Responsible Investment

A Framework for Effective Risk Management

Sterling Group is committed to Responsible Investment and integrates this approach as a framework for effective risk management. Engagement with our employees and our stakeholders helps drive our Responsible Investment efforts.

As one element of our investment process for our Private Credit business, we apply the SASB Standards1 (Sustainability Accounting Standards Board) as a framework to review investments and weigh the risk. This means looking closely at each investment with a lens on environment, social and human capital, business model and innovation, and leadership and governance.

We also complete a Responsible Investment assessment as part of the broader investment process for our Liquid Credit business.

Sterling Group is a Principles for Responsible Investment (“PRI”) signatory. We believe a strong Responsible Investment proposition correlates with thorough risk assessment and leverages insights across the portfolio.

Responsible Investment within Sterling Group is characterized by an understanding of our investor needs and collaboration with other stakeholders within the asset management community. We factor in the needs of our private equity sponsors and what is most relevant for our investors. The breadth and scale of our portfolio of private equity-backed companies provide a unique perspective and engagement opportunities.

Lasting Value Across the Financial Ecosystem

At Sterling Group , Responsible Investment is grounded in our fiduciary duty to our investors, together with our mission to create lasting value for all our partners. We do that by fostering enduring and trusted relationships, viewing every transaction as a long-term investment, and taking principal risk alongside our investors on every deal.

Our approach is directly tied to what we view as our competitive advantages—scale, investment experience, and alignment.

The role we play within the broader financial ecosystem also is an essential aspect of our approach to Responsible Investment. That starts with our employees, who are dedicated to driving positive outcomes for our partners, including in our local communities, where we believe it is essential to unlock opportunities for all.

Our mission is only realized when we combine our fiduciary responsibility with an investment focus that takes a long-term view. This is what we’ve done for nearly 30 years and what we’ll continue to do for the next 30 and beyond.

Responsible Investment Policy & Report

Responsible Investment is integrated in our business and embedded in our identity as a leading provider of financing and investment solutions. In this Responsible Investment Report, we share what Responsible Investment looks like in practice at Sterling Group US.

We are happy to send a copy of our policy and/or report to your inbox.

”At Antares, Responsible Investment is a reflection of our values. We are committed to enhancing transparency, proactively preparing for evolving regulatory requirements, and driving long-term value for our investors and stakeholders.

”Emily Anderson

Managing Director, Head of Responsible Investment and Portfolio Originations

Principles for Responsible Investment

The PRI is a globally recognized organization that promotes Responsible Investment practices within the financial industry, including asset owners, investment managers, and service providers. Antares became a PRI signatory in 2021, and we completed our first PRI transparency reporting in 2024.

Corporate Citizenship

Our approach to Responsible Investment reflects the fact that as we assess our borrowers from a risk mitigation standpoint, we also have a responsibility to look at ourselves from a corporate citizenship perspective. Our position in the financial market influences how we think about our role as a corporate citizen.

At the corporate level, we leverage our relationships with our private equity sponsors and borrowers, sharing best practices related to Responsible Investment factors and linking efforts with stakeholders across our financial ecosystem. We have also begun developing our approach to climate-related issues, engaging with third-party experts to measure our own climate footprint as a firm and identify areas where we can start to translate collected data into relevant actions.

Further, we believe we have a responsibility to help drive positive social impact in our markets, unlocking opportunities for underrepresented talent. We address this through our We Build Community charitable giving strategy and REACH program.