Alpha-Centric ESG Research

Kyle Rudden

The collective carbon footprint of global freight transportation and logistics is utterly massive, and growing. Freight and logistics accounts for 10-15% of the world's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, or 3.4-5.1 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) per year of the world's 34 billion-tonne total. Current GHG mitigation and decarbonisation policies will be enough to fully offset GHG emissions from expected growth in freight transportation and logistics. Projections suggest a 60-80% increase in emissions by 2050, when a decrease of 55-80% is needed to meet the Paris Agreement goals.Climate impacts of trade growth are compounded by how it will shift freight movement from North Atlantic to Indian Ocean corridors, increasing average distances 12%. More critical is the local leg; 10% by tonne-kilometres but 30% of GHGs (inland modes like trucking are more GHG-intensive).On a company level, carbon footprint – present and future – depends on several things. Aside from macro issues like regional fuel mix and climate policies, two big factors are: 1) a company's specific function (e.g., freight trains vs. logistics software), and 2) its decarbonisation initiatives.The collective carbon footprint is a major ESG issue but we should not apply a broad-brush. Freight and logistics companies are vital to the economy and deliver life-critical goods like medication and food. Moreover, companies like <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/jd-logistics" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:31500:1" rel="noopener">JD Logistics (JDL HK)</a> – are leading a "greening" of supply chains.This is an important ESG issue to watch, but not an "exclusionary screen" by any means.

The collective carbon footprint of global freight transportation and logistics is utterly massive, and growing. Freight and logistics accounts for 10-15% of the world's greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, or 3.4-5.1 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) per year of the world's 34 billion-tonne total. Current GHG mitigation and decarbonisation policies will be enough to fully offset GHG emissions from expected growth in freight transportation and logistics. Projections suggest a 60-80% increase in emissions by 2050, when a decrease of 55-80% is needed to meet the Paris Agreement goals.Climate impacts of trade growth are compounded by how it will shift freight movement from North Atlantic to Indian Ocean corridors, increasing average distances 12%. More critical is the local leg; 10% by tonne-kilometres but 30% of GHGs (inland modes like trucking are more GHG-intensive).On a company level, carbon footprint – present and future – depends on several things. Aside from macro issues like regional fuel mix and climate policies, two big factors are: 1) a company's specific function (e.g., freight trains vs. logistics software), and 2) its decarbonisation initiatives.The collective carbon footprint is a major ESG issue but we should not apply a broad-brush. Freight and logistics companies are vital to the economy and deliver life-critical goods like medication and food. Moreover, companies like JD Logistics (JDL HK) – are leading a "greening" of supply chains.This is an important ESG issue to watch, but not an "exclusionary screen" by any means.

Carbon Footprint of Freight Transportation and Logistics and Other ESG Issues

Last week's announcement by Singapore Exchange – regarding its launching four FTSE ESG Index futures – is a really big deal for SGX. Not that it will not solve all of SGX's problems overnight; the liquidity-building takes time, and four ESG contracts won't make up for all those lost MSCI trades.Nonetheless, these ESG futures contracts are "worth" more than one might think, in two ways. For SGX FIRST, the launch proves its ability to execute. For SGX in general, it's a much-needed boost – financial and psychological – after last year's MSCI losses.I will be publishing a series of on various ESG investment products, starting with derivatives (very soon). That will provide additional detail.

Last week's announcement by Singapore Exchange – regarding its launching four FTSE ESG Index futures – is a really big deal for SGX. Not that it will not solve all of SGX's problems overnight; the liquidity-building takes time, and four ESG contracts won't make up for all those lost MSCI trades.Nonetheless, these ESG futures contracts are "worth" more than one might think, in two ways. For SGX FIRST, the launch proves its ability to execute. For SGX in general, it's a much-needed boost – financial and psychological – after last year's MSCI losses.I will be publishing a series of on various ESG investment products, starting with derivatives (very soon). That will provide additional detail.

