Larry Fink says ESG narrative has become ugly, personal | Pensions & Investments

BlackRock CEO Larry Fink said the narrative around ESG investing has become ugly and is creating “huge polarization.” “I’m taking this very seriously,” Mr. Fink said in an interview with Bloomberg TV at the World Economic Forum in Davos. “We are trying to address the misconceptions. It’s hard because it’s not business any more, they’re…

The Top 15 Anticipated ESG-Related Considerations That Will Influence Strategy in 2023

The predictions of Dan Romito, Pickering Energy Partners include increased disclosure from public companies and their private company connections, more ESG-focused shareholder proposals, more focus on water issues along the lines of climate change issues, advancement of offsets, Scope 3 disclosures, the US leaning toward Europe’s sustainable finance disclosures, greater focus on climate metrics in credit…

Activist investor Bluebell targets BlackRock for inadequate ESG — Reuters

Tiny activist investor Bluebell Capital Partners is taking aim at BlackRock (BLK.N) and wants to replace longtime CEO Larry Fink, criticizing the world’s largest asset manager as being inconsistent in its focus on environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) issues. Bluebell, with roughly $250 million in assets, said BlackRock, which invests over $8 trillion, and…

BlackRock Is Getting Used to Being in the ESG Crossfire – Bloomberg

As firms led by BlackRock face increasing criticism from America’s right wing, they’re also hearing claims of greenwashing from progressives. New York City Comptroller Brad Lander wrote in September to BlackRock Chief Executive Officer Larry Fink, saying the Big Apple was “ re-assessing” its business with the firm because it isn’t doing enough to push corporations to do…

Louisiana To Pull Out Of BlackRock, Citing Its ESG Investing

It’s nice of Louisiana treasurer John Schroder to make it absolutely clear that the decision to stop doing business with BlackRock is based not on what is best for pension plan beneficiaries, as required by his obligation as a fiduciary, but on his insistence that the financial firm subsidize local businesses, thus admitting exactly what…

BlackRock Responds to ESG Letter from Republican AGs

BlackRock sent a 10-page letter to the Republican AGs about ESG. As predicted, it is diplomatic, speaking in terms of “welcoming” the opportunity to “clarify” its positions. But it in no way backs down. The full letter is below, and here are some of the highlights. [footnotes omitted and emphasis added] Your letter makes several…

Inside a conservative group’s war against BlackRock’s ESG investments

A conservative group known for targeting “woke capitalism” has launched a multimillion-dollar campaign attacking BlackRock and its CEO Larry Fink for “weaponizing” retirement funds with its push for more ESG investments, which promote environmental, social and governance responsibility. Why it matters: The campaign by Consumers’ Research aligns with the posture of a growing faction of…