MainStreet Partners has appointed Sophie Meatyard as funds research director.
Meatyard previously was at Abrdn where she was senior environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investment analyst, “overseeing proprietary ESG ratings, regulatory updates, and manager engagement on key sustainability themes”.
Before Abrdn, Meatyard worked at Hymans Robertson as investment research associate and FE fundinfo as a fund analyst.
She has completed both the CFA ESG and CFA Climate and Investing certifications.
MainStreet Partners managing director research Neill Blanks said: “I am thrilled to welcome Sophie to MainStreet. Her extensive experience and deep expertise in fund analysis will undoubtedly enhance our research capabilities as well as strengthen our position as a market leading provider of ESG and sustainability fund ratings and wider portfolio analytics.”
Meatyard added: “I’m excited to join a team dedicated to bringing clarity and transparency to ESG and Sustainability ratings. Ratings providers have a unique opportunity to empower investors with insights that lead to more informed decisions and help clients meet their regulatory obligations while raising industry standards.
“This area has historically been challenging for fund selectors, who often find that ratings don’t fully reflect a fund’s true philosophy and process. Having been on the analyst side, I believe MainStreet’s Fund Ratings products have the potential to meet the high standards and expectations of experienced ESG and Sustainability-focused analysts.”
In June 2024, MainStreet Partners launched a Sustainability Disclosure Requirements (SDR) market solution to support fund buyers.
The London-based independent ESG advisory and portfolio analytics firm warned that discretionary fund managers (DFMs), model portfolio service (MPS) providers and wealth managers are in need of support to meet the new SDR labelling regime.
Previously, MainStreet Partners has cautioned buyers against “an ostrich-like denial” about the SDR transition for SDR-compliant naming and marketing rules when funds are liable to FCA enforcement action.
