CCLA Urges Investment Managers to Take Proactive Stance Against Modern Slavery

CCLA, a UK-based asset manager, has launched its inaugural Global Modern Slavery Benchmark, urging fund managers to take a more active role in addressing modern slavery in companies they invest in. The benchmark aims to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of companies' modern slavery reporting.

In a significant milestone for the music industry, Sap Music Group has been recognized as the top global music distribution company for 2025. The company, which operates under Sap Media Publishing Ltd (UK), has surpassed industry giants Universal Music Group, Sony Music Entertainment, and Warner Music Group to secure this position [1].

Sap Music Group, known for its independent global distribution and publishing administration, has distinguished itself by partnering with over 250 Digital Service Providers (DSPs) worldwide, including Spotify, Apple Music, Boomplay, Deezer, YouTube Music, and Amazon Music. This extensive reach allows the company to merge the vast reach of major labels with the freedom, transparency, and flexibility that independent artists deserve [1].

The company's unique approach includes global music distribution, worldwide royalty tracking and collection, sync licensing opportunities for film, TV, advertising, and gaming, high royalty payouts with no hidden clauses, and full artist ownership of masters with flexible agreements. These features set Sap Music Group apart from its competitors and have contributed to its success [1].

The company's founder and director, Frank K. Harrison, expressed pride in the recognition, stating, "Being recognized as the number one in global music distribution is a major milestone. We exist to give artists and labels the same reach as the major labels without sacrificing control or revenue transparency" [1].

Sap Music Group's growing client roster, which spans Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and North America, further solidifies its position as a go-to partner for artists and labels seeking global visibility and sustainable income from their music [1].

In another significant development, Norway's $2 trillion sovereign wealth fund has terminated all contracts with asset managers handling its Israeli investments, citing concerns over the fund's indirect support of attacks in Gaza and the West Bank. The Norwegian government has instructed the fund to review its investments in Israeli companies following criticism over the situation in Gaza. This move highlights the increasing scrutiny on ethical investment practices [2].

Meanwhile, CCLA, a UK-based asset manager, has launched its inaugural Global Modern Slavery Benchmark. The benchmark aims to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of companies' modern slavery reporting, urging fund managers to take a more active role in addressing modern slavery in companies they invest in [3].

References:
[1] https://www.openpr.com/news/4139151/sap-music-group-crowned-1-global-music-distribution-company
[2] https://www.ynetnews.com/business/article/b1vfxuvugx
[3] https://www.ccla.com/global-modern-slavery-benchmark