
Aegon Sustainable Equity Fund
SRI Style:
Sustainable Style
SDR Labelling:
Sustainability Focus label
Product:
OEIC
Fund Region:
UK
Fund Asset Type:
Equity
Launch Date:
30/10/1987
Last Amended:
Nov 2024
Dialshifter (
):
Fund Size:
£179.00m
(as at: 31/03/2024)
Total Screened Themed SRI Assets:
£28761.00m
Total Responsible Ownership Assets:
£116188.00m
Total Assets Under Management:
£268599.00m
ISIN:
GB0007274516, GB00BF2VD060
Contact Us:
Objectives:
The investment objective is to maximize total return (income plus capital) by investing in a diversified portfolio of global equity securities which meets the strategy's predefined sustainability criteria.
Sustainable, Responsible
&/or ESG Overview:
Our mission is to generate excess returns by investing in sustainable growth companies that have a positive impact.
Having sustainability research at the heart of our process helps us identify companies that can establish and maintain competitive advantages through positive impact products and practices. We see multiple sustainability trends that are creating opportunities to capture meaningful economic value.
We believe that the companies best placed to capture this economic value are those with the most innovative solutions. Typically, these are newer and smaller businesses rather than the more established incumbents. We believe this fresh mind-set makes these companies the best innovators and the ones most likely to achieve large and lasting growth as a result. We aim to be open minded and will consider larger and more established companies that meet our philosophy.
Primary fund last amended:
Nov 2024
Information directly from fund manager.
Fund Filters
Sustainability - General
Funds that have policies that consider (environmental and social) sustainability issues. Strategies vary but are likely to consider environmental issues like climate change, carbon emissions, biodiversity loss, resource management, environmental impacts; and social issues like equal opportunities, human rights, labour standards, diversity and adherence to internationally recognised codes. See fund information.
Find funds which substantially focus on sustainability issues
Find funds where there is a significant emphasis on (environmental and social) sustainability. Funds with a 'sustainability theme' typically place more emphasis on the area than funds with a 'sustainability policy' - meaning that it is more likely to drive investment selection. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.
A core element of these funds aim to encourage higher sustainability standards across business practices through responsible ownership / stewardship / engagement / voting activity
Find funds that publicly report their performance against specifically named sustainability objectives (in addition to reporting their financial performance)
Fund has a theme or investment strand focused on the shift to a circular economy (where products are reused and recycled not incinerated or dumped). See eg https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/topics/circular-economy-introduction/overview
Environmental - General
Funds that limit or 'reduce' their exposure to carbon intensive industries (ie sectors which are major contributors to climate change. Funds vary - some funds may be 'underweight' in this area which means they may have some investment in highly carbon intensive areas. Funds of this kind may choose companies they consider to be 'best in sector' and encourage ever higher standards. Strategies vary. See fund information for further details.
Funds that have written policies explaining the approach they take when companies damage the environment or are significant polluters. Funds of this kind may work with companies to encourage higher standards, or exclude companies - sometimes dependent on the situation. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.
Find funds that have a policy or theme that relates to managing natural resources more efficiently. Funds with this policy will be likely to favour companies that make (or enable the) more efficient use of resources - and either avoid or encourage change amongst companies with lower standards. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.
Funds that aim to invest in companies with strong or market leading environmental policies and practices. Strategies vary - in particular the balance between 'financial' aspects and environmental benefits. Some may invest substantially in solutions or 'positive impact' companies - others may invest in more conventional companies providing certain environmental criteria are met. See fund information for further detail.
Nature & Biodiversity
Find funds that have policies in place explaining that they avoid companies involved in illegal and/or unsustainable deforestation. This may relate to palm oil, cattle farming or other concerns. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.
Find funds that aim to avoid investing in companies that produce genetically modified seeds or crops. (This does not typically include avoiding companies such as supermarkets). See fund literature for further information.
Fund avoids assets / companies directly involved in genetic engineering
Climate Change & Energy
Funds that avoid investing in major coal, oil and/or gas (extraction) companies. Funds vary: some may exclude all companies that extract oil. Others may have exposure to oil extraction via more diversified energy companies. See fund literature to confirm details.
Funds that avoid companies involved in fracking and tar sands - which are widely regarded as controversial methods of oil and gas extraction. Strategies vary. See fund information for further information.
Funds that avoid companies that are involved in extracting oil from the Arctic regions. See fund literature for further details.
Funds that avoid investing in companies with coal, oil and gas reserves. See fund information for further details.
Find funds where investment in clean / renewable energy companies an other assets is central to their investment selection strategy. The proportion of the fund that is directly or indirectly invested in renewable energy varies between funds and over time. See fund information for further details.
Fund funds that have an energy efficiency theme - typically meaning that a fund manager is focused on investing in organisations that manage - or help others to manage - energy use more carefully and less wastefully - and so reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Funds that hold companies in the clean energy and renewable energy sectors (at the time research was supplied). Fund strategies vary, in particular the proportion of investment in these areas may vary significantly. Check fund literature for details.
Find funds that have policies which say they avoid or limit their investment in the nuclear industry. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.
The fund manager excludes companies with direct involvement in fossil fuel exploration (eg coal, oil and gas companies)
The fund manager excludes companies with indirect involvement in fossil fuel exploration. For example they would be expected to exclude banks and insurance companies that are effectively enabling new coal, oil and or gas reserves to be discovered and in due course extracted through the provision of necessary finance or services.
Find funds that require all, or almost all, of the companies it invests in to have a ‘net zero action plan’ - meaning that the companies they invest in have worked out how they will, over time, reduce their total carbon (and other greenhouse gas) emissions to nil.
Will only invest in companies that report greenhouse gas emissions reduction strategies in line with the framework set out the by the Taskforce for Climate Related Financial Disclosure, which is increasingly becoming mandatory. See https://www.fsb-tcfd.org/ https ://www.ifrs.org/sustainability/tcfd/
Social / Employment
Find funds that invest in line with positive strategies that relate to 'people' issues - such as having strong human rights, labour standards and equal opportunities practices. Such funds are likely to invest in companies that have market leading standards with regard to employee and supplier practices. Read fund literature for further information.
Find funds with policies or themes that set out their approach to health and wellbeing issues. Funds of this kind typically aim to invest in companies with high standards - or encourage high standards. Themed funds are likely to have more of an emphasis on this area. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.
Ethical Values Led Exclusions
Companies are excluded if they make more than 5% of their revenue from the manufacture, sale or distribution of tobacco products including cigarettes, vaping, e-cigarettes, chewing tobacco and cigars.
Find funds that avoid companies that manufacture products intended specifically for military use. Fund strategies vary - particularly with regard to non-strategic military products. See fund literature for fund specific details.
Find funds with a written civilian firearms exclusion policy - meaning that they will not invest in companies that make (or perhaps also sell) handguns made for non-military users.
Find funds that avoid companies with significant involvement in the gambling industry. Some funds may allow a small proportion of profits to come from this area. See fund policy for further details.
Find funds that avoid companies that derive significant income from pornography and related areas. Strategies vary. See fund details for further information.
Find funds with policies that require specific animal welfare standards to be met. These may reference well-known welfare standards (3Rs - Replace, Reduce, Refine) or certification schemes. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.
Find funds that avoid companies that test their products on animals for purposes other than medical benefit (e.g. for cosmetics). Strategies vary. See fund literature for further information.
Human Rights
Find funds that have policies relating to human rights issues. Funds of this kind typically require companies to demonstrate higher standards, although some fund managers work to encourage improvements. Investee companies are often judged against internationally agreed norms or standards. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.
Find funds that have policies in place to ensure they do not invest in companies that employ children.
Find funds with policies that exclude companies or other assets where regimes are not democratic, or where people may be oppressed. May use eg. Freedom House research. Strategies vary. See fund literature for further information.
The fund has a policy which excludes assets with involvement in Modern Slavery
Meeting Peoples' Basic Needs
Healthcare and or medical theme or area of investment - the fund may have a single theme or many themes
Gilts & Sovereigns
Find funds that do not invest in / exclude 'sovereigns' - debt issued by governments. See eg https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/sovereign-debt.asp
Banking & Financials
Find funds that include banks as part of their holdings / portfolio.
The fund avoids banks that finance fossil fuels extraction (coal, oil, gas)
Will avoid banks that have a large part of their loan book (or other assets) invested in fossil fuels companies - particular coal, oil and gas.
Funds that do or may invest in insurance companies.
Governance & Management
Find fund options that have policies that relate to corporate governance issues such as board structure, executive remuneration, bribery and/or corporate corruption. These funds will typically avoid companies with poor practices. Strategies vary. See fund literature for further information.
Find funds that aim to avoid investing in companies with poor governance practices.(e.g. board structure, management practices etc.) Views may however vary on what counts as 'poor' practices - and funds may not immediately divest as they may prefer to work to encourage higher standards. See fund literature for further information.
