Sustainable Investment Awards judges commended ESG index provider of the year, Solactive, for its "client-focused ability to scale across asset classes," and its "diversity of approach and excellent innovation across multiple issues and themes".

Solactive prioritises two main aspects when creating customised indices for its clients; open data architecture and a flexible tailor-made design.

It believes that a 'one size fits all' approach is unsuitable in a world with various legitimate views and approaches to environmental, social and governance (ESG) data. So, it allows clients to work with the ESG data vendor of their choice rather than binding them to its own proprietary ESG data or that of a few selected partners.

Solactive also believes the clients' views and requirements should drive the ultimate index methodology and looks to incorporate their ESG preferences into its index methodologies while also offering a range of core ESG solutions. It currently has more than 1,000 ESG indices.

"Our unique open architecture and client-centric focus have driven our success, allowing us to tailor ESG solutions across diverse segments and asset classes, addressing specific client needs and advancing sustainable investing globally," said Steffen Scheuble, chief executive of Solactive.

Last year, Solactive partnered with Barclays to launch the Solactive Climate Change Europe ESG BTI Index representing companies that are aligned to the 2°C global warming scenario through 2050. Other notable recent indices include the Solactive ISS ESG US Tech 100 Index, launched for Amundi and the Solactive GPR ESG Screened Global Infrastructure Index licensed by Handelsbanken, which includes only companies linked to infrastructure and operating in accordance with market standards on ESG controversy screens.

Solactive has also broadening its offering recently with indices covering biodiversity, social and sustainability bonds. Having launched a green bond index a decade ago, Solactive last year issued its Social and Sustainable Bond Index, which builds on a newly established database by the Climate Bonds Initiative (CBI). This was soon followed by the Solactive Blue Bond Index.