Aberdeen Standard Investments has announced the establishment of the abrdn Sustainability Institute in Asia Pacific the region.

Aberdeen says the initiative aims to drive sustainable investing in Asia Pacific and proactively engage with policymakers to help shape the region’s ESG regulatory framework, support asset owners’ journey towards Net Zero, integrate ESG considerations in all investments and undertake active ownership activities.

The Institute will bring together experienced ESG experts from its Asia Pacific business to drive sustainability outcomes for investors and comprise ESG investment professionals across asset classes and from regulation, product development, distribution and corporate sustainability. The Sustainability Institute will be led by Danielle Welsh-Rose, ESG Investment Director – Asia Pacific. It will be advised by a Sustainable Investment Advisory Board, chaired by its Asia Pacific CEO René Buehlmann.

René Buehlmann says, “Asia is still far behind the rest of the world in deploying sustainable investment strategies, but is moving fast to catch up with client demand. Capitalising on our deep global and Asian ESG expertise, there is an opportunity for us to drive positive changes in the industry. Active engagement with companies, policymakers, industry partners and clients on ESG matters will be key to help build an impactful sustainable investing infrastructure in the region.”