Resource Center

Human rights issues have been rising on the responsible investment agenda in recent years. The COVID-19 pandemic and the Black Lives Matter movement have provoked even more pointed discourse on the topic. The European Union’s current efforts to introduce rules to hold companies accountable for social and environmental risks in their supply chains further accelerate that ascent. This wave of legal requirements and normative expectations is impacting financial markets worldwide, with responsible business regulations already in place or quickly becoming valid.

Watch the replay of our climate experts and business leaders for a multi-faceted discussion about the risks and opportunities associated with the transition to Net Zero. Our virtual conference brought together global thought leaders to share their insights on:

At its 2021 AGM, Frasers Group shareholders approved a GBP 100 million compensation scheme for incoming CEO Michael Murray, amid backlash from independent investors. While the remuneration policy was supported by nearly 85% of votes cast, there was around 49% dissent among independent shareholders.

Watch the replay of Sustainalytics’ Member-Hosted-Meeting from CII’s 2021 Fall Conference, where our esteemed panel explored

With the threats of climate change and the existing inequalities in natural resource access and availability around the world, ensuring an adequate supply of clean water is necessary to ensure the well-being of all people across the world.

The U.S. Department of Justice has opened an investigation into Zoom Video Communications’ deal to buy American software company Five9, citing potential national security risks posed by foreign participation. In July, Zoom had announced an all-stock deal to acquire Five9 for USD 14.7 billion, contingent on Federal Communications Commission (“FCC”) approval.

Philip Morris International Inc (“PMI”) secured nearly 78% of UK inhaler maker Vectura’s shares through a public tender offer. These developments mark a milestone in PMI’s pursuit of Vectura, which involved a bidding war with U.S. private equity firm The Carlyle Group and backlash from health groups.

Private market investors and global non-profit organization CDP launched the Private Markets Pilot which aims to increase environmental disclosure from private companies. The CDP platform will allow investors to benchmark private companies and compare them in terms of environmental performance.

Indications that a food crisis is imminent are clear. Fundamental changes in the global food system are required to address these challenges. This decade is a watershed moment for urgent efforts to close the loop, and companies and investors can play a pivotal role. Despite being closely connected to issues such as climate change and basic human rights, food waste has attracted comparatively less attention from companies, investors, and other stakeholders.

This thematic engagement aims to improve the adoption of globally agreed corporate standards for managing and promoting human rights, as defined by the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) and mirrored in the OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises.

Bernard Arnault’s Financière Agache Financière Agache investment firm exits Lagardere's personal holding company. Shareholder agreements between Financière Agache and Arnaud Lagardere will be ended.

From a market perspective, engagement and voting on governance issues have been used as levers for influence for a long time. On the other hand, environmental and social issues were historically addressed from a values-based perspective or primarily for fact-finding purposes. Today, many responsible investors leverage corporate dialogue as a tool to influence and drive meaningful change and impact

Nike’s upcoming AGM will consider shareholder proposals regarding diversity, pay equity, political spending and human rights, all of which are opposed by the board.

There are many factors that rating agencies consider within its overall assessment. For example, ESG rating companies tend to look for at least three years of ESG metrics to determine company trends and long-term ESG targets, goals, and strategies to manage and reduce ESG risks at least five years ahead. Read on to learn about how Sustainalytics' Material Risk Engagement program promotes and protects long-term value by engaging with high-risk companies on financially-material ESG issues. (A North American Snapshot)

Kansas City Southern delayed the shareholder vote on its takeover by Canadian National Railway pending the US rail regulator’s verdict on the deal.

The Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) has approved Nasdaq’s proposal to boost race and gender diversity on U.S. corporate boards.

Investors managing over USD 14 trillion of assets have released a set of expectations for companies through the Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change (“IIGCC”). These are set forth in a “position statement” calling for new corporate governance measures aimed at ensuring that companies can be held accountable for meeting their net zero emissions commitments.

Pipelines play a critical role in the U.S energy infrastructure transporting natural gas, crude oil, natural gas liquids, petroleum, and petrochemical products. While these pipelines play a vital role in supporting the U.S economy, investors are increasingly scrutinizing pipeline operators' long-term economic profitability and sustainability practices. A closer look into the status of pipelines reveals a particular issue that investors need to consider.

This blog originally appeared on GES International’s website and has been republished following Sustainaltyics’ acquisition of the company on 9 January 2019. See the press release for more information.

Access Sustainalytics' second ESG Spotlight Series report on race and ethnic diversity this year. Building on insights from the previous ESG Spotlight, the next series installment focuses on bridging the demographic data gap by compiling corporate disclosures of employee composition. Our research shows that companies with more diverse upper management tended to deliver greater financial returns than those with less diverse upper management over the last five years.