Integrating ESG factors in investment decisions by mutual fund managers: a case of selected Johannesburg Stock Exchange-listed companies

This paper examines whether mutual fund managers incorporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors when deciding which sector to invest on behalf of their trustees. In doing this, the top 20 South African mutual fund companies (asset managers) listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) were selected. The paper identified the top 30 JSE listed companies (in the large industrial, equipment, and machinery sectors, excluding unlisted and service-oriented companies) where trustees’ funds were invested (with a total of 28 companies between 2007 and 2017) from the mutual fund companies’ Equity Fund Fact Sheets 2017 (representing recent investment focus). ESG data were collected from the integrated and sustainability reports at the sampled companies’ websites, and financial data were sourced from the IRESS database. This study adopted the panel data analysis. The results show an insignificant negative relationship between the ESG proxies (water usage, employee health and safety cost [number of work-related fatalities], percentage of women on corporate board) and return on equity (ROE). This means that the sampled companies disregard the United Nations Principle of Responsible Investment (UN PRI) guideline, suggesting that asset managers focus on increasing returns on shareholders’ investment without considering ESG issues. The paper concludes that the disregard for responsible investment guidelines does not encourage companies to improve their unsustainable business practices.

Download Full-text

Prepare for the magnifying glass: SEC hikes scrutiny of asset managers – 4 steps to consider

Journal of Investment Compliance ◽

10.1108/joic-01-2015-0012 ◽

2015 ◽

Vol 16 (1) ◽

pp. 49-51

Author(s):

Perrie Michael Weiner ◽

Patrick Hunnius ◽

Grant Alexander

Keyword(s):

Mutual Funds ◽

Asset Management ◽

Hedge Funds ◽

Mutual Fund ◽

Sudden Change ◽

Protective Measure ◽

Mutual Fund Managers ◽

Content Type ◽

Fund Managers ◽

Asset Managers

Purpose – To discuss the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC’s) likely preparation of new rules to increase the monitoring and oversight of various asset funds, including hedge funds and alternative mutual funds, and recommends protective measure for fund managers to take. Design/methodology/approach – Discusses the SEC’s increasing concerns about risks related to the asset management industry and how those concerns may lead to additional scrutiny and regulation. Recommends four steps for alternative mutual fund managers to take at this time to protect their interests. Findings – The SEC’s potential regulatory action is in response to apparent increasing concern that the multitrillion-dollar asset management industry could create substantial instability to the financial system with the occurrence of a significant event, such as a sudden change in interest rates or widespread investor redemptions. It has been suggested that the proposed sweep of alternative mutual funds is part of a larger strategy by the SEC to bring the alternative mutual funds, and similarly situated entities such as asset managers and hedge funds, under the same regulatory umbrella imposed upon large banks and similarly situated financial institutions in response to the 2008 recession. Practical implications – Preparation will go a long way in dealing with what appears to be a developing mine field of new regulations, and potential enforcement actions, from the federal government. Originality/value – Knowing that increasing SEC scrutiny, such as inquiries and subpoenas, may be just around the corner, the precautionary measures outlined in this article will help alternative mutual fund managers protect their interests.

Download Full-text