Aegon Asset Management reports significant boost in responsible investment activities

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa, May 15, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Aegon Asset Management has reported significant, increased responsible investment activity in its latest Responsible Investment Report 2019.

The report, which highlights the firm's approach and key developments, details a considerable increase in the firm's active ownership activity over 2019, the launch of new ESG-focused strategies as well as enhanced ESG integration in its corporate and securitized credit research. The firm conducted 564 company engagements last year, up from 360 the previous year. The report also shows that the firm voted on 2,321 meetings globally, a 69% increase from 2018.

Aegon Asset Management, which has a responsible investment history dating back over 30 years, launched a best-in-class ESG high yield strategy and a sustainability-themed solution in fixed income last year, with further strategies under development. These products complement the company's existing suite of responsible investment solutions including its well-established ethical and sustainable equity strategies.

Progress has also been made on internal ESG integration as detailed in the report, including the launch of a new proprietary ESG categorization scheme for corporate and securitized fixed income research. The firm has also developed a plan to create a more inclusive and diverse workplace as it seeks to consider its investments from various perspectives and better serve its clients.

Brunno Maradei, global head of responsible investment at Aegon Asset Management comments: "We are proud to be recognized as one of the leaders in responsible investment and happy to be able to report this boost in our ESG-related activities.

"The increase in our active ownership activity demonstrates our commitment to good stewardship both as shareholders and bondholders. We are committed to providing excellence in the responsible investment space, catering to ever-more discerning clients. There is more work to be done and this year we are excited to be developing further innovative strategies and pioneering research, while deepening our dialogue with companies."

The Aegon Asset Management Responsible Investment Report is available to download here: https://www.aegonassetmanagement.com/us/thought-leadership/blog/responsible-investing/aegon-asset-management-responsible-investment-report-2019.

About Aegon Asset Management
Aegon Asset Management is the global investment management brand of Aegon N.V. and is a global, active investment manager comprised of several affiliates around the world. Our focus is on excellence in everything we do, working to consistently deliver the performance, service and solutions our clients seek. We believe in strong governance, transparency and clear accountability as the building blocks for trust and long-term partnerships with our clients.

Investors worldwide entrust Aegon Asset Management to manage approximately $395 billion on their behalf*. Positioned for success in our chosen markets (Asia, Continental Europe, North America and the UK), Aegon Asset Management's specialist teams provide investment solutions across asset classes.

Through the Aegon Group our heritage stretches back to 1844, meaning we understand the importance of long-term relationships, robust risk management and sustainable outperformance. A long history of partnership with our proprietary insurance accounts has enabled us to establish experienced investment teams, and long-term track records.

Aegon Asset Management is the global investment management brand of the Aegon Group N.V. and is comprised of Aegon USA Investment Management, LLC ("Aegon Asset Management US"), Aegon USA Realty Advisors, LLC ("Aegon Real Assets US"), Kames Capital plc ("Kames Capital") and other Aegon affiliates. Aegon Asset Management US, Aegon Real Assets US, and Kames Capital are SEC registered investment advisers.

*Source: Aegon Asset Management as of December 31, 2019.

For more information about Aegon Asset Management, visit www.aegoninvestments.com.

SOURCE Aegon Asset Management