Why APG is 'clamping down' on ESG data, while ramping up impact

APG Asset Management is one of the world's most influential investors in private markets, and a leader in the integration of sustainability and impact into its investment approach. It manages around €590 billion on behalf of Dutch public pension funds and has an ambitious €30 billion target for impact investments. In this discussion with Patrick Kanters, APG's chief investment officer, private markets, we  dig into a number of topics, including: How APG is reassessing its exposure to emerging markets; How its impact allocation requires it to rethink the risk curve, and what that means for its underwriting process; Why APG is trying to "clamp down" on the amount of ESG information it is asking for from its partners; How geopolitcal friction and a more deglobalised world is shaping its approach to private markets investment, and investment in defence. APG was among the winners of the New Private Markets Global Awards this year. It was named as Limited Partner of the Year (Impact) after making significant headway during 2025 in advancing its impact investment programme and contributing to the wider market. Note: APG Asset Management will be among the many allocators at New Private Markets' upcoming Impact Investor Global Summit on 19-20 May in London.