asset management News

Insurers Shift Real Estate Investments from Offices to Warehouses

Global insurers want to increase investments in commercial warehouses as their stakes in office space become riskier because of employees working remotely during the novel coronavirus pandemic, Goldman Sachs Asset Management (GSAM) executives said. The pandemic is hastening a shift …

Italy’s Generali Eyes Possible Acquisition of U.S. Asset Manager Brightsphere: Sources

Assicurazioni Generali SpA has approached Brightsphere Investment Group Inc about a possible acquisition of the U.S. asset management firm, people familiar with the matter said on Friday. A deal would expand the U.S. footprint of Italy’s top insurer while enabling …

German Insurer Allianz Seeks Asset Management License from China Regulators

Allianz is in talks with Chinese regulators for a license as the German insurer looks to eventually offer broad asset management services in the world’s second-largest economy. Discussions for a license to manage its own assets in China are at …

Aviva U.K. Unit Dismisses Fears that ESG Investing Hampers Financial Returns

A major U.K. institutional investor has dismissed a commonly-held fear of ESG investing — that it hampers financial returns. Aviva UK Life, part of Aviva Plc, sees environmental, social and governance considerations as a central pillar of its risk and …

EU Rules for Responsible Investing to Be Set for Insurers, Asset Managers in 2021

European Union finance ministers are set to adopt new rules this week that will require asset managers, insurers and pension funds to disclose environmental and social risks in their investments from 2021. The overhaul is expected to bring more clarity …

AXIS Capital Sets Clean Energy Policy Designed to Reduce Climate Risks

AXIS Capital Holdings Ltd. won’t insure, invest in or provide insurance or reinsurance for new coal plants or oil pipelines as part of an initiative designed to reduce climate risks and support the switch to renewable energy. The new policy …

UK’s Legal & General Is Divesting Exxon Shares Over Climate Change

One of Britain’s biggest fund managers started selling shares in Exxon Mobil Corp., saying America’s largest oil company isn’t doing enough to address climate change. Legal & General Investment Management, which oversees about $1.3 trillion and is one of Exxon’s …

Dutch Insurer Weighs Cutting Cover for Gambling, Arms, Nuclear Power

Europe’s biggest insurers refuse to sell policies to coal miners and arms producers. A Dutch firm may go further by denying coverage to gambling companies and nuclear-power generators. The asset-management arm of ASR Nederland NV already has a list of …

Allianz Weighs Bid for Deutsche Bank’s Asset Management Business: Sources

Allianz and Amundi are considering rival deals to tie up their asset management units with Deutsche Bank’s DWS, sources close to the matter said on Wednesday. Their interest comes as Germany’s biggest bank considers a possible merger with Commerzbank, with …

Hannover Re Cuts Exposure to Coal-Based Risks, Limiting Investments, Underwriting

Hannover Re announced it is scaling back its exposure to coal-fired power plants and coal mines, joining a growing list of re/insurers that have made similar moves. In addition to excluding coal-based projects from its investment portfolio, Hannover Re said, …