Overview
Founded in 2008, Volans is a boutique, agile insights and advisory firm that operates at the leading edge of transformation. They work with pioneering businesses and financial institutions, helping them navigate the future landscape and effect change that can benefit people and planet.
Investors are well-placed to engage in real economy policy and bring the economic perspective to policy decisions as stewards of capital. Importantly, under the findings of ‘A Legal Framework for Impact’ (LFI), policy advocacy is one of the tools available to investors seeking to discharge their legal duty to manage systemic risks like climate change (alongside asset allocation and company engagement). However, evidence suggests this tool is not being used effectively or to its full potential.
To mobilise investors to better engage in climate policy advocacy, we need an understanding of the status quo:
- How do investors resource policy advocacy and what are their priorities?
- Do investors engage publicly or is most value found in private conversations between their CEO and politicians
- Is there internal coordination on public policy positions at investment companies?
There are no comprehensive studies assessing investor practice in this area – in part because it is under-reported and not yet prioritised by asset managers and owners. Qualitative research, informed by investors, will be necessary to answer these questions and mobilise asset managers and owners around good practice on real economy policy engagement.
We are funding a research project with Volans to assess the current state of play on investors’ engagement in real economy policy advocacy. The research will seek to understand the status quo, barriers to and opportunities for better policy advocacy.
Read more about Volans' work on their website: volans.com.