The article conveys an overview of what has created the ESG phenomenon, what the sector now looks like and where it is heading.

The following article about ESG investing comes from Mike Gunion, vice president, sales and marketing at Infinit-O Global, a consulting firm based in The Philippines. He writes on the rise of ESG investing, what has brought it about, and where it is heading. The topic remains a controversial one in certain quarters, given the continued debate on whether ESG investing involves trade-offs or not. 

The editors are pleased to share these views. The usual editorial disclaimers apply. (More details on the author below.) To respond, email tom.burroughes@wealthbriefing.com

Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investing has experienced a significant rise in recent years. It has transitioned from a niche investment approach to a mainstream strategy embraced by investors and businesses worldwide. This article will explore the growth of ESG investing, the factors driving its adoption, and the challenges and opportunities it presents for investors and companies alike.

Growth of ESG investing
According to a global study conducted by the Harvard Law School Forum on Corporate Governance, ESG assets surged to over $35 trillion in 2022, representing an increase of 15 per cent compared with the previous year. Furthermore, a Reuters report highlights that in 2021, ESG assets in the US alone reached nearly $17.1 trillion, marking a 42 per cent increase from 2020.

The rapid growth of ESG investing can be attributed to various factors, including increased awareness of global sustainability challenges, heightened regulatory scrutiny, and the recognition that ESG factors can materially impact financial performance.

Growing awareness of sustainability challenges
One of the primary drivers of ESG investing's growth is the heightened awareness of global sustainability challenges, such as climate change, social inequality, and corporate governance issues. Investors are increasingly recognising the need to incorporate ESG factors into their investment decision-making in order to mitigate risks and contribute to a more sustainable future.

Regulatory developments
Regulatory developments have played a crucial role in increasing the adoption of ESG investing. Policymakers worldwide are introducing mandatory ESG reporting and disclosure requirements to ensure that investors and companies consider the environmental and social impacts of their activities. For example, the European Union's Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) are shaping ESG reporting standards and driving increased transparency.

Material impact on financial performance
Research increasingly demonstrates a strong correlation between ESG performance and financial returns. Companies with robust ESG practices tend to exhibit lower risk profiles, higher operational efficiency, and stronger long-term financial performance. Consequently, investors are allocating more capital into ESG investments to capture the potential financial benefits and mitigate the risks associated with poor ESG performance.

Data quality and standardisation
A challenge for both investors and companies in ESG investing is the lack of standardised and comparable ESG data. The absence of uniform reporting standards and definitions can make it difficult for investors to assess and compare companies' ESG performance accurately. However, this challenge also presents an opportunity for the development of standardised ESG reporting frameworks and the growth of ESG data providers to meet the increasing demand for high-quality ESG data.

Greenwashing
The rapid growth of ESG investing has given rise to concerns about "greenwashing,” the practice of making misleading or unsubstantiated claims about a company's sustainability credentials. To address this issue, investors and companies need to adopt rigorous ESG due diligence processes and focus on material ESG factors that have a direct impact on financial performance.

Integration
Integrating ESG factors into investment decisions remains a challenge for many investors, particularly in the absence of standardised ESG data and metrics. However, the growing availability of ESG data and analytics tools is making it easier for investors to assess companies' ESG performance and incorporate this information into their investment processes. As ESG integration becomes more widespread, investors will be better equipped to identify companies with strong ESG practices and align their portfolios with their values.

Getting active
Active engagement and stewardship are essential for investors and companies to bring about meaningful change in ESG practices. Investors can use their influence to encourage companies to adopt better ESG practices and improve their sustainability performance. This can be achieved through various means, including proxy voting, collaborative engagement, and direct dialogue with company management. Active engagement also presents an opportunity for companies to build stronger relationships with their investors, understand their concerns better, and demonstrate their commitment to ESG issues.

ESG in fixed income investments
While the integration of ESG factors in equity investments has gained significant momentum, there is still a need to expand ESG integration into fixed-income investments. This presents an opportunity for the development of new ESG fixed-income products, such as green bonds and social bonds, which enable investors to finance projects with positive environmental and social impacts.

Impact investing
The growth of ESG investing has spurred interest in impact investing, investments made with the intention of generating measurable social and environmental benefits alongside financial returns. This provides an opportunity for investors to allocate capital towards innovative solutions that address pressing global challenges, such as renewable energy, affordable housing, and healthcare. Companies can also benefit from impact investing by attracting capital to fund their sustainability initiatives and drive positive change.

Leveraging ESG-compliant BPO companies for sustainable investing
Outsourcing business operations to ESG-compliant Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) companies can be an effective strategy for investors and organisations wanting to integrate ESG principles into their operations. By partnering with a BPO provider that has robust ESG practices in place, organisations can benefit from the provider's expertise in managing environmental, social, and governance risks while ensuring that their outsourced processes align with their ESG goals. This collaboration can also contribute to more efficient resource allocation, cost savings, and enhanced risk management. 

Furthermore, by outsourcing to an ESG-compliant BPO, investors can demonstrate their commitment to sustainability, potentially attracting more capital and fostering a positive reputation in the market. In essence, partnering with ESG-compliant BPOs can create both financial and sustainability benefits, enabling organisations to capitalise on the growth of ESG investing while contributing to a more sustainable future.

Opportunities that reshape businesses 
The rise of ESG investing has transformed the investment landscape, offering investors and companies new opportunities to create long-term value and contribute to a more sustainable future. As ESG investing continues to gain traction, it is critical for investors and companies to overcome the challenges associated with data quality, greenwashing, and the integration of ESG factors into investment decisions. 

By embracing active engagement, expanding ESG integration into fixed-income investments, and exploring impact investing opportunities, investors and companies can effectively navigate the evolving ESG landscape and capitalise on the benefits of ESG investing.

About the author
Gunion describes himself as a “passionate, high-energy senior executive business leader, entrepreneur, cross-functional team leader, motivator & innovator.”

He has worked in areas such as cleantech, medical equipment, telecoms, IT, internet of things, financial services, manufacturing and heating, ventilation and air conditioning industries. He has worked in a range of firms by size.