DWS, Sustainability & Disclosure
11/13/23 • 25 min
ESG, and specifically sustainability, is an increasingly controversial topic for investment managers, with diverging regulation in Europe, the US and UK, and rising numbers of reputational hazards to navigate. Many fund companies are removing phrases like “ESG” and “sustainable” from product names, whilst downgrading the obligations that these funds have to the principles of ESG. At the same time, it seems that many investment businesses have been overstating their sustainability credentials, and at least two firms have been fined over $25 million in recent years for making false claims.
In this episode, we explore the increasingly widespread issue of misconduct surrounding ESG. From the companies that have fallen foul of the regulations and the regulatory trends, to the challenging act of maintaining a good reputation in an environment where ESG appears to have as many detractors as it has advocates.
Disclaimer:
The content in this podcast is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and is not intended to establish an attorney-client relationship, nor is it intended to suggest standards of care applicable to attorneys in any given situation. This podcast is considered attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Any views, opinions or comments made by external guest speakers - are not to be attributed to Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP and/or Katten Muchin Rosenman UK LLP or their individual attorneys/lawyers. All rights reserved.
Recorded and produced at the Lansons Studios
**
This podcast contains discussions around sensitive topics, including sexual assault, abuse, and other potentially distressing subjects. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised, please consider seeking support from a trusted organisation or professional.
ESG, and specifically sustainability, is an increasingly controversial topic for investment managers, with diverging regulation in Europe, the US and UK, and rising numbers of reputational hazards to navigate. Many fund companies are removing phrases like “ESG” and “sustainable” from product names, whilst downgrading the obligations that these funds have to the principles of ESG. At the same time, it seems that many investment businesses have been overstating their sustainability credentials, and at least two firms have been fined over $25 million in recent years for making false claims.
In this episode, we explore the increasingly widespread issue of misconduct surrounding ESG. From the companies that have fallen foul of the regulations and the regulatory trends, to the challenging act of maintaining a good reputation in an environment where ESG appears to have as many detractors as it has advocates.
Disclaimer:
The content in this podcast is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and is not intended to establish an attorney-client relationship, nor is it intended to suggest standards of care applicable to attorneys in any given situation. This podcast is considered attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Any views, opinions or comments made by external guest speakers - are not to be attributed to Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP and/or Katten Muchin Rosenman UK LLP or their individual attorneys/lawyers. All rights reserved.
Recorded and produced at the Lansons Studios
**
This podcast contains discussions around sensitive topics, including sexual assault, abuse, and other potentially distressing subjects. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised, please consider seeking support from a trusted organisation or professional.
Previous Episode
Odey, FCA, Non-financial misconduct
Back in early June, it looked like we were set for a balmy summer, but then the storm broke. A Financial Times and Tortoise Media investigative feature in the FT Weekend magazine detailing a series of allegations of sexual misconduct by the eponymous hedge fund founder at Odey Asset Management set off a chain of events that will have far-reaching consequences for financial services businesses.
This is a story which is defining the sector’s image in the public eye. But what are the underlying lessons from this, and where do we go from here?
In this episode, we explore the increasingly widespread issue of non-financial misconduct in financial services, drawing on cases such as that alleged against Odey Asset Management. From the FCA’s Fitness and Propriety Handbook to The Crystal Methodist and Jonathan Burrows, our hosts navigate the complex path where regulation and reputation intersect.
Recorded and produced at the Lansons Studios
**
This podcast contains discussions around sensitive topics, including sexual assault, abuse, and other potentially distressing subjects. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised, please consider seeking support from a trusted organisation or professional.
Next Episode
ESG, China & Investability
An increasingly diverse regulatory landscape presents substantial reputational challenges for investment managers.
Amid the shifting ESG terrain at the heart of financial services, investment firms are recalibrating their approach to sustainability, grappling with the balance between upholding ESG principles and avoiding regulatory pitfalls. If you're managing ESG related funds, you could now be fired by some of the very largest pension funds in the U.S.
Asset managers need to navigate an increasingly vocal anti-ESG group of asset owners, as well as the renewable energy investments in China, and the tragic impact of global conflicts.
In this episode, Katten Partner Neil Robson, Lansons|Team Farner Asset Management Lead David Masters and Lansons|Team Farner Sustainability Lead Sam Sharpe delve into the evolving sustainable investment challenges faced by asset and wealth managers whilst regulations and attitudes move in differing directions.
Recorded and produced at the Lansons Studios
**
This podcast contains discussions around sensitive topics, including sexual assault, abuse, and other potentially distressing subjects. Listener discretion is advised. If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised, please consider seeking support from a trusted organisation or professional.
(mis)Conduct, Money & Reputation - DWS, Sustainability & Disclosure
Transcript
This is Misconduct Money and Reputation . A podcast by reputation specialists Lansons and law firm Katten .
Speaker 2Hello and welcome to the episode . This is our second episode in a new series for those working in financial services , particularly in and around asset and wealth management , where we seek to navigate a path through some of the mo
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