ESG integration is the practice of incorporating material environmental, social and governance (ESG) information or insights alongside traditional measures into the investment decision process to improve long term financial outcomes of portfolios. Unless otherwise stated in Fund documentation or included within the Fund’s investment objective, inclusion of this statement does not imply that the Fund has an ESG-aligned investment objective, but rather describes how ESG information is considered as part of the overall investment process.
The Fund manager incorporates ESG considerations throughout the investment process’ macro outlook, idea generation, implementation tools, portfolio construction, risk management, ongoing monitoring and reporting. All research ideas generated for the Fund consider the potential impact from ESG-associated risks, and these are documented as part of the investment process. Idea implementation uses a wide range of building blocks, including active mutual funds, index funds, ETFs, direct securities, derivatives, and third-party funds. The Fund manager reviews research ideas and asset allocation on a regular basis and reassesses each of the building blocks utilized to access research ideas. The choice of building block is informed by ESG considerations. For strategies with an explicit ESG objective, certain building blocks are used to comply with those guidelines. Where an ESG focused building block becomes available, it will be considered as a replacement for standard market exposure. Both the extent and impact of screens and integration are considered in the context of the investment objective / investment style of particular strategies. The Fund manager may also build bespoke thematic baskets of securities, which are subject to BlackRock baseline screens in the first instance and where appropriate, additional screening criteria. The Fund manager uses E, S, and G criteria such as headline ESG and carbon footprint during the reporting phase. These are sourced from Aladdin or directly from third-party data providers. The Fund manager conducts regular portfolio monitoring with BlackRock’s Risk and Quantitative Analysis group, as well as portfolio reviews with Chief Investment Officers. These reviews include discussion of the portfolio’s exposure to material ESG risks, as well as exposure to sustainability-related business involvements, climate-related metrics, and other factors.