SGX FIRST Launches ESG Futures Putting It in the Company of ESG Derivatives Leaders ICE and Eurex

Last week, <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/singapore-exchange-ltd" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:1047:1" rel="noopener">Singapore Exchange (SGX SP)</a> made a momentous <a href="https://www.sgx.com/media-centre/20201215-sgx-strengthens-commitment-sustainability-s20-million-plan" target="_blank" rel="noopener">announcement</a> in the sphere of Asian sustainable/ESG finance and investing. <a href="https://first.sgx.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SGX FIRST</a> is its new multi-partner sustainability initiative. The acronym, FIRST, is for "Future in Reshaping Sustainability Together," but it says so much more.SGX FIRST, puts SGX first, in the ranks of Asia's most sustainable stock exchanges.This is different. SGX FIRST is a well-conceived, high-level, strategic sustainability initiative on an entirely different plane than the many "platform" launches of late. It is indeed part platform, but to view it as only that misses its essence entirely. SGX FIRST stands out in three interrelated ways:<ol>
<li>
Intelligent: Unlike "me-too" ESG portals, SGX FIRST is an integrated strategic plan leveraging existing strengths, products, and relationships. It's making progress, not even a week out.</li>
<li>
Impactful: Intelligent design and synergies-galore should translate into real impact; the ability for SGX FIRST to foster and shape sustainable capital markets in Singapore, and APAC.</li>
<li>
Profitable: Yet to be seen, but likely. This is the stuff of virtuous cycles, from establishing ESG domain authority to licensing fees and other incomes. Altruistic capitalism, but capitalism.</li>
</ol>In this game of ESG "platforms," SGX is playing chess, whilst others chew on checkers.In light of pandemic-induced hard times for SGX, this may be what the doctor ordered.

Last week, Singapore Exchange (SGX SP) made a momentous announcement in the sphere of Asian sustainable/ESG finance and investing. SGX FIRST is its new multi-partner sustainability initiative. The acronym, FIRST, is for "Future in Reshaping Sustainability Together," but it says so much more.SGX FIRST, puts SGX first, in the ranks of Asia's most sustainable stock exchanges.This is different. SGX FIRST is a well-conceived, high-level, strategic sustainability initiative on an entirely different plane than the many "platform" launches of late. It is indeed part platform, but to view it as only that misses its essence entirely. SGX FIRST stands out in three interrelated ways:

Intelligent: Unlike "me-too" ESG portals, SGX FIRST is an integrated strategic plan leveraging existing strengths, products, and relationships. It's making progress, not even a week out.

Impactful: Intelligent design and synergies-galore should translate into real impact; the ability for SGX FIRST to foster and shape sustainable capital markets in Singapore, and APAC.

Profitable: Yet to be seen, but likely. This is the stuff of virtuous cycles, from establishing ESG domain authority to licensing fees and other incomes. Altruistic capitalism, but capitalism.
In this game of ESG "platforms," SGX is playing chess, whilst others chew on checkers.In light of pandemic-induced hard times for SGX, this may be what the doctor ordered.

SGX FIRST Puts SGX First in the Ranks of Asia's Most Sustainable Stock Exchanges

In the last few months, there has been a spate of mergers and coalitions in the sustainability/ESG reporting landscape. Most recently, the announced merger of International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC) and Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), but there are others.
Intuitively, this activity seems like a good thing. Intentions behind the "deals" are universal; to fix the fragmented sustainability/ESG reporting ecosystem, simplify corporate reporting, and advance sustainable investing and finance. Lack of consistency is the main hindrance to further adoption.
Conversely, there is real chance that all of this activity makes matters worse; more confusing, and sure to break a bunch of financial models. I think there is a very good chance of "worse," but I also believe that it will be short-lived and well-worth the short-term pain for the long-term gain.
One step back, then two steps forward.

In the last few months, there has been a spate of mergers and coalitions in the sustainability/ESG reporting landscape. Most recently, the announced merger of International Integrated Reporting Council (IIRC) and Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB), but there are others.
Intuitively, this activity seems like a good thing. Intentions behind the "deals" are universal; to fix the fragmented sustainability/ESG reporting ecosystem, simplify corporate reporting, and advance sustainable investing and finance. Lack of consistency is the main hindrance to further adoption.
Conversely, there is real chance that all of this activity makes matters worse; more confusing, and sure to break a bunch of financial models. I think there is a very good chance of "worse," but I also believe that it will be short-lived and well-worth the short-term pain for the long-term gain.
One step back, then two steps forward.

