Robeco strengthens ESG commitment in Singapore to expand Asia expertise

Over the coming years, Robeco will appoint three sustainability specialists in Singapore to provide localized ESG expertise across the region. The team will be an extension of Robeco’s Sustainability Investing Centre of Expertise – a global team of over 35 dedicated client portfolio managers as well as research, thought leadership and active ownership professionals that drive sustainable investing leadership and insights to clients, the Robeco investment team and the broader market.

Robeco opened its Singapore office in 2016, establishing its regional fixed income hub in Asia as an extension of its global fixed income team. In addition to growing ESG expertise, Robeco looks to strengthen existing fixed income capabilities in Singapore with two new fixed income research and investment professionals.

With the new hires, Robeco is expected to introduce more Asian versions of its sustainability-focused strategies available elsewhere around the world to cater to the needs of local investors.

Robeco offers three types of strategies within its Sustainable Investing offering – Sustainability inside, Sustainability focused and Impact investing. Sustainability focused strategies have an explicit sustainability policy and target, alongside financial targets.

The company stands at the forefront of sustainable investing with over 25 years of experience, introducing its first sustainable equity strategy in 1995 and launching an Asian sustainable equity strategy in 2020. Robeco is well recognized for its ESG integration approach with its proprietary ESG research and in-house analytical tools. It also offers a comprehensive suite of sustainable investing solutions that caters to different investor needs. Robeco was among the first to launch strategies that apply Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as well as climate fixed income strategies which help to address climate-related risks.

Also central to Robeco’s commitment are plans to scale up existing ESG education and training activities in Singapore. Robeco has launched e-learning modules under Robeco Essentials since October 2018 and has worked with clients, research institutes and institutes of higher learning to bridge the knowledge gap on sustainable investing in the country. Robeco will continue to share its expertise in sustainable investing, engaging with companies and partners across topics such as SDGs and climate investing to contribute as a valuable player to the sustainability ecosystem in Singapore.

“Expanding our investment and ESG capabilities in Singapore moves us towards the next phase of growth following five years of successful operations here. With sound financial infrastructure and regulatory support, Singapore is strategically important for us as a gateway to engage with clients in the region. We are delighted to bring our global expertise in sustainable investing to Asia, working closely with our clients and partners to navigate the increasingly exciting but complex field of ESG,” said Nayan Patel, Chief Executive Officer, Robeco Singapore.

Patel added: “Whether it is analyzing ESG data, integrating climate change considerations or maximizing shareholders’ value through active ownership, Robeco has deep knowledge to help investors in Asia meet their sustainable investing objectives. With local specialists to anchor on-the-ground initiatives, combined with our extensive global experience, we expect to capture even more growth opportunities in ESG and become a leader in sustainable investing in Singapore. Our Singapore expansion will also contribute to Robeco’s ambition to achieve net-zero emissions across all assets by 2050.”

Robeco has had a presence in Asia Pacific since 2005. It has grown its footprint in the region significantly since then, and now has offices in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore, Sydney, Melbourne and Tokyo. Robeco’s Asia Pacific equities investment team is based in Hong Kong and the Shanghai office provides on-the-ground Chinese A-share research to Robeco investment teams globally.