Why did you decide to become a subscriber?
The UBS AM Global Equities team (www.ubs.com) has been involved in impact investing in listed equities since 2015 and has since developed an impact investing approach that is fully aligned with the principles that guide the SDI AOP.

How does the SDI AOP data differ from other sources out there?
The SDI AOP ‘s standards and dataset are developed by asset owners and focused on product impact. While the resulting dataset is comparable to other data sources, we believe that the robust and conservative taxonomy linked to Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) sub-targets underpinning the approach taken by SDI AOP offers extra credibility. We appreciate that the SDI AOP is focused on continuous innovation and improvement of the methodologies and approaches, and value that participants’ contribution is included in shaping these programs and priorities. The user advisory group and ongoing consultation process is a unique feature in comparison to other providers and is very valuable to us.

What are the most relevant portions of the dataset to your organization?
In everyday portfolio management, together with other relevant information and data sources, we use the SDI Classification dataset, and SDI % of revenue, technology description, conviction level and SDG mapping.

Which teams in the organization use the data? Is it primarily RI, Portfolio Managers or Strategists?
The dataset is primarily used by UBS AM Global Equity Portfolio Managers and Fundamental Analysts as part of the stock selection and portfolio construction processes. Sustainable Investment Quantitative Analysts also leverage the data in collaboration with Specialists and Investment teams for testing and developing new thematic strategies.

How is the data being deployed?
The use case of the dataset is portfolio specific. The data is one of the information sources used for defining companies’ alignment with the SDGs and determining whether or not specific companies should be included in impact or thematic portfolios. The dataset is also used to complete our qualitative analysis of companies’ technologies and revenue mapping to the SDGs. Finally, we leverage the dataset for reporting purposes, presenting portfolios’ exposure to the SDGs.  

Is the data integrated in your systems?
The data is integrated in a web-based dashboard, our Portfolio Analysis tool and our proprietary portfolio management system.

To whom do you report about the SDIs and how?
We report to the existing clients of our impact strategies and are able to present information to potential clients on demand.

What are your objectives with SDI?
Our primary objective is to use the dataset to help us maintain a considerate approach to define impact investment universe(s) and manage our impact portfolios accordingly.

How important is the comparability of data in reporting?
Comparability of data and consistency in approach are key for the credibility of impact investing, including in reporting.


Interested in more SDI AOP use cases? Click here.