Based on consultations with investors and investor-networks following the launch of our ESG 2.0 working paper, we learned that there is significant agreement with the issues identified. However, the issues are complex and difficult to approach at large financial institutions.

Given that making shifts at large institutions require a tone from the top and structural policy adjustments, investment governance is a key starting point for tangible change. Adjustments to the investment belief statement, investment policy statement, and other policies and procedures which flow from these standards can support an institution in fully aligning with the principles of Universal Ownership and systematic stewardship.

As such, we are working with partners — including The Investment Integration Project (TIIP), as well as leading advisors such as Jon Lukomnik and Keith Johnson (CEO of Global Investor Collaboration Services) — to develop investment government template documents that would enable institutional investors to adjust their practices.