AustralianSuper has signalled its intention to increase its focus on environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues, with the creation of the new role of governance manager within the investment team.
Former Goldman Sachs head of ESG research, Andrew Gray, has been recruited to the position and will start in July.
Chief investment officer Mark Delaney said the new role would enable the fund to be more pro-active in identifying and addressing critical governance issues that may impact the value of investments.
“As a long-term investor, AustralianSuper has a responsibility to assess and manage all foreseeable risk factors effectively, and ESG is considered as an investment-related risk,” Delaney said.
“We believe that companies which employ good governance practices and actively consider environmental and social issues will ultimately provide better value than companies that do not.”
ASFA has launched a central online hub to help super funds, employers and service providers prepare for Payday Super reforms.
The Super Members Council is calling on the government and regulators to impose additional safeguards to prevent superannuation switching harm and has put forward multiple suggestions for improvements.
The Assistant Treasurer has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening retirement outcomes, consumer protections and cyber resilience in superannuation.
The industry super fund has advanced reconciliation efforts with a new initiative focused on improving outcomes for First Nations members.