The world’s largest asset manager has announced a new appointment.

BlackRock has appointed Elaine Wu to the newly created role of APAC head of research for BlackRock Sustainable Investing (BSI APAC).

Ms Wu has over 14 years of experience in equity research in the APAC region, and was most recently head of Asia ex-Japan ESG and utilities equity research at J.P. Morgan, where she is said to have been first to spearhead an ESG research for the firm.

While initially focusing on climate transition and energy value chain throughout Asia, her research has expanded across markets and sectors.

She has earned first place ESG Analyst ranking in the Institutional Investor All-Asia Research Poll, and recognitions in Greenwich and the Thomson Reuters Asia Analyst Awards.

Prior to J.P. Morgan, Ms Wu also previously held roles at Nomura and Lehman Brothers.

As APAC head of research, BlackRock said that Elaine will drive the research agenda for BSI APAC and oversee the firm’s sustainability research across the region. 

“Clients are increasingly turning to us to help them connect data, investment strategies, and sustainability insights to build better portfolios — especially in Asia,” said co-head of BSI APAC, Emily Woodland.

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“Our ability to do this has long depended on the bedrock of rigorous quantitative and qualitative research, and Elaine’s deep capabilities will supercharge our clients’ access to the latest research and insights they’re asking for, to reach their investment goals.”

Ms Wu will report to Ms Woodland in the Hong Kong-based role and partner with global sustainability research colleagues across investment platforms to enhance BlackRock’s expanding body of sustainability thought leadership with valuable APAC insights.

Additionally, the firm stated that Ms Wu will work closely with business and investment partners in the region to strengthen research and analysis that focuses on the link between sustainability and financial materiality, and to identify risks and opportunities that will equip clients with knowledge and insights to help achieve their financial goals.

Commenting on her appointment, Ms Wu said: “Sustainable investing is a complex and continuously evolving space, and meaningful insights require discipline and rigor. I am keen to incorporate an APAC-based perspective into BlackRock’s ongoing work in the space to better respond to regional and global client interest.”

Source: InvestorDaily