Global principles for responsible investment

In 2009, AEGON Asset Management adopted a long-term plan which will lead to the development and introduction of comprehensive responsible investment principles over the next two years. As part of this plan, a number of initial measures have already been taken. These include:

 

  • Identifying rules and guidelines already in place within individual operating units
  • Providing a detailed briefing to senior executives on possible issues involved
  • Developing a process for identifying and communicating possible issues within the global organization.

 

Under the long-term plan, AEGON Asset Management will also develop a high-level framework,  setting out the company's general approach to the issue of responsible investments. This framework is expected to be in place in 2010.

In parallel, AEGON Asset Management will develop separate 'investment guidelines' and 'issue papers' detailing the company's approach to specific areas of concern. Where relevant, internal and external stakeholders will be involved in developing these guidelines and issue papers, which will also take into consideration existing rules and regulations, as well as local requirements and sensitivities. AEGON Asset Management expects these guidelines and issue papers to be developed over the course of the next two years, and will work on ways to integrate environmental, social and governance issues into the investment decision-making process. A number of specific 'areas of concern' will be addressed, including:

 

  • Climate change and the environment
  • Defense and weapons industry
  • Tobacco and alcohol
  • Human rights issues and discrimination
  • Labor conditions, including the use of child labor
  • Political risk, corruption and money laundering
  • Repressive regimes and good governance.

 

Other issues may be added at a later date.

 

Part of these discussions will also focus on AEGON Asset Management's existing international commitments, and the possibility of further operating units signing up to the United Nations' Principles for Responsible Investment. AEGON Asset Management UK already adheres to the UN PRI.