JP Morgan’s Alternative Asset Management arm has opened a discussion forum to encourage hedge fund managers to explore new investment ideas using ESG metrics.
The specialist unit hosted its first meeting at its New York headquarters on Monday, bringing together a range of hedge fund managers interested in learning more about how ESG techniques can enhance alpha.
Delegates at the forum also considered best practice for incorporating ESG factors into their businesses.
“In our hedge fund solutions business we are seeing increased interest from our clients in the ESG practices of our underlying managers, and we are committed to integrating ESG factors into our own due diligence process,” said Jamie Kramer, head of the Alternative Solutions Group and ESG Lead for JP Morgan Asset Management.
“We view this as an opportunity to share what we’ve learned in our consideration of ESG factors, highlighting ways to use ESG not only to become a better company, but also to become better investors.”
The specialist unit plans to continue the discussion begun by the ESG Forum, working with hedge fund managers to further the adoption of ESG, which it claims will benefit the industry and investors.
JP Morgan Alternative Asset Management is a provider of hedge fund and private credit portfolios and has offices in New York, London, Geneva and Singapore.
It manages some $12.5 billion in assets and was founded in 1995.
The unit’s focus is on developing bespoke solutions for sophisticated investors.
