|
Incorporating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria is now a mainstream discipline that is being integrated into the investment process across all asset classes. It focuses on how sustainability can influence long term financial value creation and is becoming an increasingly desired skill set across the entire financial industry.
Want to learn more about ESG and how it is reshaping asset management? Read the interview below with VP of Fundamental Research, Steve Marino (Class ’20) discussing the new student managed fund, Bentley Sustainable Investment Group.
What is Bentley Sustainable Investment Group?
Bentley Sustainable Investment Group is a student-managed-fund which manages part of the Bentley University endowment to construct a portfolio that focuses on integrating ESG criteria into the investment process. Our fund has six main sectors with two analysts in each sector and is open to all class years and majors as general body members.
Why did you apply to be on the Executive Board?
I was drawn to apply to this position because of my passion and interest on how environmental influences can impact a company’s financials. On another note, it’s rewarding to know that our club not only strives to achieve strong risk adjusted performance but also has a commitment to add value for society’s greater good.
What are the opportunities for ESG investing?
The role of ESG with regards to investing at the institutional level is huge and will continue to get bigger as this discipline becomes mainstream. This push spans across efforts for investment, strategic, and corporate decisions. It’s also stretched across the entire financial industry, with traction at asset management firms, private equity firms, rating agencies, investment banks, and more – the importance of ESG and the opportunities within it are as wide as they are deep.
How would joining this club help navigate a potential career path?
BSIG has a really great advisory board with several talented investment professionals in the industry who’s experience we draw on. This semester we held a panel discussion where high profile individuals across asset management firms shared their insights and stayed after to network with students. We are also tied to the BASIC sustainability community where we pass along incredible networking opportunities to the general body members.
How do you get involved?
To get involved you can email our account at SM_ESG@bentley.edu or follow our LinkedIn page. We will also be releasing a website soon too!
You can also attend general body meetings, sector meetings and our events throughout the semester!
