abrdn launches Sustainability Institute

Aberdeen Standard Investments (ASI) has launched the abrdn Sustainability Institute, providing investment support for ESG issues across the Asia Pacific region.

"Asia is still far behind the rest of the world in deploying sustainable investment strategies, but is moving fast to catch up with client demand," said abrdn Asia Pacific chief René Buehlmann. "Capitalising on our deep global and Asian ESG expertise, there is an opportunity for us to drive positive changes in the industry. Active engagement with companies, policymakers, industry partners and clients on ESG matters will be key to help build an impactful sustainable investing infrastructure in the region."

The institute will be led by ESG investment director Danielle Welsh-Rose and will be advised by a bored, chaired by Buehlmann.

Welsh-Rose said she is excited by the launch. "Building on our long history of ESG expertise in Asia Pacific, our Institute is a unique, firm-wide, fully-integrated approach to sustainable investing."

Welsh-Rose joined Aberdeen Standard Investments in 2019 after several years as head of ESG with VFMC. She's also held sustainable investing roles with VicSuper and Sustainability Advisers.