In ShareAction’s survey of the world’s 75 largest asset managers, none achieved an AAA or AA rating across all assessed areas. There were, however, clear pockets of leading practice, demonstrating what was possible. This guide presents a range of short case studies that reflect the current state of leading practice by large asset managers on responsible investment governance (including financial incentives, training, and stewardship), climate change, human and labour rights, and biodiversity.

The guide also highlights areas where even leading practice falls short of the levels of action required by the systemic challenges of the 21st centuries, and offers a range of next steps.

ShareAction intends for this guide to provide practical and decision-useful guidance for asset managers of all shapes and sizes looking to align their responsible investment approaches with mainstream leading practice. Asset managers can use this guide to benchmark their own performance against leading practice.

Asset owners and investment consultants can also use the guide to set asset manager expectations, guide conversations, and benchmark existing practice.