Aegon UK has broadened its sustainability commitments by signing the Finance for Biodiversity Pledge.
This global initiative brings together financial institutions from 25 countries that are committed and contribute through their investments and finance activities to reversing nature loss in 2030.
Biodiversity is seen as an increasingly important part of ESG commitments, with pension providers and other financial companies expected to have to make mandatory disclosures on how their investments impact nature in the next few years, under the new taskforce for nature disclosure (TFND) regime.
Aegon’s decision to sign the pledge aligns with a growing trend of investors prioritising environmental considerations. Research conducted by Aegon earlier this year found that over half (51 per cent) of its customers believe impacts on nature, including biodiversity, to be an important consideration when investing in a company.
The Finance for Biodiversity Pledge commits signatories to undertake a number of actions, including:
- collaborating and sharing knowledge
- engaging with companies
- assessing impact
- setting targets
- reporting publicly before 2025
Aegon UK’s head of responsible investing Hilkka Komulainen says: “Our customers are increasingly aware of the environmental impact their investments can have, and we believe that financial institutions have a responsibility to take action to address this critical issue.
“By understanding and taking ownership of the nature impact of our pension schemes, we are committed to being a force for good and use our influence to help protect the planet, on behalf of our customers.”
