In this #FundManagerChat podcast, Ben Constable-Maxwell, head of sustainable and impact investing at M&G Investments, shares his views on the increasing prominence that ESG, impact and responsible investing is taking on for investors and fund managers.
Ben examines some of the challenges that fund managers face, particularly in quantifying and measuring criteria, and he outlines the key issues that groups should be prioritizing.
Ben also considers some of the myths around ESG investing, how the Covid-19 crisis is giving prominence to these factors and what success looks like for an ESG-conscious fund manager.
Running Order Run Time Topic 00:20 Why and how has ESG/ impact investing become such a predominant theme for investors and fund managers? 02:25 Why were many fund managers so slow in incorporating ESG criteria into their processes? 04:20 How is the unfolding Covid-19 crisis giving impetus to ESG/ impact issues? 06:15 What are the most important ESG themes for fund managers to prioritize into their processes? 08:35 What is the objective and philosophy behind the M&G Impact Fund? 10:35 How do ESG/ impact processes influence your funds which don't have a specific ESG mandate? 13:20 What are some of the difficulties fund managers face in incorporating ESG criteria? 15:25 How does ESG criteria influence performance outcomes? 17:20 For you as an ESG/impact specialist, what does success look like? Do you think we can get there?
Ben Constable-Maxwell is chatting remotely with Jake Moeller, Head of Lipper UK and Ireland Research at Refinitiv, on May 5, 2020.
About Ben Constable-MaxwellBen Constable-Maxwell Ben Constable Maxwell joined M&G Investments in 2003 as an investment specialist and is now Head of Sustainable and Impact Investing.
Ben leads on impact for the M&G Positive Impact Fund alongside fund manager John William Olsen. Ben has been central to the development of ESG integration within M&G’s investment processes and has supported the development of ESG solutions for clients across asset classes.
He is a founding member of M&G’s Responsible Investment Advisory Forum, overseeing ESG-related activities at M&G, and is a member of the Investment Association’s Sustainability & Responsible Investment Committee, chairing the working group on non-financial disclosures.
Previous to M&G, Ben spent four years with the Equities team at Invesco Perpetual. He graduated from the University of Newcastle-upon-Tyne with an Honours Degree in Classics.
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This material is provided for as market commentary and for educational purposes only and does not constitute investment research or advice. Refinitiv cannot be held responsible for any direct or incidental loss resulting from applying any of the information provided in this publication or from any other source mentioned. Please consult with a qualified professional for financial advice.
