morgan stanley racial equity audit

Importantly, the proposals encourage an internal and external review, looking at human capital management but also the products and services companies offer, along with their philanthropic and political contributions. Sarah Anderson May 17, 2021 Inequality.org 16, 1992)). For 87 years, weve had a passion for whats possible. We offer timely, integrated analysis of companies, sectors, markets and economies, helping clients with their most critical decisions. The America First Legal Foundation is accusing the IRS of using "racial equity" for audits targeting White and Asian taxpayers. (go back), 34Starbucks Steps Up Its Racial Justice Outreach With $100 Million Pledge, Forbes, Kori Hale, January 20, 2021, available at https://www.forbes.com/sites/korihale/2021/01/20/starbucks-steps-up-its-racial-justice-outreach-with-100-million-pledge/?sh=53b94b63389c. (go back), 94CoreCivic, Inc., Form 8-K, filed with the SEC on May 18, 2021, available at https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1070985/000119312521165313/d184269d8k.htm. [60], A number of other high-profile companies and financial institutions have been approached either by shareholders or civil rights advocates about conducting Racial Equity Audits. The activist investor nominated a slate of four director candidates with expertise operating energy companies and utilizing clean technology. As ESG issues garner more media attention and as younger generations move into the investing space, these issues and related disclosures may become increasingly important to consumers, investors and other stakeholders. Everything we do at Morgan Stanley is guided by our five core values: Do the right thing, put clients first, lead with exceptional ideas, commit to diversity and inclusion, and give back. Shareholder activists have advocated for increased diversity in corporate boardrooms for a number of years. [48] New York State Comptroller Thomas F. DiNapoli, a staunch advocate of Racial Equity Audits, has stated that such an audit should ascertain at least three things: First, whether a companys policies, practices, and products are equitable and nondiscriminatory for employees, customers, and the communities in which they operate. [26] For example, following a racially-tinged incident at a Philadelphia Starbucks in 2018 where two African-American men who were waiting for a business meeting to begin were arrested, the company performed a Racial Equity Audit, which found that, among other things, racial sensitivity and the elimination of implicit biases are correlated to Starbucks core business plan of creating an inclusive and equitable working environment, as well as a welcoming third place between home and work for customers. [27] In addition, the W.K. Further, companies wishing to stay ahead of the curve may start by critically and objectively looking at their current internal practices and policies relating to equity and inclusion and identifying areas in need of improvement. As the ESG movement gains momentum, and as the new wave of investors who factor ESG concerns into their investment decisions gain a larger share of the market, companies are being advised to revisit their current policies and practices under the ESG lens. public statements. [125]. Today, we're demonstrating . But that was never going to be enough for racial justice advocates. According to public policy analysts, racial violence and the COVID-19 pandemic sparked an increase in Rule 14a-8 shareholder proposals focused on racial justice. [108] Amazon argued that, regardless of the proposal being framed in the form of a request for a report, this did not change the fact that the subject matter of the proposed report is within [Amazons] ordinary business and thus excludable under Rule 14a-8(i)(7). September 14, 2022, 1:19 p.m. EDT 3 Min Read. [112], In a webinar hosted by CtW, Comptroller DiNapoli explained the importance of racial equity at Amazon and why shareholders should vote in favor of the proposal, and argued that racial inequity is harming the United States economy. [113] DiNapoli argued that the pattern and magnitude of issues repeatedly facing the company demonstrate a need for a more in-depth review . A report on the audit, prepared at reasonable cost and . Yesterday, the audit proposal also went to the vote at Wells Fargo, the result has not yet been disclosed. (go back), 109Id. endstream endobj 335 0 obj <>stream [94] In the financial industry, BlackRocks decision distinguishes it from other financial institutions that have asked shareholders to vote against similar audit proposals and/or have sought no-action relief from the SEC. IS s+i-T"sl7fMIa0d4` #? Hear their stories and learn about how they are redefining the terms of success. (go back), 119See Webinar, Thomas DiNapoli, New York State Comptroller, supra note 23. Recently, Morgan Stanley and CtW Investment Group reached an agreement for the bank to conduct an internal diversity review . [50] Accordingly, auditors are encouraged to solicit information directly through surveys and interviews, and to review historical records and a companys performance against its peers. The move comes in a year when several