Equity

Franklin Templeton launches two ESG-focused ETFs

Franklin Templeton has added two sustainability-focused index-tracking exchange-traded funds (ETFs) to its range.

ESMA recommends cutbacks to ESG disclosures for benchmarks

Sustainability-related disclosures by providers of investment benchmarks should be cut to "reduce burden for administrators", the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has said.

Mirova acquires 250MW Italian renewable energy platform

Valuations are at rock bottom, says WHEB

Impact stocks are currently trading at attractive valuations, presenting a buying opportunity, WHEB Asset Management has claimed.

Foresight acquires impact investor WHEB

Foresight Group has acquired London-based impact investor WHEB Aset Management for an undisclosed amount, in a deal that it says will reinforce its position as "a leader in impact investing in public markets".

BlackRock launches fund with SDR label

BlackRock has launched its first fund to have a label under the UK's Sustainability Disclosure Requirements (SDR) regime.

La Banque Postale invests in ESG data startup

Financial services group La Banque Postale has invested - via its venture capital fund, 115K - in a French ESG-focused fintech start-up.

'Very encouraging' European 'light green' fund investment in Middle East

There is a "very encouraging" level of investment from 'light green' European funds in Middle Eastern real estate firms which suggests emerging positive sustainability disclosure trends in the region, according to Emirates NBD.

Manager of €100m French listed equities biodiversity fund selected - with RfP for private fund expected in Q1

Sustainability specialist Mirova has won a competitive tender to manage a listed equities fund focused on biodiversity, with a private assets strategy expected to be launched in coming months.

Decarbonisation investment faces three key challenges, says Ninety One's Cooper

Interest rates, right-wing populism and the sustainability impact of artificial intelligence are three of the biggest challenges facing decarbonisation for public equity investors, according to asset manager Ninety One.

Fair Reward Framework launches exec pay tool

Asset owner-led Fair Reward Framework has launched a tool that will help investors assess whether FTSE 100 executive pay is 'fair and proportionate'.

Over 100 organisations demand stop to financing of industrial livestock farming

A letter signed by 105 civil organisations has demanded that US banks halt financing of industrial livestock production for its role in fuelling climate change.

SIX launches 'climate equity flag' for companies

SIX has launched a new Paris Agreement-aligned climate flag for companies who are listed through the Swiss financial exchange firm, with S&P Global Ratings and SGS the first approved reviewers for the scheme.

SEB Greentech leads €5m in Finnish liquid analyser start-up

EU regulators should be wary of 'step change' when amending rules

Regulators should expect "delays" in the uptake of anticipated sustainable finance policy changes in the EU as investors face the prospect of starting again from scratch, a private equity investor has warned.