Our approach to investment stewardship and ESG considerations in our process continues to evolve and is centered around three core pillars of activity:

1. ESG research and integration
We methodically and pragmatically consider ESG issues as part of our investment research and decision-making process. We believe that well informed investment decisions, in light of all key factors (including ESG considerations) leads to better risk adjusted returns for our clients (ESG as an input). Among other things, we focus macro inputs as they relate to individual countries in the predominately developed market universe that we invest.

We incorporate ESG factors by combining slower and nearer-term moving economic and financial market indicators as key inputs into our investment decision-making process. In doing so, we include ESG information and data as part of our investment decision making process. All other things being equal we will invest in green and social bonds in preference to their mainstream counterparts (ESG as an output).

2. Active ownership
While the opportunities available to sovereign debt investors to engage and influence positive ESG outcomes are different to other asset classes, we believe we have a role to play. We engage in dialogue with issuers, originators and other capital market participants and stakeholders regarding ESG matters and to influence positive change.

3. Collaboration
ESG issues in a sovereign debt context are inherently systemic and market wide in nature. Accordingly, investors need to collaborate to influence positive change. Tied to this, it is important to share information and raise levels of awareness regarding key issues (both internally and externally). As part of this, we are a signatory to the PRI.

Our approach to investment stewardship continues to develop and evolve and so too will the priority themes that we seek to focus on. As it currently stands, key priority themes and megatrends include:
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Climate change, Biodiversity, Water, Human rights, Diversity, Cultural heritage, Social inclusion, Sustainable financial system, Governance and Democracy.

These themes not only feed into our investment decision making but will inform our active ownership and collaborative activities.

As an investment manager and business, Jamieson Coote Bonds acknowledges the critical impact of climate change and the goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050. Within our sphere of influence, we collaborate with issuers to ensure credible Net Zero Roadmaps, engage with clients to share knowledge, and prioritise transparent ESG reporting. Our commitment extends to continuous refinement of our ESG policy and practice to align with evolving standards within sovereign bonds.

We continuously look to implement best practice approaches to ESG. For more information on our commitment to ESG initiatives, view: