Natixis AM launches dedicated SRI unit

Natixis Asset Management has announced the creation of an investment division dedicated to responsible investment.

The French group's new Mirova unit will offer investors long term investment solutions which integrate sustainable development concepts and is available to institutional investors, corporates, multi-managers and other institutions.

It will be led by Philippe Zaouati, the firm's deputy managing director, and groups together all the responsible investment expertise of Natixis AM under one roof.

The news comes after the French firm revealed the creation of a new dedicated volatility unit and the appointment of a new head of European equity.

The unit's main goal is to play an active and responsible role in financing the real economy and to meet the demands of investors looking for sustainable returns.

Its structure is focused around four main themes:

- Investing in listed equities of companies that offer innovative solutions to the sustainable development theme

- Financing responsible projects that have a high potential of return

- Impact investing which will see it invest in non-listed companies that have a positive social and environmental impact

- Offer investors advice on voting and engaging as responsible shareholders

Commenting on the launch of the new unit, Zaouati said: 'We are convinced you have to approach managing assets from a different angle to better appreciate the opportunities and risk in a changing global environment.'