There have been two recent changes that will affect how ESG is applied in practice to fund managers, advisers and, most importantly, investors. Lee Coates of ESG Accord has been advising on ethical investment for three decades, runs a consultancy to help others implement ESG and and is on a relevant FCA committee. We had such a great discussion that we are giving it to you in two parts: this is the first.

We start by discussing the background and how sustainable issues have evolved. Lee has strong views on where things are going and sets out an interesting perspective on what this means.

He follows this by discussing Consumer Duty and how it will affect ESG. We initially focus on advisers and the changes they will have to make. Lee outlines the new requirements and how they fit into what advisors are already doing. He also talks about how the changes will be good for advisors' businesses and lead to more involved clients.

Fund managers and investors do not get ignored though and we discuss them all further in the second part, which will come out next week.

Links

ESG Accord website - http://esgaccord.co.uk/

Subscribe to the EIS Navigator podcast on most services here: https://the-eis-navigator.captivate.fm/listen

Suggested books

Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon

Nomad Century: How to Survive the Climate Upheaval by Gaia Vince

Brian also mentioned:

Lying for Money by Dan Davies

Bios

Lee Coates

Director, ESG Accord

1989 launched IFA firm Ethical Investors, which dealt exclusively in ethical and responsible investment advice. Retired from firm in 2020

1998 launched independent ethical research company Ethical Screening

2010 launched Australia’s first animal-friendly Superannuation fund - Cruelty Free Super.

In 2011 awarded an OBE for ‘services to ethical business and finance’.

In October 2020 co-founded ESG Accord, supporting advice firms implement robust compliance procedures to meet client investment preferences and objectives, including ESG and Sustainability

Lee is part of the FCA’s Disclosures and Labels Advisory Group