British asset manager Schroders has launched a European Impact Equity strategy in response to demand from institutional investors. The fund will invest in European listed equities that are “are actively contributing to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)”, the group said in a statement. Leon Howard-Spink and Paul Griffin will manage the fund, named Schroders ISF European Equity Impact. The vehicle will be classified as Article 9 under the EU Sustainable Financial Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) – the top sustainability classification reserved for financial products with a primary sustainable investment objective. The fund will use Schroders’ existing impact framework, which was developed with BlueOrchard. Griffin said the fund would not only aim to invest in companies making a positive impact, but also actively support their journey towards sustainable development. “By working closely with companies, we can drive meaningful change and contribute to a more sustainable future,” he added. “Schroders’ comprehensive impact framework identifies innovative European companies that align with SDGs,” said Howard-Spink. “By integrating impact considerations into our stock-picking approach, we believe we can deliver a positive societal impact whilst aiming for attractive long-term returns for our investors.”
