Returns, security and liquidity are increasingly becoming investment criteria in the investment sector. The industry’s new target function is called Impact: How can asset managers and investment companies achieve the maximum impact for sustainability and transformation with predefined minimum requirements for return-risk liquidity? Impact is based on the UN’s overarching Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). At the company level, the defined ESG criteria – environment, social and governance – according to the EU CSRD and ESRS reporting standards count. Environmental, social and responsible corporate governance are becoming key factors for asset management and investment decisions.

“Green” investments in companies, startups and fixed investments from solar parks to hydrogen plants drive transformation by supporting sustainable innovations and technology transfer for the path to a climate-neutral circular economy and a decarbonized energy future.

Fund and asset managers help determine the strategic direction of portfolio companies through the funds entrusted to them. It is important not to encourage greenwashing, to apply the standards transparently and to show what impact will be achieved over the term. It is up to asset managers not only to invest in companies that operate sustainably, but also in those that have credibly set themselves on the path and thus give momentum to the change towards greater sustainability.

The industry includes, for example, investment companies and funds, investment and holding companies, trust and other funds.