Launch of the Blue Economy Index

The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, ODDO BHF Asset Management and Altitude Investment Solutions join forces to create an innovative financial index dedicated to the Ocean.

To accelerate the transition to a sustainable blue economy, the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation, ODDO BHF Asset Management and Altitude Investment Solutions officially launched the Blue Economy Index on Thursday December 5 at the Yacht Club of Monaco. The new index will address Sustainable Development Goals 14 (marine life), 12 (responsible consumption and production) and 6 (clean water and sanitation).

In his welcome address Olivier Wenden, Vice Chairman and CEO of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation reminded the challenges faced by the ocean, “from plastic that suffocates our seas to the overexploitation of precious marine resources” stressing that “our response must be collective, bold and of extraordinary magnitude. (…) When companies embrace sustainability, they protect ecosystems, reduce risk, attract conscious investors and ensure their long-term profitability”.

The Blue Economy Index, which will serve as a benchmark for the creation of tailor-made structured products, is an important tool in the strategy pursued for several years by the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation to combine philanthropy and impact investment in order to actively participate in the emergence of sustainable solutions for the ocean. Particularly impacted by all our human activities, it is essential to reconcile economics, finance and the preservation of natural resources if we are to regenerate marine ecosystems and build resilient, low-carbon societies.

"This index is a very concrete solution for any investor wishing to support companies with a first-rate ESG commitment, contributing to the transition towards a more sustainable blue economy," said Romain Ciarlet, Executive Director, Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.

The index will be managed by ODDO BHF Asset Management, whose mission will be to identify, from a very broad universe of global equities, a concentrated basket of companies working to promote the blue economy, in key sectors for the Foundation such as sustainable fishing, waste management, plastic recycling and water treatment.

"By participating in the creation of this index, we are pleased to help direct investments towards companies that contribute to the protection and preservation of the ocean," comments Nicolas Jacob, Portfolio Manager, Ecological Transition, at ODDO BHF Asset Management.

Altitude Investment Solutions, meanwhile, will be working to create a range of tailor-made investment solutions that investors can draw on, without limit.

Julien Duniague, Managing Partner at Altitude Investment Solutions, comments: "We firmly believe that finance can be a powerful lever for addressing environmental challenges. Leveraging our expertise to support the Prince Albert II of Monaco
Foundation in its efforts to protect the ocean reflects our core values and our commitment to promoting financial solutions that contribute to the preservation of marine ecosystems and a more sustainable future".

The two partners have also agreed to support the Foundation's Mediterranean program, which aims to combat plastic pollution, preserve emblematic species such as the monk seal, strengthen the management of marine protected areas, advance scientific research and preserve freshwater ecosystems. Altitude Investment Solutions will pay a portion of the index management fees and entry fees on products issued, while ODDO BHF Asset Management will apply lower management fees.