Royal London Global Equity Transitions Fund

SRI Style:

Sustainability Tilt

SDR Labelling:

Not eligible to use label

Product:

SICAV/Offshore

Fund Region:

Global

Fund Asset Type:

Equity

Launch Date:

25/10/2022

Last Amended:

Aug 2024

Dialshifter ():

Fund Size:

£98.80m

(as at: 31/03/2024)

Total Screened Themed SRI Assets:

£17170.00m

Total Assets Under Management:

£169250.00m

ISIN:

IE000MEO4NX8, IE000QJA7SZ2

Sustainable, Responsible
&/or ESG Overview:

The Transitions strategy seeks investment opportunities among companies making a material contribution towards a change to a sustainable world. We believe the most material impact from corporates towards sustainable development comes from:

  • Transitioning a business’ activities to a sustainable path (Improvers) 
  • Enabling someone else’s transition (Enablers)
  • Or both

Our approach identifies wealth creating corporates at attractive valuations across the corporate Life Cycle. The Transitions strategy has an additional requirement for eligibility – all holdings need to make a material positive contribution to at least one of our themes, and not make a material negative to any others.

Portfolios are deliberately balanced across the corporate Life Cycle to allow idiosyncratic stock risk to drive long-term performance.

Primary fund last amended:

Aug 2024

Information directly from fund manager.

Fund Filters

Sustainability - General
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

Transition focus

The delivery of the shift to a sustainable future is a core feature of this fund and its investment strategy. See eg https://www.transitionpathwayinitiative.org/

Climate Change & Energy
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

Invests in clean energy / renewables

Funds that hold companies in the clean energy and renewable energy sectors (at the time research was supplied). Fund strategies vary, in particular the proportion of investment in these areas may vary significantly. Check fund literature for details.

Banking & Financials
Invests in banks

Find funds that include banks as part of their holdings / portfolio.

Invests in financial instruments issued by banks

Finds funds that include financial instruments (cash, derivatives and / or foreign exchange) issued by banks. See fund literature for further information as strategies vary.

Governance & Management
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

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
Over 50% large cap companies

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.

Invests mostly in large cap companies / assets

Find funds that have SRI strategies and focus their investment stock selection on larger companies. (e.g. over circa £5-£10bn)

How The Fund Works
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

Intended Clients & Product Options
Available via an ISA (OEIC only)

Find funds that are available via a tax efficient ISA product wrapper.

Labels & Accreditations
SFDR Article 8 fund / product (EU)

Finds funds classified under Article 8 of the EU’s SFDR (Sustainable Finance Disclosure Requirements). Article 8 of the SFDR is a set of requirements that apply to financial products that 'promote' environmental or social characteristics with high governance also. These rules do not currently apply to UK funds so many managers may leave this field blank.

Fund Management Company Information

About 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)

Find fund managers that consider responsible ownership and ESG to be a key differentiator for their business.

Sustainable property strategy (AFM company wide)

Find fund management companies that take sustainability criteria into account when selecting and/or managing all of their property / real estate investments.

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.

In-house diversity improvement programme (AFM company wide)

Finds organisations / fund managers that have an in-house (company wide) diversity improvement programme - meaning that they are working to ensure that within their own businesses they employ people from diverse backgrounds - often typically focused on ethnicity and/or sex.

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).

Invests in new sustainability linked bond issuances (AFM company wide)

Asset management company has investments in bonds designed to meet sustainability requirements - however these assets may not be 'ringfenced' for this purpose. See fund manager website for details.

Collaborations & Affiliations
PRI signatory

Find fund management companies that have signed up to the UN backed 'Principles of Responsible Investment'.

UKSIF member

Find fund management companies that are members of UKSIF - the UK Sustainable Investment and Finance association

Fund EcoMarket partner

Find fund management companies that have partnered with Fund EcoMarket - meaning that they are helping to improve access to information on sustainable and responsible investment by paying an annual fee to us which enables us to publish information for free. Partner funds are listed ahead of other funds and have their logos displayed.

Investment Association (IA) member

Fund management entity is a member of the Investment Association https://www.theia.org/

Resources
In-house responsible ownership / voting expertise

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.

Employ specialist ESG / SRI / sustainability researchers

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.

Use specialist ESG / SRI / sustainability research companies

Find fund management companies that makes use of expert external research companies. This can help deliver specialist expertise and means resources are pooled with other investors.

