM to publish written expectations on board accountability
One of six strategic focus areas for influential investor
MP warns investors about News Corp. computer hacking allegations
Local Authority Pension Fund Forum conference told of risks
RI Governance & Engagement, Dec. 1: Class action lawyers looking at Olympus
RI’s regular round-up of governance and engagement news
Giant UK coal mining pension funds sign up to Stewardship Code
Latest asset owners to issue compliance statement
RI interview: Paul Abberley, CEO, Aviva Investors: PRI should take more public policy positions
Challenge for fund managers is to show full ESG commitment, says Aviva Chief.
RI Briefing, Nov. 30: Global Reporting Initiative names new chairman
RI’s regular round-up of responsible investing news
Climate Change Capital in talks with investors over capital raising
Company confirms in discussions with investors
The risks of failing to act effectively on executive remuneration
It is worth considering the High Pay Commission’s proposals in detail.
UK government calls on pension and sovereign wealth funds to invest in offshore wind
Ministers make the case to potential investors
RI People & Appointments, November 28: JP Morgan’s environmental markets MD departs
RI’s regular round-up of people news
Responsible Funds, November 25: the round-up of ESG funds news
RI fund launches, closes and asset data.
Former UNPRI Chair steps into lead investor/climate change role
Ole Beier Sørensen of ATP steps down.
RI Governance & Engagement, Nov. 24: New engagement on Canadian oil sands
The regular round-up of governance and engagement developments
California pension giant votes against entire BSkyB board
Investor pressure ahead of next week’s AGM
Ethical IFAs say clients will be unimpressed by Henderson SRI team cuts
Move is a “retrograde step” according to advisor.
Equity market slump continues to pound mainstream and SRI fund sales
SRI funds down by €938.2m for the month.
RI Briefing, November 23: Deutsche reviews asset management business
RI’s regular round-up of responsible investing news
Clean Investor, November 22: Dutch institutions buy into onshore windfarm portfolio
RI’s regular round-up of clean investing news
UK High Pay report recommendations look set to influence govt. action on investors
Shareholder/pay consultation ends this Friday as commission cites ‘deeply damaging’ excesses.
Misinterpreted fiduciary duty driving short-termism, says Fair Pensions
Beneficiaries can drive long-termism and stewardship, says campaign group
AEGON makes major new RI statement for €413bn group assets
Insurer to make third party managers RI compliant.
RI People & Appointments, Nov. 21: top asset management exec joins BSkyB board
RI’s regular round-up of people news
Responsible Funds, November 18: the round-up of ESG funds news
RI fund launches, closes and asset data.
Church investors meet with FTSE-listed hotel chains over Olympic trafficking
Hotels in spotlight ahead of London games
EU issues resumé of responses to corporate governance green paper
Document indicates thinking of industry respondents on the main reform questions.
UniCredit shutters ESG equity research as head is made redundant
Troubled bank lets respected analyst go amid broader job cuts.
US sustainability investor Calvert axes UK asset manager from sub-advisory role over performance
F&C mandate replaced by multi-manager structure.
RI Briefing, Nov. 16: Pensions guru Ambactsheer: sustainable investing can buck headwinds capitalism
RI’s regular round-up of responsible investing news