One of the most significant ways Aegon positively impacts sustainability topics is via responsible investment.
We recognize our responsibility to limit the negative impacts of our investments on society and the environment. We apply this ethos to our own general account investments and use our influence to encourage similar standards in the investment decisions made by our customers.
By taking an active approach to responsible investment, we seek to reduce the risks to our business and explore ways to serve the interests of our customers and society at large.
Responsible Investment Policy
Our Responsible Investment (RI) Policy acts as the basis for how Aegon’s investments should be managed, consistent with our RI objectives, relevant laws, and governance standards.
Our approach to RI is based on the concepts of good stewardship and active ownership. We believe we can influence the behavior of investee companies through engagement where we reward companies that intentionally pursue RI principles. Through these efforts, we encourage companies to make positive changes to their operations and products for the benefit of wider society and the environment. Our RI approach will continue to adapt and evolve to meet the needs of our stakeholders and align with industry best practice.
Responsible investment activities in 2024
In 2024, we updated our Responsible Investment Policy as part of Aegon’s annual review process. The revised policy will see Aegon take steps to broaden its engagements with investee companies in its general account. In addition to our engagement program with the largest corporate carbon emitters in our portfolio, from 2025, we will also begin engagements with investee companies that are in breach of the UN Global Compact Principles. In 2024, Aegon also completed its first public PRI assessment, which provides an overview of our company-wide responsible investment strategy, activities, and performance. The Responsible Investment Policy also includes our updated 2030 net-zero investment targets aligned with the latest guidance issued by the Net-Zero Asset Owner Alliance, as well as baseline expectations for asset managers, requiring current and prospective managers to demonstrate how they support Aegon’s responsible investment ambitions.
For more information about the role of Aegon AM in Aegon’s responsible investment activities and approach, please refer to the Aegon AM Responsible Investment Framework documents available on the Aegon AM website.
Principles for Responsible Investment
As a signatory, Aegon is committed to transparently reporting on responsible investment practices for its general account. Its first public Transparency Report covering the 2023 reporting period can be accessed via the PRI Data Portal.