Calamos plans ESG fund named after NBA star

Calamos plans ESG fund named after NBA star
The fund, bearing the name of Milwaukee Bucks power forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, would exclude fossil fuels, mining and other activities.
AUG 30, 2022

Calamos is prepping what appears to be its second ESG-themed U.S. mutual fund — a product bearing the name of Milwaukee Bucks power forward Giannis Antetokounmpo.

That’s according to an initial registration statement filed Aug. 24 with the Securities and Exchange Commission for the Calamos Antetokounmpo Sustainable Equities Trust. The mutual fund in that trust would come in four share classes for retail and retirement savers: A, C, I and R6, according to the filing.

Currently, Calamos provides an international ESG-themed ’40 Act product, the Global Sustainable Equities Fund. The forthcoming Antetokounmpo fund would invest primarily in U.S.-registered securities of companies that have “above average growth potential and meet the environmental, social and governance criteria of Calamos Advisors,” the firm states in the product’s registration statement.

It is unclear what involvement multiyear NBA MVP Antetokounmpo would have with the fund. In a statement, Calamos acknowledged the partnership and SEC registration but did not comment on specifics about the fund.

“The shared values between Calamos Investments and Giannis Antetokounmpo forge the foundation for a great partnership,” the firm stated. “Together, we are creating a sustainable Fund and will seek to generate investment and societal returns.”

The fund adviser would select portfolio holdings through exclusionary screens, materiality assessments and environmental and social impact scoring, according to the registration.

“The team considers a company’s position on various factors such as ecological limits, environmental stewardship, environmental strategies, stance on human rights and equality, societal impact as well as its corporate governance practices,” the firm stated.

The fund would exclude companies with significant business in agricultural biotechnology, alcohol, animal testing, fossil fuels, gambling, mining, nuclear energy, tobacco and weapons.

This story was originally published on ESG Clarity.

Latest News

JPMorgan tells fintech firms to start paying for customer data
JPMorgan tells fintech firms to start paying for customer data

The move to charge data aggregators fees totaling hundreds of millions of dollars threatens to upend business models across the industry.

FINRA snapshot shows concentration in largest firms, coastal states
FINRA snapshot shows concentration in largest firms, coastal states

The latest snapshot report reveals large firms overwhelmingly account for branches and registrants as trend of net exits from FINRA continues.

Why advisors to divorcing couples shouldn't bet on who'll stay
Why advisors to divorcing couples shouldn't bet on who'll stay

Siding with the primary contact in a marriage might make sense at first, but having both parties' interests at heart could open a better way forward.

SEC spanks closed Osaic RIA for conflicts, over-charging clients on alternatives
SEC spanks closed Osaic RIA for conflicts, over-charging clients on alternatives

With more than $13 billion in assets, American Portfolios Advisors closed last October.

William Blair taps former Raymond James executive to lead investment management business
William Blair taps former Raymond James executive to lead investment management business

Robert D. Kendall brings decades of experience, including roles at DWS Americas and a former investment unit within Morgan Stanley, as he steps into a global leadership position.

SPONSORED How advisors can build for high-net-worth complexity

Orion's Tom Wilson on delivering coordinated, high-touch service in a world where returns alone no longer set you apart.

SPONSORED RILAs bring stability, growth during volatile markets

Barely a decade old, registered index-linked annuities have quickly surged in popularity, thanks to their unique blend of protection and growth potential—an appealing option for investors looking to chart a steadier course through today's choppy market waters, says Myles Lambert, Brighthouse Financial.