PRI Eyes Transition Minerals Engagement as Part of Spring Initiative
The Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) has unveiled a new Spring initiative that concentrates on transition minerals such as battery metals and rare earth elements. The program seeks to strengthen investor capacity for responsible political engagement and to clarify the role of asset owners in driving sustainable mineral sourcing. By providing tools, guidance, and collaborative platforms, PRI aims to embed ESG considerations into the entire mineral supply chain. The initiative reflects growing demand for transparent, climate‑aligned sourcing as the energy transition accelerates.
Global Regulation Round-Up: PRI Calls for Clarity in Korea’s Sustainability Disclosure Plans
Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) has urged South Korean authorities to provide clearer guidance on upcoming sustainability disclosure requirements. The call comes as Japan launches its first mandatory emissions trading scheme, covering power generators and heavy industry. Meanwhile, New Zealand has...
People & Appointments: GFANZ Hiring for Policy and International Engagement Lead
The Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero (GFANZ) announced a search for a Policy and International Engagement Lead, signaling a push to deepen its global advocacy. At the same time, Allianz Global Investors expanded its private‑markets impact and sustainability team,...
DZ Bank Launches Bond Framework for Civil Defence and Resilience
DZ Bank announced a new bond framework dedicated to financing civil defence and resilience projects. The structure emphasizes a use‑of‑proceeds label that directs capital toward security‑related infrastructure while explicitly excluding armaments. The bank is consulting with development finance institutions (DFIs)...
ESG Round-Up: CoEPB Backs Climate Policy Shareholder Proposal at Volvo
The Committee on European Pension Funds (CoEPB) has publicly backed a shareholder proposal urging Volvo to adopt a more ambitious climate policy, including tighter emissions targets. The move reflects growing activist pressure on automakers to align with the Paris Agreement....
NBIM ‘Must Do Enhanced Due Diligence’ During Ethical Framework Suspension
Norway's sovereign wealth fund manager NBIM has temporarily suspended its ethical exclusion framework, prompting the finance ministry to demand enhanced due diligence on investments linked to armed conflict. The move follows criticism from the UN Business and Human Rights Commission...
Comment: Index Investors Can’t Shirk Responsibility on Big Tech, AI and Human Rights
Anthropic, a leading frontier AI developer, has publicly limited its technology’s use in military and surveillance contexts, signaling a rare self‑imposed restraint. The commentary argues that the real test lies with the capital backing such firms, as index‑tracking investors often...
Spain Moots New SFDR Eligibility Pathway for Sovereign Bonds
Spain’s finance ministry has floated a new eligibility pathway that would allow sovereign bonds to be classified as sustainable under the EU’s Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR). The proposal seeks to broaden the pool of assets that can meet ESG...
People & Appointments: Nozeman Steps Down as NN Group Nature Lead
NN Group announced that its nature lead, Nozeman, is stepping down, prompting a leadership transition in the firm’s sustainability unit. In parallel, asset manager Nuveen has hired New Jersey‑based Warshauer for a senior role, bolstering its ESG capabilities. IAG’s McDonnell...
Market Needs ‘Good Referee’ for Shareholder Proposals, Warns CalSTRS
CalSTRS warns that the SEC’s recent retreat from reviewing shareholder proposals erodes a critical layer of investor protection. The pension fund argues the market needs an independent referee to fairly vet proposals before they reach a vote. Without such oversight,...
Institutional Investor Pressure Correlated with Net-Zero Pledges, Study Finds
A new study finds a strong correlation between institutional investor pressure and corporate net‑zero pledges. Companies facing higher activist investor scrutiny tend to announce more ambitious decarbonisation targets and earlier timelines. The research also examined employee and customer influence, but...
UK Government Moves Forward on Clarifying Fiduciary Duty and ESG
The UK government has tabled an amendment to the Pension Schemes Bill that will empower it to publish the long‑awaited guidance on trustees’ fiduciary duties, particularly regarding ESG considerations. The change formalises the government’s commitment to clarify how sustainability factors...
EU Regulators Asked to Comment on Green Taxonomy Reporting Rules
EU regulators have opened a public consultation on the European Union’s green taxonomy reporting rules, seeking comments on proposed amendments to key performance indicators. The review focuses on reporting obligations for banks, insurers and large corporations, aiming to tighten alignment...
NZAOA Adds Transition Targets to Revised Target-Setting Framework
The Net Zero Asset Owner Alliance (NZAOA) has released the fifth edition of its target‑setting framework, introducing explicit transition targets for members. The update tightens expectations on asset managers, requiring disclosure of climate‑solution contributions and more rigorous engagement protocols. By...
California Sets August Deadline for GHG Emissions Reporting
California’s Air Resources Board has set an August 2024 deadline for companies to file mandatory greenhouse‑gas (GHG) emissions reports covering Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions. The state’s climate‑action statutes, including AB 32 and SB 32, require detailed carbon accounting to enforce its cap‑and‑trade...
Funds ‘Could Be on Hook for Further €9bn Divestment’ Under Revised SFDR
The EU’s revised Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) now obliges funds to disclose and potentially divest from fossil‑fuel holdings, prompting German NGOs to warn that an extra €9 billion of assets may need to be sold. The European Securities and Markets...
What Drives Sustainable Investment at a Trillion-Dollar US Asset Manager?
Wellington Management, a trillion‑dollar US asset manager, is intensifying its sustainable‑investment platform to meet escalating client expectations on stewardship, decarbonisation, and climate risk. In a Responsible Investor podcast, head of sustainable investment Wendy Cromwell explains how the firm aligns ESG considerations...
