Sustainability and Corporate Governance Report 202
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COMMENTS FROM THE CEO – HANDELSBANKEN FONDER “ We
want to step up our contribution to the 2030 Agenda and the fulfilment of the Paris Agreement. With new sustainability goals in place, we can improve our ability to measure, follow up and develop our sustainability efforts. This way, we also enable the creation of new values for our customers and the world around us.” Magdalena Wahlqvist Alveskog, CEO of Handelsbanken Fonder investments, which is a development that we welcome. With a common standard, it’s easier for us and other players in the financial sector to drive development towards a clear agenda. Yet there is much in the taxonomy that still remains under development. In a first stage the taxonomy focuses on mitigating and adapting to climate change, so it will be some time before it covers other goals. This means, for example, that social aspects are not yet included in the taxonomy. What has the year been like for Handelsbanken Fonder? Magdalena Wahlqvist Alveskog: As I mentioned at the outset, we have seen an increased interest in sustainable investments during the year, which is fantastic. This tells us that more and more customers seem to share our view that sustainability and profitability go hand in hand. Then, of course, we’re also thrilled that our company was recognised with several awards of excellence, including being named Fund Company of the Year by both Privata Affärer and Söderberg & Partners. Still, we feel humble in the face of our continuing task, where our future relevance depends on our ability to keep delivering long-term sustainable values to our customers. In this respect, the greatest challenge lies ahead. It will take a lot from us, and from other players, to successfully manage the transition needed to reach the climate and sustainability goals. 5