Accreditations
UK Stewardship Code signatory (AFM company wide)

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
Regularly lead collaborative ESG initiatives (AFM company wide)

Find fund management companies that regularly initiate or run industry wide (collaborative) investor projects aimed at raising environmental, social and governance standards amongst investee companies.

Engaging on climate change issues

Fund manager has stewardship /responsible ownership strategy that is focused on addressing climate change with investee assets.

Engaging with fossil fuel companies on climate change

Asset manager has a stewardship /responsible ownership strategy that involves working with fossil fuel companies on climate change related issues. See fund manager website for details.

Engaging to encourage responsible mining practices

Asset manager has a stewardship / responsible ownership policy that means they are working to encourage more responsible mining practices - where environmental and social issues are properly dealt with by the companies they invest in.

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 to encourage a Just Transition

Asset manager has a responsible ownership / stewardship strategy which means they are working to encourage the shift to more sustainable business practices in ways that respect and are sensitive to social issues and the impact change has on people effected by the changes that are taking place. https://www.transitionpathwayinitiative.org/ https://transitiontaskforce.net/

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 to stop modern slavery

working with the assets they hold to help stamp out modern slavery - where direct or indirect company employees are exploited for business benefits.

Engaging on governance issues

Fund managers have stewardship strategies in place that focus on improving governance standards across investee assets

Engaging on mental health issues

Asset manager has stewardship strategy in place which involves discussing mental health issues with investee companies - with the aim of raising standards

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

Engaging on the responsible use of AI

Working to address sustainability, ESG and related concerns around artificial intelligence.

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.

Climate & Net Zero Transition
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.

Voting policy includes net zero targets (AFM company wide)

Fund manager AGM / EGM voting strategy has processes in place that mean they will normally be expected to vote in a way that will encourage the transition to net zero greenhouse gas emissions.

Publish 'CEO owned' Climate Risk policy (AFM company wide)

Find fund management companies that have published a Climate Risk policy or statement that is signed / owned by their Chief Executive.

Net Zero - have set a Net Zero target date (AFM company wide)

This asset management company has set a date by which they plan to achieve net zero greenhouse gas / CO2e emissions.

Encourage carbon / greenhouse gas reduction (AFM company wide)

Find fund management companies that are working with the companies they invest in to encourage reductions in carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions.

‘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 – do NOT offset carbon as part of net zero plan (AFM company wide)

This asset management company plans to achieve net zero greenhouse gas (CO2e) emissions by reducing their emissions. Calculations and scope vary.

Working towards a ‘Net Zero’ commitment (AFM company wide)

Finds organisations / fund management companies that are in the process of working out how to make a ‘net zero commitment’ - meaning that when that is finalised they will have started the process of reducing their total greenhouse gas emissions to'zero'.

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.

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.

Dialshifter statement

Find fund management companies that have supplied Dialshifter information. See Dialshifter tab within record for more information.

Resources, Affiliations & Corporate Strategies:

Please note, the following is for informational purposes only and does not necessarily reflect our response to SDR reporting.

Royal London Asset Management’s in-house Responsible Investment (RI) team of 17 professionals is led by Head of Responsible Investment, Ashley Hamilton-Claxton. The RI team works with the investment teams to monitor, assess and analyse ESG factors, vote our shares and engage with companies to encourage better social and environmental outcomes, or better risk management. This team is also responsible for helping to set out our approach and policies around systemic issues such as climate change, providing guidance, feedback and coaching to fund managers and analysts on the latest data, research, policy and industry practices.

Governance of Responsible Investment at Royal London Asset Management is integrated at varying levels of the organisation however is led by senior leadership. The Board has ultimate responsibility for setting Royal London Asset Management’s risk appetite and reviewing our strategic risks. Our Chief Investment Officer (CIO) is a regulated Senior Management Function (SMF) and is the Executive team member that is accountable for setting the investment strategy, and overseeing our Responsible Investment function, including our approach to stewardship and climate investment risk. The CIO, with support from the investment teams, updates the Board and monitors responsible investment in line with Royal London Asset Management’s risk tolerance threshold. The CIO is also responsible for ensuring responsible investment, stewardship and climate change risk management is embedded across Royal London Asset Management’s investment strategies. The CIO is a member of Royal London Asset Management’s Executive Committee and also chairs the Investment Committee.

