Since 2011, EFG Hermes has been taking measured and committed steps to integrate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations into all aspects of its operation. Sustainability has become a cornerstone of our policy as we have expanded our footprint both geographically and across new services and products. In 2020, however, the COVID-19 pandemic gave rise to a set of completely unforeseen circumstances, creating crises that required immediate attention and requiring solutions that were both creative and compassionate. The policies and procedures we had established, whether for ESG, financial inclusion, or business continuity were now put to the test, and it was up to us to step up and demonstrate our ability to ‘walk the talk’ on sustainability.
Three elements have underpinned our approach to sustainability this year:
1
SOLIDARITY
As soon as the full impact of the COVID-19 pandemic became apparent, we realised that it would fall to us to provide support not only to our employees and staff around the world but also to the community at large through our established Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) networks and the EFG Hermes Foundation.
2
PERSEVERANCE
Despite COVID-19-related restrictions, we continued with roll-out plans for increased ESG integration and focus on responsible investment practices throughout our operation. In fact, the lockdowns and acompanying business slow down allowed us to prioritise articulating our ESG integration brief and developing specific procedures across our business lines.
3
INNOVATION
EFG Hermes has aways been a leader in terms of offering innovative solutions and products to its clients. The COVID-19 pandemic gave rise to a uniques set of circumstances and challenges that offered opportunities for our teams to excel in several fields.