ING recently launched an Article 9 fund – its fifth impact fund – focused on UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and plans to offer the fund in Europe.
The fund was launched in the Netherlands earlier this month and will invest in companies that aim to make a progressive contribution to people, the environment and society.
The SDG Impact Fund is a multi-asset fund that invests in shares, bonds and liability-managed investment funds.
The strategy is designed to support the 17 objectives set in the UN Sustainable Development Goals, which include reducing inequalities in and among countries and taking urgent action to combat climate change.
Bob Homan, head of ING investment office, said: “We only invest in companies and organisations that contribute their products or investments to the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
“Because the fund has an objective in the area of sustainability, we categorise it as a so-called Article 9 product. Making the best possible financial return is not the primary objective of this strategy, but rather investing in impactful companies.”
This is the latest launch in a series of new products from asset managers targeting increased demand from investors for ESG offerings.
Azora, a Madrid-based investment management platform, launched an Article 9 pan-European private equity fund at the start of May, which will have a decarbonisation theme around lower and mid-market businesses.
Allianz Global Investors announced its global sustainability and social responsible investment (SRI) equity team, to be led by Giles Money.
Denmark’s Formuepleje established an equity investment team to focus on ESG issues last month, which will be responsible for building a global equity strategy.
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