Thematics Asset Management (Thematics AM), a subsidiary of Natixis Investment Managers specialising in thematic equity funds, has been awarded the SRI (Socially Responsible Investment) label for its entire range of thematic strategies.
Already a signatory of the UN Principles for Responsible Investment (UN PRI), the firm stated that this was another step towards its commitment to responsible business practices.
Thematics AM provides investors with access to a range of global thematic equity strategies such as Thematics AI & Robotics, Thematics Safety, Thematics Subscription Economy, Thematics Water and Thematics Meta. All these funds have obtained the SRI label created and supported by the French Ministry of Finance in order to identify and increase the visibility of socially responsible investment products for savers in France and Europe.
Awarded following a strict assessment process conducted by independent organisations, the SRI label is seen as a guide for investors willing to contribute to a more sustainable economy and to give meaning to their investments.
Mohammed Amor, CEO of Thematics Asset Management, said in a statement: “The SRI certification of our funds reflects our commitment to offer high-conviction thematic strategies, long-term by design and in close alignment with our clients’ interest and values. Our clients are increasingly keen to give a sense of purpose to their investments; they are looking to associate economic performance with social and environmental impact. At Thematics AM, we are convinced that integrating ESG and maintaining an active ownership approach are critical to enhancing returns and better managing risk over the long term.”
“To this end, environmental, social and governance factors are taken into account at each step of our investment decision-making process, added Karen Kharmandarian, Chief Investment Officer at Thematics Asset Management. “From negative screening, to scoring companies in the investable universe and sizing positions, to active ESG risk monitoring, but also through engagement & voting.”
Natixis is not the only French powerhouse to have a firm managing its thematic range. In 2015, Europe’s largest asset manager Amundi acquired CPR to provide it with a thematics offering. At the time CPR’s main thematic fund was the Silver Age fund, focusing on the aging demographic. The firm has seen increased its breadth of products and has an ESG product called Climate Action which can be viewed here.
