Mercer is expanding its sustainable investment team in order to meet growing client demand for investment solutions that take into account the risks of climate change and other ESG factors.
As part of this expansion Mercer has appointed Sarika Goel as its new global head of sustainable investment research.
Goel has been with Mercer since 2010, and has led Mercer’s coverage of sustainable themed investment strategies within listed equities. In her new role she will oversee research of investment strategies across asset classes, focusing on sustainable development, climate transition, impact investment and stewardship.
Mercer is also increasing its UK sustainable investment team, as well as those based in the US, Australia, Canada, Hong Kong and Switzerland.
Mercer says it has seen substantial asset growth in its range of sustainable-oriented funds over the last 12 months. For example, Mercer’s Sustainable Global Equity Fund has more than doubled its assets to exceed USD2 billion at 31 Mar 2021.
This growth is propelled by a surge in investor interest in funds that seek to deliver strong and sustainable investment returns by positioning for the transition to an economy with low or net zero carbon emissions as well as other sustainable investment trends.
Helga Birgden, global business leader, sustainable investment at Mercer says: “As the world experiences seismic environmental and societal changes, we are committed to helping our clients consider how these shifts impact their portfolios. Through our forward-looking research on the impact of climate change and on sustainability in investments we are supporting clients in pursuing better investment outcomes.”
Birgden adds: “Leading up to COP26, there is ambition among leading funds to demonstrate strong credentials in sustainability in their investment programs.
“Since forming its dedicated specialist team in 2004, Mercer has long backed such client ambition. We help meet our client’s investment objectives with global research, sustainable investment advice and sustainable investment solutions in the context of growing stakeholder expectations.”