Ahren Lester

BlackRock, Vanguard climate and social voting records continue to disappoint

Asset managers' proxy voting record on shareholder resolutions for climate and social issues continued to disappoint in 2020, according to a report by ShareAction, with US giants BlackRock, Vanguard and Capital Group among the worst performers.

News round-up: Europex welcomes ETS review, Snam climate targets, India renewables investment

EU Taxonomy has 'messed up' buildings criteria

The draft criteria for the pioneering EU 'green list' has introduced a "big problem" for the market for green property bonds, Climate Bonds Initiative boss Sean Kidney tells Ahren Lester

Green and sustainability-linked loan round-up: EQT, Arroyo Energy, Sistema ... and more

Concern as EU Taxonomy proposals diverge from TEG recommendations

The EU's trail blazing sustainability taxonomy passed another milestone, with the publication of the draft technical criteria, reports Ahren Lester. But divergences from the expert recommendations show that significant challenges face the closely watched 'green' list

Bond round-up: Chile, NWB, LafargeHolcim, Schneider Electric, Vinci ... and more

Asset manager taskforce calls on bondholders to assert their rights

A UK government-initiated taskforce has announced recommendations to strengthen sustainable stewardship in the UK investment industry, including encouraging investors to assert their rights in the bond and private markets.

Asian firms overtake US on emissions disclosure, says Arabesque

The proportion of Asian companies reporting carbon emissions has jumped above that of US firms in 2019, according to a report by sustainability-focused asset manager Arabesque, although European corporates continue to lead.

BlackRock, DWS, Natixis show 'basic' commitment to ESG, says Morningstar

Morningstar has identified Vanguard and Lyxor among asset managers with a 'low' level of commitment to ESG topics, whilst BlackRock, DWS, Natixis and UBS were flagged for their 'basic' approaches.

EU publishes first sets of Taxonomy screening criteria

The European Commission has published the first two sets of technical screening criteria for the EU Taxonomy for sustainable activities, described as an "important step" for the closely-watched green policy instrument.