HAMILTON, Bermuda – December 23, 2019 – Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd. (NYSE: ARGO) (“Argo” or the “Company”) today announced it has become a signatory of the United Nations-supported Principles for Responsible Investment (UN PRI), the leading international network of institutional investors committed to including environmental, social and governance factors in their investment decision making.
By adding its name to the other 2,778 signatories who have agreed to practice PRI’s six principles for responsible investing, Argo has formally endorsed an investment framework that aligns with the principles of the Company’s overall ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) strategy, as defined by Argo’s Sustainability Working Group. In total, the signatories of the PRI represent $89 trillion in assets under management.
“We’re excited to officially join a global network that prioritizes sustainable investment and aims to create a better place for future generations,” said Alex Hindson, Chief Risk Officer, Argo Group. “We believe joining UN PRI is a natural extension of our fiduciary duty to enhance the long-term performance of our portfolio and our commitment to our core mission of ‘helping businesses stay in business.’”
The UN PRI was formed in 2005 when then-UN Secretary General Kofi Annan asked a group of the world’s largest institutional investors to help draft the Principles for Responsible Investment. The 20 people in the investor group – drawn from institutions in 12 countries – were supported by an additional 70 investment, governmental, social and environmental experts. The UN PRI was launched in April 2006 at the New York Stock Exchange.
“We are very pleased to welcome Argo Group to the PRI. In joining PRI, Argo Group is highlighting to the specialty insurance sector – and the businesses it works with – its commitment to include ESG factors in investment strategy and practice,” said PRI CEO Fiona Reynolds. “We look forward to working with the team.”
The purpose of the UN PRI is to increase understanding of the implications of sustainable investing and support signatories who choose to incorporate ESG issues into their decision-making and ownership practices.
The six key principles are:
1. We will incorporate ESG issues into investment analysis and decision-making processes.
2. We will be active owners and incorporate ESG issues into our ownership policies and practices.
3. We will seek appropriate disclosure on ESG issues by the entities in which we invest.
4. We will promote acceptance and implementation of the principles within the investment industry.
5. We will work together to enhance our effectiveness in implementing the principles.
6. We will each report on our activities and progress towards implementing the principles.
ABOUT ARGO GROUP INTERNATIONAL HOLDINGS, LTD.
Argo Group International Holdings, Ltd. (NYSE: ARGO) is an underwriter of specialty insurance and reinsurance products in the property and casualty market. Argo Group offers a full line of products and services designed to meet the unique coverage and claims handling needs of businesses in two primary segments: U.S. Operations and International Operations. Argo Group’s insurance subsidiaries are A.M. Best-rated ‘A’ (Excellent), and Argo Group’s U.S. insurance subsidiaries are Standard and Poor’s-rated ‘A-‘ (Strong). More information on Argo Group and its subsidiaries is available at www.argolimited-stage.com.
For media inquiries, please contact:
David Snowden
Senior Vice President, Group Communications
210-321-2104
[email protected]
