FiinRatings Announces Second-Party Opinion Report for Eastspring Investments Vietnam ESG Equity Fund in accordance with Responsible Investment Principles

Hanoi, December 3, 2024 – FiinRatings proudly announces the publication of its Independent Assessment Report based on the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment (UN PRI) for the Eastspring Investments Vietnam ESG Equity Fund (EVESG). This milestone highlights the pioneering efforts of Eastspring Investments Vietnam in integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors into investment practices in Vietnam.

FiinRatings proudly announces the publication of its Independent Assessment Report based on the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment (UN PRI) for the Eastspring Investments Vietnam ESG Equity Fund (EVESG). This milestone highlights the pioneering efforts of Eastspring Investments Vietnam in integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors into investment practices in Vietnam. 

Eastspring Investments Vietnam received the State Securities Commission’s approval for the establishment of the EVESG Fund on November 13, 2024. The open-ended fund commenced trading on November 29, 2024, with assets under management exceeding VND 1,400 billion as of December 3, 2024. 

According to this report, FiinRatings assessed that EVESG Fund has seamlessly embedded ESG considerations into every stage of its investment process, from idea generation to portfolio building and risk management. Notably, EVESG fund utilizes a proprietary ESG assessment methodology tailored to Vietnam’s unique market dynamics, enabling it to identify sustainable investment opportunities effectively. Its ESG approach aligns with the international framework - the UN PRI, reinforcing its commitment to responsible investment while cementing its leadership in this space within Vietnam’s financial market. 

ESG-integrated investment has gained momentum in the global financial market and is gradually being adopted in Vietnam. The State Securities Commission has introduced ESG investment handbook, and two ESG funds have been licensed in the country. Having an independent assessment like FiinRatings has helped enhancing transparency in capital mobilization and investment operation for such ESG funds and also for the further growth of fund management sector in Vietnam. 

While comprehensive and transparent ESG assessment practices like those employed by EVESG are yet common in Vietnam, FiinRatings anticipates significant growth in the number and value of ESG-focused funds, driven by increasing interest from institutional investors and a more robust regulatory framework being under development. 

Mr. Ngo The Trieu, CEO of Eastspring Investments Vietnam, remarked: 
"Since 2018, Eastspring Vietnam has embedded ESG factors into our investment processes. We believe responsible investment not only generates long-term returns but also supports Vietnam's sustainable development goals, where we have been deeply committed and investing for the past 25 years. As a pioneer in sustainable investing in Vietnam's financial market, our collaboration with FiinRatings - a reputable independent rating partner - is an opportunity for us to enhance transparency and governance standards. We expect this SPO report to further strengthen investors' confidence in the EVESG Fund and attract both domestic and international interest.” 

Mr. Nguyen Quang Thuan, CEO of FiinRatings, added: 
"We greatly appreciate Eastspring Vietnam's efforts to comprehensively integrate ESG factors into their EVESG Fund. FiinRatings' independent assessment, aligned with responsible investment principles, will not only enhance the transparency of the fund's operations but also contribute positively to the fund management industry in Vietnam. This initiative reflects a strong alignment with the government's strategy to attract institutional investors to Vietnam’s securities market" 

To read the full report, please click HERE. 

About FiinRatings 
FiinRatings, a member of FiinGroup and technical partner of S&P Global Ratings, is a licensed credit rating agency under Vietnam’s Ministry of Finance. Our services include credit ratings, green bond verification, and independent evaluations (Second Party Opinion - SPO), catering to issuers, lenders, and investors across diverse sectors in Vietnam. 

FiinRatings’ SPO services provide independent evaluations of financial instruments, policy frameworks, or transactions aligned with principles set by global institutions like the International Capital Market Association (ICMA) and the Climate Bonds Initiative (CBI). Notably, FiinRatings is the first approved verifier for CBI Climate Bond Standards in Vietnam. 

About Eastspring Investments  

Eastspring Investments, a member of Prudential plc, is a global asset manager focused on Asia, providing innovative investment solutions to meet the financial needs of our clients. Eastspring is deeply connected to the shared purpose of “Asia experts. Investing in your future”; and that is the guiding principle for all that they do. Their deep understanding of Asian markets, combined with the global expertise of our investment professionals, sets us apart. Eastspring Investments are committed to investing with conviction in the future of our clients, colleagues, partners, shareholders and the communities where we live and operate. 

Over the past 30 years, Eastspring Investments have grown significantly and are now present in 11 Asian markets, as well as having business offices in North America and Europe. They manage a total of US$247 billion invested across equities, fixed income, multi-asset, quantitative and multi-manager strategies for individual and institutional clients globally. 

Eastspring Investments’ diverse culture fosters debate, helping them to find the best ideas and perspectives. They support global sustainable development initiatives and are a signatory to the United Nations-supported Principles for Responsible Investment. Their investment teams consider Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors in their investment processes, aligning with their firm’s philosophy and investment processes. 

About Eastspring Investments Vietnam 

Established in Vietnam in May 2005, Eastspring Investments Management Company Limited (“Eastspring Vietnam”) was initially known as Prudential Vietnam Fund Management Company Limited, the company adopted its current name on December 9, 2011. Eastspring Vietnam adheres to a long-term value investing approach for its funds and portfolios, catering to both domestic and international individual and institutional investors. 

As the largest fund management company in Vietnam by asset under management, Eastspring Vietnam currently oversees more than VND 180 trillion (equivalent to USD 7 billion) in assets. 

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