AXA Investment Management flags ESG framework
AXA Investment Management has announced plans to launch a new environmental, social and governance (ESG) framework in Australia next year.
The framework is being launched off the back of a white paper released this week, 'Piloting ESG integration'.
The company said its goal was to integrate ESG factors across the spectrum of its multi-billion dollar, multi-asset investment capabilities.
It said the new framework was just one of the outcomes of AXA IM's ongoing multi-year pilot study to fully embed ESG factors into its equity investment and active stewardship practices.
Commenting on the move, visiting AXA Investment Mangers' Paris-based global head of responsible investment Matt Christensen said investors, consultants, regulators and asset managers were paying greater attention to the importance of ESG factors.
He said a focus on short-term returns and benchmark tracking had previously hindered ESG integration, which was understandable as investment committees were faced with time constraints and governance responsibilities.
"This has led them to rely on fund managers to demonstrate how ESG factors add value to investment strategies," Christensen said.
"Investors benefit most when their managers connect investment and stewardship functions - research, engagement and voting - in order to create tangible value," he said.
Recommended for you
The FSCP has announced its latest verdict, suspending an adviser’s registration for failing to comply with his obligations when providing advice to three clients.
Having sold Madison to Infocus earlier this year, Clime has now set up a new financial advice licensee with eight advisers.
With licensees such as Insignia looking to AI for advice efficiencies, they are being urged to write clear AI policies as soon as possible to prevent a “Wild West” of providers being used by their practices.
Iress has revealed the number of clients per adviser that top advice firms serve, as well as how many client meetings they conduct each week.