"M&A" Activity Amongst Sustainability/ESG Reporting Organisations Might Be a Good Thing, Maybe Not

Sometimes, the "ESG stuff" can really alter the outcome of an IPO. The <a href="https://www.smartkarma.com/entities/saudi-aramco" target="_blank" data-smartkarma-citation="entities:27317:1" rel="noopener">Saudi Aramco (ARAMCO AB)</a> debut was curbed by Environmental concerns. WeWork's failed IPO is a case study in founder-led Governance risk. Palantir quashed its "adjustable voting power for founders" after an uproar.
ESG impacts IPOs. But not Ant's IPO.
Ant's ESG profile is strong. There a few skeletons in the closet if you look hard enough, but they are bygone and irrelevant . Current ESG blemishes are minor. There isn't much dirt for ESG idealists to wallow in. If they are even looking at all; as a "China deal," ESG has a different relevance for Ant.
Ant's IPO is a momentous ESG event, but not in the traditional and obvious way.
This is not about ESG impacting Ant's IPO. This is about Ant's IPO impacting ESG.
Looking at Ant through a typical ESG lens will make one's head spin. But step back and look again, and it becomes clear that Ant is a strategically-integrated masterpiece at the vanguard of a critical crossroads – the intersection of Fintech, financial inclusion, green finance, and sustainability.
It is all a matter of perspective.
Seeing the forest for the trees.

Sometimes, the "ESG stuff" can really alter the outcome of an IPO. The Saudi Aramco (ARAMCO AB) debut was curbed by Environmental concerns. WeWork's failed IPO is a case study in founder-led Governance risk. Palantir quashed its "adjustable voting power for founders" after an uproar.
ESG impacts IPOs. But not Ant's IPO.
Ant's ESG profile is strong. There a few skeletons in the closet if you look hard enough, but they are bygone and irrelevant . Current ESG blemishes are minor. There isn't much dirt for ESG idealists to wallow in. If they are even looking at all; as a "China deal," ESG has a different relevance for Ant.
Ant's IPO is a momentous ESG event, but not in the traditional and obvious way.
This is not about ESG impacting Ant's IPO. This is about Ant's IPO impacting ESG.
Looking at Ant through a typical ESG lens will make one's head spin. But step back and look again, and it becomes clear that Ant is a strategically-integrated masterpiece at the vanguard of a critical crossroads – the intersection of Fintech, financial inclusion, green finance, and sustainability.
It is all a matter of perspective.
Seeing the forest for the trees.

Ant Group Pre-IPO ESG Assessment: Seeing the Forest for the Trees

United States

The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (BNY Mellon) is a global financial services company. The Company provides asset and wealth management, asset servicing, issuer, clearing, and treasury services for institutions, corporations, and high net worth individuals.

State Street Corporation services institutional investors and manages financial assets worldwide.  The Company's products and services include custody, accounting, administration, daily pricing, international exchange services, cash management, financial asset management, securities lending, and investment advisory services.

Tradeweb Markets Inc. builds and operates electronic marketplaces for rates, credit, equities/ETFs and money markets. The company serves institutional, wholesale and retail clients in 62 countries including large global asset managers, insurance companies, central banks, financial advisory firms, proprietary trading firms, hedge funds, banks and dealers.

Ameriprise Financial, Inc. is a financial planning and services firm.  The Company provides financial planning, products and services that are designed to be utilized as solutions for its clients' cash and liquidity, asset accumulation, income, protection, and estate and wealth transfer needs.

T. Rowe Price Group Inc. is a financial services holding company. The Company, through its subsidiaries, provides investment advisory services to individual and institutional investors. T. Rowe manages a broad range of U.S. and international stock, blended asset, bond, and money market mutual funds and other investment portfolios.

Nasdaq, Inc. operates a global stock exchange. The Company provides trading, clearing, exchange technology, regulatory, securities listing, and information services. Nasdaq offers its services worldwide.

