[CAVIE-ACCI] Sanlam Investments has entered into a partnership with Robeco to cover sustainability issues such as ESG reporting, active ownership and engagement services, as well as marketing and educational support.

The South Africa-headquartered business is looking to accelerate its journey towards sustainable investing and has selected Robeco to “fast-track the integration of sustainable investing practices into every facet of [its] business”.

Nersan Naidoo, chief executive of Sanlam Investments, said Robeco is a good fit for the task as it is “an already established player and a world leader in the sustainability space”.

He said: “Together, our mission is to enable clients to achieve their financial and sustainability goals by providing superior investment returns and solutions.

“The pandemic has concretised what we’ve known for some time: that as an asset management business, we are in a strong position to make a tangible, measurable difference.

“At the heart of our purpose is our journey towards long-term sustainability for South African investors, our economy and various communities. The world is changing rapidly, and our purpose has evolved well beyond just wealth creation.”

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Malick Badjie, managing director and head of Africa distribution at Robeco, added: “We are excited about working with Sanlam Investments in both a South African, as well as a wider African, context.

“We are thrilled to be collaborating with like-minded strategic partners to really advance the sustainability agenda and make our shared goals a reality. Together, we look forward to helping clients achieve their financial and sustainability goals, and to create both wealth and well-being.”

Sanlam Investments is part of the Sanlam Group, headquartered in South Africa, and manages over £19bn in active products, alternative investments, index funds, multi management and international investments.

Anna Fedorova