Fund managers encourage the companies they invest in to have more diverse board structures (e.g. more women on boards)
Find fund managers that encourage the banks and insurance companies they invest in to publish climate change related financial information - as set out by the Task Force on Climate Related Financial Disclosures (with the aim of helping investors measure and respond to climate risk).
A core element of these funds will aim to encourage higher ESG standards through responsible ownership / stewardship / engagement /voting activity
Fund Governance
Find funds that factor in 'environmental, social and governance' issues as part of their investment decision making process. A focus on 'ESG' typically means a fund is carrying out additional research to help reduce ESG related risks. It does not necessarily mean a focus on sustainability. Strategies vary. See fund literature.
Asset Size
Find funds where more than half of the funds' assets are invested in smaller or medium sized companies (i.e. below around £5 -10 billion).
Find a fund that invests in a combination of small, medium and larger (potentially multinational)companies.
Targeted Positive Investments
Find funds that invest >25% of their capital towards companies where a major part of their business is focused on helping to address environmental or social challenges.
Find funds that invest >50% of their capital in companies where a major part of their business is focused on helping to address environmental or social challenges.
Impact Methodologies
Find funds that direct investment towards companies where a major part of their business is about solving environmental challenges. e.g. companies helping to address climate change.
Find funds that invest in companies where a major part of their business is specifically aimed at helping to address social challenges. e.g. companies helping to address poverty.
Find funds that specifically set out to invest in companies that are regarded as 'disrupting' existing business practices - typically through the development of innovative (sustainability aware) products and/or practices.
Fund aims to deliver positive environmental and or social impacts (real world benefits) through its engagement with investee assets
50% of fund assets are regarded by the fund manager as being significantly focused on providing solutions to environmental or social challenges. Strategies vary.
How The Fund Works
Find funds that focus on finding and investing in companies with positive / beneficial attributes. This strategy can be applied in addition to exclusion criteria and engagement/stewardship activity.
Find funds where their main 'ethical approach' is to avoid companies by using negative screening criteria. Read fund literature for further information.
Find funds with few exclusions - typically for example exclude tobacco or companies that breach commonly adopted standards or norms such as the UN Global Compact.
Aims to avoid companies that do significant harm. This originates from the EU’s sustainable finance ‘DNSH’ (do no significant harm) work, which is not necessarily used by UK investors.
A major focus of these funds is the careful management of environmental, social and governance (ESG) related risks - typically by avoiding or being underweight in companies seen as posing major risks in these areas (i.e. not necessarily by using themes, exclusions etc).
Find funds that have published explanations of their ethical, social and/or environmental policies online (i.e. fund decision making strategies/ buy/sell &/or asset management strategies).
This fund has changed its mandate. It was previously not an ESG/sustainable fund. The information published here shows the upgraded fund strategy.
This fund does not use stock lending for performance or risk purposes.
Unscreened Assets & Cash
The percentage of assets held within the fund that match the fund’s sustainability objectives and are not being held purely for risk management purposes, such as derivatives and cash equivalent assets.
The percentage of assets held within the fund that match the fund’s sustainability objectives and are not being held purely for risk management purposes, such as derivatives and cash equivalent assets.
The percentage of assets held within the fund that match the fund’s sustainability objectives and are not being held purely for risk management purposes, such as derivatives and cash equivalent assets
Fund that only invest in cash to aid the practical management (buying and selling) of assets. These funds do not use additional financial instruments.
All assets held in the fund - except cash - meet the sustainability criteria published in fund documentation.
Intended Clients & Product Options
Finds funds designed to meet the needs of individual investors with an interest in sustainability issues.
Finds funds designed to meet the needs of individual investors with an interest in ‘Impact investment funds’ which help or support the delivery of positive social or environmental impacts (or societal/real world outcomes) by investing in companies they regard as beneficial to people and / or the planet. Strategies vary. See fund literature for further information.
Find funds that are available via a tax efficient ISA product wrapper.
Labels & Accreditations
Find funds that have chosen to adopt one of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) SDR labels. Please note: there are a range of reasons why potentially relevant funds may not use an SDR label eg. adopting a label may be work in progress, the manager may not yet be allowed to do so because of the product type, a manager may feel their fund is insufficiently aligned to SDR requirements. Read fund literature and / or our blogs for further information.
Fund Management Company Information
About The Business
Finds fund management companies that have a published company wide stewardship, engagement and / or responsible ownership policy or strategy that covers all investments. Stewardship typically involves encouraging higher ESG standards through voting and dialogue.
Find fund management companies that actively encourage higher 'environmental, social and governance' and/or 'sustainable and responsible investment' practices across investee companies - typically where the aim is to encourage positive change that is aligned with the best interests of investors. Strategies vary. See additional information and options.
Find fund managers that consider responsible ownership and ESG to be a key differentiator for their business.
The leadership team of this asset manager have performance targets linked to environmental goals.
Find funds run by fund managers that apply Responsible ownership or 'Stewardship' policies to all or most of their investment assets. This means active involvement (e.g. voting, dialogue) with the companies they invest in across funds (not normally limited to ethical or SRI options.) Read fund literature for further information.
Find fund management companies that consider environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues when deciding whether or not to invest in a company for all / almost all of their funds and other assets. This is increasingly seen as part of sound risk management.
Find fund management companies that encourage the companies they invest in to have strong diversity, race, gender and other equality policies across all assets held, not simply screened or themed SRI/ESG funds. (ie Asset Management company wide).
This asset management company invests in companies which have recently listed on a stock exchange (which is important as it can help grow new businesses).
Asset management company has investments in bonds designed to meet sustainability requirements - however these assets may not be 'ringfenced' for this purpose. See fund manager website for details.
Collaborations & Affiliations
Find fund management companies that have signed up to the UN backed 'Principles of Responsible Investment'.
Find fund management companies that are members of UKSIF - the UK Sustainable Investment and Finance association
Find fund management companies that have partnered with Fund EcoMarket - meaning that they are helping to improve access to information on sustainable and responsible investment by paying an annual fee to us which enables us to publish information for free. Partner funds are listed ahead of other funds and have their logos displayed.
Fund management entity is a member of the Investment Association https://www.theia.org/
Resources
Find fund management companies that employ people to steer and support fund managers in voting shares at company AGM's and EGMs in ways that are consistent with encouraging higher ESG/sustainability standards.
Find a fund management company that directly employs specialist ESG/SRI/sustainability researchers or analysts. This allows asset managers to discuss environmental, social and governance risks and opportunities directly with companies.
Find fund management companies that makes use of expert external research companies. This can help deliver specialist expertise and means resources are pooled with other investors.
Finds organisations / fund managers that have one or more ESG/sustainability experts on all investment teams or 'desks' (all asset types)
Accreditations
Find fund managers that are signatories to the FRC UK Stewardship Code, which sets out a framework for constructive investor / investee relations where fund managers are encouraged to behave like responsible, typically longer term 'company owners'.
Engagement Approach
Find fund management companies that regularly initiate or run industry wide (collaborative) investor projects aimed at raising environmental, social and governance standards amongst investee companies.
Fund manager has stewardship /responsible ownership strategy that is focused on addressing climate change with investee assets.
Asset manager has a stewardship /responsible ownership strategy that involves working with fossil fuel companies on climate change related issues. See fund manager website for details.
Asset manager has stewardship /responsible ownership strategy with involves encouraging investee asset to reduce plastic waste and pollution.
Asset manager has a stewardship / responsible ownership policy that means they are working to encourage more responsible mining practices - where environmental and social issues are properly dealt with by the companies they invest in.
The asset manager has a responsible ownership / stewardship strategy that focuses on biodiversity and nature issues relating to the assets they invest the aim of which will be to reduce harm and or deliver improvement. Strategies vary. https://tnfd.global
Asset manager has responsible ownership / stewardship strategy in place which aims to address human rights issues in investee companies (and potentially their suppliers) with the aim of raising standards
Asset manager has responsible ownership / stewardship strategy in place that aims to improve labour standards for the benefit of employees in investee companies (and potentially their suppliers)
Asset management company has a stewardship strategy in place which involves working to raise diversity, equality and inclusion standards across investee assets
working with the assets they hold to help stamp out modern slavery - where direct or indirect company employees are exploited for business benefits.
Fund managers have stewardship strategies in place that focus on improving governance standards across investee assets
Has a stewardship / responsible ownership strategy that encourages responsible supply chain - ie the managers will discuss environmental, social and governance issues with investee companies with the aim of raising standards
Company Wide Exclusions
Find fund management companies (not funds) that avoid investment in 'controversial weapons' across all of their funds and other investment vehicles.
Climate & Net Zero Transition
Fund management organisations that have pledged to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions to ‘net zero’. Strategies vary - this area is changing rapidly.
