Baillie Gifford Global Alpha Paris-Aligned Fund
SRI Style:
Sustainability Tilt
SDR Labelling:
Unlabelled with sustainable characteristics
Product:
OEIC
Fund Region:
Global
Fund Asset Type:
Equity
Launch Date:
15/04/2021
Last Amended:
Nov 2024
Dialshifter (
):
Fund Size:
£324.00m
(as at: 30/06/2024)
Total Screened Themed SRI Assets:
£23437.00m
Total Responsible Ownership Assets:
£224399.00m
Total Assets Under Management:
£224399.00m
ISIN:
GB00BNC20W60, GB00BNC20X77, GB00BNC20Y84, GB00BNC20Z91
Objectives:
The Fund aims to outperform (after deduction of costs) the MSCI ACWI Index, as stated in sterling, by at least 2% per annum over rolling five-year periods[1], and aims to have a weighted average greenhouse gas intensity that is lower than that of the MSCI ACWI EU Paris Aligned Requirements Index.
[1] The performance target stated is not guaranteed, nor is it intended to be precise. We believe it to be a reasonable estimate of the amount by which we can outperform the relevant benchmark in the long term through the consistent application of our investment process, taking into account the opportunity set and the characteristics of the markets in which the strategy invests. Factors that may lead to Baillie Gifford failing to meet our investment performance objectives in future include a significant change in market characteristics such that our growth investment style is unrewarded for a period of time; or misjudgement of the prospects for long-term earnings growth for a significant number of individual stocks in which we invest.
Sustainable, Responsible
&/or ESG Overview:
Global Alpha Paris-Aligned is consistent with the objectives of the Paris Agreement. The portfolio is a variant of the core Global Alpha Strategy. It is managed by the same team and with the same investment philosophy and performance objective. However, there is an additional process to screen out carbon intensive companies that do not or will not play a major role in our energy transition.
Primary fund last amended:
Nov 2024
Information directly from fund manager.
Fund Filters
Sustainability - General
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)
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 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.
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.
A core element of these funds will aim to encourage the transition to lower carbon activities through responsible ownership / stewardship / engagement / voting activity
The fund manager excludes companies with direct involvement in fossil fuel exploration (eg coal, oil and gas companies)
This fund has a strategy that aims ensure its holdings will gradually reduce their greenhouse gas emissions in line with targets set at COP21 in Paris. The ultimate aim is to achieve ‘net zero emissions by 2050’ and a ‘maximum global temperature increase of +1.5 to +2 degrees above preindustrial levels’. Strategies and opinions vary. Read fund information.
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/
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
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)
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 that invests more than half of their money into what are commonly regarded as 'large companies'. This will typically mean that the market capitalisation (or value) of the companies they hold is in excess of £5 to £10 billion.
Find a fund that invests in a combination of small, medium and larger (potentially multinational)companies.
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.
Find funds that consider both the 'positive' and 'negative' aspects of company behaviour and make balanced, considered decisions as part of their investment approach. May apply to a range of different issues and policy areas.
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.
Intended Clients & Product Options
Finds funds designed to meet the needs of individual investors with an interest in sustainability issues.
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 vote all* the shares they own at Annual General Meetings and Extraordinary General Meetings. A commitment to voting shares is a key indicator of 'responsible share ownership' demonstrating their support for or disagreement with management policy. (*situations can legitimately, occasionally occur where voting proves impossible, but in principle all shares should be voted.)
Find fund managers that consider responsible ownership and ESG to be a key differentiator for their business.
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.
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).
Collaborations & Affiliations
Find fund management companies that have signed up to the UN backed 'Principles of Responsible Investment'.
A member of the Taskforce for Nature Related Financial Disclosures group which aims to aid risk management and shift money towards nature-positive outcomes.
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.
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 are working with the companies they invest in to encourage more responsible corporate taxation.
Fund manager has stewardship /responsible ownership strategy that is focused on addressing climate change with investee assets.
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
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.
Find funds / fund managers that are reviewing, or have reviewed, their exposure to carbon intensive industries including (but not only) mining, oil and gas companies. (Typically with reference to climate change.)
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 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 with the help of a scheme that will lock away an amount of carbon that is equivalent to the company’s own emissions – so that the end result is ‘net zero’. 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.