Royal London Asset Management is a member of the following initiatives:

  • United Nations Principles For Responsible Investment (UNPRI) (2008)
  • Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB) (2013)
  • 30% Club Investor Group 2016 UK Stewardship Code (2016)
  • UK Sustainable Investment and Finance Association (UKSIF) (2016)
  • Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) (2018)
  • Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility (ICCR) (2018)
  • Climate Action 100+ (2019)
  • Institutional Investor Group on Climate Change (IIGCC) (2019)
  • Investment Association (IA) (2019)
  • Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) (2019)
  • Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) (2020)
  • Climate Financial Risk Forum - FCA and PRA (CFRF) (2020)
  • Financing the Just Transition Alliance (FJTA) (2020)
  • Ceres (2020)
  • Investor Alliance for Human Rights (2020)
  • Better Buildings Partnership (2020)
  • UK Green Building Council 2020 Better Buildings Partnership Climate Commitment (2021)
  • Net Zero Asset Manager initiative (NZAM) (2022)
  • FAIRR Initiative (2022)
  • Workplace Mental Health Benchmark (CCLA) (2022)
  • FCA Vote Disclosure Forum (2022)
  • FCA Disclosures & Labelling Advisory Committee (2022)
  • Church of England Pensions Board - Executive Pay (2022)
  • International Labour Organisation (ILO) (2022)
  • International Labour Organisation (ILO) - United Nations Environment Programme - Finance (UNEP-Fi) (2022)
  • The Investor Agenda (2022)
  • International Sustainability Standard Board (ISSB)(2022)
  • Transition Plan Taskforce (TPT) (2022)
  • World Benchmarking Alliance (WBA) (2022)
  • Access to Medicine Foundation (2023)
  • Net Zero Engagement Initiative (NZEI) organised by Institutional Investment Group on Climate Change (IIGCC) (2023)
  • Swedish Council of Ethics - Human Rights in Technology (2023)
  • Nature Action 100 (NA100) (2023)

Source: Royal London Asset Management, correct as of 31 March 2024, Year in brackets indicates date joined.

Dialshifter

Our organisation is helping to support the Paris Climate Agreement and the Race to Net Zero by…

...committing to reduce financed emissions across our in-scope AUM* by 50%, against a 2020 baseline, by 2030, and net zero across our in-scope AUM by 2050. While we continue to develop our Climate Transition Plan, in line with the IIGCC Net Zero Investment Framework, we seek to mitigate climate investment risks in three ways:

  • Ensuring climate risk is integrated into our risk framework and is governed appropriately,
  • Utilising our proprietary climate score and integrating other material ESG issues into our investment decision-making; i.e. Just Transition
  • Serving as active stewards of our clients’ capital, using proxy voting/engagement as tools to address climate risks and opportunities.

*Our in-scope assets are those in funds managed and controlled by Royal London Asset Management, excluding segregated mandates on behalf of external clients. We are actively working to support our external clients with assets in segregated mandates where they have made an explicit commitment to achieving net zero, as disclosed to the Net Zero Asset Managers Initiative (NZAM).

SDR Labelling:

Not eligible to use label

Disclaimer

Important Information

For further information, please contact:

Royal London Asset Management Limited
80 Fenchurch Street
London, EC3M 4BY
Telephone: 020 3272 5594
E-mail: alice.bennett@rlam.co.uk
Telephone Calls may be recorded

For professional clients only. This document may not be distributed to any unauthorised persons and is not suitable for retail clients.

This document is for information purposes only and it is not intended as promotional material in any respect. The views expressed are the author’s own and do not constitute investment advice. The material is not intended as an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any financial instrument. It does not provide, and should not be relied on for, accounting, legal or tax advice, or investment recommendations.

Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. The value of investments and the income from them is not guaranteed and may go down as well as up and investors may not get back the amount originally invested. Portfolio characteristics and holdings are subject to change without notice. For more information concerning the risks of investing, please refer to the Prospectus or Key Investor Information Document (KIID), available via the relevant Fund Price page on www.rlam.co.uk

All confidential information relating to any Royal London Group company must be treated by you in the strictest confidence. It may only be used for the purposes of assessing the proposal to engage Royal London Asset Management Limited (RLAM). Confidential information should not be disclosed to any third party and should only be disclosed to those of your employees and professional advisers who are required to see such information for the purpose set out above. You should ensure that these persons are made aware of the confidential nature of such information and treat it accordingly. You agree to return and/ or destroy all confidential information on receipt of our written request to do so.

Issued in June 2024 by Royal London Asset Management Limited, 80 Fenchurch Street, London EC3M 4BY. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, firm reference number 141665. A subsidiary of The Royal London Mutual Insurance Society Limited.

