This presentation will focus on the practical application of sustainable investing in US small cap stocks, highlighting some of the opportunities and challenges that are present in the asset class. Key topics will include:

• The value of ESG analysis
• The opportunity of ESG in small caps
• Sustainability and engagement drive growth and differentiation
• Challenges of ESG analysis in small caps
• Practical application for ESG investing in US small caps

Sustainable investing is more difficult in emerging markets. Data quality is lower than for developed markets, companies have less focus on ESG topics and regulatory standards are often lower. However, precisely for these reasons, a good ESG policy will make more of a difference in emerging markets. This presentation will set out where the pitfalls and opportunities are when it comes to sustainability in emerging markets.

PKA is one of the largest pension funds in Denmark. They have invested €4.8bn in the ‘E’ of ESG and have ambitions of being carbon neutral in 2050. They hope to invest a further €6.7bn in sustainable investments by 2025. Investment from private investors in social investments is important to accelerate growth and prosperity on a global scale. Covid19 has made them even more important as they help rebuild society. In 2010, PKA first started investing in social investments through microfinance funds. Since the initial €100m investment the scheme now has an accumulated €1.1bn invested in social investments and has set a goal to have €1.3bn invest in social investments by 2025. This session will examine the types of investments, including housing, micro-loans and social bonds and how PKA measures, monitors & reports on social investments.

Investors are increasingly looking at how they can integrate ESG into their broad investment. Finding a solution that allows them to invest a significant allocation into an ESG integrated solution that respects their risk / return objectives has historically been a challenge. This session will demonstrate how this is now possible.

ESG policies at many pension funds have developed rapidly in recent years. The Netherlands is at the forefront in Europe and far ahead in the world. How do investors keep good managers who are far from their developments on their toes? This session will discuss the challenges, but also the rewards that funds can get from this.