Bill Gates' Philanthropic Urgency: a catalyst for ESG

Bill Gates’ recent announcements regarding his philanthropic efforts, particularly his commitment to giving away virtually all of his wealth through the Gates Foundation by 2045, are likely to have a multifaceted influence on younger generations’ views on Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles. His announcement is a powerful signal echoing through the world of investment.

With the ‘Great Wealth Transfer’ (the projected significant shift of wealth from older generations, primarily Baby Boomers, to younger generations, primarily Millennials and Generation X), including into trust, the next generation of beneficiaries are likely to place increased pressure on trustees to align trust investments with their values. This philanthropic tsunami highlights the crucial balance between traditional fiduciary duties i.e. maximising financial returns for beneficiaries and the increased demand for environmental and socially sensitive driven investments, which are of course not necessarily mutually exclusive.  ESG driven investments seek both a positive impact and financial return. The Great Wealth Transfer is not only a transfer of wealth, but a transfer of values and priorities. A new generation is redefining the notion of ‘return’.

An increased demand for ESG driven investments will likely place more pressure on trustees to take into account non-financial matters when making investment decisions. Trustees have a fiduciary duty to act in the best interests of the beneficiaries which is often perceived to mean their best financial interests. Trustees’ concerns may focus around potential action being taken against them for breach of fiduciary duties where maximising financial returns may not be the overriding priority for some of the beneficiaries.

However, trustees have the potential to harmonise environmental and socially sensitive driven investments with their fiduciary duties by focussing on safeguarding assets and aiming for long term financial returns. It is important for trustees to focus on how ESG considerations such as the environment could impact the financial performance or risk profile of an investment. 

It may also be appropriate for Trustees to consider beneficiaries’ views on ESG issues, particularly if these are shared with other beneficiaries and do not lead to financial harm. Maintaining open communication with beneficiaries about ESG investment strategy can manage expectations and reduce the likelihood of potential action being taken for breach of fiduciary duties. ESG isn’t a burden to bear, but a lens through which to build a more resilient investment portfolio.