SFDR Shake-Up
As the EU’s new Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation beds in, the leaders and laggards are already emerging. Credit Suisse, Fidelity and Amundi are among the providers with the most products registered as article 8 or 9 funds – those deemed sustainable – according to research by Ignites Europe (subscription required). Invesco, Vanguard and Franklin Templeton had the fewest, while a separate Ignites report called out Schroders, BlackRock, PIMCO and JPMorgan Asset Management for failing to respond to requests for data.
As sustainability is brought more into the spotlight by regulators and investors, so the risk of greenwashing rises. In this Investment Week feature, reporter Tom Higgins explores the topic and how companies and regulators are taking action.
Board Business
In director-land, First Sentier Investors has appointed former Old Mutual Global Investors bond chief Christine Johnson as an independent director on its UK corporate board, reports Ignites. She replaces Richard Wastcoat, who has moved to the company’s Australian boards. Ms Johnson is a highly experienced asset management professional. But does every board director need to be? That is the question posed by this BoardIQ article based on a reader survey. The comments from various US-based current and former directors make for interesting reading.
With April upon us, the second year of Assessment of Value is in full swing. CFA UK had its say on year one a few weeks ago, and in late March noted fund selector and friend of FBC JB Beckett responded in this column for Investment Week.
Regulators are reviewing open-ended fund rules
After a fortnight in which the Suez Canal grabbed headlines around the world for the first time in 65 years, liquidity trouble of a different kind has been making waves in both the trade and mainstream media closer to home – namely the continuing fallout from the demise of Woodford Investment Management. Among the articles that caught our attention at FBC was news that UK regulators are reviewing the liquidity requirements for open-ended investment funds in the wake of the collapse of Woodford’s eponymous company, and others, over the past two years, reports Investment Week.
And finally…
A couple of interesting features caught the eyes of the FBC team this past fortnight. The first relates to succession planning for ‘star’ fund managers. With James Anderson stepping down from Baillie Gifford next year, Portfolio Adviser explores how companies should handle transitions and how to avoid bad reactions from investors. Interviewing fund managers is a useful skill for financial services professionals, whether you’re a fund selector, an asset allocator, or a board member. In this feature for Institutional Investor by adviser and podcast host Ted Siedes, the author explores different methods for preparing and conducting interview sessions.
FBC takes no responsibility for the accuracy or quality of the news in the links provided above. In some instances, as indicated, a subscription is required to access certain news articles, and content stored on the FBC portal is freely accessible for FBC members. Look out for our regular industry news updates every fortnight on the FBC website and social media.
In association with NatWest trustee and Depository Services
19th-22nd April 2021
Registration is open for the 2021 iNED Bootcamp, held in association with NatWest Trustee and Depositary Services. Join us for this annual event that will be held exclusively online and will take place over the course of four days from the 19th of April – 22nd of April. Content is primarily on demand, with two live events to kick-off and conclude the Bootcamp. The first event on Monday, the 19th of April is entitled: State of investment Fund Governance in 2021: Highlights from the FBC iNED Survey, where the findings of FBC’s iNED survey will be released, examining key challenges and opportunities facing independent directors on fund boards.
As soon as you register, you’ll receive a link to a personalised portal that will open on the 19th of April. This link will provide you with access to all Bootcamp content, including live events, videos, podcasts and articles.
