As we reach the half-year mark, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the insightful blogs Maanch has released so far. This year, we’ve published 25 blogs covering a wide range of topics, including Stewardship Insights & Trends, Operational Stewardship Tips, Proxy Voting Insights, Regulations, the Maanch Engagement Tracker, and Responsible Investing and Stewardship Events.

We have picked out our Top 5 blogs which we think cover different aspects of current ESG Trends in the Market.

#1 BLOG: Risk, Return and Real World Impact: Redefining Stewardship for Gen Z Demands

Top Tip: By adapting Stewardship for Gen Z, the financial sector can thrive in a complex global market. The integration of risk, return and real-world impact is a fundamental shift towards sustainable and responsible investing.

The blog discusses how Gen Z investors are reshaping asset management by prioritising transparency, sustainability, and ethical governance. It highlights their preference for ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investments and digital-first interactions. Asset managers are advised to adopt modern engagement methods, diversify investment products, and leverage technology to meet Gen Z’s expectations. The future of investment stewardship lies in integrating risk management, return on investment, and real-world impact.

#2 BLOG: Navigating Your Switch: Top Considerations for Selecting an Engagement Tracking Solution

Top Tip: Selecting a new Engagement Tracking solution is a strategic decision that impacts your firm’s ability to operate effectively and meet regulatory demands.

This blog outlines key considerations for selecting an engagement tracking solution. It highlights the importance of robust data management, comprehensive engagement tracking, voting capabilities, customizable reporting, and seamless integration with existing systems. The solution should also prioritise security and compliance, offer a user-friendly interface, and provide reliable technical support. Scalability, cost-effectiveness, innovation, and excellent customer service are crucial for long-term success and efficiency. Ensuring these features will enhance investment stewardship and overall operational effectiveness.

#3 BLOG: Evolving ESG Regulations: Making sure you are compliant as an Investor

Top Tip: There has been a great increase in the number and scope of ESG regulations today. For asset managers, staying compliant with these evolving regulations is both a challenge and an opportunity.

We discuss the evolving Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) regulations and their implications for investors. The blog highlights updates to the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) regulations database, showing an increase in sustainability-related policies. The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has issued new guidelines to prevent greenwashing in fund names, requiring funds to meet specific ESG criteria. These changes aim to enhance transparency and accountability, urging investors to stay informed and compliant with the new regulations.

#4 BLOG: Systemic Stewardship: Universal Ownership and Strategic Potential for Sustainable Futures

Top Tip: With the right tools, measuring & reporting frameworks and collective effort, systemic Stewardship has the potential to truly influence companies and consequently have a greater positive impact on global chall

This blog discusses the concept of systemic stewardship, where investors address broad social and environmental issues beyond individual companies. Key strategies include sector-wide engagement, policy advocacy, and collaborative efforts among asset managers and owners. This approach aims to mitigate systemic risks like climate change and inequality. Challenges include achieving tangible results, cost considerations, and balancing fiduciary duties. Despite these, systemic stewardship is seen as crucial for driving sustainable, long-term change.

#5 BLOG: Navigating Investor Stewardship in 2024: Embracing Complexities, Regulations and Innovations

Top Tip: Effective investor Stewardship in 2024 requires adaptability, innovation and a commitment to sustainability, transparency and accountability.

Here, we examine the evolving landscape of investor stewardship, highlighting updates to the UK Stewardship Code, which aims to reduce reporting burdens and enhance stewardship practices. It addresses systemic risks such as climate change and emphasises the role of technology and data-driven decision-making in improving transparency and accountability. Key trends include enhanced regulatory frameworks, deeper ESG integration, and increased collaborative engagement among investors, companies, and policymakers.

Explore More:

For a comprehensive look at our other blogs published this year, check out the following links: 

Stewardship Insights & Trends: 

• The Role of Collaborative Engagements Among Asset Managers
• Impact Attribution in Stewardship: Steering Towards Measurable Outcomes
• From Passive to Active Stewardship: Escalation Strategies that Drive Transparency and Accountability.
• Rethinking Risk: How Investment Firms Are Integrating Sustainability
• Full-Spectrum Stewardship: A Guide for Asset Owners
• Why Stewardship Matters: The Financial Rationale for Responsible Investing

Operational Stewardship Tips: 

• Resourcing Stewardship: Empowering Asset Managers and Owners with Data-Driven Insights
• Enhancing Stewardship Impact: The Crucial Role of Tracking Engagement Outcomes
• The Evolution of Stewardship in Asset Management:  Bridging Gaps and Streamlining Processes
• Integrating AI in Stewardship: The Next Frontier for Responsible Investment Efficiency
• Stewardship in Practice: Maximising the Impact in 2024

Proxy Voting Insights: 

• Preparing for the 2024 Proxy Season: A Strategic Guide for Responsible Investing
• Voting Trends in 2024: Navigating the Shifting Landscape in the US and UK.

Regulations:

• Leading the Way: Effective Reporting Strategies for the UK Stewardship Code Signatories
• Bridging the Nature-Related Financial Disclosure Gap: The Road Ahead

Maanch Engagement Tracker: 

• Maanch Engagement Tracker: Product Highlights
• From Inbox to Insights: The Importance of Outlook Data Integration
• Future-Proof Your Stewardship: The Art of Smart Topic Selection

Responsible Investing and Stewardship Events: 

• Stewardship Summit 2024: A Short Summary
• A Comprehensive Overview: “The Varieties of Investor Stewardship” Event

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