Peter Michaelis: Integrating ESG into portfolios through multi-asset funds

A multi-asset fund is often a simple way to ensure a client's portfolio is well diversified - and, as the regulator is often at pains to point out, good diversification can help an adviser to manage investment risk and reduce portfolio volatility. This is one of the reasons multi-asset funds have grown in popularity among advisers in recent years. According to a Barings survey conducted in July 2015, nearly half (47%) of advisers are recommending their clients invest in multi-asset funds - up from 36% 12 months previously. General favourability towards multi-asset funds is also high, wit...