Monday, 13 September 2021: First Sentier Investors, a leading global investment manager, and MUFG have appointed Velina Karadzhova to lead the recently-launched First Sentier MUFG Sustainable Investment Institute.
Karadzhova will be responsible for developing the institute’s research programme which will include macro-level research on sustainable investment topics, market trends and industry practices. The studies will look at how these developments affect the performance of companies, sectors and economies and their influence on investor capital allocation. Karadzhova will work closely with the institute’s external advisory board of prominent sustainability academics and industry leaders, appointed to inform its research agenda and ensure its research meets high standards of rigour.
Will Oulton, Global Head of Responsible Investment at First Sentier Investors and Chair of the institute, said: “Velina‘s considerable experience in the fields of ESG-related research will be invaluable in this new role to lead and further develop the institute’s sustainable investment research programme. The reports will promote critical, urgent and under-reported sustainability issues, while outlining actions the industry and broader society can take to help address these problems.”
Karadzhova was previously an ESG analyst and utilities sector lead at MSCI, where she was responsible for utilities sector and company research, ESG ratings, ESG methodology enhancements and developing new products. She has also held roles as a credit ratings analyst at Moody’s and was a senior associate in audit at PwC.
The institute was launched in May 2021 to publish proprietary, high-quality research on emerging sustainable investment topics that have yet to see significant industry focus. Its aim is to enhance industry awareness of and action on these sustainable investment themes, report on market trends and best practice, and promote a greater understanding of how such issues can impact long-term investment performance.
Its inaugural research report, titled “Microplastic pollution: causes, consequences and issues for investors” , explores the critical and growing problem of microplastic pollution, one of the most significant and neglected threats to the health of our oceans. The research outlines the important role investors can play in encouraging companies and governments to take action to prevent microplastics entering the environment.
Publication of the next report, which will focus on the emissions of synthetic microfibres into the environment and the damage they are causing, is planned for Q4 2021.
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About First Sentier Investors
First Sentier Investors manages more than £131.0 billion in assets (as at 30 June 2021) on behalf of institutional investors, pension funds, wholesale distributors, investment platforms, financial advisers and their clients worldwide.
The firm operates as a standalone global investment management business with offices across Europe, the Americas, and Asia Pacific. First Sentier Investors’ expertise spans a range of asset classes and specialist investment sectors focused on delivering sustainable investment success based on responsible investment principles.
Formerly known as First State Investments, the firm was acquired from the Commonwealth Bank of Australia in August 2019 by Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking Corporation, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc.
For more information, visit: www.firstsentierinvestors.com
About MUFG
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Inc. (MUFG) is one of the world’s leading financial groups. Headquartered in Tokyo and with over 360 years of history, MUFG has a global network with approximately 2,500 locations in more than 50 countries. The Group has about 170,000 employees and offers services including commercial banking, trust banking, securities, credit cards, consumer finance, asset management, and leasing. The Group aims to “be the world’s most trusted financial group” through close collaboration among our operating companies and flexibly respond to all of the financial needs of our customers, serving society, and fostering shared and sustainable growth for a better world. MUFG’s shares trade on the Tokyo, Nagoya, and New York stock exchanges.
For more information, visit: https://www.mufg.jp/english
Important Information
In the UK, issued by First Sentier Investors (UK) Funds Limited which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (registration number 143359). Registered office Finsbury Circus House, 15 Finsbury Circus, London, EC2M 7EB number 2294743.
In the EEA, issued by First Sentier Investors (Ireland) Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland. First Sentier Investors (Ireland) Limited is registered in the Republic of Ireland, No: 629188. Registered offices: 70 Sir John Rogerson’s Quay, Dublin 2, Ireland.
Elsewhere, issued by First Sentier Investors International IM Limited which is authorised and regulated in the UK by the Financial Conduct Authority (registered number 122512). Registered office: 23 St. Andrew Square, Edinburgh, EH2 1BB number SCO79063.
First Sentier Investors entities referred to in this document are part of First Sentier Investors a member of MUFG, a global financial group. First Sentier Investors includes a number of entities in different jurisdictions. MUFG and its subsidiaries do not guarantee the performance of any investment or entity referred to in this document or the repayment of capital. Any investments referred to are not deposits or other liabilities of MUFG or its subsidiaries, and are subject to investment risk including loss of income and capital invested.
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