Pension Funds Advisory
At RBGLP, we are dedicated to delivering innovative legal solutions to the challenges faced by pension funds. Our mission is to support pension schemes in integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations into their governance, management, and decision-making processes. By fostering robust governance practices and aligning investment strategies with ESG principles, we help pension funds achieve sustainable growth while meeting regulatory and stakeholder expectations.
The Issue
Pension funds are critical players in driving sustainable development, yet they face complex challenges as ESG factors reshape the investment landscape. Key issues include:
- Governance and Management: Ensuring pension funds adhere to best practices in governance while meeting fiduciary duties to beneficiaries.
- ESG in Service Provision: Evaluating and aligning the ESG policies of service providers with fund objectives.
- Investment Activities: Integrating ESG risks and opportunities into investment decision-making processes.
- Employer Impact for Defined Benefit Schemes: Assessing how ESG factors influence the financial health and risk profile of sponsoring employers.
Increasingly, ESG risks and opportunities are seen as legitimate financial considerations. In Zambia and across Africa, pension funds must align with national and global ESG objectives, such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This alignment can create opportunities to harness the financial power of pension funds to combat climate change and support ethical, sustainable business practices.
What We Do
RBGLP provides comprehensive legal and strategic support to pension funds, ensuring compliance, governance, and alignment with ESG objectives.
Key Services
- Governance and Fiduciary Support
- Advising on the selection and responsibilities of pension trustees or directors.
- Ensuring robust governance frameworks that align with fiduciary duties and regulatory requirements.
- Regulatory Compliance and Policy Development
- Guiding clients through complex ESG regulations and disclosure requirements.
- Proactively influencing and adapting to emerging regulatory policies to keep clients ahead in this evolving space.
- ESG Integration and Impact Investing
- Helping pension funds incorporate ESG principles into scheme management and investment strategies.
- Supporting the selection of ethical or ESG-oriented investment funds, including self-select options and default funds for defined contribution (DC) schemes.
- Stakeholder Communication and Transparency
- Assisting clients in effectively communicating ESG policies to service providers and fund members.
- Developing clear and transparent ESG-focused documentation to engage and inform key stakeholders.
- Risk Management and Dispute Resolution
- Advising on risk management strategies related to ESG compliance and reporting.
- Representing pension trustees in potential disputes and legal issues stemming from ESG-related pressures.
Our Impact
RBGLP has worked with pension funds across industries and jurisdictions to achieve their goals in governance and ESG investing.
Representative Experience
- Policy Development: Advising pension funds on developing and documenting ESG policies to meet regulatory and stakeholder expectations.
- Defined Contribution Schemes: Assisting DC pension schemes in selecting ESG-focused investment options for members, including ethical funds and ESG-aligned default funds.
- Disclosure and Reporting: Supporting pension trustees in meeting ESG-related disclosure requirements and updating trust documentation to incorporate ESG considerations.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring compliance with Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) requirements and other evolving ESG regulations.
- Risk and Disputes: Addressing legal risks and disputes arising from ESG-related pressures on pension fund trustees.
Why RBGLP?
RBGLP combines local expertise with global insights to provide tailored solutions for pension funds navigating the complexities of ESG integration and governance.
Our Value Proposition:
- Holistic Expertise: Comprehensive support across governance, compliance, investment strategies, and risk management.
- Proactive Guidance: A forward-looking approach to emerging policies and regulations, ensuring clients stay ahead of the curve.
- Regional and Global Perspective: Deep understanding of Zambia’s regulatory landscape, coupled with alignment to international ESG standards.
Empowering Pension Funds for a Sustainable Future
Pension funds have a unique opportunity to drive positive social and environmental impact while delivering financial security for their members. At RBGLP, we are committed to empowering our clients to integrate ESG principles into their operations, fostering responsible investment practices and sustainable growth.
Partner with RBGLP to navigate the evolving pension fund landscape and achieve your ESG objectives with confidence.