US financial institutions have faced requests for racial equity audits amid growing investor scrutiny of diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) issues at US companies. (go back), 122NYS Comptroller DiNapoli Statement on Major Support for Racial Equity Audit at Amazon, Office of the New York Comptroller, May 28, 2021, available at https://www.osc.state.ny.us/press/releases/2021/05/nys-comptroller-dinapoli-statement-major-support-racial-equity-audit-amazon. The Sustainable Investments Institute reports that 28 shareholder proposals dealing with racial justice had been included in proxy statements filed with the SEC as of April 27, 2021. SEC interpretations of this rule provide that proposals that concern ordinary business matters but focus on significant social policy issues would not be excludable because the proposals would transcend the day-to-day business matters. [82] In seeking to exclude Racial Equity Audit proposals, companies argued that these audits concerned day-to-day aspects of their ordinary business operations, including: (i) product sales and advertising; [83] (ii) customer relationships; [84] (iii) the nature of the companys public relations, messaging, and communications with its shareholders and other constituents; [85] (iv) workforce management; [86] (v) relationships with suppliers; [87] (vi) community impacts; [88] or (vii) decisions regarding the products and services [the company] offers. [89] Furthermore, these companies contended that the proposals did not focus on a significant policy issue that transcended their ordinary business. Intentional investing approaches can allow you to have an impact on racial equity, while pursuing your financial goals. At Morgan Stanley, giving back is a core valuea central part of our culture globally. . [15] As discussed in more detail below, a companys performance on ESG factors, such as investment into renewable energy, promotion of employee health and safety and contributions to the local community, are pressing issues that can either benefit or adversely affect a companys perception in the public eye, operational execution and bottom line. Our work on racial equity focuses on our commitments as a business, as a responsible member of global and local communities, and as an inclusive workplace that values diversity. [41] A study by a Citigroup, Inc. (Citi) global economist found that addressing racial disparities can have even broader macro benefits. [20] State governments have also codified ESG initiatives into lawCalifornia leading the charge with the passage of Senate Bill 826 and Assembly Bill 979, which require a certain percentage of directors on the boards of public companies headquartered in the state be composed of females and individuals from underrepresented communities. [14], ISS and others have published a number of reports that have found that addressing social and environmental concerns correlates with companies either currently experiencing or having the potential to experience increased growth and profitability. Our insightful research, advisory and investing capabilities give us unique and broad perspective on sustainability topics. Citigroup Inc. (Citi), sought "no action" relief from the Securities and Exchange Commission to exclude the requests from its 2021 proxy statements, which request was denied. The SEC considered the arguments described above to exclude the shareholder proposals on Racial Equity Audits, and, in each case, the SEC did not concur with the company that the shareholder proposal should be excluded. [21] Most shareholder activists are cognizant of the stance of institutional investors and proxy advisory firms on ESG issues and have increasingly incorporated ESG factors into their proxy campaigns. (go back), 70Citigroup Proxy Statement, supra note 69; JPMorgan Chase & Co., 2021 Notice of Annual Meeting of Shareholders and Proxy Statement, Schedule 14A, filed with the SEC on April 7, 2021, available at https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000019617/000001961721000275/a2021proxystatement.htm [hereinafter JPMorgan Proxy Statement]. Whether its hardware, software or age-old businesses, everything today is ripe for disruption. (go back), 106Other shareholders joining the proposal were: (1) the Praxis Growth Index Fund; (2) CommonSpirit Health; (3) the Adrian Dominican Sisters; (4) Catherine Donnelly Foundation; (5) Monasterio Pan de Vida; (6) Reynders, McVeigh Capital Management, LLC; (7) the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Peace; (8) the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary U.S.-Ontario Province Corporation; and (9) Newground Social Investment on behalf of the Robert H. and Elizabeth Fergus Foundation and Eric Menninga. 