Goldman Sachs Launches ESG-Focused Emerging Markets Bond ETF

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Goldman Sachs Asset Management (GSAM) has launched the Goldman Sachs Emerging Markets Green and Social Bond Active UCITS ETF (GEMS), expanding its commitment to sustainable investing. This new fund offers active exposure to corporate and sovereign bonds in emerging markets, where proceeds are allocated specifically toward environmental and social initiatives.

The GEMS ETF integrates ESG (environmental, social, and governance) screening with robust emerging market credit analysis, aiming to identify high-impact fixed income opportunities. It is listed on key European exchanges, including the London Stock Exchange, Borsa Italiana, Deutsche Börse, and SIX Swiss Exchange, and carries a total expense ratio of 0.55%.

This launch strengthens Goldman Sachs’ position as a leading provider of active green bond strategies. The ETF is part of GSAM’s broader sustainable investment push, following recent introductions of fixed income and equity active ETFs in the EMEA region. With GEMS, