Latest responsible investment thinking
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In brands we trust
7 Jul. 2021
The tech-driven trend toward direct-to-consumer is transforming consumer brands, their intermediaries and their marketing. Intimate relationships with customers and new shopping experiences are alluring, but companies must tread a fine line between hyper-personalisation and intrusion.
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China’s Big Tech crackdown
5 Jul. 2021
Like Washington and Brussels, Beijing is worried about the growing power of large technology companies. But China’s regulators are taking swifter, more radical action than their peers in the West.
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The Anti-Social Network
2 Jul. 2021
Facebook, Twitter and other platforms are drawing criticism for their failure to tackle hate content. But will the hit to their reputation do any lasting commercial damage?
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How to assess social value: Guidance from Hatch
29 Jun. 2021
Asset managers of many different hues claim they are thinking harder about their social role: the ‘S’ in ESG. But evaluating social value generated from investment decisions is not straightforward, as consultant Dr Kelly Watson from Hatch explains.
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From social wash to social value
29 Jun. 2021
The inequalities highlighted by COVID-19 have led to much soul searching, including among investors on whether they are doing enough to address the issues of the day. Ed Dixon, Aviva Investors’ head of ESG - real assets, contemplates how investors in tangible assets can put capital to work to drive change.
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What does the data say? Corporate tax, climate litigation and pub blues
25 Jun. 2021
In this month’s instalment of our visual series on topical data themes, we look at corporation tax rates, climate-related litigation and the ongoing misfortune of pubs.
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Human rights: The key to understanding the 'S' in ESG
16 Jun. 2021
Companies cannot thrive without healthy and happy employees, consumers and communities. Investors must use their influence with companies and other stakeholders to ensure the basic rights of these groups are respected.
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Carbon accounting: Measuring what matters
11 Jun. 2021
The focus on net-zero targets has intensified scrutiny on measurement and disclosure of greenhouse gas emissions. But carbon accounting is a young art, explains Dr Matthew Brander, senior lecturer at the University of Edinburgh.
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Action now! Accelerating litigation to meet climate targets
3 Jun. 2021
A landmark legal ruling in the Hague has ordered Royal Dutch Shell to move faster to bring its emissions in line with the Paris Agreement on climate. Thomas Tayler, a trained lawyer and senior manager at Aviva Investors’ Sustainable Finance Centre for Excellence, assesses the fallout.
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What does the data say? Tesla, the halo effect and reasons for CEO departures
28 May 2021
In the latest instalment of our visual series on topical data themes, we look at Tesla’s market cap relative to the European “Big Five” carmakers, the average CSR spending of FTSE 100 companies versus their procurement budget and the most common reasons for a CEO to leave a company.
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Carbon credits: Seeing the wood for the trees
20 May 2021
As governments and companies strive to reduce carbon emissions and achieve net zero, questions are being asked about the role of natural climate solutions. We analyse differing approaches to offsetting and their impact on forest management.
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Green is not always clean: Rising tide of greenwash brings risks for investors
19 May 2021
Some companies have long sought to mislead the public about their commitments to sustainability, but greenwashing has become more widespread and sophisticated in recent years. Now regulators and investors are fighting back.
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