What exactly is ESG and why are some equating it to being 'woke' or `ideological'? This session will explore the history and evolution of ESG and the cause for conflation of various terms in this space. We will also attempt to debunk key myths that have perhaps led to some of the anti-ESG sentiment in the current market and political environment.
In this session, we will explore what rules from the SEC and DOL mean for the future of sustainable investing.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the SEC’s proposals for climate reporting, fund naming and marketing will affect sustainable investing
- Explore how the DOL could soon allow ESG funds to be used as the default investments in retirement plans
- Learn about pushback against those proposals, and how some states are implementing anti-ESG measures
Without the performance benefits of oil and gas holdings, sustainable funds have lagged this year. However, sustainability is about long-term investing. In this session, we'll make the business case for going long on ESG.
Research indicates that many clients are interested in sustainability, however approaches to ESG vary widely among fund companies. In this session, we'll help advisers learn best practices and practical ways they can incorporate ESG into their offerings and clients’ portfolios with the best possible outcomes.
Learning Objectives:
- Gain practical skills to help incorporate ESG into advisers' offerings
- Learn best practices around understanding clients' needs and educating them on how ESG can impact their portfolios
The 2022 proxy season was a record for shareholder proposals. To avoid being viewed as greenwashing, many companies are more willing to work with shareholders, especially as they will likely be required to disclose more climate-risk data in the future.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand various ways companies have worked with shareholders to avoid being viewed as greenwashing
- Explore the types of climate-risk data that will likely be required to be disclosed in the near future
- Gain insights on the myriad of questions clients may ask advisers around active ownership and greenwashing