Find fund management companies that have published a Climate Risk policy or statement that is signed / owned by their Chief Executive.
This asset management company has set a date by which they plan to achieve net zero greenhouse gas / CO2e emissions.
Find fund management companies that are working with the companies they invest in to encourage reductions in carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions.
Finds organisations / fund managers that have a company wide carbon transition plan - meaning that they have plotted a path to how they will move away from activities that produce or use carbon based energy sources (that emit greenhouse gases) towards clean, alternative, renewable energy sources.
Finds organisations / fund managers that have published ‘forward looking climate metrics’ e.g. 'implied temperature rise' data that are a total of the asset management company's share (% owned) of all the investee company emissions of the assets they manage, as well as their own direct and other indirect emissions.
This asset management company plans to achieve net zero greenhouse gas (CO2e) emissions by reducing their emissions. Calculations and scope vary.
Find fund management companies that are working to reduce their own (fund management company) carbon/greenhouse gas emissions.
Transparency
Find fund management companies that publish a report detailing their responsible investment ownership - also known as 'Stewardship' - activity.
Fund management companies that publish a full record of how they vote their shares at AGMs (annual general meetings) and EGMs (extraordinary general meetings). Voting strategies have an important role to play encouraging higher environmental, social and governance standards.
Find fund management companies that have supplied Dialshifter information. See Dialshifter tab within record for more information.
Sustainable, Responsible &/or ESG Policy:
The fund’s investment approach seeks to identify the best bottom-up investment ideas available globally while focusing our exposure to companies that have strong sustainability characteristics, as defined by our detailed in-house sustainability analysis. In addition, there are a limited number of product-based exclusions, designed to prevent the fund from investing in companies that we believe have a materially harmful impact on environmental and/or social factors.
Step 1 – Product Exclusions
The fund applies a limited number of absolute exclusions as follows:
Adult entertainment
- Own an adult entertainment company or produce adult entertainment.
Animal welfare
- Engage in the production and sale of animal tested cosmetics.
Fossil fuels
- Engage in the extraction of oil, gas or coal.
Gambling
- Derive more than 10% of revenue from gambling.
Genetic modification
- Conduct genetic modification for agricultural purposes.
Human rights
- Fail to address serious allegations of violations of international standards on human rights including the use of child, forced or bonded labor.
Nuclear power
- Own a nuclear power facility.
Tobacco
- Derive more than 10% of revenue from tobacco.
Weapons
- Produce or sell civilian firearms and firms which manufacture or sell armaments, nuclear weapons or associated strategic products.
This typically results in around 15% of the MSCI ACWI universe being excluded. Due to the structural sustainability challenges facing the above industries, we expect the market capitalizations of these areas to decline over the long-term relative to sustainable products and services.
Step 2 – Sustainability analysis
The sustainability analysis carried out by the RI team assesses three dimensions:
- Sustainable product: The nature of the products and services that a company provides (what a company does)
- Sustainable practices: Its operational practices and standards (how it does it)
- Sustainable monitoring: Improvement over time (we track positive and negative sustainability changes).
We analyze every company on a stock-specific basis, looking at the absolute and relative nuances that apply to it in terms of product, practices, and improvement in the context of its region, sector, size and maturity and versus our own absolute standards. This analysis seeks to determine the key sustainability risks and opportunities for a company.
Our RI team refers to the Sustainable Accounting Standards Board’s (SASB) ‘Materiality Map’ as a starting point. Materiality is central to our process, as we strongly believe that sustainability analysis should be tailored to the specific context of an individual company, rather than using the same criteria for all. We believe the materiality map provides an effective way of highlighting the ESG factors that matter most to a company given the industry and the sector in which it operates, helping to focus our bottom-up sustainability research. Our experience is that this often leads to us focusing on different factors when compared to third-party ESG ratings and reaching contrasting conclusions.
The RI team’s sustainability analysis will gather and analyze qualitative and quantitative information on these material factors in the context of the ‘Three Dimensions’ framework discussed above to form a conclusion and a sustainability rating for a company. As a result of this analysis, companies are classified into three categories:
- Leaders: Companies that meet a large amount of our absolute sustainability criteria and are demonstrably leaders in their sub-sector.
- Improvers: Companies where sustainability issues have been identified but where the company is showing clear evidence of taking steps to improve its sustainability performance,
- Laggards: Companies that are either excluded due to a combination of poor product exposure (e.g. tobacco or defense manufacturers), poor sustainability disclosure and performance and/or with little evidence of a desire to improve.
Only companies designated as sustainability Leaders or Improvers are suitable for inclusion in the portfolio. The rationale for investing in both sustainability Leaders and Improvers is that empirical evidence shows that identifying and investing in sustainability improvers is one of the most effective ways of generating alpha by incorporating sustainability data into the investment process.
This process is dynamic. It does not stop once we decide to invest in a company. The sustainability analysis for every holding in the portfolio is updated at least annually, or more regularly if events occur that we think could impact the conclusions of the most recent research. During each update, the RI team can change the categorization of a company and should their analysis result in a downgrade to a Laggard, then the stock becomes uninvestible and must be sold from the portfolio as soon as is reasonably practicable. This independent oversight of the portfolio is important for the integrity of the process.
It is important to note that after applying the product exclusions and conducting sustainability analysis the resulting investment universe is still very large and provides ample investment opportunities to build a diversified portfolio of 35-45 stocks.
We recognize that within sustainability considerations, there are always debates, grey areas and nuances and this is a key reason why we analyze stocks from the bottom up.
In addition to the categorization of leader, improver or laggard outlined above, each stock is assigned to one of our seven sustainability pillars based on our view of the main sustainability issue they are trying to address. There is no set range for weightings to specific pillars – it is simply an outcome of bottom-up stock selection.
Process:
Our investment process provides an effective and disciplined approach to screening, analysis and portfolio construction. The process focuses on identifying profitable investment ideas and provides a forum for constructive engagement across the equity team.
At a very broad level, our investment process can be thought of as consisting of three key stages: idea generation, bottom-up analysis and portfolio construction. We have a very clear philosophical idea of the types of companies we are looking for which means the size of the universe we are realistically going to find ideas in is manageable.
Investment universe
As detailed in our ESG perspective, we apply some broad filters to derive an initial investment universe and then apply our sustainability exclusions. It is from this opportunity set that we search for the best sustainable growth ideas. We are guided by our philosophy in this search and use diverse sources of idea generation to ensure a consistent flow of stocks for consideration by the team.
Bottom-up analysis – Fundamental investment analysis combined with sustainability analysis
We emphasize stock selection and idea generation rather than blanket research coverage. We evaluate stocks using both our FVT analysis framework and in-depth sustainability analysis from our specialist RI team to reduce the universe to the specific types of opportunities which meet our investment criteria.
Investment Analysis
We use a common language and framework across our Equities team to analyse the most promising companies: Aegon AM’s Fundamentals, Valuations and Technicals (FVT).
The key thing we look for across the FVT process are indications of underestimated change or persistency. FVT encompasses the three aspects of our detailed bottom-up analysis: fundamentals, valuation and technicals. While we dedicate the majority of our time to fundamental research, the exact proportion of each aspect of the analysis is fluid and varies on a case-by-case basis.
Sustainability analysis
This two-way interaction between the fund management team and RI team enables us to build a more holistic view of each company and discover attractive long-term growth opportunities by looking through an ESG lens. This is a radically different approach to our competitors. The final decision on a stock’s sustainability category rests solely with the RI team, who have the power to veto any investment idea.
Focus list
Ideas that we have carried out research on then comprise our focus list. Some of the stocks on this list will have been fully analyzed, having been through the full FVT and RI analysis process. They may be on the list but not in the portfolio at present because we like the fundamental story but think the valuation is too rich, or because we already have several stocks in a similar industry in the portfolio. In contrast, other stocks on the focus list may have only had high level initial research carried out on them. This may be because we think the company has potential but need to see further proof points of commercial success before we consider the idea fully, for example.
Portfolio construction
Our final stage is using the output of this analysis to construct an optimal portfolio of around 40 high-conviction stocks from the focus list. We seek to keep stock-specific risk high, meaning our ability as stock pickers is what drives our portfolio. Final decision-making responsibility for portfolio construction lies with the portfolio managers.
Research and ESG data
While our own research drives our investment process, we draw upon external research to help form our views. All portfolio managers have access to our primary information systems, Bloomberg, Reuters and FactSet, which provide us with real-time information on stocks, markets, indices, news, derivatives, economics, bonds, and currencies. We also have extensive access to the research departments of numerous major investment banks, stockbrokers, and independent sell-side houses.
To supplement our own research, we make use of a range of external sources of ESG data, including third-party ESG ratings, company and sector reports and regional reports. Although, as mentioned earlier, these are only used as inputs into the process and our conclusions are always based on detailed internally generated analysis.
