VTB Capital Asset Management has become the first Russian asset management company to join the global Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) initiative, after joining the PRI International Association. More than 4 thousand companies all over the world adhere to these principles, which were developed by the PRI Association with the support of the United Nations.
VTB Capital Asset Management’s membership with the PRI Association reflects VTB Capital Investment’s readiness to further integrate ESG principles into its investment decision-making process, whilst drawing on international expertise.
Before joining the organisation, VTB Capital Asset Management began introducing the principles of responsible investment into daily practice, providing customers with high-quality investment products that not only bring them a stable and high income, but also comply with ESG standards.
In May 2020, VTB Capital Investments was the first in Russia to launch responsible investment funds, with assets that are managed not only by financial aspects, but also by the company’s ESG rating. At the beginning of 2021, VTB Capital Asset Management refused to invest in businesses with unacceptable ESG risks, and in the summer, a robot advisor that delivers ESG strategies was launched in the VTB “My Investments” mobile application.
A feedback form for the participants in the Principles for Responsible Investing initiative functions as an annual assessment. At the end of each calendar year, the PRI organisation assigns a rating to the participating companies. The results of the assessment are posted in the public domain on the organisation’s website.
“Having become PRI participants, we have now joined the global trend and gained access to international expertise in the application and implementation of ESG in investment. This fully meets our goals and objectives as a long-term investor, since we are confident that environmental, social and corporate governance issues can affect the performance of investment portfolios in the long term. I am sure that it is important for our clients that investments do not just work, but also benefit society,” says Vladimir Potapov, Chief Executive Officer of VTB Capital Investments, Senior Vice President of VTB.
