At this early stage, more than 50 experts working in our client-facing private customer asset management teams have been chosen to pioneer this new initiative. They will be trained as ESG experts and leverage and share their new expertise in their own teams and OP cooperative banks.
“This network of pioneers will not only see us improving our expertise in corporate responsibility, but also serving our asset management clients in the best possible way through sustainable solutions. More than 60% of investors do not wish to invest in companies whose operations are ethically unsustainable,” says Sustainable Funds Asset Manager Kristiina Vares-Wartiovaara from OP Asset Management.
The demand for socially responsible alternatives has risen in recent years. OP has four mutual funds themed around sustainability (OP-Sustainable World, OP-Climate, OP-Clean Water, and OP-Low-carbon World), which have seen a 150% rise in the number of investors over the last three years.
“For many customers, sustainability themed funds are the easiest way to begin investing responsibly. In fact, an increasing number of customers mention sustainability and corporate responsibility when seeking investment advice from OP cooperative banks. Our network of ESG pioneers allows us to provide up-to-date information and expertise to meet the needs of our customers,” Vares-Wartiovaara continues.