#1: Jan 2025 - All is Connected

Welcome to the first 2025 monthly edition of Stewardship Insights.

This edition opens with artwork by my dear friend Sylke Grabatsch .? To me it contrasts a harmonious, flourishing environment on one side with pollution and consumerism on the other, prompting a reflection on human responsibility toward the planet.?

This month’s theme, “All is Connected,” reminds us that stewardship must be holistic. When our actions are coordinated, we can build lasting resilience and shared prosperity.

1. Macro Stewardship: Building Resilience through Systemic Action

The WEF 2025 Global Risks Report outlines pressing challenges requiring systemic responses.

Three key stewardship-oriented perspectives:

• Climate & Biodiversity: From Mitigation to Adaptation

Floods, fires, famines—no region is immune to climate and biodiversity risks. Lives and habitats are disrupted, and value is lost. Beyond mitigating future damage, we must invest in robust adaptation strategies to minimise adverse social and environmental impacts.

• Geopolitical Tensions: Prioritising Humanity Over National Interests

Heightened geopolitical risks often stem from placing national agendas above our collective wellbeing. Reducing these tensions requires global collaboration and a shift from isolated decision-making to shared solutions that benefit humanity and the planet. Easier said than done!

• Societal Trust Hinges on Governance, Not Just Technology

The recent AI breakthrough from DeepSeek, which erased $2 trillion in US stock market value (including over $500B from NVIDIA), is a stark 'prompt' of how quickly transformative technologies can disrupt economies and institutions. The scale and speed of AI proliferation pose unprecedented risks, affecting markets, labour forces, and governance structures worldwide.

A Common Thread: Good Governance

At every level—software systems, businesses, research, national governments, and international alliances—strong governance is the linchpin. By working collaboratively and prioritising the broader interests of humanity and the planet, we can address each of these risks more effectively.

Stewardship must evolve beyond sustainability—it’s about ensuring our systems remain functional, inclusive, and resilient in the face of accelerating change.

2. Stewardship Insights for Investors and Companies

Breaking Boundaries: The Science Of Our Planet : If reading in not your thing, watch the Netflix documentary where David Attenborough and scientist Johan Rockstr?m examine Earth's biodiversity collapse and how this crisis can still be averted.

Incorporating the Planetary Boundary framework into decision-making offers businesses and investors a roadmap for long-term resilience and value creation.?

• Looking for opportunities to invest in nature-based solutions such as regenerative agriculture, reforestation, water systems restorations or biodiversity-focused funds. Check out Rebalance Earth , UBP White-paper, Ocean Capital....
• Looking for boutique investment teams that actively identify, consider, monitor and manage sustainability factors throughout the investment process and throughout the period of ownership. Check out Downing , WHEB ....
• Looking for a direct impact private equity fund, check out Snowball's Impact Co-invest LP.

3. Stewardship Insights for Philanthropy

• Philanthropy can play an equally pivotal role in addressing systemic challenges.?Donor Advised Funds (DAFs) have grown by 130% in five years, offering donors efficient, tax-effective giving platforms. Interested in exploring options? For a full list and comparison of UK-based DAFs click here.
• Thematic Giving Spotlight: The Kokoro Change - Future Mental Health Collective connects over 150 global mental health funders to share research, collaborate, and maximise impact. This peer-to-peer network fosters innovation and reduces siloed efforts in philanthropy.

4. Top Tip: Align Actions with Long-Term Impact

Whether in personal or professional life, we can lead with a stewardship mindset by adopting practices that create long-term value for ourselves, our communities, and the planet.

As David Allen wisely said,

You can do anything, but you can't do everything.”

In 2025, I’ve committed to embracing radical focus.

One practice I’m already using is keeping a “No List.” Whenever I ignore a distraction or decline an off-track opportunity, I add it to my list. As it grows, I feel a genuine sense of accomplishment in honouring my resolve to stay focused on what truly matters. (Similar to negative screening in Investments ;)) The most difficult decision for me was not going to the WEF Davos this January.

??The Year of the Wood Snake invites us to shed old skin, think deeply and act boldly—let’s ensure every decision we make gives rise to the future we want to create.

5. Market Insights

• Industry Movements

Invesco appoints Arun Kelshiker as Head of EMEA sustainable and impact investing distribution.

Christine Chow stepped into the role of CEO at Tracker Group, leading the next chapter of Carbon Tracker and Planet Tracker’s journey under a unified vision.?

?? If you are looking for a new role or an organisation looking for top talent in Responsible Investing, please DM me.

• Practical Pointers

?? Exceptional research by Man Group team featured in a CFA Institute piece titled: ??"The Scope of Net Zero: The Use of Carbon Emission Data to Achieve Portfolio Goals." ??

Key Takeaway: Measuring emissions is just the first step. To truly make an impact, we must focus on Paris-aligned, science-based portfolios rather than just low-carbon strategies.

?? The Board Guide to Investor Stewardship – Turning Engagement into Value - by Hans-Christoph Hirt, PhD for Boards navigating activist pressures, shareholder scrutiny, and evolving stakeholder expectations, this Overture provides practical guidance on engagement that drives value.

?? Ashish Kumar led a private breakfast roundtable at #WEF2025.

Insights from ~15 CSOs and Sustainability/Impact leaders candidly discussing solutions to some of the pressing interconnected climate challenges of late –????????????? ??????????????????????????????, ?????????????????? #????????????????????????, & #??????????????????????????????????.

6. Maanch News

• Strategic Advisor Appointment

We are thrilled to welcome Armin Peter as our newest Advisor at Maanch.? ?? Armin joins us with over 25 years of extensive experience in Global Capital Markets and investment banking. His deep understanding of sustainable finance and capital markets aligns perfectly with Maanch’s vision.?

• Key Integration Partner Announcement

In case you missed it last year: Check out our press release on game-changing partnership with Morningstar Sustainalytics .?

• Read January Blogs?

?? 2025 Stewardship Playbook: Navigating ESG Engagement, Unlocking Opportunities, and Mitigating Risks - Here

?? Outperforming Giants: How Small Asset Managers Win with Stewardship - Here

?? What Spreadsheets Miss: Unlocking Stewardship with Technology - Here

And … drumroll ??unveiling tomorrow the very first?

?? Stewardship Spotlight Interview with Roger Lewis Head of Sustainability and Responsible Investing at Downing : Explore practical insights on effective stewardship for small asset managers.

7. Looking Ahead

Well, FIRSTLY - THANK YOU for reading this to the END. I REALLY appreciate it! ??????

Over this year, I’ll dive deeper into stewardship pillars, share expert interviews, case studies, and actionable insights.

?? What themes would you like to see covered next?

I’d love to hear your thoughts or explore collaborations.

8. Haiku

Ending with a haiku on request:

All is connected.

From risk, raw leads of new dream.

We shape tomorrow.

Thanks and Be Well,

Darshita

PS: This content is not investment advice—just pointers to inspire stewardship-led actions!