The information stream generated from these sources is shared across the team on a timely basis. We attach more importance to meeting companies, as this provides valuable insights to company strategy and allows us to identify change factors that will drive the share price.
We will not take an investment decision or purchase a stock without completing our own investment and sustainability research.
Resources, Affiliations & Corporate Strategies:
ESG resources
ESG research is conducted by our traditional research analysts as part of a comprehensive fundamental assessment.
In addition, global responsible investment specialists support ESG integration by our research and investment teams, leading our active ownership activities, supporting the development of innovative products and promoting responsible investing best practices across the organization.
Other responsible investment specialists serve as a central resource and are separate from the investment team. These RI professionals support engagement activities, policy implementation and other firm-wide responsible investing activities.
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As of March 31, 2024, the responsible investment (RI) team consists of 21 professionals[1]
Primary duties of the dedicated responsible investment professionals:
RI solutions and ESG integration
- Conduct sustainability research underpinning sustainability-themed, climate transition and impact solutions.
- Support development of new RI solutions.
- Support research analysts with ESG integration.
- Advise on industry best practices.
- Evaluate ESG training opportunities.
- Evaluate external ESG research.
- Exclusionary screening.
Engagement and voting
- Engage with issuers on behalf of most of our investment platforms.
- Encourage change in an effort to generate long-term economic value and reduce risk.
- Seek compliance with client ESG requirements and demands.
- Partner with other investors where appropriate.
Advisory and reporting
- Help develop, enhance and implement clients’ RI policies.
- Monitor ESG/RI policy and regulatory developments.
- Produce RI reports and advise on client ESG reporting.
- Coordinate and complete relevant external assessments of Aegon AM’s RI capabilities.
[1] Personnel may be employed by any of the Aegon AM affiliates.
Oversight
Framework and policy oversight
The Aegon AM Management Board (Aegon AM MB) oversees the implementation of the Aegon AM Responsible Investment Framework and associated policies. The Aegon AM MB is advised by an internal working group consisting of a broad representation of experts from investment, distribution and risk teams. This group, the Aegon AM Sustainability Board (AMSB) serves as an advisory body to the Aegon AM MB for best practices concerning the firm’s sustainability related activities and aspirations, including its responsible investment activities. The AMSB reports directly to the Aegon AM MB.
Within the wider Aegon Group, the AMSB acts as a local Sustainability Board and supports Aegon Group’s sustainability initiatives and programs. In addition, performance against the firm’s Responsible Investment Framework and policies is subject to regular policy attestation procedures, compliance reviews, internal audits and a semi-annual self-assessment procedure to create an internal KPI dashboard reported to both the Aegon AM MB and AMSB.
Responsible investment program oversight
Aegon AM’s dedicated responsible investment professionals act as a resource for all responsible investment matters. Using the RI Framework, experts maintain an overview of responsible investment activities. In addition to providing sustainability research and guiding the company on best practices, responsible investment professionals manage all engagement activities. With a focus on innovation and to balance expertise, most responsible investment professionals sit within the investment teams. In this way, they ensure appropriate information sharing and integration of ESG factors.
ESG integration oversight
Compliance and portfolio risk oversight
Routine monitoring and testing is conducted with respect to the firm’s responsible investment framework and its associated policies.
In terms of portfolio risk management, our risk analysts have access to internal and external ESG data in our portfolio management systems. This information can be used to assess the ESG risk profile of a portfolio. The team is exploring ways to implement ESG criteria into the routine risk reporting framework in the future. In addition, within the portfolio risk management team, the firm has a dedicated risk analyst who focuses on analyzing, assessing, monitoring, and reporting on ESG risks in our portfolios.
Related to guideline monitoring, Aegon AM’s portfolio risk control team utilizes the BlackRock’s Aladdin (Aladdin) trade compliance system as well as the Compliance Dashboard function, a workflow tool, to monitor trade restrictions. The firm deploys the Aladdin system in a manner that prevents trades from proceeding to settlement if a trade restriction is breached. Post-trade compliance is monitored by portfolio risk control on a daily basis.
Both portfolio risk management and portfolio risk control teams are independent of the investment management team.
Investment professionals’ alignment
Within Aegon AM, employees have performance and development objectives which are relevant to their role and contribution towards Aegon AM’s strategy, including an ESG objective relevant to their role. Individual objectives ensure that employees have a direct line-of-sight to how they contribute to Aegon AM’s strategy and sustainability goals.
Our remuneration program incorporates the firm’s global focus of integrating ESG factors into multiple components of our performance-linked compensation structure where applicable. At an organizational level, this focus is reflected by incorporating long-term sustainability of investment performance and client satisfaction measures as factors establishing the variable compensation pool.
Related to our Fixed Income, Equities and Multi-Asset & Solutions platforms, analysts and portfolio managers include responsible investing and ESG matters in their individual performance objectives. For roles where it is appropriate, this includes ensuring ESG matters are considered for each fund or portfolio based upon individual client mandates. Each individual’s performance result and rating are a key component in determining the value of their discretionary performance-based incentive award.
In addition, our executive leadership have individual objectives in respect of their involvement in Inclusion and Diversity initiatives and improving gender diversity within the organization.
Collaborations and Memberships
One or more Aegon AM affiliates endorse several international guidelines and business principles and actively subscribes to them when possible. Examples include:
- United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI). Aegon AM has been a signatory to the UN-supported PRI since February 2011. As a member, we commit to upholding the six principles for responsible investment and reporting annually on our progress. The PRI, an UN-supported network of investors, works to promote sustainable investment through the incorporation of environmental, social and governance issues into investment and ownership decisions.
- Net Zero Asset Managers Initiative. In November 2021, Aegon AM became a signatory to the Net Zero Asset Managers Initiative. As part of this initiative, we will continue to collaborate with clients on their decarbonization objectives and continue to engage with companies to encourage greenhouse gas measurement, targets and reduction.
Next to incorporating international guidelines and business principles into our investment processes in alignment with clients’ expectations, Aegon AM interacts with various collaborative investor initiatives. A full overview can be found in the Aegon AM Responsible Investment Report.
Aegon AM UK
- Climate Action 100+. In 2017, Aegon AM joined Climate Action 100+. Climate Action 100+ is an investor initiative aimed at ensuring the world’s largest greenhouse emitters take necessary action on climate change.
- Regional Corporate Governance Codes. Aegon AM complies with local corporate governance codes and best practices. For example, Aegon AM UK is a signatory to the UK Stewardship Code 2023. Aegon AM is also a member of Eumedion, an independent foundation whose objective it is to maintain and further develop good corporate governance in asset owners and asset managers established in the Netherlands.
Aegon AM also has extensive experience managing client mandates to adhere to specific international standards and policies. Examples of such standards include UN Global Compact principles, UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises. Further, through our active ownership activities, we engage with companies to encourage adoption of relevant standards and guidelines. Finally, we also comply with applicable local sustainable finance regulations such as the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) in the EU.
Dialshifter
This fund is helping to ‘shift the dial from brown to green’ by…
Aegon AM apply strict screening criteria to our ethical and sustainable range, avoiding companies and sectors which have a detrimental effect on the environment, such as:
- environmentally unsound activities – specifically PVC, Ozone Depleting Chemicals and hazardous pesticides.
- those convicted of serious pollution offences or breach internationally recognised conventions on biodiversity.
- energy intensive industries not tackling climate change and hazardous chemicals issues.
- coal mining/processing.
- oil and gas exploration/production.
Excluding harmful companies with large carbon footprints delivers investments with lower carbon intensity and green energy transition themes.
Our approach results in a low carbon portfolio giving exposure to positive climate change solutions.
Our organisation is helping to support the Paris Climate Agreement and the Race to Net Zero by…
Aegon AM carries out a significant number of individual and collaborative engagements related to climate change to improve outcomes for our clients’ portfolios. As part of our engagement strategy, we challenge portfolio companies to set science-based greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets and expect them to work towards those with ambitious decarbonisation plans. We engage with companies on a regular basis, prioritizing top GHG emitters, and discuss progress towards their targets and the realisation of the 2015 Paris Agreement as the key international commitment to the climate transition.
SDR Labelling: Sustainability Focus label
Key Performance Indicators:
- the percentage of investments allocated at the level of the Fund classified as ‘Sustainable’ and ‘Sustainable Leaders’ based on the ACD’s proprietary framework and scoring matrix as explained above to demonstrate the Fund continues to meet its sustainability objective; and
- the percentage of the Fund allocated to the six sustainability themes*; and a point-in-time (end of reporting period) and year-on-year breakdown of the Products/Services scores and Practices scores of the Fund’s holdings expressed as a percentage
Disclaimer
For Professional Clients only and not to be distributed to or relied upon by retail clients.
Past performance does not predict future returns. Outcomes, including the payment of income, are not guaranteed.
