Hang Seng Indexes recently announced the launch of an ‘ESG Service’ section on its website, which hopes to provide investors with more readily available ESG resources and information. The section encompasses a searchable database of more than 200 companies that are constituents of the Hang Seng ESG series of indexes.
The ESG ratings, which range from AAA to D, are assigned by Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency (HKQAA) based on its ESG assessment process. The assessment currently covers around 500 Hong Kong-listed companies, and more than 1,300 A-shares companies that are eligible under the Northbound Stock Connect Scheme.
Investors who visit the ESG Service webpage will be able to find information on a company’s latest ESG rating, ESG rating history, and performance against its industry peers as well as under the seven core areas of the HKQAA rating model, namely corporate governance, human rights, labour practices, the environment, community involvement and development, fair operating practices, and consumer issues. In addition, investors could also download a report of the high-level ESG performance of any company in the database.
Anita Mo, Chief Executive Officer of Hang Seng Indexes Company, said: “We have seen ESG investing attract much wider recognition over the past decade. […] The launch of ESG Service makes information on the ESG performance of our ESG index series constituents more easily accessible for investors. This improved transparency will facilitate investors in formulating and evaluating their ESG investment strategies.”
