Qontigo and IIGF Partner to Develop China-Focused ESG Investment Solutions
Index and analytics provider Qontigo announced today an agreement with China-focused ESG ratings provider the International Institute of Green Finance (IIGF), enabling Qontigo to develop indices under the STOXX brand names, as well as to integrate IIGF data within their Axioma portfolio construction and risk management software.
Rick Chau, Head of Asia Pacific, Qontigo, said:
“We are delighted to add IIGF data to our open architecture, sustainable investment ecosystem. Having a partner embedded in the local Chinese market gives us – and in turn, our clients – a deeper, more nuanced view of the companies they evaluate. Further, it’s important to recognize the role that China plays in the global ESG supply chain: the insights gained from IIGF will help clients better understand risk and performance of large corporates throughout the world.”
IIGF’s ESG database includes all A-Shares listed companies and Chinese Bond issuers, nearly 9,000 companies, and is focused on four main areas of coverage, including Climate Finance, Green Finance, Energy Finance and Health Finance. The company’s proprietary ESG analysis comprises both qualitative and quantitative indicators of ESG contribution but also negative indicators arising from company behavior and risks.
Yichen Shi, Deputy Dean of IIGF, said:
“There are clear synergies between our two firms resulting in a natural partnership. Our rigorous and robust analysis combined with our deep knowledge of China, makes us well positioned to provide quality ESG insight for our clients. Qontigo is equally focused on bringing best-of-breed, innovative products to help their clients meet the growing demand of sustainable investing and reporting in Asia.”