Opinions expressed represent our understanding of the current and historical positions of the market and are not a recommendation or advice.
This document is accurate at the time of writing and is subject to change without notification.
All data is sourced to Aegon Asset Management (a trade name of Aegon Investment Management B.V.) unless otherwise stated. Data attributed to a third party ("3rd Party Data") is proprietary to that third party and/or other suppliers (the "Data Owner") and is used by Aegon Asset Management under licence. 3rd Party Data: (i) may not be copied or distributed; and (ii) is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. None of the Data Owner, Aegon Asset Management or any other person connected to, or from whom Aegon Asset Management sources, 3rd Party Data is liable for any losses or liabilities arising from use of 3rd Party Data.
Aegon Asset Management UK plc is the ACD of Aegon Asset Management UK ICVC, Aegon Asset Management UK Investment Portfolios ICVC and the AFM of Aegon Asset Management UK Unit Trust. UK Funds are registered for distribution in the UK only
Fund Name | SRI Style | SDR Labelling | Product | Region | Asset Type | Launch Date | Last Amended |
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![]() Aegon Sustainable Equity Fund |
Sustainable Style | Sustainability Focus label | OEIC | UK | Equity | 30/10/1987 | Nov 2024 | |
ObjectivesThe investment objective is to maximize total return (income plus capital) by investing in a diversified portfolio of global equity securities which meets the strategy's predefined sustainability criteria.
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Fund Size: £179.00m (as at: 31/03/2024) Total Screened Themed SRI Assets: £28761.00m (as at: 31/03/2024) Total Responsible Ownership Assets: £116188.00m (as at: 31/03/2024) Total Assets Under Management: £268599.00m (as at: 31/03/2024) ISIN: GB0007274516, GB00BF2VD060 Contact Us: mark.ferguson@aegonam.com |
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Sustainable, Responsible &/or ESG OverviewOur mission is to generate excess returns by investing in sustainable growth companies that have a positive impact. Having sustainability research at the heart of our process helps us identify companies that can establish and maintain competitive advantages through positive impact products and practices. We see multiple sustainability trends that are creating opportunities to capture meaningful economic value. We believe that the companies best placed to capture this economic value are those with the most innovative solutions. Typically, these are newer and smaller businesses rather than the more established incumbents. We believe this fresh mind-set makes these companies the best innovators and the ones most likely to achieve large and lasting growth as a result. We aim to be open minded and will consider larger and more established companies that meet our philosophy. |
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Primary fund last amended: Nov 2024 |
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Information received directly from Fund Manager |
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Fund FiltersSustainability - General
Sustainability policy
Funds that have policies that consider (environmental and social) sustainability issues. Strategies vary but are likely to consider environmental issues like climate change, carbon emissions, biodiversity loss, resource management, environmental impacts; and social issues like equal opportunities, human rights, labour standards, diversity and adherence to internationally recognised codes. See fund information.
Sustainability focus
Find funds which substantially focus on sustainability issues
Sustainability theme or focus
Find funds where there is a significant emphasis on (environmental and social) sustainability. Funds with a 'sustainability theme' typically place more emphasis on the area than funds with a 'sustainability policy' - meaning that it is more likely to drive investment selection. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.
Encourage more sustainable practices through stewardship
A core element of these funds aim to encourage higher sustainability standards across business practices through responsible ownership / stewardship / engagement / voting activity
Report against sustainability objectives
Find funds that publicly report their performance against specifically named sustainability objectives (in addition to reporting their financial performance)
Circular economy theme
Fund has a theme or investment strand focused on the shift to a circular economy (where products are reused and recycled not incinerated or dumped). See eg https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/topics/circular-economy-introduction/overview Environmental - General
Limits exposure to carbon intensive industries
Funds that limit or 'reduce' their exposure to carbon intensive industries (ie sectors which are major contributors to climate change. Funds vary - some funds may be 'underweight' in this area which means they may have some investment in highly carbon intensive areas. Funds of this kind may choose companies they consider to be 'best in sector' and encourage ever higher standards. Strategies vary. See fund information for further details.
Environmental damage and pollution policy
Funds that have written policies explaining the approach they take when companies damage the environment or are significant polluters. Funds of this kind may work with companies to encourage higher standards, or exclude companies - sometimes dependent on the situation. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.
Resource efficiency policy or theme
Find funds that have a policy or theme that relates to managing natural resources more efficiently. Funds with this policy will be likely to favour companies that make (or enable the) more efficient use of resources - and either avoid or encourage change amongst companies with lower standards. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.
Favours cleaner, greener companies
Funds that aim to invest in companies with strong or market leading environmental policies and practices. Strategies vary - in particular the balance between 'financial' aspects and environmental benefits. Some may invest substantially in solutions or 'positive impact' companies - others may invest in more conventional companies providing certain environmental criteria are met. See fund information for further detail. Nature & Biodiversity
Illegal deforestation exclusion policy
Find funds that have policies in place explaining that they avoid companies involved in illegal and/or unsustainable deforestation. This may relate to palm oil, cattle farming or other concerns. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.
Avoids genetically modified seeds/crop production
Find funds that aim to avoid investing in companies that produce genetically modified seeds or crops. (This does not typically include avoiding companies such as supermarkets). See fund literature for further information.
Genetic engineering exclusion
Fund avoids assets / companies directly involved in genetic engineering Climate Change & Energy
Coal, oil & / or gas majors excluded
Funds that avoid investing in major coal, oil and/or gas (extraction) companies. Funds vary: some may exclude all companies that extract oil. Others may have exposure to oil extraction via more diversified energy companies. See fund literature to confirm details.
Fracking and tar sands excluded
Funds that avoid companies involved in fracking and tar sands - which are widely regarded as controversial methods of oil and gas extraction. Strategies vary. See fund information for further information.
Arctic drilling exclusion
Funds that avoid companies that are involved in extracting oil from the Arctic regions. See fund literature for further details.
Fossil fuel reserves exclusion
Funds that avoid investing in companies with coal, oil and gas reserves. See fund information for further details.
Clean / renewable energy theme or focus
Find funds where investment in clean / renewable energy companies an other assets is central to their investment selection strategy. The proportion of the fund that is directly or indirectly invested in renewable energy varies between funds and over time. See fund information for further details.
Energy efficiency theme
Fund funds that have an energy efficiency theme - typically meaning that a fund manager is focused on investing in organisations that manage - or help others to manage - energy use more carefully and less wastefully - and so reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Invests in clean energy / renewables
Funds that hold companies in the clean energy and renewable energy sectors (at the time research was supplied). Fund strategies vary, in particular the proportion of investment in these areas may vary significantly. Check fund literature for details.
Nuclear exclusion policy
Find funds that have policies which say they avoid or limit their investment in the nuclear industry. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.
Fossil fuel exploration exclusion - direct involvement
The fund manager excludes companies with direct involvement in fossil fuel exploration (eg coal, oil and gas companies)
Fossil fuel exploration exclusion – indirect involvement
The fund manager excludes companies with indirect involvement in fossil fuel exploration. For example they would be expected to exclude banks and insurance companies that are effectively enabling new coal, oil and or gas reserves to be discovered and in due course extracted through the provision of necessary finance or services.
Require net zero action plan from all/most companies
Find funds that require all, or almost all, of the companies it invests in to have a ‘net zero action plan’ - meaning that the companies they invest in have worked out how they will, over time, reduce their total carbon (and other greenhouse gas) emissions to nil.
TCFD reporting requirement (Becoming IFRS)
Will only invest in companies that report greenhouse gas emissions reduction strategies in line with the framework set out the by the Taskforce for Climate Related Financial Disclosure, which is increasingly becoming mandatory. See https://www.fsb-tcfd.org/ https ://www.ifrs.org/sustainability/tcfd/ Social / Employment
Favours companies with strong social policies
Find funds that invest in line with positive strategies that relate to 'people' issues - such as having strong human rights, labour standards and equal opportunities practices. Such funds are likely to invest in companies that have market leading standards with regard to employee and supplier practices. Read fund literature for further information.
Health & wellbeing policies or theme
Find funds with policies or themes that set out their approach to health and wellbeing issues. Funds of this kind typically aim to invest in companies with high standards - or encourage high standards. Themed funds are likely to have more of an emphasis on this area. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail. Ethical Values Led Exclusions
Tobacco and related products - avoid where revenue > 5%
Companies are excluded if they make more than 5% of their revenue from the manufacture, sale or distribution of tobacco products including cigarettes, vaping, e-cigarettes, chewing tobacco and cigars.
Armaments manufacturers avoided
Find funds that avoid companies that manufacture products intended specifically for military use. Fund strategies vary - particularly with regard to non-strategic military products. See fund literature for fund specific details.
Civilian firearms production exclusion
Find funds with a written civilian firearms exclusion policy - meaning that they will not invest in companies that make (or perhaps also sell) handguns made for non-military users.
