The future of ESG in asset management – In conversation with Jonathan Boyd Director of Media Relations and Editorial Fortuna Asset Management Communications
The global asset management community has long been among the leaders in recognising the investment and risk management benefits of tracking the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance of the assets it invests in. This pressure from the asset management community has driven companies to make better disclosures in relation to ESG criteria.
However, requirements and the level of complexity have significantly increased with the latest regulatory wave. The EU Action Plan combined with the EU Taxonomy and the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) are part of an ambitious legislative framework that will significantly shape sustainable investing.
PwC estimated that overall ESG mutual fund assets will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.5% between 2017 and 2025, to reach US$ 2.08 trillion.[1] Investor demand and evolving regulations are pressuring asset managers to enhance their current operating models and core processes in order to embrace ESG investing.
Asset managers have a crucial role to make to the growing debate about how the financial system can better serve the kind of world we all seek to live in – safe, clean, and prosperous.
In this interview with Jonathan Boyd Director of Media Relations and Editorial Fortuna Asset Management Communications we explore current trends in sustainable finance and how the EU regulations impact not only the European market, but also the rest of the world.
FOCUS ON SUSTAINABILITY
00:00:00 What really is this notorious ESG?
00:07:12 Public vs. private companies – comparing perceptions, values and transparency
00:09:54 The “S” in ESG – let’s beat some stereotypes! Why should investors care about a company’s social impact both north and south of Europe?
00:14:16 Asset management for a common good – is it possible to shift the financial system toward serving the actual interests of the people and social system?
00:17:42 Green financial market – an overview of the main financial investment instruments
FOCUS ON INSPIRATION
00:20:48 What advice would you give to a student wanting to follow your career path?
00:21:42 Could you suggest a must-read book?
00:23:18 Hobbies and lifestyle to maintain balance
00:25:28 Is there a person in your life who has inspired you or continues to inspire you?
00:26:34 A personal wish for the future…
References
[1] Asset and Wealth Management Revolution: Investor Perspectives – Rethinking Purpose and Performance. PwC. October 2019. https://www.pwc.com/gx/en/industries/financial-services/publications/awm-investor-perspective.html

Jonathan Boyd
Director of Media Relations and Editorial Fortuna Asset Management Communications
Responsible for pr, communications and editorial services on behalf of clients at Fortuna Asset Management Communications. Jonathan brings over 20 years of B2B publishing experience delivering content across digital, print and events platforms in the asset management industry across the UK and Europe, with a further 5 years of corporate and public affairs editorial experience across Japan, Australia, and Canada. Personal background includes living, studying, working in nine countries and bilingualism (English/Swedish). Pursuing IMC II and the IAM Advanced Rider motorcycle course, while building a collection of fly fishing rods.
Contacts
www.linkedin.com/in/jonathanboyd/