2023Morgan Stanley. Across all our businesses, we offer keen insight on today's most critical issues. S7-25-97, available at https://www.sec.gov/rules/final/34-40018.htm (citing Reebok Intl Ltd. (Mar. (go back), 93See J&J No-Action Letter, supra note 78. (go back), 84See J&J No-Action Letter, supra note 78. A 38 percent "yes" vote at Citi was particularly encouraging, given the fact that institutional investors typically follow the corporate board's recommendation. (go back), 134 ISS Opens Global Annual Benchmark Policy Survey and Separate Climate Survey, ISS, July 28, 2021, available at https://insights.issgovernance.com/posts/iss-opens-global-annual-benchmark-policy-survey-and-separate-climate-survey/. [22]. A career at Morgan Stanley means belonging to an ideas-driven culture that embraces new perspectives to solve complex problems. In light of the protests sparked by the murder of George Floyd in June 2020, the CtW Investment Group has requested systemically important financial institutions to conduct a racial equity audit that identifies, prioritizes, and remedies the adverse impacts of the bank's policies and practices on non-white stakeholders and communities of color. The $1.9 trillion-asset bank has hired the law firm Covington & Burling to conduct the review and plans . State Street's support increased from 12.5 percent in 2021 to a bare majority of racial equity audit proposals (52.6 percent) in 2022. In the meantime, on November 9, 2020, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced the issuance of new final rules that expanded human capital management disclosure requirements applicable to SEC reporting companies. Shareholder Proposal of CtW Investment Group Securities Exchange Act of 1934Rule 14a-8, Gibson Dunn, January 25, 2021, available at https://www.sec.gov/divisions/corpfin/cf-noaction/14a-8/2021/nyscrfamazon012521-14a8-incoming.pdf [hereinafter Amazon No-Action Letter]; J&J No-Action Letter, supra note 78. Why did nearly all of the banks urge "no" votes on the audit proposals? These funds have explicit mandates to make ESG-focused investments, from mutual funds whose portfolio companies must score a high grade on ESG metrics to investment firms dedicated to ESG impact investing. Racial Equity Audits may also find that a companys existing policies and practices are not sufficient to address or may be perpetuating systemic social issues. David Ake) It followed his 2021 executive order . While the majority of investors perceive the funding landscape as balanced, their actual investments in multicultural and women-owned businesses are highly skewed. The Facebook audit began at the behest and encouragement of the civil rights community and some members of Congress, proceeded with Facebooks cooperation, and [was] intended to help the company identify, prioritize, and implement sustained and comprehensive improvements to the way it impacts civil rights. [56] The audit process included interviewing over 100 civil rights organizations, several hundred more advocates as well as members of Congress. Tagged: 2020, Regulatory letters Newer PostCtW letter to DoorDash dual class Older PostCtW Racial Equity letter to Morgan Stanley Back to Top 1900 L Street NW, Suite 900 Washington, DC 20036 [17], Improved ESG criteria is not a new area for activist investors. Companies Sought No-Action Relief. . Measurement and transparency are important components of the work Citi is doing to advance diversity, equity and inclusion, both at our bank and through our contributions to our communities and society more generally. For the sixth consecutive time, Morgan Stanley Bank has been recognized with the highest rating from the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency for its work meeting the credit needs of the communities it serves. All rights reserved. In 2007, the firm's co-founder, a former Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley banker named Divesh Makan, told a wealth management magazine that he'd even organized clients' parties and helped . As discussed earlier, Starbucks undertook a Racial Equity Audit in 2018. JPMorgan analysts are projecting a pre-tax loss of $2.4 billion in 2023, $1.7 billion in 2024 and about $800 million in 2025."We still do not bake in pre-tax profitability in our model, which . [3], With the increasing prominence of ESG awareness, the market has also seen the rise of ESG-specific funds as a new form of investment vehicle. Id. Professional development and peer engagement are crucial building blocks to a careers strong foundation. Recently, Morgan Stanley ( MS +0.65%) and CtW Investment Group reached an agreement for the bank to conduct an internal diversity review, and to meet shareholders on next steps before its 2022 annual meeting. In November, SEIU's Capital Stewardship Program and. Morgan Stanley Chairman and CEO James Gorman discusses the impact of the pandemic on minority-owned financial institutions with Carver Federal Savings Bank CEO Michael Pugh. The global presence that Morgan Stanley maintains is key to our clients' success, giving us keen insight across regions and markets, and allowing us to make a difference around the world. What Makes Patagonia A World Leader in Sustainability, Medium, Tom & Jerry, January 13, 2021, available at