Gambling avoidance policy
Find funds that avoid companies with significant involvement in the gambling industry. Some funds may allow a small proportion of profits to come from this area. See fund policy for further details.
Pornography avoidance policy
Find funds that avoid companies that derive significant income from pornography and related areas. Strategies vary. See fund details for further information.
Animal welfare policy
Find funds with policies that require specific animal welfare standards to be met. These may reference well-known welfare standards (3Rs - Replace, Reduce, Refine) or certification schemes. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.
Animal testing - excluded except if for medical purposes
Find funds that avoid companies that test their products on animals for purposes other than medical benefit (e.g. for cosmetics). Strategies vary. See fund literature for further information. Human Rights
Human rights policy
Find funds that have policies relating to human rights issues. Funds of this kind typically require companies to demonstrate higher standards, although some fund managers work to encourage improvements. Investee companies are often judged against internationally agreed norms or standards. Strategies vary. See fund information for further detail.
Child labour exclusion
Find funds that have policies in place to ensure they do not invest in companies that employ children.
Oppressive regimes (not free or democratic) exclusion policy
Find funds with policies that exclude companies or other assets where regimes are not democratic, or where people may be oppressed. May use eg. Freedom House research. Strategies vary. See fund literature for further information.
Modern slavery exclusion policy
The fund has a policy which excludes assets with involvement in Modern Slavery Meeting Peoples' Basic Needs
Healthcare / medical theme
Healthcare and or medical theme or area of investment - the fund may have a single theme or many themes Gilts & Sovereigns
Does not invest in sovereigns
Find funds that do not invest in / exclude 'sovereigns' - debt issued by governments. See eg https://www.investopedia.com/terms/s/sovereign-debt.asp Banking & Financials
Invests in banks
Find funds that include banks as part of their holdings / portfolio.
Exclude banks that finance fossil fuels extraction
The fund avoids banks that finance fossil fuels extraction (coal, oil, gas)
Exclude banks with significant fossil fuel investments
Will avoid banks that have a large part of their loan book (or other assets) invested in fossil fuels companies - particular coal, oil and gas.
Invests in insurers
Funds that do or may invest in insurance companies. Governance & Management
Governance policy
Find fund options that have policies that relate to corporate governance issues such as board structure, executive remuneration, bribery and/or corporate corruption. These funds will typically avoid companies with poor practices. Strategies vary. See fund literature for further information.
Avoids companies with poor governance
Find funds that aim to avoid investing in companies with poor governance practices.(e.g. board structure, management practices etc.) Views may however vary on what counts as 'poor' practices - and funds may not immediately divest as they may prefer to work to encourage higher standards. See fund literature for further information.
Encourage board diversity e.g. gender
Fund managers encourage the companies they invest in to have more diverse board structures (e.g. more women on boards)
Encourage TCFD alignment for banks & insurance companies
Find fund managers that encourage the banks and insurance companies they invest in to publish climate change related financial information - as set out by the Task Force on Climate Related Financial Disclosures (with the aim of helping investors measure and respond to climate risk).
Encourage higher ESG standards through stewardship activity
A core element of these funds will aim to encourage higher ESG standards through responsible ownership / stewardship / engagement /voting activity Fund Governance
ESG integration strategy
Find funds that factor in 'environmental, social and governance' issues as part of their investment decision making process. A focus on 'ESG' typically means a fund is carrying out additional research to help reduce ESG related risks. It does not necessarily mean a focus on sustainability. Strategies vary. See fund literature. Asset Size
Over 50% small / mid cap companies
Find funds where more than half of the funds' assets are invested in smaller or medium sized companies (i.e. below around £5 -10 billion).
Invests in small, mid and large cap companies / assets
Find a fund that invests in a combination of small, medium and larger (potentially multinational)companies. Targeted Positive Investments
Invests >25% of fund in environmental/social solutions companies
Find funds that invest >25% of their capital towards companies where a major part of their business is focused on helping to address environmental or social challenges.
Invests >50% of fund in environmental/social solutions companies
Find funds that invest >50% of their capital in companies where a major part of their business is focused on helping to address environmental or social challenges. Impact Methodologies
Invests in environmental solutions companies
Find funds that direct investment towards companies where a major part of their business is about solving environmental challenges. e.g. companies helping to address climate change.
Invests in social solutions companies
Find funds that invest in companies where a major part of their business is specifically aimed at helping to address social challenges. e.g. companies helping to address poverty.
Invests in sustainability / ESG disruptors
Find funds that specifically set out to invest in companies that are regarded as 'disrupting' existing business practices - typically through the development of innovative (sustainability aware) products and/or practices.
Aim to deliver positive impacts through engagement
Fund aims to deliver positive environmental and or social impacts (real world benefits) through its engagement with investee assets
Over 50% in assets providing environmental or social ‘solutions’
50% of fund assets are regarded by the fund manager as being significantly focused on providing solutions to environmental or social challenges. Strategies vary. How The Fund Works
Positive selection bias
Find funds that focus on finding and investing in companies with positive / beneficial attributes. This strategy can be applied in addition to exclusion criteria and engagement/stewardship activity.
Negative selection bias
Find funds where their main 'ethical approach' is to avoid companies by using negative screening criteria. Read fund literature for further information.
Limited / few ethical exclusions
Find funds with few exclusions - typically for example exclude tobacco or companies that breach commonly adopted standards or norms such as the UN Global Compact.
Significant harm exclusion
Aims to avoid companies that do significant harm. This originates from the EU’s sustainable finance ‘DNSH’ (do no significant harm) work, which is not necessarily used by UK investors.
Focus on ESG risk mitigation
A major focus of these funds is the careful management of environmental, social and governance (ESG) related risks - typically by avoiding or being underweight in companies seen as posing major risks in these areas (i.e. not necessarily by using themes, exclusions etc).
SRI / ESG / Ethical policies explained on website
Find funds that have published explanations of their ethical, social and/or environmental policies online (i.e. fund decision making strategies/ buy/sell &/or asset management strategies).
Converted from ‘non ESG’ strategy
This fund has changed its mandate. It was previously not an ESG/sustainable fund. The information published here shows the upgraded fund strategy.
Do not use stock / securities lending
This fund does not use stock lending for performance or risk purposes. Unscreened Assets & Cash
Assets typically aligned to sustainability objectives 70 - 79%
The percentage of assets held within the fund that match the fund’s sustainability objectives and are not being held purely for risk management purposes, such as derivatives and cash equivalent assets.
Assets typically aligned to sustainability objectives 80 – 89%
The percentage of assets held within the fund that match the fund’s sustainability objectives and are not being held purely for risk management purposes, such as derivatives and cash equivalent assets.
Assets typically aligned to sustainability objectives > 90%
The percentage of assets held within the fund that match the fund’s sustainability objectives and are not being held purely for risk management purposes, such as derivatives and cash equivalent assets
No ‘diversifiers’ used other than cash
Fund that only invest in cash to aid the practical management (buying and selling) of assets. These funds do not use additional financial instruments.
All assets (except cash) meet published sustainability criteria
All assets held in the fund - except cash - meet the sustainability criteria published in fund documentation. Intended Clients & Product Options
Intended for investors interested in sustainability
Finds funds designed to meet the needs of individual investors with an interest in sustainability issues.
Intended for clients who want to have a positive impact
Finds funds designed to meet the needs of individual investors with an interest in ‘Impact investment funds’ which help or support the delivery of positive social or environmental impacts (or societal/real world outcomes) by investing in companies they regard as beneficial to people and / or the planet. Strategies vary. See fund literature for further information.
Available via an ISA (OEIC only)
Find funds that are available via a tax efficient ISA product wrapper. Labels & Accreditations
SDR Labelled
Find funds that have chosen to adopt one of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) SDR labels. Please note: there are a range of reasons why potentially relevant funds may not use an SDR label eg. adopting a label may be work in progress, the manager may not yet be allowed to do so because of the product type, a manager may feel their fund is insufficiently aligned to SDR requirements. Read fund literature and / or our blogs for further information. Fund Management Company InformationAbout The Business
Responsible ownership / stewardship policy or strategy (AFM company wide)
Finds fund management companies that have a published company wide stewardship, engagement and / or responsible ownership policy or strategy that covers all investments. Stewardship typically involves encouraging higher ESG standards through voting and dialogue.
ESG / SRI engagement (AFM company wide)
Find fund management companies that actively encourage higher 'environmental, social and governance' and/or 'sustainable and responsible investment' practices across investee companies - typically where the aim is to encourage positive change that is aligned with the best interests of investors. Strategies vary. See additional information and options.
Responsible ownership / ESG a key differentiator (AFM company wide)
Find fund managers that consider responsible ownership and ESG to be a key differentiator for their business.
