IFC & Mercer present sustainability survey in emerging markets

30 Nov '07

2 min read

IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, has appointed Mercer to undertake the first in-depth research on how prevalent environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) factors are in emerging market investments.

Specifically, Mercer will survey fund managers operating in emerging markets to identify and highlight those that integrate ESG factors in their investment processes.

The research aims to facilitate investments in sustainability-conscious emerging market funds and to signal to fund managers the growing worldwide demand for sustainable investment products. The survey will include a list of identified fund managers, with information on their capacity to integrate ESG factors.

The results will be made publicly available and communicated to investment communities throughout major developed and emerging markets.

“The survey will enable Mercer to integrate ESG analysis within fundamental manager research, sending a message to the market that this integration is both important and relevant,” said Helga Birgden, Mercer's Head of Responsible Investment for Asia Pacific. “We are proud to partner with IFC, and we look forward to providing institutional investors with ESG research on emerging market managers.”

“While investments in emerging markets are surging, so is the demand for fund managers capable of integrating ESG factors into their emerging market investments. However, an Economist Intelligence Unit study commissioned by IFC shows that 65 percent of asset owners are not able to find such investment managers,” said Cecilia Bjerborn, IFC Project Manager.

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