Case studies | Governance, risk and compliance

Sweden: Financial services

The client’s challenge

With increased media scrutiny and efforts made by competitors, a Nordic private equity firm decided to bring sustainability considerations into its investment and ownership agenda. We were brought in to formulate a policy for responsible investments and active ownership of portfolio companies – this included setting baseline environmental, social & governance (ESG) requirements for its portfolio companies, and facilitating the implementation of these requirements within these companies.

Our approach

We benchmarked the client against peer companies in terms of responsible investment and ownership practices to identify best practices. We then helped the client finalise its policy and formulate baseline ESG requirements for portfolio companies.

We analysed the gap between these baseline ESG requirements and the existing ESG policies within the portfolio companies – from there, we developed guidance and templates for the portfolio companies, to help them implement the new requirements and comply with specific industry standards.

We also provided guidance on following up on ESG performance for the portfolio companies.

The benefits to the client

We also provided guidance on following up on ESG performance for the portfolio companies.

Korea: Retail & consumer

The client’s challenge

A Korean-based cosmetics company wanted to organise its CSR activities into a meaningful overarching sustainability platform that helped it engage internal and external stakeholders and improve its reputation.

Our approach

We conducted Dow Jones Sustainability Index assessments of its existing CSR activities to determine weaknesses and opportunities. We also interviewed a diverse range of internal and external stakeholders to pinpoint priority issues.

From this, we crafted a CSR strategy and a team structure and operations plan to help quickly and efficiently implement our recommendations.

We provided the client with a holistic assessment of current and emerging issues, with a comprehensive approach to reinforcing CSR as an integral component of its business.

The benefits to the client

The client was able to minimise its risk, realise business and revenue growth opportunities, and increase awareness and acceptance of its CSR agenda among employees, customers and other key stakeholders.