Engagement is most effective if conducted before a corporate fixed-income security is issued. Engaging early in the process allows investors to influence the terms of the bond, including the company's commitments to ESG practices, before it enters the market.
ESG Reference: Chapter 6, Page 283 - Engagement and Stewardship in the ESG textbook.

Systemic risks to the financial system from climate change include both physical and transitional risks. Physical risks refer to the direct impact of climate change, such as extreme weather events and gradual changes in climate. Transitional risks are associated with the shift to a lower-carbon economy, including policy changes, technological advancements, and changing consumer preferences. These risks are interconnected and can significantly affect economic and financial stability.

When searching for an asset manager with an ESG approach, it is essential for an institutional asset owner to understand whether the asset manager's strategy aligns with their sustainability objectives. The most appropriate question to ask in the RFP is whether the asset manager aims for positive, measurable ESG outcomes beyond financial returns. This question assesses the commitment to achieving concrete ESG results, which is a critical factor in evaluating the manager's integration of ESG factors into their investment process. Detailed questions about portfolio holdings or which broad market index the manager tracks are less relevant to assessing the ESG integration.

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) refers to the practice of businesses engaging in initiatives that benefit society. The term emphasizes the company's commitment to conduct business in an ethical manner by considering social, environmental, and economic factors. CSR goes beyond compliance, encouraging companies to engage in activities that can positively impact their stakeholders. (ESGTextBook[PallasCatFin], Chapter 1, Page 6)

A discount retailer facing high employee turnover due to poor working conditions will most likely experience greater operating costs. High employee turnover can lead to several cost-related challenges that impact the overall efficiency and profitability of the business.
* Recruitment and Training Costs: High turnover rates necessitate frequent recruitment and training of
* new employees. These activities incur significant costs in terms of time, resources, and money.
* Productivity Losses: Frequent turnover can lead to disruptions in operations and lower productivity.
New employees may take time to reach the productivity levels of their predecessors, leading to inefficiencies.
* Quality and Customer Service: Poor working conditions and high turnover can negatively affect the quality of service and customer satisfaction. Consistent service quality is critical in retail, and turnover can result in inconsistent customer experiences, potentially reducing revenue.
References:
* MSCI ESG Ratings Methodology (2022) - Discusses the financial impact of high employee turnover on operating costs and overall business performance.