Institutions get an in-depth view of their ESG exposures.

Northern Trust (NASDAQ: NTRS) will now provide institutional investors with added insights, analysis, and transparency into their ESG exposures. Northern Trust will combine its substantial database of global custody asset information with data from information services provider IdealRatings and issue the ESG Analytics Summary. (AP)

How institutions can use the Northern Trust ESG data

The ESG Analytics Summary is prepared by Northern Trust’s Investment Risk and Analytical Services group. It gives the investor a periodic view of investment ESG scores across their bond and equity portfolios. These are juxtaposed against various ESG benchmarks, business activity flags, and the United Nation’s Global Compact principles.

The investor can also use these analytics for various managerial purposes. These include a review of managers’ performance and monitoring the evolution of the fund’s ESG profile. Investors may also discuss ESG issues with their investment managers.

Investors may also use the data as back-up evidence of their adherence to governance and oversight objectives. These may be particularly useful as compliance with regulatory requirements.

Analytical solutions from Northern Trust’s Investment Risk & Analytical Services group support over US$5 trillion in AUM as of December 31, 2019.

Identify financial risks and opportunities

“Our analysis provides insights into clients’ ESG exposures to help them identify financial risks and opportunities – and help ensure their investments continue to be aligned with their values,” said Serge Boccassini, product lead, Investment Accounting, and Analytic Solutions.

Meanwhile, Northern Trust Asset Management is responsible for US$975 billion of assets and is a signatory to the Principles of Responsible Investment since 2009. It also manages four of the top 10 largest Sustainable Investing index funds globally according to eVestment data.

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