Question: Does the investor disclose in its modern slavery statement that it assesses investee companies prior to investment to identify potential modern slavery risk areas?
Answer:
Yes
8986048
Walk Free
2020
Unverified - Added by Community
updated over 2 years ago by Bernadette Joudo

"Investment Decision-makingOur investment managers continue to progressively incorporate assessment of modern slavery risks into their decision-making process. We recognise that our approach will continue to evolve, and remain committed to enhancing our systems and processes in this area. 1. Geographic Exposure: In FY20, we sought to understand our portfolios’ exposure to higher risk geographies. In line with common practice, we referred to the top 50 highest risk countries as identified in the latest Global Slavery Index (2018). After completing an initial assessment on our Australian investment strategies, which represents 46.67% of our total assets under management, we can confirm that as at 30 September 2020, we did not hold any investments in entities incorporated or listed, nor held debt offered by government or semi-government issues, in these 50 countries. We will expand this assessment to other investment strategies during FY21, and continue to monitor any change in exposure.2. Assessment Tool:During FY20, we designed and piloted a proprietary assessment tool to assess modern slavery risk within our Australian equities and corporate debt holdings, representing circa. AUD 27 billion of the Group’s assets under management as at 30 September 2020. This tool provides a total score reflecting exposure to modern slavery risk, which is based off seven sub-scores across key areas including the five areas highlighted above on Page 10. In determining the sub-scores, we utilise direct data feeds from third-party providers, and analyst assessments. In FY21, where appropriate, we will further adapt and incorporate this tool and other dedicated third-party assessment tools to support the investment decision-making process for other fund management teams in the Group. 3. Research and Training: We have expanded our research subscriptions, and this will help to further enhance modern slavery risk assessments across the Group in FY21. This is being complemented by enhanced training for our investment teams to support their own understanding of modern slavery practices and how they may identify entities with a greater likelihood of being complicit in such practices." pg. 13

Bernadette Joudo.....2021-12-17 03:55:25 UTC

Explicitly states that their investment managers incorporate modern slavery risk factors in the investment decision.

Sofia Gonzalez De Aguinaga.....2021-12-30 20:05:47 UTC