In Episode 6 of The ESG Factor Podcast, we talk to Will Oulton, the Global Head of Responsible Investment at First State Investments (FSI). Based in the UK, Will is responsible for defining and delivering FSI’s responsible investment and stewardship strategy globally.

Will was another interesting guest to have on the ESG Factor podcast. From studying Zoology, to a career in responsible investment, he had plenty of insights to share and it was great chatting to him.

In our broad discussion on sustainability and stewardship, some of what we cover includes:

• early impressions of responsible investment from Will’s days at the FTSE Group and the original intentions behind the FTSE4Good Index,
• the fiduciary chain within pension schemes and the stewardship responsibility to members,
• consultants as gatekeepers; Will’s perspective having previously worked as Head of Responsible Investment for Mercer Investments across Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
• the nature of trustee boards, pension scheme values and their ESG integration challenge,
• managing the risk of getting caught in a new jargon bubble and practical stewardship as an active manager,
• the interconnected nature of our economic system and increased awareness post-Covid; a return to science and evidence led decision making,
• Boris the Brave and the future of the UK State!