Private ESG investment surges as LPs, GPs embrace paradigm shift

The rapid growth of ESG investment has not left private markets behind. LPs and GPs, having taken stock of where the wind is blowing, have moved towards an ‘ESG or nothing’ investment philosophy, with the majority planning to cease investing in or promoting non-ESG private markets products by the end of 2025, according to a new Luxembourg study. This development is part of a paradigm shift in the global private markets landscape.

Lacklustre mood hits private markets at year-end 

Fresh registrations for alternative investment funds in Luxembourg, considered the top European hub for private investments, this month are at their lowest monthly level in nearly six years. Regulatory changes as well as market conditions are cited as a reason for the slowdown. Some issuers have decided to wait for the new year to avoid regulatory reporting in 2022.

Imbalance between private and public troubles investors

Private market investments have become overweight in institutional portfolios following this year’s substantial declines in public markets. Half of investors are waiting “as long as necessary” for this dislocation to subside. The other half is concerned, a new survey by Bfinance shows. The report is of particular interest to Luxembourg, where interest in private assets and alternative investments has increased significantly in recent years.

Mandate fees discounted 5 to 15%

During negotiations on the fee that asset managers charge institutional investors for the management of a mandate, providers give an average discount of 5 to 15%. However there is no transparency about the average price that providers actually charge for mandate management, explained Duncan Higgs and Kathryn Saklatvala, following the publication of their research into fund house fees last week.