First Sentier Investors (FSI) has announced the appointment of Sudip Hazra as director of the First Sentier MUFG Sustainable Investment Institute, effective 6 June.
Namely, the institute provides independent research on sustainable investment-orientated issues including macro research on market trends and practices that the investment industry must address if it is to make an active and positive contribution.
Mr Hazra, who is based in London, brings more than 15 years of sustainability research experience to his new role, most recently serving as director of environment, social, and governance (ESG) research for Invesco.
Here, he led the implementation of a global net zero investment research framework and developed processes for compliance in line with EU Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation.
Prior to Invesco, he was head of ESG research and responsible investment at European financial services company Kepler Cheuvreux.
Commenting on the appointment, FSI’s global head of responsible investment, Kate Turner, said: “Sudip will be instrumental in delivering a research program designed to enhance awareness and understanding among the investment community on a wide range of investment-oriented sustainability topics.
“As responsible investors, we believe that incorporating ESG considerations into our investment approach leads to better outcomes for our clients and broader society. With Sudip spearheading research for the institute, we will deepen our knowledge and shape how we can collectively respond to addressing these complex issues,” she continued.
“I look forward to the value that he will add to our businesses and the broader investment community.”
Mr Hazra added: “The complexity of the sustainability issues that investors are facing today requires much deeper analysis.”
“I look forward to working with the team to deliver research that has practical application and can assist investors in their capital allocation decisions and company engagement programs,” he concluded.
The institute, established in 2021, is jointly supported by FSI and its shareholder, Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking Corporation, a subsidiary of Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group (MUFG).
As at 31 March 2023, FSI manages AU$221.2 billion in assets with offices across Europe, the Americas, and Asia-Pacific.