ESG Client Reporting

Developing an ESG Client Reporting Capability

Cathrine Hansen

Sponsor

Global Head of Investment Governance & Oversight, Global COO, ESG Head for Distribution

Functions

Client Reporting

Client Type

Global Asset Manager

Client Challenges

  • Following an ESG reporting request from a large strategic client, this global asset manager had no path for providing it or for supporting the growing incoming demand from other clients. The existing process was manual, and it took circa. 40 hours to produce each report
  • Due to the rapidly increasing client and regulatory demand for ESG reporting, Alpha was engaged in a number of activities to build capabilities that allow the client to scale up ESG reporting across all funds and asset classes

Alpha Approach

  • We evaluated reporting readiness and gaps by working with 10+ asset classes, and used this analysis to inform a plan for scaling up ESG reporting capabilities
  • We developed an understanding of incoming ESG reporting requirements by completing a regulatory review and engaging with Distribution teams
  • We leveraged Alpha research on ESG reporting best practice to provide insights into what is considered ‘market leading’ in this space
  • We provided SME input into the design of ESG reports and led workshops with a number of teams across the business to ensure investment processes, client messaging and branding were reflected
  • We created a scalable plan for developing robust ESG reporting capabilities to ensure the client complies with regulatory timelines, and have mobilised for this implementation

Client Benefits

  • Rapid, successful delivery of prototype ESG reports for largest strategic client
  • Development and roll-out of practical reporting operating model to rapidly scale up reporting to 200+ funds
  • Robust roadmap for scaling up reporting capabilities further to cover all funds and asset classes
  • Access to Alpha’s rich experience running transformational programmes designing and implementing client reporting solutions, ensuring successful on-time delivery

About the Author

Cathrine Hansen
Consultant, ESG SME

Cathrine is a consultant at Alpha and the UK lead for our Charity of the Year Programme working closely with Plastic Oceans UK to build a strong partnership for 2020. Cathrine has four years of experience with consulting in the Asset Management industry and has supported a number of transformational and strategic change programmes. Her main experience lies within ESG reporting current and future state design, implementation and market trends.