The Royal London Mutual Insurance Society Limited is registered in England and Wales number 99064. Registered Office: 80 Fenchurch Street, London EC3M 4BY. The Royal London Mutual Insurance Society Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. The Royal London Mutual Insurance Society Limited is on the Financial Services Register, registration number 117672. Registered in England and Wales number 99064. Our ref: Q RLAM EM 2051.

 

 

Fund Name SRI Style SDR Labelling Product Region Asset Type Launch Date Last Amended

Royal London Global Equity Transitions Fund

Sustainability Tilt Not eligible to use label SICAV/Offshore Global Equity 25/10/2022 Aug 2024

Fund Size: £98.80m

(as at: 31/03/2024)

Total Screened Themed SRI Assets: £17170.00m

(as at: 31/03/2024)

Total Assets Under Management: £169250.00m

(as at: 31/03/2024)

ISIN: IE000MEO4NX8, IE000QJA7SZ2

Contact Us: bdsupport@RLAM.co.uk

Primary fund last amended: Aug 2024

Information received directly from Fund Manager

Please select what you would like to read:

Fund Filters

Sustainability - General
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

Transition focus

The delivery of the shift to a sustainable future is a core feature of this fund and its investment strategy. See eg https://www.transitionpathwayinitiative.org/

Climate Change & Energy
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

Invests in clean energy / renewables

Funds that hold companies in the clean energy and renewable energy sectors (at the time research was supplied). Fund strategies vary, in particular the proportion of investment in these areas may vary significantly. Check fund literature for details.

Banking & Financials
Invests in banks

Find funds that include banks as part of their holdings / portfolio.

Invests in financial instruments issued by banks

Finds funds that include financial instruments (cash, derivatives and / or foreign exchange) issued by banks. See fund literature for further information as strategies vary.

Governance & Management
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

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
Over 50% large cap companies

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.

Invests mostly in large cap companies / assets

Find funds that have SRI strategies and focus their investment stock selection on larger companies. (e.g. over circa £5-£10bn)

How The Fund Works
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

Intended Clients & Product Options
Available via an ISA (OEIC only)

Find funds that are available via a tax efficient ISA product wrapper.

Labels & Accreditations
SFDR Article 8 fund / product (EU)

Finds funds classified under Article 8 of the EU’s SFDR (Sustainable Finance Disclosure Requirements). Article 8 of the SFDR is a set of requirements that apply to financial products that 'promote' environmental or social characteristics with high governance also. These rules do not currently apply to UK funds so many managers may leave this field blank.

Fund Management Company Information

About 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)

Find fund managers that consider responsible ownership and ESG to be a key differentiator for their business.

Sustainable property strategy (AFM company wide)

Find fund management companies that take sustainability criteria into account when selecting and/or managing all of their property / real estate investments.

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.

In-house diversity improvement programme (AFM company wide)

Finds organisations / fund managers that have an in-house (company wide) diversity improvement programme - meaning that they are working to ensure that within their own businesses they employ people from diverse backgrounds - often typically focused on ethnicity and/or sex.

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).

Invests in new sustainability linked bond issuances (AFM company wide)

Asset management company has investments in bonds designed to meet sustainability requirements - however these assets may not be 'ringfenced' for this purpose. See fund manager website for details.

Collaborations & Affiliations
PRI signatory

Find fund management companies that have signed up to the UN backed 'Principles of Responsible Investment'.

UKSIF member

Find fund management companies that are members of UKSIF - the UK Sustainable Investment and Finance association

Fund EcoMarket partner

Find fund management companies that have partnered with Fund EcoMarket - meaning that they are helping to improve access to information on sustainable and responsible investment by paying an annual fee to us which enables us to publish information for free. Partner funds are listed ahead of other funds and have their logos displayed.

Investment Association (IA) member

Fund management entity is a member of the Investment Association https://www.theia.org/

Resources
In-house responsible ownership / voting expertise

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.

Employ specialist ESG / SRI / sustainability researchers

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.

Use specialist ESG / SRI / sustainability research companies

Find fund management companies that makes use of expert external research companies. This can help deliver specialist expertise and means resources are pooled with other investors.

Accreditations
UK Stewardship Code signatory (AFM company wide)

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
Regularly lead collaborative ESG initiatives (AFM company wide)

Find fund management companies that regularly initiate or run industry wide (collaborative) investor projects aimed at raising environmental, social and governance standards amongst investee companies.

Engaging on climate change issues

Fund manager has stewardship /responsible ownership strategy that is focused on addressing climate change with investee assets.

