Ethics in managing bonds and credit: Former asset manager Toby Nangle shares his ethical concerns about managing money for authoritarian regimes, feeling complicit in potentially morally questionable activities, and raises the question of where to draw the line in professional and personal ethics.
The world of bonds and credit is back in focus, and for those interested, there are valuable insights to be gained from experts in the field through podcasts like PGIM's fixed income series. However, the conversation between Rob and Toby Nangle on the Unhedged podcast from the Financial Times delved deeper into ethical considerations. Toby, a former asset manager, shared his personal decision to leave the industry due to growing unease about managing money for authoritarian regimes engaging in unethical practices. He felt that, as a senior asset manager, he was essentially working as an outsourced government employee, and his clients' enhanced wealth could be used for various purposes, some of which were morally questionable, such as murder. While there is no direct causal connection between managing money for sovereign wealth funds and engaging in unethical activities, Toby argued that the job of making clients wealthier could make one feel complicit. This raises the question of where to draw the line in professional and personal ethics.
Ethical lines for individuals and companies: Determining personal ethical lines is important, but consider potential consequences of avoiding unethical clients or companies; Engaging through shareholder activism can lead to positive change; UN Guiding Principle on Business and Human Rights offers a framework for ethical investment decisions
Individuals and companies have different ethical lines, and it's essential to determine where one's own line lies. However, it's also important to consider the potential consequences of not working for or investing in certain entities. For instance, if everyone who objects to managing money for unethical clients leaves the industry, it might be left with only unethical actors. On the other hand, engaging with companies through shareholder activism can lead to positive change. The United Nations Guiding Principle on Business and Human Rights offers a framework for this approach, which many asset management firms have adopted. Ultimately, it's crucial to consider the impact of one's actions and make informed decisions based on personal values and principles.
Ethical concerns in asset management: Leaving asset management due to ethical concerns is a complex decision involving assessing influence, potential solutions, and explaining the decision to oneself and others. The industry's profit-driven nature and stakeholder involvement complicate accountability and decision-making.
The decision to leave the asset management industry due to ethical concerns is a complex one. It involves assessing one's influence, considering potential solutions to increase that influence, and evaluating the ability to explain the decision to oneself and others. However, even if the decision is made to leave, there may be challenges in finding a new direction, as conversations with industry peers have not always resulted in meaningful change. The industry's reliance on profit maximization and the involvement of various stakeholders, including shareholders and employees, can make accountability and decision-making a complex issue. Dan Davies' book, "The Unaccountability Machine," sheds light on this issue, highlighting the roundabout nature of decision-making and the challenge of assigning accountability. Ultimately, leaving the industry may involve difficult choices, such as terminating relationships with clients and potentially impacting staff and their families.
Mixed-use communities: Investing in mixed-use communities can lead to resilient and economically stable neighborhoods, and individuals have a responsibility to use their influence to make a difference.
Having a fully mixed-use place is crucial for creating a resilient and economically stable community. This was the message the speaker was trying to convey to the executive committee, asking them to invest their political capital into this idea. The speaker also shared his personal journey, from his privileged position in asset management to becoming a journalist, driven by a desire to make a difference and hold those in power accountable. A catalyst for this change was a conversation with an old friend working in an NGO, who shared a story about a child on death row. The speaker realized that in his previous career, he may have unintentionally contributed to complicity by not rocking the boat professionally. During his final days at his old job, he did not disclose his reasons for leaving to his colleagues or superiors.
Sovereign Wealth Funds and Global Politics: Sovereign Wealth Funds have vast financial resources that can shape global politics and morals, requiring clear business strategies and ethical considerations.
The role and ethical implications of sovereign wealth funds in shaping global politics and morals through their vast financial resources is an important issue that deserves more attention. The speaker shared his experience of discussing the issue with his boss and group CEO, who provided valuable insights on the challenges of defining good and bad practices, and the importance of having a clear business strategy when addressing such complex issues. The speaker then took it upon himself to write a report and consult with other asset management executives, leading to a productive and amicable departure. However, the speaker also noted that while there are concerns about states using their wealth to project power, the majority of the funds are likely being invested in line with traditional market capitalism. The speaker encourages further thought and discussion on this topic, as the political and moral roles of these funds are significant and often overlooked.
FT's audio production Unhedged: FT Premium subscribers can listen to the insightful discussions on Unhedged for free, produced by Jake Harper, edited by Bryant Erstadt, and with additional help from Cheryl Bromley. The FT Weekend Festival in London is also coming up with notable figures and discounted tickets for attendees.
The FT's audio production Unhedged, hosted by Rob Armstrong, is available to FT Premium subscribers for free and offers insightful discussions on various topics. The show is produced by Jake Harper, edited by Bryant Erstadt, and has additional help from Cheryl Bromley. The FT Weekend Festival in London is also coming up on September 7, where attendees can enjoy talks, tastings, and interviews with notable figures like John Lithgow, Michelle Hussein, and Tim Harford. To learn more about the festival and get a discount on tickets, listen to the show for details.
The ethics of investing for dictators
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The ethics of investing for dictators
Toby Nangle is a regular contributor to the FT. Before he was a journalist, he was an asset manager for more than 25 years, and many of his clients were sovereign wealth funds. And some of the sovereigns of those wealth funds were doing things that made Nangle uncomfortable. So he quit. Today on the show, we discuss a massive problem faced by the investment industry: the ethical behaviour of its clients.
For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer
You can email Robert Armstrong at robert.armstrong@ft.com and Katie Martin at katie.martin@ft.com.
Register now for the FT Weekend Festival, and claim £24 off your pass using promo code FTPodcast at: ft.com/festival
Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com
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Register now for the FT Weekend Festival, and claim £24 off your pass using promo code FTPodcast at: ft.com/festival
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For a free 30-day trial to the Unhedged newsletter go to: https://www.ft.com/unhedgedoffer
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Register now for the FT Weekend Festival, and claim £24 off your pass using promo code FTPodcast at: ft.com/festival
Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com
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