AXA Investment Managers renames ESG funds

AXA Investment Managers is to rename its ESG funds to simplify its range for distributors and end investors.

The funds will now include the word “ACT” in the official fund name.

AXA IM says the range of funds aims to provide a clear categorisation for clients of ESG product offerings and strategies that incorporate ESG criteria to varying degrees.

AXA IM considers all funds in the ACT range to be classified as Article 9 under the EU Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR)1.

Seven funds have now been renamed:

AXA WF Framlington Human Capital became AXA WF ACT Framlington Human Capital.

AXA WF Framlington Social Progress became AXA WF ACT Framlington Social Progress.

AXA WF Multi Asset Optimal Impact became AXA WF ACT Multi Asset Optimal Impact.

AXA WF Global Green Bonds became AXA WF ACT Global Green Bonds.

AXA WF US High Yield Bonds Low Carbon became AXA WF ACT US High Yield Bonds Low Carbon.

AXA WF US Corporate Bonds became AXA WF ACT US Corporate Bonds Low Carbon.

AXA WF Framlington Clean Economy became AXA WF ACT Framlington Clean Economy.

The ACT range will also encompass AXA IM’s recently launched ESG funds, such as the AXA WF ACT US High Yield Bonds Low Carbon fund launched in April 20213.

Commenting on the renaming of the funds and strategies, Hans Stoter, Global Head of AXA IM Core, said: “Both clients and regulators are increasingly calling for greater transparency and simplicity from asset managers when it comes to helping investors understand how to compare different ESG products. We believe a clearer categorisation of our offering will go some way to address this. Specifically, applying a common name to all products which sit under our strictest ESG category is intended to help our clients easily identify these funds and be clear on the criteria.”

“The development of our ACT fund range reinforces our commitment to Responsible Investing and to helping people to be better invested. We intend to continue to grow our ACT range, as we believe that is it critical to empower investors to take action against key challenges such as climate change.”