IFC surveys emerging market fund managers on sustainability
London, 1 May: The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is to produce the first ratings of how fund managers investing in emerging markets are integrating environmental, social and governance factors into decision making.

The private-sector arm of the World Bank has commissioned consultancy firm Mercer to carry out the research, which involves interviewing 50 fund managers based in China, India, Brazil and South Korea, as well as surveying more than 200 fund managers around the world who invest in emerging markets.

Helga Birdgen, responsible investment leader at Mercer, said: “The in-depth nature of this research will really bring colour to the picture of what is happening in these markets and uncover the capacity for sustainable investment.”

Berit Lindoldt Lauridsen from the IFC added: “Through this research, IFC wants to raise asset owners’ and fund managers’ awareness and understanding of sustainable investing, and aims to highlight current investors’ demand for sustainable investment products.”

The findings will be made public by the end of the year.