Global Climate Strategy

This strategy combines the strength of our experienced Fundamental Equity and ESG teams, blending bottom-up fundamental security selection with extensive research which aims to identify climate leaders. This fully integrated approach enables the team to build a concentrated portfolio of opportunities that are aligning to the goals set out in the UN Paris Agreement on climate change.

Philosophy

The team strongly believes that action on climate change is significant both for portfolio risk management and investment opportunity in global equities. In an environment where governments increasingly take regulatory action against climate change, and investors increasingly reward companies that are reducing their environmental footprint, they believe companies with business plans that are aligned with the Paris Agreement’s goal of reducing carbon emissions will be better positioned to outperform the market. Over the long term, the team expects these early adopters to generate higher, reliable free cash flows and cash flow returns on invested capital. 

We consider that the integration of sustainability risks in the decision-making process is an important element in determining long-term performance outcomes and is an effective risk mitigation technique. Our approach to sustainability provides a flexible framework that supports implementation across different asset classes and investment teams. While we believe that sustainable investing will lead to better long-term investment outcomes, there is no guarantee that sustainable investing will ensure better returns in the longer term.  In particular, by limiting the range of investable assets through the exclusionary framework, positive screening, and thematic investment, we may forego the opportunity to invest in an investment which we otherwise believe likely to outperform over time. 

Managed by

Patrick Blais, CFA, FSA

Senior Portfolio Manager, Fundamental Equity Team, Manulife Investment Management

In his role, Patrick is responsible for Canadian core equity strategies. Previously, he was a member of the growth equity team. Prior to joining the firm, he was a portfolio manager and analyst at KBSH Capital Management, focusing on international equities and before that he was a global senior equity and corporate debt analyst at Sun Life Financial. Patrick holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation and is a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries.

  • Education: B.Sc., Actuarial Mathematics, Laval University; M.F., London Business School
  • Joined the company: 2010
  • Began career: 1998
Patrick Blais, CFA, FSA

Steve Bélisle, CFA

Senior Portfolio Manager, Fundamental Equity Team, Manulife Investment Management

Steve is a senior portfolio manager with the fundamental equity team and is responsible for its Canadian core equity strategies. He began his career at Standard Life Investments as a research assistant following his involvement in a Standard Life portfolio managed by business school students. Steve joined Manulife Investment Management when Standard Life's Canadian operations were acquired by Manulife in January 2015. Steve holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation.

  • Education: B.B.A., Business Administration; M.Sc., Finance, HEC Montréal
  • Joined the company: 2015
  • Began career: 2003
Steve Bélisle, CFA

Cavan Yie, CFA

Portfolio Manager, Fundamental Equity Team, Manulife Investment Management

Cavan is a portfolio manager with the fundamental equity team and is responsible for its Canadian core equity strategies. Prior to joining the firm, he was an equity research associate at Scotia Capital, where he was responsible for covering the diversified financial services sector. Cavan holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation.

  • Education: B.Sc., Computer Engineering, University of Toronto; M.B.A., Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto
  • Joined the company: 2012
  • Began career: 2008
Cavan Yie, CFA

Derek Chan, CFA, CPA, CGA

Portfolio Manager, Fundamental Equity, Manulife Investment Management

Derek is a portfolio manager with the fundamental equity team, responsible for fundamental equity strategies. Previously, he was a manager for US Capital Management and, before that, he was a senior financial analyst for Manulife Financial. Prior to joining the firm, he was an intermediate investment accountant with Aegon Canada/Transamerica. Derek holds the Chartered Financial Analyst, Chartered Professional Accountant, and Certified General Accountant designations.

  • Education: M.B.A., Schulich School of Business; B.Com., Finance, University of Toronto
  • Joined the company: 2011
  • Began career: 2008
Derek Chan, CFA, CPA, CGA

Brian Chan, CFA

Portfolio Manager, Fundamental Equity

Brian is a portfolio manager with the fundamental equity team, responsible for fundamental equity strategies. Prior to joining the firm, he was with Standard Life Investments as an equity research assistant. Brian joined Manulife Investment Management when Standard Life's Canadian operations were acquired by Manulife in January 2015. Earlier in his career, he worked at Dundee Securities as a research associate and at RBC Dominion Securities servicing high-net-worth individuals. Brian holds the Chartered Financial Analyst designation.

  • Education: B.Com., Finance, Concordia University
  • Joined the company: 2015
  • Began career: 2009
Brian Chan, CFA

Vehicles

At Manulife Investment Management, we offer investment strategies through a variety of vehicles to suit a broad range of client needs. Contact our institutional sales or consultant relations team to find out if this strategy/vehicle is offered in your region.

SMAs

Our separately managed accounts (SMAs) are designed for high-net-worth clients seeking tailored investment solutions and direct ownership of securities.

CITs

Our professionally managed collective investment trusts (CITs) are available in certain qualified retirement plans.

Mutual funds

Mutual funds are liquid, professionally managed portfolios which are available to both institutional and retail investors.

Global Climate Strategy

Our planet’s challenges are becoming investor problems. Are you prepared?

Learn about our strategy's dual objective

Key facts

Inception date

March 2021

Benchmark

MSCI World Index

Style

Core Equity (Global)

Average portfolio manager experience

18 years

Important disclosures

All information shown is as of June 30, 2021, unless otherwise indicated. Strategy-level information may differ from vehicle-specific information. Not all vehicles are available in all locations and may be offered through affiliates of Manulife Investment Management. The strategy does not currently have any assets under management. 


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