Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA)

We are excited to launch the Responsible Investment Benchmark Report Aotearoa New Zealand 2024 next week! Join us for our virtual launch event on Tuesday 3 December (10:30am-12:00pm NZDT) where we will highlight key insights and trends that have shaped the responsible investment landscape in New Zealand.     This will be followed by a discussion with industry leaders and experts including Erica K., Senior Vice President, ESG Strategist at PIMCO, Frances Sweetman, Head of Sustainability at Milford Asset Management, Dean Hegarty, Co-CEO of Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA) and Nayanisha Samarakoon, Head of Policy & Advocacy at RIAA.     Our annual benchmark report is a useful resource for the responsible investment sector, measuring the size, growth, and performance of responsible, ethical, and impact investments each year. During the event, we will present new findings that shed light on:    👉 The size of responsible investing in New Zealand and key developments  👉 The performance of responsible investments compared to the broader market  👉 The evolution of responsible investment practice in New Zealand, in light of increased scrutiny over potential greenwashing, marked by a strengthening of stewardship practices, and a strong desire to demonstrate positive impact    Register now: https://lnkd.in/g8ummmAj    #benchmarkreport #responsibleinvestment #sustainablefinance  

Australians are becoming more informed and engaged with responsible investment which represents a compelling opportunity for financial advisers to embrace this growing demand. According to our ‘From Values to Riches 2024’ consumer research, over half of Australians expect their financial advisers to be knowledgeable about responsible investment options (52%). This week our Co-CEO Estelle Parker will be speaking at the Financial Advice Association Australia (FAAA) Congress, on the ‘Responsible investing under the microscope’ panel.  This 75-minute session will explore:   👉 The latest trends in responsible investment from the human rights risks associated with AI and impacts associated with conflict-affected regions like Ukraine, to the rapidly evolving policy landscape with recent developments such as the Government’s Sustainable Finance Strategy, mandatory climate related disclosures and how super funds and investors are responding.   👉 What ASIC have been looking for as a result of increasing its scrutiny of responsible investment claims and how the industry has responded to ensure it meets the expectations of the regulator, intermediaries and the public.    This session will underscore advisers’ obligations to ask their clients about their environmental, social and governance preferences, explain the risks and benefits, and where they can find superannuation and investment products that meet your clients’ needs, avoid greenwashing and how this can deepen the relationship with your client.    For more information: https://lnkd.in/ggvS4yzk    #FAAACongress24  

We welcome the Australian Government 's decision to update the mandate of the $230 billion Future Fund to align with key national priorities. As outlined in our Co-CEO Dean Hegarty's post, this landmark move will direct capital to "flow into projects that will deliver the social and environmental outcomes Australians want, while maintaining great returns." 

The Responsible Investment Benchmark Report Australia 2024 has officially launched, revealing a record $1.6 trillion in responsible investment. This marks a significant shift in the investment landscape. The report highlights how the industry continues to gain momentum, with the number of responsible investors increasing by 26% and the proportion of responsible investment assets under management (AUM) rising from 36% to 41% of the market in 2023. This growth reflects a powerful shift towards mainstreaming responsible investment across the market. Estelle Parker, Co-CEO of RIAA said, "This is a pivotal moment for the industry. Our data shows that 99% of respondents now integrate ESG principles into their framework, embedding responsible practices into the fabric of their operations. Concurrently, regulators are rightfully pushing for greater transparency, and the public wants proof that investment claims lead to real-world impact. Credibility in responsible investment depends on demonstrating measurable, impactful action, not just good intentions.” However, greenwashing remains a critical concern, with over half (52%) of respondents identifying it as the top barrier to responsible investment, up from 45% in 2022. Emma Herd, EY's Co-lead of the EY Net Zero Centre and Partner, Climate Change and Sustainability Services said, “With mandatory climate change reporting set to commence on 1 January 2025, investors are more committed than ever to integrating ESG into their portfolios. The intense focus on greenwashing concerns in this year’s results underscores growing investor demand for better quality, better performing ESG opportunities in the market.” Explore the full report for deeper insights into the progress of Australia’s responsible investment market, its drivers and barriers: https://lnkd.in/d8UUzjk This study is made possible through the generous support of our Industry Partners, T. Rowe Price, Nuveen, a TIAA company and AXA Investment Managers, as well as our Research Provider, EY. We would also like to thank the investment managers that participated in the study - we are extremely grateful for your input. #benchmarkreport #responsibleinvestment #sustainablefinance

