Unlocking Fiduciary Duty - How to Empower Pension Trustees’ ESG Discussions

Introduction

Fiduciary duty is a hot topic in the pensions industry, particularly when it comes to ESG.

Climate and wider ESG reporting requirements are only increasing - as is the spectre of ESG legal action from members or pressure groups - which means it is more important than ever that pension trustees understand the scope of their fiduciary duties.

However, we know many pension trustees are concerned that considering ESG factors could stray beyond the scope of their fiduciary duties, which can hold back valuable opportunities or expose trustees to the risks of ESG litigation.

As advisers, we have an opportunity to empower trustees’ discussions and improve outcomes by providing clarity on fiduciary duty.

Building on papers from the Law Commission and the Financial Markets Law Committee, this short webinar explains what ‘fiduciary duty’ means for pension trustees and provides clear, practical guidance on where the boundaries of fiduciary duty lie, with a particular focus on ESG.

Covering common questions including ‘can trustees consider non-financial factors?’, this webinar will provide the clarity attendees need to add real confidence to pension trustee discussions on fiduciary duty and ESG.

The webinar is suitable for pensions professionals, including lawyers, investment advisers, actuaries, administration providers, consultants, etc., as well as pension scheme trustees (although this webinar will be aimed at those advising pension scheme trustees).

What You Will Learn

This short webinar will cover the following:

• What fiduciary duties are and why they are important
• What pension trustees’ fiduciary duties are
• How fiduciary duties apply in an ESG context
• When trustees can or should consider ESG factors
• When trustees can consider non-financial ESG factors
• Practical tips for making decisions
• What might we expect in this area in the future?

This webinar was recorded on 21st October 2024

You can gain access to this webinar and 1,700+ others via the MBL Webinar Subscription. Please email webinarsubscription@mblseminars.com for more details.