Nicolas Huber

Asset manager DWS Investments has released a new report highlighting its engagement with actively and passively managed funds, and in particular its commitment to ESG issues.

This follows on from accusations of green-washing in 2021, claims which regulators in the US and Germany are still investigating.

The report shows DWS focused on the management of environmental and social risks and opportunities and the importance of robust corporate governance practices with the aim to deliver sustainable long-term value.

Key thematic topics within the discussions with investee companies included climate change and human rights.

DWS voted at over 3,000 AGMs, sent over 1,800 pre-season engagement letters to investee companies and sent over 200 thematic engagement letters on net zero policies to investee companies.

Nicolas Huber, head of investment stewardship at DWS commented: “We strongly believe effective corporate governance is important to ensure that companies are in a good position to face future challenges.”

Mr Huber continued: “It is our fiduciary duty to express our expectations on sustainability in the best interest of our clients. Additionally, we hold boards accountable in case they do not act in a responsible manner.”

DWS Group has €902 billion of assets under management (as of 31 March 2022). It invests across Germany, Europe, the Americas and Asia.