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Umar Ashfaq

Umar Ashfaq

Senior Associate, MSCI Research

Umar Ashfaq is part of the MSCI ESG Research team focusing on the North American utilities sector and aerospace and defense industry. His prior experience includes equity research and due diligence in emerging markets (Middle East and Pakistan). He holds a master’s degree in environmental policy from Columbia University and a bachelor’s in math from Lahore University of Management Sciences.

Research and Insights

Articles by Umar Ashfaq

    Private Assets Can’t Hide from SEC’s Proposed Climate Rule

    5 mins read Blog | Aug 8, 2022 | Abdulla Zaid, Rumi Mahmood, Umar Ashfaq

    The SEC’s climate-disclosure proposal also may affect U.S.-listed GPs’ portfolios. In reality, the rule may represent the camel’s nose under the tent as the SEC indirectly brings climate transparency to some private companies.

    Labor Ignores and La Nina Threatens

    Podcast | Aug 5, 2022 | Umar Ashfaq, Cole Martin

    The S of ESG has become more useful in understanding company performance in down times. When things are bad, companies that take care of their workers, for example, often perform better than their counterparts. We discuss why this might be by looking at growing job vacancies in some parts of the US economy. Then we discuss what could happen to the food system if the rare “triple-dip” La Nina, an atmospheric and oceanic phenomenon, happens this winter.

    Which Scope 3 Emissions Will the SEC Deem ‘Material’?

    6 mins read Blog | Apr 28, 2022 | Kenji Watanabe, Umar Ashfaq

    The SEC’s climate-disclosure proposals did not set a “materiality threshold” for Scope 3 emissions, and the commission is considering either quantitative analysis for a uniform approach or letting companies determine materiality. How might each affect transparency?

    Governance and War and Boeing’s Deja Vu

    Podcast | Apr 1, 2022 | Umar Ashfaq, Harlan Tufford

    As Russia invaded Ukraine, endless briefing documents were thrust in front of company directors. Navigating supply chain disruptions, sanctions and a humanitarian crisis is not supposed to be easy. And as the war continues, investors will find that not all boards are equal. And war aside, Boeing’s board will be navigating a crisis of its own, following the fatal crash of a 737-800 in southern China.

    What Biden’s Climate Plan Means for US Utilities

    6 mins read Blog | Jan 14, 2021 | Velina Karadzhova, Umar Ashfaq

    Joe Biden is targeting net-zero carbon emissions in the United States by 2050, but the target date for electricity generation would come 15 years sooner. Are the U.S. utilities sector and investors prepared for net-zero emissions by 2035?