Engaging with fossil fuel companies on climate change

Asset manager has a stewardship /responsible ownership strategy that involves working with fossil fuel companies on climate change related issues. See fund manager website for details.

Engaging to encourage responsible mining practices

Asset manager has a stewardship / responsible ownership policy that means they are working to encourage more responsible mining practices - where environmental and social issues are properly dealt with by the companies they invest in.

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 to encourage a Just Transition

Asset manager has a responsible ownership / stewardship strategy which means they are working to encourage the shift to more sustainable business practices in ways that respect and are sensitive to social issues and the impact change has on people effected by the changes that are taking place. https://www.transitionpathwayinitiative.org/ https://transitiontaskforce.net/

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 to stop modern slavery

working with the assets they hold to help stamp out modern slavery - where direct or indirect company employees are exploited for business benefits.

Engaging on governance issues

Fund managers have stewardship strategies in place that focus on improving governance standards across investee assets

Engaging on mental health issues

Asset manager has stewardship strategy in place which involves discussing mental health issues with investee companies - with the aim of raising standards

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

Engaging on the responsible use of AI

Working to address sustainability, ESG and related concerns around artificial intelligence.

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.

Climate & Net Zero Transition
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.

Voting policy includes net zero targets (AFM company wide)

Fund manager AGM / EGM voting strategy has processes in place that mean they will normally be expected to vote in a way that will encourage the transition to net zero greenhouse gas emissions.

Publish 'CEO owned' Climate Risk policy (AFM company wide)

Find fund management companies that have published a Climate Risk policy or statement that is signed / owned by their Chief Executive.

Net Zero - have set a Net Zero target date (AFM company wide)

This asset management company has set a date by which they plan to achieve net zero greenhouse gas / CO2e emissions.

Encourage carbon / greenhouse gas reduction (AFM company wide)

Find fund management companies that are working with the companies they invest in to encourage reductions in carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gas emissions.

‘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 – do NOT offset carbon as part of net zero plan (AFM company wide)

This asset management company plans to achieve net zero greenhouse gas (CO2e) emissions by reducing their emissions. Calculations and scope vary.

Working towards a ‘Net Zero’ commitment (AFM company wide)

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Transparency
Publish responsible ownership / stewardship report (AFM company wide)

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Full SRI / responsible ownership policy information on company website

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Publish full voting record (AFM company wide)

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Dialshifter statement

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Resources, Affiliations & Corporate Strategies:

Please note, the following is for informational purposes only and does not necessarily reflect our response to SDR reporting.

Royal London Asset Management’s in-house Responsible Investment (RI) team of 17 professionals is led by Head of Responsible Investment, Ashley Hamilton-Claxton. The RI team works with the investment teams to monitor, assess and analyse ESG factors, vote our shares and engage with companies to encourage better social and environmental outcomes, or better risk management. This team is also responsible for helping to set out our approach and policies around systemic issues such as climate change, providing guidance, feedback and coaching to fund managers and analysts on the latest data, research, policy and industry practices.

Governance of Responsible Investment at Royal London Asset Management is integrated at varying levels of the organisation however is led by senior leadership. The Board has ultimate responsibility for setting Royal London Asset Management’s risk appetite and reviewing our strategic risks. Our Chief Investment Officer (CIO) is a regulated Senior Management Function (SMF) and is the Executive team member that is accountable for setting the investment strategy, and overseeing our Responsible Investment function, including our approach to stewardship and climate investment risk. The CIO, with support from the investment teams, updates the Board and monitors responsible investment in line with Royal London Asset Management’s risk tolerance threshold. The CIO is also responsible for ensuring responsible investment, stewardship and climate change risk management is embedded across Royal London Asset Management’s investment strategies. The CIO is a member of Royal London Asset Management’s Executive Committee and also chairs the Investment Committee.

