With a hub in Singapore, Nikko AM’s team assembles firm’s ESG experts
Nikko Asset Management Co., Ltd. (Nikko AM) has announced the launch of the Global Sustainable Investment Team, bringing together globally for the first time the firm’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) professionals. According to the firm, this follows significant expansion over the last 12 months, during which the firm has deepened its talent across ESG integration and stewardship, and appointed dedicated staff leading in areas such as ESG data analytics and ESG regulations – unique expertise among asset managers headquartered in Asia.
The Global Sustainable Investment Team is asset class agnostic and spans the firm’s Singapore, Tokyo and London offices. The team is responsible for providing ESG solutions to investment and business teams and ultimately to clients. Nikko AM has appointed Natalia Rajewska as Global Head of Sustainable Investment, a newly created role based in Singapore, who reports directly into Group President Stefanie Drews and Chief Investment Officer Hiroshi Yoh.
Rajewska commented, “Having seen the industry evolve over the years, I am incredibly excited to take on the role of building Nikko AM’s Global Sustainable Investment team, shaping our sustainable investment strategy and increasing our impact. With significant progress already made, we are well positioned to rise to the challenge.”
Rajewska’s background is in ESG in investment, banking and consulting. She joined the firm in 2021. Previously, she was Sustainable Finance VP at ING Singapore and ESG Analyst at Aviva Investors in London.
“2023 is shaping up to be a year of equal parts challenge and opportunity. The world is in a state of flux and we are facing environmental and social threats with physical, social and economic consequences. Nikko AM’s commitment to sustainable investment and expansion of ESG resources shows unique leadership among Asian headquartered investors and beyond. Now, more than ever, the investment community needs to be at the forefront of having a positive impact on society and the planet,” she added.
Nikko AM President Stefanie Drews remarked, “Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, and our sustainable investment activities contribute to long-term value creation and sustainable economic growth. As our clients’ needs continue to evolve, hiring seasoned ESG practitioners is instrumental to ensuring we are able to develop cutting-edge solutions and is key to achieving our global growth strategy.”
Nikko AM has made Singapore its Sustainable Investment Centre of Excellence, leveraging the city-state’s advantages in terms of talent, time zone between Japan and Europe, and language capabilities.
The new team is another of Nikko AM’s milestones in sustainable investing in Asia that began with launching Japan’s first socially responsible investment fund in 1999[1]. Following participation in the Net Zero Asset Managers initiative, Nikko AM launched in November 2022 a 2030 greenhouse gas emission reduction target. In the past year, the firm also became one of the first Asia-based asset managers to qualify globally as a signatory to the UK Stewardship Code, recognised by many as the highest global standard of stewardship.
[1] Based on Nikko AM’s research. This fund is not registered for sale in Singapore.
