Responsible Investments

MetLife is committed to delivering long- term value for all our stakeholders as we navigate a time of unprecedented change together. MIM has a long history of responsible investment asset origination and sourcing capabilities. We define responsible investments as those that achieve both a market financial return and promote social and/or environmental benefits.

MIM sources responsible investments for MetLife’s general account and our unaffiliated institutional client portfolios, focused on the following core areas:

• Green Investments²
• Infrastructure 
• Municipal Bonds³
• Affordable Housing
• Impact Investments⁴ 

2030 CLIMATE GOALS

Infrastructure Investments

MIM originates investments in infrastructure projects that create jobs and economic benefits. These could include building or upgrading airports, ports, roads, pipelines, transmission lines and power generation— including wind and solar projects. 

The Port of Rotterdam is one of the largest ports in Europe⁷ and the 10th largest globally⁸ by volumes traded. The Port of Rotterdam Authority manages and operates the port and is publicly owned by the Dutch Government (29.2%) and by the Municipality of Rotterdam (70.8%) as a long-term, strategic investment. As a major local employer with an increasing focus on low carbon energy transition, the 2021 MIM-originated and -managed investment will contribute to building a sustainable port and industry. The Port of Rotterdam Authority’s strategy to become carbon neutral by 2050 consists of three consecutive steps: 

1) Increasing efficiency through the supply and re-use of surplus energy and the development of carbon capture and storage projects; 

2) Investing in electrification and hydrogen to incentivize the use of green energy by businesses at the port; and 

3) Evolving into a hub for green energy, hydrogen and biofuels. 

Green Investments

MIM sources investments in companies and projects that are focused on the conservation of natural resources, the production and discovery of alternative energy sources, the implementation of clean air and water projects, and other environmentally conscious business practices. Learn more about our green investments, including our nearly $200 million public-private partnership for flood resilience in the U.S. (structured by the Red River Valley Alliance) and our global achievements in green building certifications and energy efficiency. 

Municipal Bonds⁹

Municipal bond investments support infrastructure, education and community services, spanning approximately 300 municipalities in 44 states and Washington, D.C. Learn more about how we support capital expenditures for a range of projects from investments in LEED Gold college campus renovations to bonds that fund grant-making capacity for global public health and sustainable energy programs. 

Affordable Housing Investments¹⁰

MIM manages investments in high-quality housing projects that build financial health and bring tangible benefits to communities. For example, MIM’s U.K. Social Housing investments involve social housing providers in the U.K. and overseas territories through investments in nonprofit organizations that provide rental homes at below-market rents to low-income earners, including teachers, nurses, council workers, and the elderly and infirm.

MetLife Corporate Treasury made a $25 million investment in the Drexel Hamilton share class of the Goldman Sachs Government Money Market Fund, VETXX. Drexel Hamilton is a service-disabled, veteran-owned and -operated broker-dealer founded on the principle of offering meaningful employment to disabled veterans.

MetLife’s support furthers Drexel Hamilton’s mission of hiring, training and mentoring military veterans for a career in financial services. The investment has helped Drexel Hamilton grow its business and hire eight veterans over the past year, all of whom are women, minority and/or service-disabled. Drexel Hamilton supported 25 nonprofit organizations over the past year, the majority serving military veteran initiatives. 

Impact Investments¹¹

MetLife and MIM have been in the impact investment market for over 35 years. Our impact investments are originated with the intent to generate positive societal benefits in the markets where we live and work, creating value for communities and catalyzing inclusion and equity. These investments include projects that aim to mitigate climate change, help expand racial equity, support women to become financially independent and expand financial health services to the under- and unbanked through credit unions and community-based organizations. 

MetLife funded $10 million to The New York Forward Loan Fund in 2021. With other lenders and backing from the State of New York, the fund made 1,700 small business loans to support organizations throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Approximately 90% of the loans have gone to small businesses, nonprofits or small property owners with 10 or fewer employees and under $1 million in annual revenues. The Fund exceeded its goal to lend at least 60% of funds to minority- and women-owned businesses.