Zurich shares and promotes best practice in responsible investment

The FINANCIAL — Since becoming a signatory of the PRI in July 2012, Zurich has made good progress in actively integrating environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) factors and issues into its investment analysis and decision-making process, according to Zurich Insurance Group (Zurich).

The PRI is the UN-supported network of institutional investors, asset managers and service providers working together to put six principles for responsible investment into practice.

"Zurich strives to incorporate ESG factors in investment decisions, believing that ESG factors can materially impact risks and opportunities associated with underlying investments, whether these are in the equity, corporate bond or real estate space. We expect that fully reflecting ESG factors, alongside traditional financial metrics and risk management practices,  will support us in our investment mission to achieve superior risk-adjusted long-term financial returns,” said Cecilia Reyes, Chief Investment Officer.

In addition, Zurich invests in assets that generate a tangible and measurable positive impact on society and the environment. “We have been very pleased to lead the rapid development of the green bonds market since our last year announcement to invest up to USD 1 billion in green bonds,” Ms. Reyes added. Through green bonds investment, Zurich seeks to help mitigate climate change and to help communities become more resilient to the adverse effects of climate change. As of December 31, 2013, USD 236 million have already been invested.

“We are pleased to witness the development of Zurich's responsible investment approach and welcome Zurich's transparency in reporting progress to the PRI and the public,” Fiona Reynolds, PRI’s Managing Director said.

"At Zurich, responsible investment is becoming part of our DNA. Responsible investment is reflected in the individual objectives of the whole Investment Management team, and all of our in-house investment teams are now working towards fully integrating ESG in their investment processes . The PRI are a tremendous support on our journey as a responsible investor,” Manuel Lewin, Head of Responsible Investment, said.