Ian Robertson

Co-presenters Ian and Sameer highlight the myths and realities of ESG investing from a CFA Charterholder perspective. Their presentation is consistent with the CFA Body of Knowledge and provides attendees an enduring foundation to assess the ever-expanding ESG framework. They examine the origins and differences amongst Socially Responsible Investing (SRI), Responsible Investing (RI), and ESG Investing. They also distinguish between practices that are consistent with Modern Portfolio Theory and those that are better aligned with Behavioral Finance, including the costs, benefits, and impact of each approach. Several examples of impact investments are highlighted. They compare the ESG investments offered by the investment industry to retail and institutional investors (they are not the same!). The program will address how misconceptions about ESG factors can affect investment decisions. Ian and Sameer discuss common ESG myths and contrast them with their respective realities.

Responsible Investment is defined by the UN backed PRI as the integration of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) factors into the selection of investments and into the ownership activities (proxy voting and engagement). First, this presentation traces the foundational investment theories underpinning portfolio selection, and shows how ESG factors can be integrated as part of the process. Second, it shows how those same ESG factors can be used when considering how to vote a proxy. It also looks at the fixed costs (time, expertise) of voting and the different incentives of investment owners and managers. Finally, it gives examples of how the proxy voting system works for retail investors and the types of issues they may be asked to vote on via shareholder proposals.

The recent years have witnessed how the nature of executive and director compensation significantly evolved due to the passing of current legislations and court decisions. This year, with the passage of H.R. 1 known as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, along with the implementation of the CEO pay ratio disclosure rules, significant changes and developments are expected to shape the executive pay landscape this proxy season. With these remarkable changes, companies should review and modify their rules, procedures and policies to reflect new developments surrounding executive compensation. They should also remain vigilant of the risks and legal challenges that may arise. In this Webcast, a team of thought leaders and professionals assembled by The Knowledge Group will provide and present in depth the recent trends and developments in executive pay in the 2018 proxy season. Speakers will also address important issues and trends involving this hot topic.