Ares Management Corporation operates as an asset management firm. The Firm focuses on tradable credit, direct lending, private equity, and real estate markets. The Company also invest in all levels of a company capital structure-from senior debt to common equity. Ares Management serves university endowments, pension and sovereign wealth funds, banks, and insurance companies.

Northern Trust Corporation is a financial holding company that provides investment management, asset and fund administration, fiduciary, and banking solutions for corporations, institutions, and affluent individuals. Northern Trust's banking operations are its primary operations.

LPL Financial Holdings, Inc. offers technology, brokerage and investment advisory services through business relationships with all types of financial advisors. Through proprietary technology, custody and clearing platforms, the Company offers access to financial products and services that enable them to provide financial advice and brokerage services to retail investors.

Raymond James Financial, Inc. provides financial services to individuals, corporations, and municipalities through its subsidiary investment firms. The Company operates throughout the United States, Canada and overseas.

Macquarie Group Ltd. offers banking, financial advisory, investment and funds management services.  The Company offers financial advice, cash management, wealth management and private banking, life insurance, securities brokerage, corporate debt financing, real estate funds management, real estate development financing, investment funds management, and foreign exchange services.

CITIC Securities Co., Ltd. provides securities brokerage, trading, underwriting, investment banking, asset management, and investment consulting services.

Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing Limited owns and operates the stock exchange, futures exchange, and their related clearing houses in Hong Kong.  The Company provides the trading platforms for a range of cash and derivatives products and the facilities for processing trades.

Deutsche Boerse AG provides a variety of stock exchange introduction, trading, and operational services to institutions and private investors. The Company offers electronic trading systems for buying and selling of securities on stock exchanges in Europe.  Deutsche Boerse offers indices such as DAX, MDAX, SDAX, and XTF, as well as trading in options and futures.

3i Group plc is an international investor focused on private equity, infrastructure and debt management. The Company's investments are located across multiple continents through local investment teams in Europe, Asia and North America.

Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited provides financial services. The Company offers securities trading, clearing, settlement and depository, and market data services. Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing serves customers worldwide.

Hong Kong Exchanges & Clearing (HKXCY US)

Haitong Securities Co., Ltd. offers securities services. The Company provides securities brokerage, asset management, securities investment, share transfer agency, and capital intermediary services. Haitong Securities focuses on  online brokerage, wealth management, and institutional investors.

Haitong Securities Co Ltd (A) (600837 CH)

Huatai Securities Co., Ltd. provides financial company. The Company provides securities brokerage services, research consulting services, investment banking and direct investment services, fixed-income services and asset management services.

China Merchants Securities Co., Ltd. provides securities services. The Company offers securities brokerage, securities investment consulting, securities underwriting, and other services. China Merchants Securities also operates investment management.

China Merchants Securities Co Ltd (A) (600999 CH)

MSCI Inc. provides investment decision support tools to investment institutions worldwide. The Company produces indices and risk and return portfolio analytics for use in managing investment portfolios.

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MSCI Inc (MSCI US)

Carbon Footprint of Freight Transportation and Logistics and Other ESG Issues

The carbon footprint of global freight and logistics is large, growing, and a source of ESG risk for investors. Fortunately, firms like JD...

Kyle Rudden

SGX FIRST Launches ESG Futures Putting It in the Company of ESG Derivatives Leaders ICE and Eurex

SGX's lauch of ESG futures is a big deal. It proves SGX FIRST's ability to execute, and softens the pain of MSCI losses.

Kyle Rudden

SGX FIRST Puts SGX First in the Ranks of Asia's Most Sustainable Stock Exchanges

"What's in a name? "asked Shakespeare. Quite a lot, when the name "SGX FIRST." FIRST is an acronym, but it also makes a bold statement; that SGX is...

Kyle Rudden

"M&A" Activity Amongst Sustainability/ESG Reporting Organisations Might Be a Good Thing, Maybe Not

M&A activity among sustainability reporting organisations? Intuitively, it sounds like a good idea. But it could make things worse before better....

Kyle Rudden

Ant Group Pre-IPO ESG Assessment: Seeing the Forest for the Trees

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Kyle Rudden

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