CPD event Tuesday 21 January 2020 - ESG Investing

ESG Advice Integration

Asset management has been transformed recently by: the cultural changes that followed the financial crisis, the rise of technology, the growth in regulation and the expansion of Emerging Markets. The most profound however, and the most exciting is the debate about the purpose of Investing. Across the financial sector, there is growing recognition that whilst of course delivering financial returns is our objective, we also need to analyse how our actions - or inactions - have an impact on the world’s needs.

Responsible investment is an umbrella term that incorporates a range of practices and approaches in considering the key environmental, social and governance (ESG) risks, opportunities and impacts of the investing. This takes many forms and has evolved from being primarily an exclusionary approach to one of integrating analysis of relevant ESG issues into investment processes; engaging in dialogue with companies on significant matters related to ESG issue; reducing risk; improving performance; encourage best practice and underpinning long-term investor value.

Graham will discuss what these different approaches to responsible investing mean and what the backdrop of ESG investment looks like for today’s adviser and investor.

Graham works within the Strategic & Technical team at BMO Global Asset Management. Graham has undertaken a variety of adviser focused roles at BMO since 2003. Over the last few years he has been responsible for developing and delivering presentations at seminars across the UK on a broad range of investment and financial planning related topics. Graham holds a number of industry qualifications, including the Investment Management Certificate (IMC), and has more than 20 years’ industry experience. Prior to working at BMO, Graham worked with both Edinburgh Fund Managers and Scottish Widows.