Abigail Gold Geller: The BlackRock Executive Shaping the Future of Sustainable Finance

Abigail Gold Geller, the Global Head of Sustainability Investments at BlackRock, is a renowned pioneer in the field of sustainable and impact investing. With over 15 years of experience at the world's largest asset manager, Geller has played a pivotal role in driving BlackRock's sustainability strategy and leading its ESG initiatives.

BlackRock's ESG Commitment

Under Geller's guidance, BlackRock has emerged as a global leader in sustainable investing. The firm has committed to integrating ESG (environmental, social, and governance) factors into all its investment decisions, and to leveraging its scale to drive positive change in the world.

In 2020, BlackRock launched its Sustainable Investing Strategy, which includes investing in companies that are committed to sustainability, advocating for climate action, and promoting diversity and inclusion. Geller has been instrumental in developing and implementing this strategy, which aligns with BlackRock's belief that sustainability is essential for long-term investment success.

Geller's Thought Leadership

Geller is a respected thought leader in the sustainable investing space. She frequently speaks at industry conferences and events, and her insights are widely sought after by investors and policymakers alike. In her speeches and writings, Geller emphasizes the importance of integrating sustainability into financial decision-making, and the role that investors can play in driving positive change.

For example, in a recent speech, Geller stated that "sustainability is not a niche strategy. It is essential for the future of investing. Investors who ignore sustainability are ignoring risk."

Innovative Applications of ESG

Geller is also known for her innovative approach to ESG investing. She has led BlackRock's efforts to develop new products and index funds that track sustainability-related themes, such as clean energy, water security, and climate transition.

One of the most notable examples is BlackRock's Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Fund, which invests in companies that are aligned with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. The SDG Fund has been a popular choice among investors seeking to make a positive impact while achieving financial returns.

Metrics and Measurement

Geller believes that effective ESG integration requires robust metrics and measurement. BlackRock has developed a proprietary ESG risk assessment tool that it uses to evaluate the sustainability of companies. The firm also publishes regular reports on its ESG performance, providing investors with transparency and accountability.

Customer Focus

Geller is a customer-centric leader who understands the needs and wants of investors. She recognizes that investors are increasingly seeking sustainable investment options, and she is committed to providing them with the products and resources they need.

BlackRock has conducted extensive research on investor preferences for ESG investing. The firm's 2020 Global Investor Survey found that 81% of investors globally believe that ESG issues are important to them, and 63% said they would be more likely to invest with a firm that has a strong ESG track record.

Effective Strategies for ESG Integration

Geller advocates for a holistic approach to ESG integration that goes beyond screening out companies with poor ESG practices. She highlights the importance of engaging with portfolio companies, voting on ESG-related resolutions, and using BlackRock's influence to drive positive change.

Some of the most effective strategies for ESG integration include:

• Positive screening: Investing in companies that have strong ESG performance, such as those with low carbon emissions, high employee satisfaction, and strong governance practices.
• Negative screening: Excluding from investment portfolios companies that engage in certain activities, such as tobacco production, weapons manufacturing, or human rights violations.
• Shareholder engagement: Engaging with portfolio companies to improve their ESG performance, such as by voting on ESG-related resolutions and submitting shareholder proposals.
• Proxy voting: Exercising shareholder voting rights to support ESG-related measures, such as proposals on climate action, diversity, and executive compensation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Geller also cautions against common mistakes that investors make when integrating ESG into their portfolios. These include:

• Greenwashing: Investing in companies that claim to be sustainable but do not meet ESG standards.
• Overreliance on ratings: Relying solely on third-party ESG ratings, which can be subjective and incomplete.
• Ignoring materiality: Focusing on ESG factors that are immaterial to the company's financial performance.
• Failing to engage: Not engaging with portfolio companies or exercising voting rights, which limits the investor's ability to influence ESG performance.

Conclusion

Abigail Gold Geller is a visionary leader who is shaping the future of sustainable finance. Her commitment to ESG integration and her innovative approach to investing have made BlackRock a global leader in the field. As the demand for sustainable investment options continues to grow, Geller will undoubtedly play a key role in driving positive change in the world.

Additional Information

Key Figures

• BlackRock is the world's largest asset manager, with $10 trillion in assets under management.
• 81% of investors globally believe that ESG issues are important to them.
• 63% of investors said they would be more likely to invest with a firm that has a strong ESG track record.
• BlackRock's Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Fund has attracted over $1 billion in assets.

Useful Tables

Table 1: ESG Integration Strategies

Table 2: Common ESG Integration Mistakes

Table 3: ESG Data Providers

Table 4: Sustainable Investment Products