Steve Wellard
+44 (20) 7531-0755
steve.wellard@cfainstitute.org
Sarah-Jane Purvis
+44 (20) 7531-0766
sarahjane.purvis@cfainstitute.org
CFA Institute Centre Launches Manual to Help Investors Evaluate ESG Factors
London, October 27, 2008 − In recognition of the growing focus placed by long-term investors on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues and the lack of a firm framework of analysis in this field, the CFA Institute Centre for Financial Market Integrity today launched Environmental, Social, and Governance Factors at Listed Companies: A Manual for Investors in the EMEA region.
The Manual provides investors with guidance to arrive at a more thorough understanding of the ESG risks and opportunities that face the companies in which they invest. The manual indicates where to find information on the legislative and regulatory, legal, reputational, and operational ESG risks and opportunities facing shareholders. It also highlights potential implications and ESG scenarios to help a variety of investors, such as pension fund trustees to incorporate sustainable investment into their schemes.
Commenting on the launch of the ESG Manual, Charles Cronin, Head of the CFA Institute Centre, EMEA, said, “ESG factors have become an increasingly important element of the investment strategy, yet few investors have a comprehensive framework to capture the risks and opportunities across ESG. This guide serves as an independent educational tool to help the investor better understand and evaluate the particular social and environmental factors that have the potential to affect company valuations. We hope this guide will help investors make more informed decisions when developing their investment strategy."
Over the past few years, researchers, brokers, and managers have worked to understand and evaluate these non-financial factors as they seek to incorporate and exploit ESG factors within the investment process. Despite this, there remains very little comparable data and objective information to help guide investors. The guide is designed to address this issue.
The CFA Institute Centre, CFA Society of the UK, and Bloomberg are hosting "Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Factors: The importance to all Investors", a presentation on understanding ESG and factors to consider.
| Date: |
Tuesday, October 28, 2008 |
| Time: |
5.00 p.m to 7.00 p.m. |
| Location: |
Bloomberg, City Gate House, 39-45 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1PQ |
| Speakers: |
Charles Cronin, CFA – CFA Institute Centre for Financial Market Integrity Stephen Foley – Equity Business Manager, Bloomberg |
About the CFA Institute Centre for Financial Market Integrity
The CFA Institute Centre develops timely, practical solutions to global
capital market issues. Established in 2004, the CFA Institute Centre
builds upon the CFA Institute mission to lead the investment profession
globally by setting the highest standards of ethics, education, and
professional excellence. It carries forward the organization’s 60-year
history of standards and advocacy work, especially its Code of Ethics and
Standards of Professional Conduct for the investment profession. More
information may be found at www.cfainstitute.org/centre.