DPAM ranks first in the Responsible Investment Brand Index (RIBI™)

RIBI™ 2024 evaluates 600 asset managers globally on their ability to translate commitment to responsible development into their brand.

A positive trend to further embed responsible investment within corporate culture: 57% of companies who express a Purpose statement directly connect this with societal impact.

DPAM ranks first in the top 10 of Responsible Asset Managers worldwide, according to Hirschel and Kramer (H&K) Responsible Investment Brand Index (RIBI) 2024. The firm also holds the first position in the Europe ex-UK Top 10 and Benelux Top 10 rankings.

In its sixth edition, the Responsible Investment Brand Index (RIBI™) highlights the ability of 600 asset managers globally to translate their efforts towards responsible investment into their core brand. The index is an indispensable tool and source of information within the asset management industry.

The two RIBI assessment dimensions are:

• Commitment (vertical, hard factors): five weighted-average criteria, such as the level and quality of engagement and stewardship, and strategy and organisation around responsible investment. The evaluation source is based on the Principles for Responsible Investment Transparency Reports: up to 300 parameters are factored in to make up the five top-level criteria of the Commitment rating.

• Brand (horizontal, soft factors): eight criteria, such as the expression of a purpose statement, and the representation of a value system, and a link to societal ambitions. This evaluation is based on research and expertise.

This year, the assessment methodology retains the same philosophy as in the previous five editions of RIBI, although the branding methodology has evolved slightly. With each edition of RIBI, they observe that asset managers are starting to articulate a purpose and/or value system. To provide a benchmarking and comparison tool that is in line with industry trends, they are now placing more emphasis on the quality with which Purpose and Values are expressed.

The index allows companies to be classified into four categories: Avant-gardist, who are above-average on Commitment rating and Brand rating; Traditionalist, who are above-average on Commitment rating and below-average on Brand rating; Aspirants, above-average on Brand rating and below- average on Commitment rating, and the Laggards, below-average on both ratings.

DPAM, as Avant-gardist, is one of the two companies that have consistently made it to the worldwide top 10 in all six editions of RIBI. All companies in the global top 10 are European, continuing a broader trend identified in previous RIBI editions. The specific category of RIBI Avant-Gardists remains fiercely competitive, with only 20% of companies making the grade this year. The industry as a whole is moving forward. In fact, they count 3% fewer Laggards than last year and 8% fewer than three years ago when RIBI first went global. This means that more than 50 asset managers have taken steps to move out of the Laggards camp and into one of the other three more advanced categories.

Peter De Coensel, DPAM CEO, comments: “Asset managers have a unique chance to direct capital flows and contribute to a better world. Our industry keeps making progress even if facing many challenges. Our brand is a genuine, authentic expression of our commitment to responsible investing. We thank RIBI for their recognition of the continued dedication of our teams. Our societal purpose and ambition are shared across by all colleagues. As a member of the NZAMi, we shoulder governmental and corporate transition and transformation strategies and targets.”