The JPES research – “A Brave New World? ESG and Asset Owner Expectations in a COVID-19 Paradigm” – interviewed key decision makers from 20 UK pension schemes, charities, investment consultants and fiduciary managers responsible for £250 billion of assets.

The report identified a number of key social and governance issues gaining substantial prominence, with demonstrable action expected by asset managers on these as a result. In particular, a majority of respondents indicated that they expect managers to sign up to the UK Stewardship Code and adhere to the voluntary guidelines (due to come into full force in March 2021) or risk being excluded from future tender processes.

Julian Samways, Managing Director, comments: “Our research indicates that asset owners are taking a much more granular view of ‘E’, ‘S’ and ‘G’ issues, and increasingly expect managers to demonstrate their credentials in these individual areas. This means that approaches adopted by asset managers to date will need to evolve significantly to meet the requirements of discerning institutional decision makers.”

For more information or to discuss the findings of the JPES report, please contact matt.rogers@jpespartners.com