New York, December 6, 2023 – Man Group plc (‘Man Group’) today announces its partnership with the Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment (‘CCSI’) – a joint center of Columbia Law School and Columbia Climate School – to conduct research addressing how climate impact is defined and measured in fixed income and equity portfolios.
“The investment industry plays an important role to facilitate a thoughtful and rapid transition to a net-zero greenhouse gas economy,”
said Robert Furdak, Chief Investment Officer for Responsible Investment at Man Group.
“There has been increased issuance of green bonds and significant investment in decarbonization technologies, however the impact of these efforts is undermined by inconsistent definitions, metrics, and measurement. Our joint research with the academic experts at CCSI will aim to produce a more refined decarbonization framework, which will bring rigor and greater standardization when calculating the climate impact of public market securities.”
While Man Group and CCSI’s research partnership will focus on identifying practical real-world gaps in methodologies and metrics concerning tradable instruments specifically; their articulation of key principles and standards hope to lay the groundwork for further scalable impact measurement across all asset classes of climate-solution-investing. The need for this work appears particularly acute in the high-emission sectors.
“Something that’s often overlooked is just how many institutions are required to make measurable progress in combatting climate change,” said Matt Goldklang, Climate Scientist at Man Numeric. “CCSI represents more than a leading multi-disciplinary research entity; they share our belief that nothing happens in a vacuum, and serve as a unifying force for legal, economy, and policy expertise to address real problems. Plus, they aren’t afraid to ask tough questions – questions that cause uncertainty and expose greenwashing – like how to better link climate science to investing in a low-carbon economy. We are really looking forward to partnering with Columbia on advancing the science, clearing up the uncertainty, and creating more practical, structured, and sustainable solutions for the industry.”
As part of their collaboration, Man Group and CCSI will identify existing industry challenges and develop solution-oriented frameworks for a path forward. They will then organize and facilitate a symposium workshop to solicit feedback from like-minded financial institutions, experts, standard setters, and Columbia faculty. The symposium will foster engaging discussions and debate surrounding the research findings and framework, which Man Group and CCSI will outline in a joint whitepaper on the agreed implementation methodology to ensure climate impact is achieved.
“Every partnership with CCSI must share a common goal of strengthening the sustainable development potential of international investment,”
said Perrine Toledano, Director of Research and Policy for Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment.
“We are thrilled to partner with Man Group in better arming the investment industry with the ability to measure the impact of transition-enabling climate solutions – an area with significant potential to help mitigate climate change.”
Media Inquiries
Man Group Communications, Americas
Robin Pertusi, Robin.Pertusi@man.com
About Man Group
Man Group is a global, technology-empowered active investment management firm focused on delivering alpha and portfolio solutions for clients. Headquartered in London, we manage $161.2 billion* and operate across multiple offices globally. We invest across a diverse range of strategies and asset classes, with a mix of long only and alternative strategies run on a discretionary and quantitative basis, across liquid and private markets. Our investment teams work within Man Group’s single operating platform, enabling them to invest with a high degree of empowerment while benefiting from the collaboration, strength and resources of the entire firm. Our platform is underpinned by advanced technology, supporting our investment teams at every stage of their process, including alpha generation, portfolio management, trade execution and risk management.
Our clients and the millions of retirees and savers they represent are at the heart of everything we do. We form deep and long-lasting relationships and create tailored solutions to help meet their unique needs. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where difference is celebrated and everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive, as well as giving back and contributing positively to our communities. For more information about Man Group’s global charitable efforts, and our diversity and inclusion initiatives, please visit: https://www.man.com/corporate-responsibility
Man Group plc is listed on the London Stock Exchange under the ticker EMG.LN and is a constituent of the FTSE 250 Index. Further information can be found at www.man.com.
* As at 30 September 2023. All investment management and advisory services are offered through the investment engines of Man AHL, Man Numeric, Man GLG, Man FRM, Man Varagon, Man Global Private Markets and Man Solutions.
About Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment
The Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment (CCSI), a joint center of Columbia Law School and Columbia Climate School at Columbia University, is a leading applied research center and forum dedicated to the study, practice, and discussion of sustainable international investment. Our mission is to develop and disseminate practical approaches and solutions, as well as to analyze topical policy-oriented issues, in order to maximize the impact of international investment for sustainable development. The Center undertakes its mission through interdisciplinary research, advisory projects, multistakeholder dialogue, educational programs, and the development of resources and tools.
