Leading asset manager BlackRock subscribes to the SDI AOP

BlackRock has subscribed to the SDI AOP dataset and will use the data to advise clients on ESG portfolio construction, research, reporting, product creation and evolution.

"As investors look to align their portfolios with their sustainable objectives, they are becoming increasingly focused on defining these objectives with specificity, including SDGs,” said Carolyn Weinberg, Managing Director & Global Head of Product, ETF and Index Investments at BlackRock. “The implementation of SDG-aligned investment strategies requires quality data with specific analytical methodologies. We are pleased to strengthen our sustainable product and client offerings with the SDI AOP dataset."

In 2021, BlackRock was named manager to two SDI-related institutional developed-market equities mandates tracking STOXX indices provided by Qontigo. APG launched a €1 billion mandate tracking the iSTOXX® APG World Responsible Low-Carbon SDI Index in September and Dutch pension fund Philips Pensioenfonds introduced the iSTOXX® PPF Responsible SDG Index in December for a €4.5 billion mandate. Both of these indices incorporate multiple ESG inputs, including SDG alignment according to the SDI AOP taxonomy.

"SDG alignment is clearly top of mind for our clients—including BlackRock—and it's a trend we're seeing across the board, from portfolio and index construction to stakeholder reporting," said Sebastian Ceria, Chief Executive Officer of Qontigo. “We are delighted to have played a role in bringing BlackRock and the SDI AOP together in support of the accelerating global shift to more sustainable investing.”  

“Such a firm commitment from a global player like BlackRock reflects the growing importance of SDG alignment in the overall responsible-investing landscape,” said James Leaton, Research Director, SDI AOP. “We look forward to working with them as we continually update and expand our offering.”

 

About BlackRock
BlackRock’s purpose is to help more and more people experience financial well-being. As a fiduciary to investors and a leading provider of financial technology, BlackRock helps millions of people build savings that serve them throughout their lives by making investing easier and more affordable. For additional information on BlackRock, please visit www.blackrock.com/corporate