We are excited to announce that our Responsible Investment Benchmark Report 2024 Australia will be launched today! This report marks the 23rd year of RIAA's publication of comprehensive research in this field. Join us at 10am AEDT today for the online launch as we unpack the key insights and trends that have shaped the responsible investment landscape in Australia, followed by a discussion with industry leaders and experts: https://lnkd.in/gFS2AnFk Unable to join the online launch? Ensure you register to receive the recording after the event. This study is made possible through the generous support of our Industry Partners, T. Rowe Price, Nuveen, a TIAA company, AXA Investment Managers, as well as our Research Provider EY.   #benchmarkreport #responsibleinvestment #sustainablefinance 

"The urgency for action is clear; we cannot afford to delay our transition to a low-carbon economy. The impacts of climate change are already being felt, and inaction will lead to dire consequences for future generations. Thus, collaboration across sectors is essential," said David Ho, Head of Pacific, Index Investments Group, FTSE Russell, An LSEG Business.   We are delighted to have David share his reflections and insights about the ‘Climate change: From risk to opportunity’ session that took place at the NZ Conference in September. In his blog, David highlights the importance of partnerships and engaging with various stakeholders, from government entities to asset owners, asset managers, investors and community groups when tackling climate challenges.   Read the full blog: https://lnkd.in/g9BbPe5c   #climatechange #RIAAconf2024 #responsibleinvestment 

As a member of the Global Sustainable Investment Alliance (GSIA), we're excited to launch GSIA’s latest report, shining a light on the critical need to address misaligned incentives between investors and policymakers to accelerate sustainable finance and avoid climate disaster globally. A special call out to the Australian Treasury for the 'Australian Sector Pathways' project, featured in the report as a leading example of fostering certainty in the net zero transition.   As policymakers and finance leaders gather at #COP29 for #FinanceDay, this GSIA report identifies key barriers preventing the flow of capital globally:   ⛔ Policy Vacuum: Lack of clear and supportive policies. ⛔ Interest: Prioritising short-term gains over long-term sustainability. ⛔ Valuation: Underestimating environmental and social factors. ⛔ Ownership: Passive investment approaches hinder change. ⛔ Transition Misalignment: Difficulty in transitioning certain sectors and business models. Read the report here: https://lnkd.in/guVhASR2 #ClimateFinance #SustainableFinance #COP29 #ClimateAction

The RIAA Conference Australia returns in 2025! Join us on 28 & 29 May at the ICC Sydney for the largest responsible investment gathering in the Southern Hemisphere.  This year, we’re excited to offer Super Early Bird Rates! Secure your 2025 conference ticket at 2024 early bird rates. Don’t miss out, as this exclusive rate is available only until 23 December 2024. In addition, RIAA members enjoy an extra 30% discount.    Register now: https://lnkd.in/gxDwRt6K    #RIAAconf2025 #superearlybird #responsibleinvestment  

We are excited to launch the Responsible Investment Benchmark Report 2024 Australia next week! Join us for our virtual launch event on Tuesday 19 November (10am-11:30am AEDT) where we will highlight key insights and trends that have shaped the responsible investment landscape in Australia.     This will be followed by a discussion with industry leaders and experts including Caroline Ramscar, ESG Investment Specialist & Vice President at T. Rowe Price International, Kristina Hermanson, Head of APAC & Africa at Nuveen, a TIAA company, Estelle Parker, Co-CEO of Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA) and Nayanisha Samarakoon, Head of Policy & Advocacy at RIAA.     Our annual benchmark report is a useful resource for the responsible investment sector, measuring the size, growth, and performance of responsible, ethical, and impact investments each year. During the event, we will present new findings that shed light on:    👉 The size of responsible investing in Australia and key developments  👉 The performance of responsible investments compared to the broader market  👉 The evolution of responsible investment practice in Australia, in light of increased scrutiny over potential greenwashing, marked by a strengthening of stewardship practices, and a strong desire to demonstrate positive impact    Register now: https://lnkd.in/gFS2AnFk    #benchmarkreport #responsibleinvestment #sustainablefinance  

Today we welcome the appointment of Australia’s Anti-Slavery Commissioner as a key step in responding to the key recommendations from the statutory review of the Modern Slavery Act. Estelle Parker, Co-CEO of RIAA shares, “Modern Slavery has been a key focus for RIAA’s Human Rights Working Group since it was established in 2017. This appointment will help drive forward modern slavery reforms, complementing work that is already underway by the investor community to address modern slavery risks. The Commissioner’s work should also support a just energy transition as the world continues to move away from fossil fuels towards more sustainable energy sources.” We look forward to working together with Chris Evans together with the investor community and other stakeholders to further address modern slavery risks in supply chains. For more information on how investors can address modern slavery risks in their supply chains, please consult RIAA’s Investor Toolkit Human Rights with a Focus on Supply Chains (link in comment below). #modernslavery #humanrights