Ben Colton on SSGA and Racial Equity

In this episode of Across the Board, I visit with Ben Colton, Global Co-Head of Asset Stewardship at State Street Global Advisors. He joins me to discuss the latest guidance from State Street Global Advisors for companies on their racial equity efforts. Starting in 2021, the SSGA will ask companies in its investment portfolio to articulate their risks, goals and strategy as related to racial and ethnic diversity, and to make relevant disclosure available to shareholders. Some of the highlights include:   What the Proxy Season Review is used for? SSGA has been working with companies since at least March on issues related to Stewardship Engagement. What were and are some of the key issues raised? How has SSGA engaged with companies around social issues such as BLM, employee health and safety and D&I. Has covid-19 heightened a focus on climate change? What are the types of questions/discussions you are having with shareholders and Boards at this point, as opposed to back in March and April?  Resources See the latest letter from State Street Global Advisors’ global CIO Richard Lacaille, offering companies guidance on racial equity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices