Stockholm (NordSIP) – Man Group announced today (September 20) that it has become a signatory to the UN Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) across the group’s five investment branches, considerably stepping up its ESG commitment. Man GLG and Man Numeric have been signatories to the PRI since 2012 and 2014 respectively, and are now joined by Man AHL, Man FRM and Man Global Private Markets, which manage USD95.9bn in client assets combined.
“As we continue to develop our responsible investment capabilities and offering, we are delighted to elevate the UN-supported Principles for Responsible Investment to the Man Group level,” Man Group CEO Luke Ellis commented in a press release. “Consideration of environmental, social and governance factors is increasingly a priority for our clients globally, and as we manage our investors’ capital we are committed to supporting their values and aims across our firm.”
Asked by NordSIP to clarify an earlier comment by Man Group Head of Responsible Investment Steven Desmyter that Man Group does not impose a “single house view” in terms of ESG implementation in light of the elevation to PRIs at group level, it was explained on background that Man’s diversified approach in regard to investment style and strategies means that its approach to RI across its investment management businesses is equally diversified. The Six Principles for Responsible Investment are a voluntary and aspirational set of investment principles offering a menu of possible actions for incorporating ESG principles. Adoption of the PRIs therefore now complements Man’s investment businesses at this time, which encompass discretionary, systematic and quantitative strategies, private markets and investment and advisory services.
“Over the last years, Man Group has demonstrated a strong commitment to responsible investment,” commented PRI Managing Director Fiona Reynolds. “It’s a great credit to them that they are now taking this commitment to the next level. This move sends a positive signal to others in the alternative investment space, whom we hope will follow Man Group’s lead.”
Desmyter was appointed as Head of RI and Chair of Man Group’s Responsible Investment Committee this past June, with Jason Mitchell as Sustainability Strategist. Both will be presenting at PRI in Person, the global RI conference that takes place in Berlin from September 25-27.
Image: (c) Nattapol-Sritongcom—shutterstock
