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ESG scores: an outdated concept

It’s time the investment industry changed its attitude towards ESG scores, argues Dr Tom Steffen.

This post is issued by Osmosis (Holdings) Limited, a London based investment management group. For more information, please contact Lisa Harrison on 07716 912832 or [email protected]

The concept of ESG scores – aggregating hundreds of indicators from diverse and complex topics – is outdated, particularly when repackaged by the investment management industry as an investment signal. The time for change has come.

ESG scores limit true price discovery

Financial markets play a crucial role in price discovery. The trading activity of investors determines the true value of an asset, reflecting all publicly-available information. Such information includes anything that is material to the value of the company including its environmental, social, and governance practices.

The wide-ranging reliance of the investment management industry on aggregate ESG scores by third-party rating agencies limits this true price discovery. Uncovering as of yet unrevealed information on the risks and opportunities presented by firms’ sustainable and responsible behaviours and tying them back to corporate valuation requires detailed data and profound research; yet most investors rely solely on the high-level information captured in ESG scores.


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Global Investors (ex US). This report is issued in the UK by Osmosis Investment Management UK Limited (“Osmosis”). Osmosis is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority “FCA” with FRN 765056. This document is a “financial promotion” within the scope of the rules of the FCA. In the United Kingdom, the issue or distribution of this document is being made only to and directed only at professional clients (as defined in the rules of the FCA) (“Professional Clients”). This document must not be acted or relied upon by persons who are not Professional Clients. Any investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to Professional Clients and will be engaged in only with Professional Clients.


This document is issued by Osmosis Investment Management US LLC (“Osmosis”). Osmosis Investment Management UK Limited (“Osmosis UK”) is an affiliate of Osmosis and has been operating the Osmosis Model of Resource Efficiency. Osmosis UK is regulated by the FCA. Osmosis and Osmosis UK are both wholly owned by Osmosis (Holdings) Limited (“OHL”).

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

Global Investors (ex US and Australia). This document is issued in the UK by Osmosis Investment Management UK Limited (“Osmosis”). Osmosis is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority “FCA” with FRN 765056. This document is a “financial promotion” within the scope of the rules of the FCA. In the United Kingdom, the issue or distribution of this document is being made only to and directed only at professional clients (as defined in the rules of the FCA) (“Professional Clients”). This document must not be acted or relied upon by persons who are not Professional Clients. Any investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to Professional Clients and will be engaged in only with Professional Clients.

US Investors. This document is issued by Osmosis Investment Management US LLC (“Osmosis”). Osmosis Investment Management UK Limited (“Osmosis UK”) is an affiliate of Osmosis and has been operating the Osmosis Model of Resource Efficiency. Osmosis UK is regulated by the FCA. Osmosis and Osmosis UK are both wholly owned by Osmosis (Holdings) Limited (“OHL”).

Australia Investors: This document is issued in Australia by Osmosis Investment Management (Australia) Pty Ltd (ABN 80 670 854 798, CAR No. 001305635) is a corporate authorised representative of Eminence Global Asset Management Pty Ltd which is the holder of an Australian Financial Services Licence (AFS Licence No. 305573). Osmosis Investment Management (Australia) Pty Ltd) is a member of the Osmosis group of companies, the parent company being Osmosis (Holdings) Limited a UK company headquartered in London.

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