Most responsible asset management firms revealed in ShareAction study

Netherlands-based Robeco was one of just two asset management firms to score an ‘A’ grade for responsibility in a new report by ShareAction, entitled Point of No Returns 2025.

Robeco earned an overall score of 76 in the ranking, which measures progress against ’20 basic standards that we expect asset managers to achieve, from net zero targets to local community engagement’, according to ShareAction.

AXA Investment Managers, in third with a ‘B’ grade and a score of 73, is the only other asset management firm to score above 70. BNP Paribas Asset Management ranks fourth (B, 69), followed by Aviva Investors in fifth (B, 64).

European firms dominate the upper tier of the rankings, with asset managers from the Netherlands, France, the UK, and Germany featuring prominently – the best performing asset management firm outside of Europe is Japan’s Nomura Asset Management in 15th, which achieves a ‘C’ grade and a score of 45.

In terms of the Americas, meanwhile, the best performer is T. Rowe Price Associates, placing 23rd with a ‘D’ grade and a score of just 31.

Major US-based managers like BlackRock, State Street, Vanguard, and Fidelity Investments rank towards the bottom of the list, with most achieving ‘E’ or ‘F’ grades and low scores.

‘Every standard is met by at least one asset manager., but the majority of asset managers fail to meet half of these standards,’ ShareAction said in its report.

As it notes, just six asset management firms have introduced biodiversity requirements into policies for material sectors since 2023, compared to 19 two years ago.

‘Only a few industry-leading asset managers are demonstrating robust approaches to responsible investment,’ ShareAction added. ‘Asset owners who care about long-term outcomes – such as pension funds – should take note, while policy makers need to provide regulatory environments that ensure a safe and healthy world.’ Discover the full list here.

Top 20 Most Responsible Asset Management Firms