Royal London Asset Management is a member of the following initiatives:

  • United Nations Principles For Responsible Investment (UNPRI) (2008)
  • Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB) (2013)
  • 30% Club Investor Group 2016 UK Stewardship Code (2016)
  • UK Sustainable Investment and Finance Association (UKSIF) (2016)
  • Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) (2018)
  • Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility (ICCR) (2018)
  • Climate Action 100+ (2019)
  • Institutional Investor Group on Climate Change (IIGCC) (2019)
  • Investment Association (IA) (2019)
  • Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) (2019)
  • Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) (2020)
  • Climate Financial Risk Forum - FCA and PRA (CFRF) (2020)
  • Financing the Just Transition Alliance (FJTA) (2020)
  • Ceres (2020)
  • Investor Alliance for Human Rights (2020)
  • Better Buildings Partnership (2020)
  • UK Green Building Council 2020 Better Buildings Partnership Climate Commitment (2021)
  • Net Zero Asset Manager initiative (NZAM) (2022)
  • FAIRR Initiative (2022)
  • Workplace Mental Health Benchmark (CCLA) (2022)
  • FCA Vote Disclosure Forum (2022)
  • FCA Disclosures & Labelling Advisory Committee (2022)
  • Church of England Pensions Board - Executive Pay (2022)
  • International Labour Organisation (ILO) (2022)
  • International Labour Organisation (ILO) - United Nations Environment Programme - Finance (UNEP-Fi) (2022)
  • The Investor Agenda (2022)
  • International Sustainability Standard Board (ISSB)(2022)
  • Transition Plan Taskforce (TPT) (2022)
  • World Benchmarking Alliance (WBA) (2022)
  • Access to Medicine Foundation (2023)
  • Net Zero Engagement Initiative (NZEI) organised by Institutional Investment Group on Climate Change (IIGCC) (2023)
  • Swedish Council of Ethics - Human Rights in Technology (2023)
  • Nature Action 100 (NA100) (2023)

Source: Royal London Asset Management, correct as of 31 March 2024, Year in brackets indicates date joined.

Dialshifter

Our organisation is helping to support the Paris Climate Agreement and the Race to Net Zero by…

...committing to reduce financed emissions across our in-scope AUM* by 50%, against a 2020 baseline, by 2030, and net zero across our in-scope AUM by 2050. While we continue to develop our Climate Transition Plan, in line with the IIGCC Net Zero Investment Framework, we seek to mitigate climate investment risks in three ways:

  • Ensuring climate risk is integrated into our risk framework and is governed appropriately,
  • Utilising our proprietary climate score and integrating other material ESG issues into our investment decision-making; i.e. Just Transition
  • Serving as active stewards of our clients’ capital, using proxy voting/engagement as tools to address climate risks and opportunities.

*Our in-scope assets are those in funds managed and controlled by Royal London Asset Management, excluding segregated mandates on behalf of external clients. We are actively working to support our external clients with assets in segregated mandates where they have made an explicit commitment to achieving net zero, as disclosed to the Net Zero Asset Managers Initiative (NZAM).

SDR Labelling:

Not eligible to use label

Disclaimer

Important Information

For further information, please contact:

Royal London Asset Management Limited
80 Fenchurch Street
London, EC3M 4BY
Telephone: 020 3272 5594
E-mail: alice.bennett@rlam.co.uk
Telephone Calls may be recorded

For professional clients only. This document may not be distributed to any unauthorised persons and is not suitable for retail clients.

This document is for information purposes only and it is not intended as promotional material in any respect. The views expressed are the author’s own and do not constitute investment advice. The material is not intended as an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any financial instrument. It does not provide, and should not be relied on for, accounting, legal or tax advice, or investment recommendations.

Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. The value of investments and the income from them is not guaranteed and may go down as well as up and investors may not get back the amount originally invested. Portfolio characteristics and holdings are subject to change without notice. For more information concerning the risks of investing, please refer to the Prospectus or Key Investor Information Document (KIID), available via the relevant Fund Price page on www.rlam.co.uk

All confidential information relating to any Royal London Group company must be treated by you in the strictest confidence. It may only be used for the purposes of assessing the proposal to engage Royal London Asset Management Limited (RLAM). Confidential information should not be disclosed to any third party and should only be disclosed to those of your employees and professional advisers who are required to see such information for the purpose set out above. You should ensure that these persons are made aware of the confidential nature of such information and treat it accordingly. You agree to return and/ or destroy all confidential information on receipt of our written request to do so.

Issued in June 2024 by Royal London Asset Management Limited, 80 Fenchurch Street, London EC3M 4BY. Authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, firm reference number 141665. A subsidiary of The Royal London Mutual Insurance Society Limited.

The Royal London Mutual Insurance Society Limited is registered in England and Wales number 99064. Registered Office: 80 Fenchurch Street, London EC3M 4BY. The Royal London Mutual Insurance Society Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority. The Royal London Mutual Insurance Society Limited is on the Financial Services Register, registration number 117672. Registered in England and Wales number 99064. Our ref: Q RLAM EM 2051.