Sustainability

Not everything intended to promote sustainability leads to positive outcomes, says Gerold Grasshoff. The Chair of Frankfurt Institute for Risk Management and Regulation (FIRM) talks to Börsen-Zeitung about ESG, as well as the challenges posed by geopolitical and reputational risks.

In the US, some states are blocking sustainable investment, while others continue to support it. In an interview with Börsen-Zeitung, Nordea's Head of Responsible Investment Eric Pedersen explains why ESG is far from dead.

Die Europäische Investitionsbank (EIB) weitet das Spektrum der förderfähigen Projekte im Rahmen der Nachhaltigkeitsanleihen aus - unter anderem um Gender Equality.

Clemens Schäfer, Head of Real Estate APAC & Europe at asset manager DWS, sees strong demand for high quality office space, while outdated buildings are finding it hard to attract tenants. He also sees great opportunities in the residential segment.

The demands made of supervisory boards have broadened in recent years. Daniela Mattheus, President of the Financial Experts Association, discusses whether changes to the regulatory framework are needed.

The new EU regulation on ESG rating activities promotes transparency and comparability in the market. At present there is a wide variety of scores and opinions, with different methodologies.

Matthias Hennig-Frieten, Head of Sustainability & ESG at online platform Raisin, would like to see greater transparency and standardised regulations for green financial products. He sees big potential for green savings deposits.

Evelyn Regner, Member of the European Parliament, is highly critical of the EU Commission's ‘omnibus’ initiative. What the Commission calls a reduction in bureaucracy, she views as an abdication of responsibility.

The ESG backlash can be seen as an opportunity. The pullback of the US giants is a setback for climate protection – but gives European asset managers a chance to differentiate themselves in the competition for investors.

Keeping up with new and amended ESG regulations will be a challenge for the finance industry in 2025, says Alexandra Themistocli, Head of ESG at SEB in Germany. But revisions to the SFDR will ease the reporting burden.

The sustainability theme is encountering increasing resistance from investors. But Raphaela Schmid, Head of ESG & Sustainability at Susi Partners, says that sorting the wheat from the chaff will be good for the investment management industry.

In spite of the about-turn on US climate policy under President Donald Trump, the global megatrend towards more renewable energy will continue, Allianz Board Member Günther Thallinger tells Börsen-Zeitung in an interview.

The upcoming EU Omnibus legislative package aims at simplifying requirements for sustainability reporting. As the first details emerge, a fierce dispute is already raging over what exactly should be included.

Lutz Diederichs, CEO of BNP Paribas Germany, discusses the bank's strategy in the German market, including in the SME sector and private banking. He sees greater use of securitisation as an important step towards Capital Markets Union.

Hamburg based startup Tomorrow aims to direct capital towards "responsible" banking, without holding its own banking license. The account services and payments company wants to stay flexible, co-CEO and founder Inas Nureldin tells Börsen-Zeitung.

Sustainable real estate should not only protect the environment but also pursue social goals. But there is tension between the two. For example energy efficient renovations often lead to higher monthly rental prices.

The next EU Commission would be well advised to establish a Transition category for sustainable funds. An important impetus has already come from the European Securities and Markets Authority.

Zielke Research's evaluation of German banks' CSR reports shows plenty of room for improvement. KfW, Taunus Sparkasse and Helaba performed best. GLS Bank, Dortmunder Volksbank and VR Rosenheim-Chiemsee came in last.

Anja Mikus defends the investment strategy of the nuclear legacy fund Kenfo against criticism from Urgewald. As was made clear at a Börsen-Zeitung event, increasing regulation is leading to a certain ESG fatigue in the industry.

CSRD reporting poses a massive problem for banks, says Marco Lenhardt, Partner at KPMG. But time is of the essence. The institutes have to deliver by the end of the year.

Matt Christensen's interest in sustainability was sparked by his work in corporate valuation. He leads the department at Allianz Global Investors and is determined to drive change.

Eon is expanding its venture capital business. A fund has now been launched in which third parties can also participate.