The United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) provide a framework for us to consider environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues across our own business and in companies in which we invest. The proper consideration and integration of ESG issues into our investment process will enable us to make investment decisions in the best interests of our investors.
I believe ESG issues are now more relevant than ever for our industry and we are witnessing a renewed focus from investors on ESG performance. With a long track record in responsible investment, CFSGAM is well positioned to service and respond to clients’ needs in this new environment. CFSGAM is proud of its track record in the consideration of ESG issues and was amongst the first Australian investment managers to become a signatory to the PRI in early 2007. CFSGAM was the first Australian investment manager to release a detailed report on its progress of PRI implementation, now in its third year.
CFSGAM’s leadership team is passionate about delivering global best practice in our whole-of-business approach to responsible investment. PRI performance is now embedded into the business’s balanced scorecard, which means it is now part of our business strategy and is used to measure our own performance and set key performance indicators throughout the business. Our balanced scorecard target is that we will be top quartile across five of the six PRI by the 2011 reporting year. The process of implementing the PRI across the business is driven by CFSGAM’s PRI Steering Committee. I am chair of this committee and am pleased for the opportunity to help shape our responsible investment policy and strategy.
Full consideration and integration of ESG issues in the investment process remains a long-term focus for CFSGAM and we are committed to demonstrating leadership in this area. We are proud of our progress so far and look forward to working with others in the industry to ensure continuous improvement. CFSGAM remains committed to fulfilling its fiduciary role by providing the best possible outcome for investors through the successful implementation of the PRI.
Mark Lazberger
CEO
Colonial First State Global Asset Management
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