DPAM obtains the top highest PRI rating A+ for the second consecutive year

For the second consecutive year, Degroof Petercam Asset Management (DPAM) has obtained the top A+ rating for its assessment on the UN-backed Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI).

These six Principles aim to advocate best practices in order to encourage the adoption of environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria and to foster a more sustainable financial industry geared towards the long term.

Ophélie Mortier, Responsible Investment Strategist: “This is a great achievement, particularly considering the more demanding questionnaire this year as PRI continuously upgrades its requirements level. PRI now represents over 1,800 signatories around the world and close to 90 USD trillion of total AUM.”

A+ is the top rating and DPAM holds the maximum stars on several areas of expertise. Thanks to continuous efforts, it has achieved to maintain its top position compared to last year. For the peer group of signatories, the median rating (A) has remained stable over the last year except in terms of ESG integration, where the trend is negative. Indeed, the median rating has downgraded to B over the last three years. DPAM however has maintained its top score over the last three years from A in 2016 to A+ in 2017 and A+ this year.

Hugo Lasat, CEO Degroof Petercam Asset Management: “Our commitment to the PRI has proven to be a turning point in our sustainable and responsible investment positioning and strategy. After becoming a signatory in 2011, DPAM aimed to make a commitment to sustainable finance. This rating achievement is the evidence of all the efforts DPAM has made over the years in the sustainable and responsible investments scope. Indeed, we have been actively involved in sustainable finance since 2002 and have drawn on a long learning curve. Today we offer an extended range of sustainable investment solutions across asset classes. We are not only recognised for our solid processes and transparency by external rating agencies such as LUXFlag, which has recently labelled our range of actively managed sustainable sub-funds, but we are also recognized by our investors for our know-how”

DPAM is not only proud of the top rating that has just been granted to it for the second time, but has also learned so much since it became a signatory to the PRI. It will continue to put the relevancy of its ESG research and the appropriateness of sustainable choices to the test, so as to ensure full compliance with its threefold commitment: to uphold fundamental rights, to refrain from financing controversial companies that may affect reputation and long-term of growth of investments and to be a responsible stakeholder and to foster best practices and efforts.