Columbia Threadneedle Investments supports the Vlerick Centre for Sustainable Finance

Sustainability is increasingly becoming an integral part of organisations' strategies. Thanks to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and ESG reporting (Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance), responsible leadership is making our societies more just and prosperous.

The mission of the Vlerick Centre for Sustainable Finance is to advance the knowledge and understanding of sustainability in order to support the financial services industry in its decision-making. The Centre is part of Vlerick's Asset Management Academy, whose activities are based on three pillars:

• Executive programme & workshops
• Networking events
• Centre for Sustainable Finance

The Centre for Sustainable Finance offers its members, which now include Columbia Threadneedle Investments, a unique knowledge platform and access to research results, both relevant to the sustainable finance ecosystem; as well as the opportunity to share best practices in sustainable investment.

Katherine Haesaerts, Sales Director Benelux at Columbia Threadneedle Investments, says, "We are delighted to partner up with Vlerick Business School in highlighting the importance of sustainability in the financial services industry. As a leading global asset manager, it is our responsibility to pass on our expertise in sustainability to ensure that our future financial professionals have the necessary skills and insights to meet the challenges of their time".

Professor David Veredas, Director and member of the Steering Committee of the Centre, adds, "The mission of the Centre for Sustainable Finance is to increase and disseminate the know-how on sustainability in the financial sector. The fact that Columbia Threadneedle is now a member of our Centre ties in perfectly with that mission. We therefore look forward to our collaboration concretely taking shape. Together we will create a forum for knowledge exchange and consultation with the financial community in the broadest sense of the word."

About Columbia Threadneedle Investments

Columbia Threadneedle Investments is a leading global asset management group with more than 2,000 employees, including 450 investment professionals in North America, Europe and Asia.

We offer a broad range of active investment strategies and solutions, and manage €500 billion on behalf of institutional, corporate and private investors worldwide. Our approach is based on a broad range of active management strategies, investing in equity and bond funds in both developed and emerging markets. We also offer asset allocation solutions and alternative products.

Columbia Threadneedle Investments is the global asset management division of Ameriprise Financial (NYSE: AMP), a leading American financial services company. As such, we are backed by a large, diversified and highly capitalised group.