Find companies that publish information about their sustainable and responsible investment strategies on their company website.
Find fund management companies that will supply information about their sustainable and responsible investment activity on request.
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.
Resources, Affiliations & Corporate Strategies:
ESG resource
Baillie Gifford has a dedicated ESG resource of over 40 people. In conjunction with the investment teams, the ESG analysts are responsible for ESG research and engagement and coordinating the proxy voting process for all our clients’ holdings where we retain the voting rights. They are also responsible for highlighting ESG risks and opportunities to the different investment strategies, monitoring companies we have holdings in, engaging with companies on ESG criteria and challenging them when appropriate.
All ESG analysts have knowledge, and a broad understanding, of global ESG matters including board composition and effectiveness, remuneration, labour practices, health and safety expectations, climate change, and other social and environmental challenges and opportunities.
When conducting our research, we have access to a range of external data providers including: BoardEx, CDP, Conflict Securities, MSCI, Sustainalytics and RepRisk to name a few. The advantage of these third-party providers is the breadth of their coverage and standardised approach. This allows for a quick understanding of areas of potential risk. However, this breadth can be to the detriment of complexity, nuance and context. They often don’t focus on the direction of travel or the ESG opportunities available to a company.
Conducting our own ESG research allows us to focus on the areas important to us. We are also able to leverage our in-house knowledge and relationships with companies and academic partners to supplement available data on ESG issues. In many cases, ESG issues have no clear right or wrong as issues evolve over time and best practice emerges from comparative approaches taken by different companies and sectors. We can use this insight to help other companies we invest in make better long-term decisions on material ESG matters.
ESG membership
We seek to set a positive example as an investor, as an employer and within our own communities. We aim to uphold and promote the highest standards of service and professional behaviours and to enhance the reputation of the investment industry. This also encompasses a responsibility to promote well-functioning financial markets. To support this, we are a member of several groups and industry bodies including:
- International Corporate Governance Network (ICGN)
- Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP)
- Asian Corporate Governance Association (ACGA)
- UN Global Compact (UNGC)
- Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI)
- UK Stewardship Code signatory
- Japan Stewardship Code signatory
- Investor Forum
- Council of Institutional Investors (CII)
- Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change (IIGCC)
- Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN)
- Investor Stewardship Group (US Stewardship Code, ISG US)
- Focusing Capital on the Long Term (FCLT) Global
- European Fund and Asset Management Association Stewardship Code (EFAMA)
- Global Institutional Governance Network (GIGN)
- Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD)
- Farm Animal Investment Risk and Return (FAIRR)
- UK Centre for Greening Finance and Investment (CGFI)
- EM Investor Alliance (EMIA)
- Taskforce on Nature-Related Financial Disclosures (TNFD)
- Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB)
- Net Zero Asset Managers initiative (NZAM)
- Climate Action 100+
ESG governance
The ESG Oversight Group is responsible for setting the firm’s strategic approach to ESG matters in relation to investment strategies and client activities and, along with the head of ESG, for overseeing the ESG function. It provides coordination for the firm’s approach to ESG and the multiple strands of ESG activity that take place. It aims to ensure that the rapidly evolving demands of ESG from an investment, client and regulatory perspective are met. It is chaired by the head of ESG and comprises senior representatives from the Investment Department, Clients Department and ESG function.
The ESG Oversight Group aims to:
- Coordinate and monitor progress towards the firm’s ESG strategy, working with the individual investment, client and operational teams.
- Empower and encourage investors to systematically consider ESG, as relevant for the investment strategy, throughout the investment process.
- Create and oversee ESG-related research groups and ESG professionals to ensure Baillie Gifford has sufficient specialist knowledge.
- Oversee the different components of the ESG function to ensure they continue to meet the requirements of investors, clients and regulators.
- Ensure accurate ESG reporting to clients.
- Oversee the ESG Assurance Group, ensuring that Baillie Gifford is equipped to meet its regulatory requirements and honour ESG commitments made by investment teams.
- Review and recommend any key ESG disclosures for approval or adoption by the Management Committee or any relevant Baillie Gifford entities. This includes the TCFD Climate Report, Our Stewardship Principles and Guidelines and the Investment Stewardship Activities Report.
