Robeco on Monday announced the rollout of its e-learning modules on sustainability investing to Standard Chartered Private Bank.

In response to client interests in the area of sustainability investing, the international asset manager said that a series of e-learning modules is being rolled out to help Standard Chartered private banking professionals enhance their skills and help their clients achieve their investment goals.

«In order to provide well-informed advice, or make the right decisions, sufficient knowledge is instrumental, certainly when it comes to sustainability investing. Robeco is considered a leader and pioneer in this area,» said  Tom Keenan, head of Wholesale Asia ex-Japan at Robeco.

Responding to Client Demand

In October 2018, an Asian Private Banker survey sponsored by Robeco indicated that 65 percent of relationship managers had received limited or no ESG-related training in the last 12 months, even as slightly over half (52 percent) of relationship managers’ clients showed an interest in ESG-related investments in the last two years.

To bridge this gap, Robeco and Standard Chartered Private Bank decided to join forces to offer the Robeco Sustainability Investing Essentials module to the bank’s private banking employees in Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai, and the U.K. 

Clarifies Trends and Misconceptions

The module explains what sustainability investing is and how ESG integration works in the context of client demand. It also clarifies trends and misconceptions around sustainability investing, takes a closer look at performance and active ownership, and details a number of specific case studies. 

«This collaboration with Robeco allows us to leverage Robeco’s expertise to further equip our bankers to drive these conversations with clients and to bridge the gap between social impact and finance. The Essentials module adds to our efforts to raise awareness of sustainability investing and enrich our discussions with clients in this area,» said Eugenia Koh, head of Sustainable Investing and Engagement Strategy at Standard Chartered.