Senior management KPIs include environmental goals (AFM company wide)
The leadership team of this asset manager have performance targets linked to environmental goals.
Responsible ownership policy for non SRI funds (AFM company wide)
Find funds run by fund managers that apply Responsible ownership or 'Stewardship' policies to all or most of their investment assets. This means active involvement (e.g. voting, dialogue) with the companies they invest in across funds (not normally limited to ethical or SRI options.) Read fund literature for further information.
Integrates ESG factors into all / most (AFM) fund research
Find fund management companies that consider environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues when deciding whether or not to invest in a company for all / almost all of their funds and other assets. This is increasingly seen as part of sound risk management.
Diversity, equality & inclusion engagement policy (AFM company wide)
Find fund management companies that encourage the companies they invest in to have strong diversity, race, gender and other equality policies across all assets held, not simply screened or themed SRI/ESG funds. (ie Asset Management company wide).
Invests in newly listed companies (AFM company wide)
This asset management company invests in companies which have recently listed on a stock exchange (which is important as it can help grow new businesses).
Invests in new sustainability linked bond issuances (AFM company wide)
Asset management company has investments in bonds designed to meet sustainability requirements - however these assets may not be 'ringfenced' for this purpose. See fund manager website for details. Collaborations & Affiliations
PRI signatory
Find fund management companies that have signed up to the UN backed 'Principles of Responsible Investment'.
UKSIF member
Find fund management companies that are members of UKSIF - the UK Sustainable Investment and Finance association
Fund EcoMarket partner
Find fund management companies that have partnered with Fund EcoMarket - meaning that they are helping to improve access to information on sustainable and responsible investment by paying an annual fee to us which enables us to publish information for free. Partner funds are listed ahead of other funds and have their logos displayed.
Investment Association (IA) member
Fund management entity is a member of the Investment Association https://www.theia.org/ Resources
In-house responsible ownership / voting expertise
Find fund management companies that employ people to steer and support fund managers in voting shares at company AGM's and EGMs in ways that are consistent with encouraging higher ESG/sustainability standards.
Employ specialist ESG / SRI / sustainability researchers
Find a fund management company that directly employs specialist ESG/SRI/sustainability researchers or analysts. This allows asset managers to discuss environmental, social and governance risks and opportunities directly with companies.
Use specialist ESG / SRI / sustainability research companies
Find fund management companies that makes use of expert external research companies. This can help deliver specialist expertise and means resources are pooled with other investors.
ESG specialists on all investment desks (AFM company wide)
Finds organisations / fund managers that have one or more ESG/sustainability experts on all investment teams or 'desks' (all asset types) Accreditations
UK Stewardship Code signatory (AFM company wide)
Find fund managers that are signatories to the FRC UK Stewardship Code, which sets out a framework for constructive investor / investee relations where fund managers are encouraged to behave like responsible, typically longer term 'company owners'. Engagement Approach
Regularly lead collaborative ESG initiatives (AFM company wide)
Find fund management companies that regularly initiate or run industry wide (collaborative) investor projects aimed at raising environmental, social and governance standards amongst investee companies.
Engaging on climate change issues
Fund manager has stewardship /responsible ownership strategy that is focused on addressing climate change with investee assets.
Engaging with fossil fuel companies on climate change
Asset manager has a stewardship /responsible ownership strategy that involves working with fossil fuel companies on climate change related issues. See fund manager website for details.
Engaging to reduce plastics pollution / waste
Asset manager has stewardship /responsible ownership strategy with involves encouraging investee asset to reduce plastic waste and pollution.
Engaging to encourage responsible mining practices
Asset manager has a stewardship / responsible ownership policy that means they are working to encourage more responsible mining practices - where environmental and social issues are properly dealt with by the companies they invest in.
Engaging on biodiversity / nature issues
The asset manager has a responsible ownership / stewardship strategy that focuses on biodiversity and nature issues relating to the assets they invest the aim of which will be to reduce harm and or deliver improvement. Strategies vary. https://tnfd.global
Engaging on human rights issues
Asset manager has responsible ownership / stewardship strategy in place which aims to address human rights issues in investee companies (and potentially their suppliers) with the aim of raising standards
Engaging on labour / employment issues
Asset manager has responsible ownership / stewardship strategy in place that aims to improve labour standards for the benefit of employees in investee companies (and potentially their suppliers)
Engaging on diversity, equality and / or inclusion issues
Asset management company has a stewardship strategy in place which involves working to raise diversity, equality and inclusion standards across investee assets
Engaging to stop modern slavery
working with the assets they hold to help stamp out modern slavery - where direct or indirect company employees are exploited for business benefits.
Engaging on governance issues
Fund managers have stewardship strategies in place that focus on improving governance standards across investee assets
Engaging on responsible supply chain issues
Has a stewardship / responsible ownership strategy that encourages responsible supply chain - ie the managers will discuss environmental, social and governance issues with investee companies with the aim of raising standards Company Wide Exclusions
Controversial weapons avoidance policy (AFM company wide)
Find fund management companies (not funds) that avoid investment in 'controversial weapons' across all of their funds and other investment vehicles. Climate & Net Zero Transition
Net Zero commitment (AFM company wide)
Fund management organisations that have pledged to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions to ‘net zero’. Strategies vary - this area is changing rapidly.
Publish 'CEO owned' Climate Risk policy (AFM company wide)
Find fund management companies that have published a Climate Risk policy or statement that is signed / owned by their Chief Executive.
Net Zero - have set a Net Zero target date (AFM company wide)
This asset management company has set a date by which they plan to achieve net zero greenhouse gas / CO2e emissions.
Encourage carbon / greenhouse gas reduction (AFM company wide)
Find fund management companies that are working with the companies they invest in to encourage reductions in carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions.
Carbon transition plan published (AFM company wide)
Finds organisations / fund managers that have a company wide carbon transition plan - meaning that they have plotted a path to how they will move away from activities that produce or use carbon based energy sources (that emit greenhouse gases) towards clean, alternative, renewable energy sources.
‘Forward Looking Climate Metrics’ published / ITR (AFM company wide)
Finds organisations / fund managers that have published ‘forward looking climate metrics’ e.g. 'implied temperature rise' data that are a total of the asset management company's share (% owned) of all the investee company emissions of the assets they manage, as well as their own direct and other indirect emissions.
Carbon offsetting – do NOT offset carbon as part of net zero plan (AFM company wide)
This asset management company plans to achieve net zero greenhouse gas (CO2e) emissions by reducing their emissions. Calculations and scope vary.
In-house carbon / GHG reduction policy (AFM company wide)
Find fund management companies that are working to reduce their own (fund management company) carbon/greenhouse gas emissions. Transparency
Publish responsible ownership / stewardship report (AFM company wide)
Find fund management companies that publish a report detailing their responsible investment ownership - also known as 'Stewardship' - activity.
Publish full voting record (AFM company wide)
Fund management companies that publish a full record of how they vote their shares at AGMs (annual general meetings) and EGMs (extraordinary general meetings). Voting strategies have an important role to play encouraging higher environmental, social and governance standards.
Dialshifter statement
Find fund management companies that have supplied Dialshifter information. See Dialshifter tab within record for more information. Sustainable, Responsible &/or ESG Policy:The fund’s investment approach seeks to identify the best bottom-up investment ideas available globally while focusing our exposure to companies that have strong sustainability characteristics, as defined by our detailed in-house sustainability analysis. In addition, there are a limited number of product-based exclusions, designed to prevent the fund from investing in companies that we believe have a materially harmful impact on environmental and/or social factors.
Step 1 – Product Exclusions The fund applies a limited number of absolute exclusions as follows: Adult entertainment
Animal welfare
Fossil fuels
Gambling
Genetic modification
Human rights
Nuclear power
Tobacco
Weapons
Step 2 – Sustainability analysis The sustainability analysis carried out by the RI team assesses three dimensions:
Our RI team refers to the Sustainable Accounting Standards Board’s (SASB) ‘Materiality Map’ as a starting point. Materiality is central to our process, as we strongly believe that sustainability analysis should be tailored to the specific context of an individual company, rather than using the same criteria for all. We believe the materiality map provides an effective way of highlighting the ESG factors that matter most to a company given the industry and the sector in which it operates, helping to focus our bottom-up sustainability research. Our experience is that this often leads to us focusing on different factors when compared to third-party ESG ratings and reaching contrasting conclusions. The RI team’s sustainability analysis will gather and analyze qualitative and quantitative information on these material factors in the context of the ‘Three Dimensions’ framework discussed above to form a conclusion and a sustainability rating for a company. As a result of this analysis, companies are classified into three categories:
This process is dynamic. It does not stop once we decide to invest in a company. The sustainability analysis for every holding in the portfolio is updated at least annually, or more regularly if events occur that we think could impact the conclusions of the most recent research. During each update, the RI team can change the categorization of a company and should their analysis result in a downgrade to a Laggard, then the stock becomes uninvestible and must be sold from the portfolio as soon as is reasonably practicable. This independent oversight of the portfolio is important for the integrity of the process. It is important to note that after applying the product exclusions and conducting sustainability analysis the resulting investment universe is still very large and provides ample investment opportunities to build a diversified portfolio of 35-45 stocks. We recognize that within sustainability considerations, there are always debates, grey areas and nuances and this is a key reason why we analyze stocks from the bottom up. In addition to the categorization of leader, improver or laggard outlined above, each stock is assigned to one of our seven sustainability pillars based on our view of the main sustainability issue they are trying to address. There is no set range for weightings to specific pillars – it is simply an outcome of bottom-up stock selection.
