Happy New Year.
It’s the start of a new year, but as we once again begin January under Government work from home guidance, some things feel remarkably similar to 2021. Indeed, there are a number of themes from 2021 which will continue to feature prominently as we move into 2022.
Building on the momentum from COP26, 2022 is a critical year for the industry to partner with governments and regulators to ensure that we can deliver on investors’ demands for action on climate change. With the pace of regulation ‘hotting-up’ on sustainable and responsible investment practices, we will be doubling-down on our work to ensure international alignment of standards and that the UK’s introduction of SDR is achieved proportionately. Such a sweeping initiative will require thoughtful policy development and careful implementation if it is to achieve its goals and the IA is focused on making sure that happens.
IA policy teams have been working hard on climate action and helping member firms navigate the rapidly changing regulatory environment, producing detailed guidance on regulatory changes, in-particular SFDR, responding to FCA consultations, supporting the implementation of TCFD reporting through the investment chain, and helping with the development of the UK Government’s first green gilt issuance. We also set-out shareholder priorities for listed companies on climate-related disclosures. The IA joined with members managing over £7trn in the UK, to become the first supporting partner of the Net Zero Asset Managers alliance. And I’m proud that in December the IA was certified as a carbon neutral company.