1. ESG In recent years, environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors have become a key discussion point in the asset management industry, with many managers now incorporating ESG considerations into their investment processes. It is a topic that continues to gain global importance. In the EU, the impetus stems primarily from the EU Sustainable Finance Action plan and remains on the top of the regulatory agenda. There have been some key developments taking the form of new legislation and amendments – proposed and actual – to existing legislation.