Process:Our investment process provides an effective and disciplined approach to screening, analysis and portfolio construction. The process focuses on identifying profitable investment ideas and provides a forum for constructive engagement across the equity team. At a very broad level, our investment process can be thought of as consisting of three key stages: idea generation, bottom-up analysis and portfolio construction. We have a very clear philosophical idea of the types of companies we are looking for which means the size of the universe we are realistically going to find ideas in is manageable.
As detailed in our ESG perspective, we apply some broad filters to derive an initial investment universe and then apply our sustainability exclusions. It is from this opportunity set that we search for the best sustainable growth ideas. We are guided by our philosophy in this search and use diverse sources of idea generation to ensure a consistent flow of stocks for consideration by the team.
We emphasize stock selection and idea generation rather than blanket research coverage. We evaluate stocks using both our FVT analysis framework and in-depth sustainability analysis from our specialist RI team to reduce the universe to the specific types of opportunities which meet our investment criteria.
We use a common language and framework across our Equities team to analyse the most promising companies: Aegon AM’s Fundamentals, Valuations and Technicals (FVT). The key thing we look for across the FVT process are indications of underestimated change or persistency. FVT encompasses the three aspects of our detailed bottom-up analysis: fundamentals, valuation and technicals. While we dedicate the majority of our time to fundamental research, the exact proportion of each aspect of the analysis is fluid and varies on a case-by-case basis.
This two-way interaction between the fund management team and RI team enables us to build a more holistic view of each company and discover attractive long-term growth opportunities by looking through an ESG lens. This is a radically different approach to our competitors. The final decision on a stock’s sustainability category rests solely with the RI team, who have the power to veto any investment idea. Ideas that we have carried out research on then comprise our focus list. Some of the stocks on this list will have been fully analyzed, having been through the full FVT and RI analysis process. They may be on the list but not in the portfolio at present because we like the fundamental story but think the valuation is too rich, or because we already have several stocks in a similar industry in the portfolio. In contrast, other stocks on the focus list may have only had high level initial research carried out on them. This may be because we think the company has potential but need to see further proof points of commercial success before we consider the idea fully, for example.
Our final stage is using the output of this analysis to construct an optimal portfolio of around 40 high-conviction stocks from the focus list. We seek to keep stock-specific risk high, meaning our ability as stock pickers is what drives our portfolio. Final decision-making responsibility for portfolio construction lies with the portfolio managers.
While our own research drives our investment process, we draw upon external research to help form our views. All portfolio managers have access to our primary information systems, Bloomberg, Reuters and FactSet, which provide us with real-time information on stocks, markets, indices, news, derivatives, economics, bonds, and currencies. We also have extensive access to the research departments of numerous major investment banks, stockbrokers, and independent sell-side houses.
The information stream generated from these sources is shared across the team on a timely basis. We attach more importance to meeting companies, as this provides valuable insights to company strategy and allows us to identify change factors that will drive the share price. We will not take an investment decision or purchase a stock without completing our own investment and sustainability research. Resources, Affiliations & Corporate Strategies:ESG resources ESG research is conducted by our traditional research analysts as part of a comprehensive fundamental assessment. In addition, global responsible investment specialists support ESG integration by our research and investment teams, leading our active ownership activities, supporting the development of innovative products and promoting responsible investing best practices across the organization. Other responsible investment specialists serve as a central resource and are separate from the investment team. These RI professionals support engagement activities, policy implementation and other firm-wide responsible investing activities. Primary duties of the dedicated responsible investment professionals: RI solutions and ESG integration
Framework and policy oversight The Aegon AM Management Board (Aegon AM MB) oversees the implementation of the Aegon AM Responsible Investment Framework and associated policies. The Aegon AM MB is advised by an internal working group consisting of a broad representation of experts from investment, distribution and risk teams. This group, the Aegon AM Sustainability Board (AMSB) serves as an advisory body to the Aegon AM MB for best practices concerning the firm’s sustainability related activities and aspirations, including its responsible investment activities. The AMSB reports directly to the Aegon AM MB. Within the wider Aegon Group, the AMSB acts as a local Sustainability Board and supports Aegon Group’s sustainability initiatives and programs. In addition, performance against the firm’s Responsible Investment Framework and policies is subject to regular policy attestation procedures, compliance reviews, internal audits and a semi-annual self-assessment procedure to create an internal KPI dashboard reported to both the Aegon AM MB and AMSB. Responsible investment program oversight Aegon AM’s dedicated responsible investment professionals act as a resource for all responsible investment matters. Using the RI Framework, experts maintain an overview of responsible investment activities. In addition to providing sustainability research and guiding the company on best practices, responsible investment professionals manage all engagement activities. With a focus on innovation and to balance expertise, most responsible investment professionals sit within the investment teams. In this way, they ensure appropriate information sharing and integration of ESG factors. ESG integration oversight Compliance and portfolio risk oversight In terms of portfolio risk management, our risk analysts have access to internal and external ESG data in our portfolio management systems. This information can be used to assess the ESG risk profile of a portfolio. The team is exploring ways to implement ESG criteria into the routine risk reporting framework in the future. In addition, within the portfolio risk management team, the firm has a dedicated risk analyst who focuses on analyzing, assessing, monitoring, and reporting on ESG risks in our portfolios. Related to guideline monitoring, Aegon AM’s portfolio risk control team utilizes the BlackRock’s Aladdin (Aladdin) trade compliance system as well as the Compliance Dashboard function, a workflow tool, to monitor trade restrictions. The firm deploys the Aladdin system in a manner that prevents trades from proceeding to settlement if a trade restriction is breached. Post-trade compliance is monitored by portfolio risk control on a daily basis. Both portfolio risk management and portfolio risk control teams are independent of the investment management team.
Related to our Fixed Income, Equities and Multi-Asset & Solutions platforms, analysts and portfolio managers include responsible investing and ESG matters in their individual performance objectives. For roles where it is appropriate, this includes ensuring ESG matters are considered for each fund or portfolio based upon individual client mandates. Each individual’s performance result and rating are a key component in determining the value of their discretionary performance-based incentive award.
One or more Aegon AM affiliates endorse several international guidelines and business principles and actively subscribes to them when possible. Examples include:
DialshifterThis fund is helping to ‘shift the dial from brown to green’ by… Aegon AM apply strict screening criteria to our ethical and sustainable range, avoiding companies and sectors which have a detrimental effect on the environment, such as:
Our approach results in a low carbon portfolio giving exposure to positive climate change solutions.
Our organisation is helping to support the Paris Climate Agreement and the Race to Net Zero by… Aegon AM carries out a significant number of individual and collaborative engagements related to climate change to improve outcomes for our clients’ portfolios. As part of our engagement strategy, we challenge portfolio companies to set science-based greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction targets and expect them to work towards those with ambitious decarbonisation plans. We engage with companies on a regular basis, prioritizing top GHG emitters, and discuss progress towards their targets and the realisation of the 2015 Paris Agreement as the key international commitment to the climate transition.
SDR Labelling: Sustainability Focus label Key Performance Indicators:
DisclaimerFor Professional Clients only and not to be distributed to or relied upon by retail clients. Opinions expressed represent our understanding of the current and historical positions of the market and are not a recommendation or advice. This document is accurate at the time of writing and is subject to change without notification. All data is sourced to Aegon Asset Management (a trade name of Aegon Investment Management B.V.) unless otherwise stated. Data attributed to a third party ("3rd Party Data") is proprietary to that third party and/or other suppliers (the "Data Owner") and is used by Aegon Asset Management under licence. 3rd Party Data: (i) may not be copied or distributed; and (ii) is not warranted to be accurate, complete or timely. None of the Data Owner, Aegon Asset Management or any other person connected to, or from whom Aegon Asset Management sources, 3rd Party Data is liable for any losses or liabilities arising from use of 3rd Party Data. Aegon Asset Management UK plc is the ACD of Aegon Asset Management UK ICVC, Aegon Asset Management UK Investment Portfolios ICVC and the AFM of Aegon Asset Management UK Unit Trust. UK Funds are registered for distribution in the UK only |