This group reports into the Management Committee, and the Equity Leadership, Multi Asset and Income Leadership and Clients Management Groups – which include partners from investment, client facing and operational areas. These reporting lines help ensure that our research and stewardship activities are aligned with, and remain of value and relevance to, our clients.
ESG Assurance Group
The ESG Assurance Group is responsible for ensuring that the firm is equipped to meet its ESG-related regulatory requirements and that ESG commitments are being met. This group is comprised of individuals from our ESG function, Clients Department, Business Risk Department, Compliance Department and Legal Department. During 2023, we continued our integration of ESG into these and other operational areas. Evidence of this is the establishment of an ESG group within legal and compliance. This is an ongoing process, but important progress has been made during the year.
SDR Labelling: Unlabelled with sustainable characteristics
Key Performance Indicators:
Please see the TCFD and Sustainability reports available on our website: bailliegifford.com/en/uk/institutional-investor/funds/global-alpha-paris-aligned-fund/#Documents
Literature
Fund Name | SRI Style | SDR Labelling | Product | Region | Asset Type | Launch Date | Last Amended |
|
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Baillie Gifford Global Alpha Paris-Aligned Fund |
Sustainability Tilt | Unlabelled with sustainable characteristics | OEIC | Global | Equity | 15/04/2021 | Nov 2024 | |
ObjectivesThe Fund aims to outperform (after deduction of costs) the MSCI ACWI Index, as stated in sterling, by at least 2% per annum over rolling five-year periods[1], and aims to have a weighted average greenhouse gas intensity that is lower than that of the MSCI ACWI EU Paris Aligned Requirements Index.
[1] The performance target stated is not guaranteed, nor is it intended to be precise. We believe it to be a reasonable estimate of the amount by which we can outperform the relevant benchmark in the long term through the consistent application of our investment process, taking into account the opportunity set and the characteristics of the markets in which the strategy invests. Factors that may lead to Baillie Gifford failing to meet our investment performance objectives in future include a significant change in market characteristics such that our growth investment style is unrewarded for a period of time; or misjudgement of the prospects for long-term earnings growth for a significant number of individual stocks in which we invest. |
Fund Size: £324.00m (as at: 30/06/2024) Total Screened Themed SRI Assets: £23437.00m (as at: 30/06/2024) Total Responsible Ownership Assets: £224399.00m (as at: 30/06/2024) Total Assets Under Management: £224399.00m (as at: 30/06/2024) ISIN: GB00BNC20W60, GB00BNC20X77, GB00BNC20Y84, GB00BNC20Z91 |
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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 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) 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.
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. 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.
Encourage transition to low carbon through stewardship activity
A core element of these funds will aim to encourage the transition to lower carbon activities through responsible ownership / stewardship / engagement / voting activity
Fossil fuel exploration exclusion - direct involvement
The fund manager excludes companies with direct involvement in fossil fuel exploration (eg coal, oil and gas companies)
Paris aligned fund strategy
This fund has a strategy that aims ensure its holdings will gradually reduce their greenhouse gas emissions in line with targets set at COP21 in Paris. The ultimate aim is to achieve ‘net zero emissions by 2050’ and a ‘maximum global temperature increase of +1.5 to +2 degrees above preindustrial levels’. Strategies and opinions vary. Read fund information.
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/ Gilts & Sovereigns
Does not invest in sovereigns
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Invests in insurers
Funds that do or may invest in insurance companies. Governance & Management
Governance policy
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Avoids companies with poor governance
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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 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
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Over 50% large cap companies
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Invests in small, mid and large cap companies / assets
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Positive selection bias
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Negative selection bias
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Limited / few ethical exclusions
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Balances company 'pros and cons' / best in sector
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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. 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. 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.
Vote all* shares at AGMs / EGMs (AFM company wide)
Find fund managers that vote all* the shares they own at Annual General Meetings and Extraordinary General Meetings. A commitment to voting shares is a key indicator of 'responsible share ownership' demonstrating their support for or disagreement with management policy. (*situations can legitimately, occasionally occur where voting proves impossible, but in principle all shares should be voted.)
Responsible ownership / ESG a key differentiator (AFM company wide)
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Responsible ownership policy for non SRI funds (AFM company wide)
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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.