https://medium.com/climate-conscious/what-makes-patagonia-a-world-leader-in-sustainability-486073f0daa. https://www.vox.com/recode/2021/2/26/22297554/amazon-race-black-diversity-inclusion, https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2021/03/01/amazon-race-discrimination-lawsuit/, https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2021/05/19/amazon-suit-race-gender-discrimination/, https://amazonemployees4climatejustice.medium.com/environmental-justice-and-amazons-carbon-footprint-9e10fab21138, https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/amazon-shareholders-demand-end-pollution-hitting-people-color-hardest-n1268413, https://sustainability.aboutamazon.com/people/human-rights?workerCount=true&engagementProgram=true&productCategory=true, https://www.marketwatch.com/story/amazon-investors-reject-new-york-retirement-funds-call-for-a-racial-equity-audit-10-other-shareholder-proposals-11622242863, https://www.osc.state.ny.us/press/releases/2021/05/nys-comptroller-dinapoli-statement-major-support-racial-equity-audit-amazon, https://www.socinvestmentgroup.com/racial-equity-audit, https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5d374de8aae9940001c8ed59/t/60216432f41c694416fcceb5/1612801075053/BlackRock+2021+racial+equity+audit+proposal+final+%281%29.pdf, https://www.seiu.org/blog/2021/4/seiu-and-change-to-wins-investment-funds-pushing-for-racial-diversity-in-financial-institutions, https://news.bloombergtax.com/financial-accounting/blackrock-breaks-ranks-with-wall-street-in-performing-race-audit, https://fortune.com/2021/04/06/blackrock-racial-audit-corporate-diversity-inclusion-race-at-work/, https://insights.issgovernance.com/posts/iss-opens-global-annual-benchmark-policy-survey-and-separate-climate-survey/, https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/2123/committees?r=61&s=1, https://www.olshanlaw.com/resources-alerts-Nasdaq-SEC-boardroom-diversity-rule.html. For example, the SOC Investment Group, formerly known as the CtW Investment Group (CtW), a group that works with pension funds sponsored by unions affiliated with Change to Win, a federation of unions representing nearly 5.5 million members, submitted the following proposal to Bank of America Corporation for inclusion in its proxy statement: RESOLVED that shareholders of Bank of America Corporation (BofA) urge the Board of Directors to oversee a racial equity audit analyzing BofAs adverse impacts on nonwhite stakeholders and communities of color. A racial equity audit is the first step to safeguard against further harm and it's also the smart thing to do. At Morgan Stanley, advancing racial equity is about intentional, holistic change at the intersection of what we do, who we are and how we engage our communities. We have shown our commitment to these principles when we set and disclosed our representation goals and shared the results of our pay equity analysis. (go back), 35The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc., 2021 Notice of Annual Meeting and Proxy Statement, Schedule 14A, filed with the SEC on March 19, 2021, available at https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/886982/000119312521087020/d88664ddef14a.htm [hereinafter Goldman Sachs Proxy Statement]. In a recent letter to employees, Blackrock announced that they would conduct an. The increasing focus on environmental, social and governance (ESG) considerations at public companies, including this years highly publicized proxy contest at Exxon Mobil Corporation (Exxon), has demonstrated the growing importance of understanding ESG and the implications it can have for investors and companies. Our culture of access and inclusion has built our legacy and shapes our future, helping to strengthen our business and bring value to clients. Washington, D.C. Our Impact-Risk-Profitability (IRP) framework will guide us to deeper and more intentional impact. Will Corporations Deliver Value to All Stakeholders? To contact the reporter on this story: Promoted to one of five voting members on the S&P Municipal Bond Index Committee, overseeing and ruling on policy and governance. ; see also Human Rights, Amazon, available at https://sustainability.aboutamazon.com/people/human-rights?workerCount=true&engagementProgram=true&productCategory=true. (go back), 27Racial Equity Audit Proposal Q&A CtW Investment Group and the Service Employees International Union, available at https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5d374de8aae9940001c8ed59/t/605cdec4e6861277202f0b46/1616699076603/Racial+Equity+Audit+QA_CtW_SEIU+%28002%29.pdf. Morgan Stanley helps people, institutions and governments raise, manage and distribute the capital they need to achieve their goals. (go back), 18BlackRock Investment Stewardship, Proxy voting guidelines for U.S. securities, BlackRock, effective January 2021, available at https://www.blackrock.com/corporate/literature/fact-sheet/blk-responsible-investment-guidelines-us.pdf. (go back), 24Heres What Companies Are Promising to Do to Fight Racism, The New York Times, Gillian Friedman, August 23, 2020, available at https://www.nytimes.com/article/companies-racism-george-floyd-protests.html. Our latest initiative combines the resources and reach of Morgan Stanley with the knowledge and experience of our distinguished nonprofit partner organizations to help deliver positive, tangible impact on the challenges of stress, anxiety, and depression in children, adolescents and young people. (go back), 88See JPMorgan No-Action LetterFebruary, supra note 77.

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