Responsible Investing
We actively invest for the long-term prosperity of our clients and to secure a sustainable future for the planet.
Overview
20+ years experience
We have built a powerful responsible investing (RI) capability over more than two decades. Today, dedicated specialists in our investment platforms influence how we invest across all asset classes.
At the heart of the business
Our active ownership specialists lead our stewardship and research functions, while other RI experts work directly with portfolio managers to integrate environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors into strategies.
Responsible investing at a glance1
With the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) programme.
Putting responsible investing to work in our strategies.
of AUM2 classified as Articles 8 & 9 under SFDR
Our first RI mandate was awarded in 1998 and helped to create sustainable jobs.
Our dedicated Impact range grows every year, delivering verifiable positive effects alongside financial returns.
We have led industry development of this new asset class which seeks to drive change in carbon-intensive businesses.
Our approach
Avoid
We exclude assets that fail to meet our baseline criteria for responsible investing.
Identify
We uncover risks and opportunities linked to ESG factors.
Invest
We use ESG analysis and scoring to shape and enhance our investment processes.
Impact
In select strategies, we seek to deliver direct, measurable and positive effects on society and/or the environment.
Influence
We engage with companies and sovereigns to promote sustainable decision making.
Our RI strategies
ESG Integrated
As part of this we may exclude issuers with the lowest ESG scores as well as those which do not follow what we consider good governance practices. We believe that this level of ESG integration can potentially reduce risk to help us achieve better risk-adjusted returns. We consider strategies classed as ESG Integrated to meet the requirements of Article 8 of the SFDR regulation. Within this group, strategies in the ESG Integrated+ category go a step further by targeting an ESG score higher than that of the benchmark or universe.
ACT range
Alongside financial returns, these strategies target positive outcomes related to ESG criteria and/or to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). Investment decisions are guided by both the financial and impact goals.
We consider strategies in the ACT range to meet the requirements of Article 9 of the SFDR regulation. Within this range are two categories:
- Sustainable strategies aim to embed ESG into the portfolio construction process, in an even more material and intentional manner. Every strategy in this group targets one or more specific sustainable objectives related to the ESG pillars (for example, carbon footprint) to further refine the investment universe.
- Listed Impact strategies incorporate the demands of the Sustainable category but will seek out businesses and projects that can potentially have an intentional, positive, measurable and sustainable impact on society and/or the environment. These strategies will also report against impact criteria aligned to specific UN SDGs.
This product categorisation framework applies to open funds in liquid asset classes. Specific approaches may apply for segregated accounts or Alternative strategies.
The reference to SFDR product categories is provided based on the basis of the European Directive (EU) 2019/2088 on the sustainability-related disclosures in the financial services sector (“SFDR Regulation”) and state of knowledge as of 10 March 2021. As of today the SFDR-related regulatory technical standards are not yet finalised and enforced. The product categorisation shall be re-assessed once such regulatory technical standards are completed and may evolve.
RI for institutional clients
As a leading financial services company, we strongly believe that responsible investing can deliver value for clients while making a positive impact on society and the environment.
We share the long-term vision of institutions who want to deliver those positive impacts – in order to help build sustainable, thriving economies for generations to come.
ESG analysis & reports
Our active ownership specialists conduct regular detailed research into a broad sweep of ESG themes and sustainability trends to better understand how markets are evolving and how economies will adapt to changing conditions.
Responsible Investing policy
Our Responsible Investment policy describing our vision and our capabilities towards responsible investment and how we integrate ESG factors into our investment platforms.
What is SFDR?
The SFDR rules – which come into effect this year – give asset managers like AXA IM a template for reporting how environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors are handled at both firm level and product level. That should give clients a simpler way to compare how asset managers are approaching major sustainability issues like climate change.
Stewardship
Our transparent, active ownership approach aims to benefit our clients both in the form of risk-adjusted returns in the medium-term, and by building a sustainable and prosperous economy over the long term.
Disclaimer
This document is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment research or financial analysis relating to transactions in financial instruments as per MIF Directive (2014/65/EU), nor does it constitute on the part of AXA Investment Managers or its affiliated companies an offer to buy or sell any investments, products or services, and should not be considered as solicitation or investment, legal or tax advice, a recommendation for an investment strategy or a personalized recommendation to buy or sell securities.
Due to its simplification, this document is partial and opinions, estimates and forecasts herein are subjective and subject to change without notice. There is no guarantee forecasts made will come to pass. Data, figures, declarations, analysis, predictions and other information in this document is provided based on our state of knowledge at the time of creation of this document. Whilst every care is taken, no representation or warranty (including liability towards third parties), express or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of the information contained herein. Reliance upon information in this material is at the sole discretion of the recipient. This material does not contain sufficient information to support an investment decision.
All investment involves risk , including the loss of capital. The value of investments and the income from them can fluctuate and investors may not get back the amount originally invested.
* All percentages exclude non applicable assets (assets that are managed outside the EU and therefore not in scope of the regulation). All figures as at 31 December 2020 unless otherwise specified.
** As at 31 December 2020, assets under management within Equities, Fixed Income and Multi-Asset stand at €587 billion out of which €460 billion are applicable under the SFDR.