The seventh edition of the Responsible Investment Brand Index (RIBI) 2025 marks a significant turning point in the asset management industry. The report shows that ESG criteria (Environmental, Social, Governance) alone are no longer sufficient to secure the credibility of asset managers. Instead, a clear and authentic identity is required.
Main Findings of RIBI 2025
- Assessment of Asset Managers: The RIBI assesses 623 asset managers globally based on their commitment to responsible investment and their brand.
- New Requirements for the Industry: The study emphasizes that a clearly defined purpose is no longer enough; it must be supported by a differentiated value system. Only about half of providers have defined such a purpose and integrated it into their strategy.
- Regional Differences:
- Europe continues to dominate with above-average ratings.
- France overtakes the Benelux countries as the top-performing region.
- Japan shows excellent integration of responsible investments without so-called “laggards”.
- The USA has the highest share of laggards despite having the largest number of asset managers.
- China is making low-level progress, performing better than the USA.
- Top-10 Ranking: The best asset managers include DPAM, CANDRIAM, Pictet Asset Management, as well as newcomers like Nuveen and Mirova.
Implications for Investors
The findings of the RIBI are crucial for investors:
- Investment Decisions: They assist in the selection of trustworthy institutions by considering authenticity and strategic clarity alongside pure ESG criteria.
- Trustworthiness: A clear identity and consistent implementation of ethical standards are central to trust in financial institutions.
Overall, the RIBI 2025 signals a transition to the next generation of responsible investing – Responsible Investment 2.0 – where authenticity is a more crucial factor than mere compliance with ESG standards.