Stockholm (NordSIP) – Despite the ongoing greenrinsing efforts of some asset managers, the prevailing feeling is that their European investors remain committed to sustainability. BNP Paribas Asset Management (BNPP AM) is one such case in point. To this end, the asset manager is strengthening its position in the Nordic region by hiring Henrik af Donner as Head of Sales for the Nordic region.
Donner has extensive experience working with Nordic clients and a long-term connection with sustainability, having spent five years between 2001 and 2006 as a marketing director at GES Investment Services, a firm which later became Sustainalytics. NordSIP reached out to af Donner to hear about this new role and how BNP Paribas can contribute to sustainability in the Nordics.
Aligning Positive Impact
According to af Donner, BNPP AM has a clear role to play regarding sustainable investment management in the Nordics, which he can help with by drawing on his vast professional experience.
“BNPP AM is very committed to sustainable investment and the firm has many innovative solutions in everything from traditional products to alternative products and ETFs. I have had the pleasure of working with a broad range of Nordic investors throughout my career. This has given me valuable insights into the sustainability expectations of Nordic investors, especially around transparency and long-term impact. At BNPP AM, I am eager to contribute by drawing on my experience to help match our capabilities with the evolving needs of our clients, further aligning positive impact for both clients and society,” af Donner says.
He notes that one of BNPP AM’s main assets in this endeavour is its reputation. “I think the strong brand and product depth is the most important key to success in the Nordics. The bank has relationship with most of the largest investors in the Nordics. Asset Management is a natural part of the coverage, and we will support to strengthen and broadening the relationships further,” he adds.
Finding Compatible Managers Amid the Backlash
According to af Donner, the ESG investment space has matured from low-hanging fruit to more in-depth solutions. “I think investors are now more cautious in investing in products that are labelled ‘sustainable’. The investment trend was for a while focused on the obvious transition candidates and investors forgot to diversify. Now I think the market has a much broader interest in different solutions, and we see many exciting initiatives over most asset classes,” he explains.
Considering the ongoing ESG backlash, af Donner highlights the importance of compatibility. “ESG as we know it will continue to develop, and I hope we will see even stronger connections to investments in the future. Going forward it is important to carefully select a partner that shares the long-term view on sustainability, and I am sure we will see many interesting solutions the coming years,” af Donner concludes.
