We measure our external asset managers on whether they integrate the following topics into the investment process when selecting equity investments:
On a regular basis, we review internal and external asset managers on their undertaken measures in the respective ESG disciplines. Depending on the result, we take targeted measures to implement our ESG integration standards.
The regular reports cover the topics of ESG integration and climate change:
How can asset managers have a positive impact on corporate decisions?
Our external asset managers seek target-oriented dialog with the management of companies in which they invest our customers' assets. In this way, they exert a positive influence on the management and business practices. We attach great importance to this approach, which is in line with the Code of Conduct of the Zurich Insurance Group and supports the actions that our company as a whole strives to take.
Our external asset managers conducted an active engagement dialogue with 674 companies in 2022.
Engagement activities have increased significantly over the past year. The corporate response to the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change and the associated opportunities and risks, as well as geopolitical uncertainties, has increased the importance of engagement dialogues. Investors are placing increasing emphasis on ensuring a company’s long-term success while continuing to raise its awareness of social responsibility.
From the perspective of a long-term investor, it is important that companies take into account their impact on the environment and society in their strategy.
Examples include:
Our external asset managers conducted an active engagement dialogue on climate change with 146 companies in 2022.
Engagement activities have increased significantly over the past year. The corporate response to climate change and the associated opportunities and risks has increased the importance of engagement dialogues. Investors are placing increasing emphasis on ensuring a company’s long-term success while continuing to raise its awareness of social responsibility.
A climate change-focused engagement aims to ensure that companies with high CO2 emissions take action to reduce them in order to combat climate change.
Examples include:
An effective voting rights policy with systematic focus on ESG criteria effects changes at the corporate level and results in better investment decisions. It also promotes awareness of the relevance of sustainability.
Shareholder voting rights exist in Switzerland and abroad and are always exercised for the benefit of our customers. Within this process, the fund management of Zurich Invest Ltd exercises the shareholder rights and votes (on behalf of all investment groups with an underlying fund).
We vote against a proposal if it violates important national and international best practice codes for corporate governance.
Zurich Invest Ltd is currently developing its own ESG voting policy that has a specific focus on ESG agenda items.
Joint progress in the form of networks, alliances and organizations pursues a common goal for the purpose of promoting the integration of ESG criteria in investment and business process in order to jointly build a better future.
Combating climate change is the focus of our strategy, which is why we expect our asset managers to be especially active in this area in order to effect joint progress.
The six principles of the UN Principles for Responsible Investment offer a range of possible actions for incorporating ESG considerations into investment practices:
Learn more (external link)
The Net Zero Asset Manager Initiative is an international group of asset managers committed to the goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions to zero by 2050 or earlier in line with global efforts to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius and to support investments focused on zero emissions by 2050 or earlier.
Learn more (external link)
The Science Based Targets Initiative promotes ambitious climate protection measures in the private sector by enabling companies to set sound, science-based emissions reduction targets.
Learn more (external link)
The Climate Action 100+ Initiative is an investor-driven initiative to ensure that the world's largest greenhouse gas emitters take the necessary climate measures.
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The recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) on climate-related financial information are widely applicable and can be adopted by companies in all industries and jurisdictions. They are designed to provide decision-useful, forward-looking information that can be incorporated into standard financial reports.
The recommendations are organized around four themes that represent core elements of how companies operate:
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| Equity Switzerland |
Performance |
| Equity US |
Performance |
| Equity Europe |
Performance |
| Equity Japan | Performance |
| Equity Emerging Markets | Performance |
