a.s.r. introduces article 9 equity fund impact investing, open to third parties
a.s.r. asset management is introducing a new equity fund, with a strong sustainable character: the ‘ASR Wereldwijd Impact Aandelen Fonds’ (“ASR Global Impact Equity Fund”). In line with the recently tightened Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR), this fund qualifies as an Article 9 fund. With this fund, a.s.r. offers institutional clients the opportunity to also invest in companies that pursue a positive impact on people, the environment and society. The fund simultaneously contributes to a.s.r.’s ambition to have € 4.5 billion in impact investments in its portfolio by the end of 2024.
The ASR Wereldwijd Impact Aandelen Fonds (AWIAF) is suitable for institutional clients who, like a.s.r., also want to invest in companies that have a measurable and positive impact on people, the environment and society. The portfolio consists of up to 30 listed companies and classifies as an Article 9 fund. All investments qualify as sustainable investments and each contribute to one or more Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), as established by the United Nations.
Nico Rieske, head of equities at a.s.r. asset management: ‘In 2019, our equity team established an impact portfolio, supporting a.s.r.’s ambition to increase the number of impact investments for a.s.r. With the launch of the AWIAF, we are enriching our portfolio, offering institutional clients the opportunity to invest in impact investments as well. Part of our philosophy is; that impact should be a sharply defined asset class, contributing to advancing a sustainable world and livable society, and also offer an opportunity to yield attractive returns in the long run.’
Article 9 qualification
The SFDR is a European regulation that aims to provide greater transparency on how financial parties incorporate sustainability risks and opportunities into their investment decisions and the investment fund must consist for the most part of so-called sustainable investments. Sustainable investments are investments in an economic activity that contributes to the achievement of an environmental objective (E) or the achievement of a social objective (S) without seriously compromising other environmental or social objectives and the investee companies follow good governance practices (G). Impact investments are a category of sustainable investments. In the case of Article 9, sustainability is a binding and mandatory part of the investment process. For more information on the sustainability features, please refer to the fund information on the website. a.s.r. asset management emphasizes that investing, in addition to opportunity for return, also involves risk.
The Sustainable Development Goals
These are 17 goals established by the United Nations to achieve a sustainable world for all by 2030. For more information, visit: sdg.un.org/goals or download the UNPRI Impact Investing Market Map.
a.s.r.’s impact portfolio currently exceeds 3.3 billion (30 June 2023).
-
12 Sep 2024S&P revises a.s.r.’s outlook to positive on expected capital and earning improvement – A ratings affirmedCredit rating agency Standard & Poor’s (S&P) is positive about the long-term outlook in its annual assessment of a.s.r.’s creditworthiness and its components. The current ratings have been reaffirmed, and the outlook has been changed from stable to positive. This means that if a.s.r. continues to perform at the current level, there is a possibility that the ratings of a.s.r. will be upgraded by one notch at a next assessment.
-
21 Aug 2024a.s.r. commits to Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)a.s.r. has joined the international Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). In doing so, a.s.r. commits to setting science-based emission reduction targets in line with the Paris Climate Agreement. This step fits the ambition of a.s.r. to belong to the leading group of European sustainable insurers. After signing, a.s.r. has 2 years to submit the climate goals to SBTi.
-
21 Aug 2024a.s.r. reports strong half-year 2024 resultsJos Baeten, Chairman of the Executive Board and CEO: ‘We are showing good results over the first six months of 2024. These are in line with or exceeding the targets that we presented at our recent capital markets day. We can see growth in P&C, Disability and Pensions, and we maintain our strong position in the mortgage market. Alongside this, the operating result, the organic capital creation, and the solvency are developing favorably. The financial results show a significant rise across all business segments, through autonomous growth as well as the addition of activities of Aegon Nederland. Since the closing of the Aegon Nederland transaction we have already taken many steps, each contributing to the integration going to plan. The progress of the integration, where we also appreciate the joining of two cultures, remains the priority. When we look at the future, our stakeholders can expect us to, through our ambition to be the best financial service provider in the Netherlands, also continue to focus on sustainable growth. Lastly, a.s.r. continues to commit to a sustainable society and world, with product and services that are not only good for now, but also for the long term, with future generations in mind.’