Liontrust's Michaelis on ESG trust: 'There are very few trusts out there with similar offerings'

Celebrating first sustainable UK product in seven years

Liontrust Asset Management's first sustainable UK product launch since 2014 and its first foray into investment trusts will offer exposure to a "wider opportunity set" than is currently available in either the open- or closed-ended space, according to the firm's head of sustainable investing Peter Michaelis.

The Liontrust ESG trust (ESGT) will list ordinary shares on the premium segment of the London Stock Exchange with the intention of raising £150m via its initial issue. Liontrust does not develop new products often and the firm's first trust IPO comes in response to clear investor demand, Michaelis said. "Last time we developed a new [sustainable] product in the UK was 2014. We do it when we feel there is very clear demand," he told Investment Week, adding that the launch will not only complement Liontrust's current offering, but will reflect an innovative approach to ESG investing.  ...