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). Collaborations & Affiliations
PRI signatory
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TNFD forum member (AFM company wide)
A member of the Taskforce for Nature Related Financial Disclosures group which aims to aid risk management and shift money towards nature-positive outcomes. Resources
In-house responsible ownership / voting expertise
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Employ specialist ESG / SRI / sustainability researchers
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UK Stewardship Code signatory (AFM company wide)
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Encourage responsible corporate taxation (AFM company wide)
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Engaging on climate change issues
Fund manager has stewardship /responsible ownership strategy that is focused on addressing climate change with investee assets.
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 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.
Review(ing) carbon / fossil fuel exposure for all funds (AFM company wide)
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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.
Encourage carbon / greenhouse gas reduction (AFM company wide)
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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 - offset carbon as part of our net zero plan (AFM company wide)
This asset management company plans to achieve net zero greenhouse gas (CO2e) emissions with the help of a scheme that will lock away an amount of carbon that is equivalent to the company’s own emissions – so that the end result is ‘net zero’. 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.
Full SRI / responsible ownership policy information on company website
Find companies that publish information about their sustainable and responsible investment strategies on their company website.
Full SRI / responsible ownership policy information available on request
Find fund management companies that will supply information about their sustainable and responsible investment activity on request.
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. Resources, Affiliations & Corporate Strategies:ESG resource Baillie Gifford has a dedicated ESG resource of over 40 people. In conjunction with the investment teams, the ESG analysts are responsible for ESG research and engagement and coordinating the proxy voting process for all our clients’ holdings where we retain the voting rights. They are also responsible for highlighting ESG risks and opportunities to the different investment strategies, monitoring companies we have holdings in, engaging with companies on ESG criteria and challenging them when appropriate. All ESG analysts have knowledge, and a broad understanding, of global ESG matters including board composition and effectiveness, remuneration, labour practices, health and safety expectations, climate change, and other social and environmental challenges and opportunities. When conducting our research, we have access to a range of external data providers including: BoardEx, CDP, Conflict Securities, MSCI, Sustainalytics and RepRisk to name a few. The advantage of these third-party providers is the breadth of their coverage and standardised approach. This allows for a quick understanding of areas of potential risk. However, this breadth can be to the detriment of complexity, nuance and context. They often don’t focus on the direction of travel or the ESG opportunities available to a company. Conducting our own ESG research allows us to focus on the areas important to us. We are also able to leverage our in-house knowledge and relationships with companies and academic partners to supplement available data on ESG issues. In many cases, ESG issues have no clear right or wrong as issues evolve over time and best practice emerges from comparative approaches taken by different companies and sectors. We can use this insight to help other companies we invest in make better long-term decisions on material ESG matters.
ESG membership We seek to set a positive example as an investor, as an employer and within our own communities. We aim to uphold and promote the highest standards of service and professional behaviours and to enhance the reputation of the investment industry. This also encompasses a responsibility to promote well-functioning financial markets. To support this, we are a member of several groups and industry bodies including:
ESG governance The ESG Oversight Group is responsible for setting the firm’s strategic approach to ESG matters in relation to investment strategies and client activities and, along with the head of ESG, for overseeing the ESG function. It provides coordination for the firm’s approach to ESG and the multiple strands of ESG activity that take place. It aims to ensure that the rapidly evolving demands of ESG from an investment, client and regulatory perspective are met. It is chaired by the head of ESG and comprises senior representatives from the Investment Department, Clients Department and ESG function. The ESG Oversight Group aims to:
This group reports into the Management Committee, and the Equity Leadership, Multi Asset and Income Leadership and Clients Management Groups – which include partners from investment, client facing and operational areas. These reporting lines help ensure that our research and stewardship activities are aligned with, and remain of value and relevance to, our clients.
ESG Assurance Group The ESG Assurance Group is responsible for ensuring that the firm is equipped to meet its ESG-related regulatory requirements and that ESG commitments are being met. This group is comprised of individuals from our ESG function, Clients Department, Business Risk Department, Compliance Department and Legal Department. During 2023, we continued our integration of ESG into these and other operational areas. Evidence of this is the establishment of an ESG group within legal and compliance. This is an ongoing process, but important progress has been made during the year.
SDR Labelling: Unlabelled with sustainable characteristics Key Performance Indicators: Please see the TCFD and Sustainability reports available on our website: bailliegifford.com/en/uk/institutional-investor/funds/global-alpha-paris-aligned-fund/#Documents Literature |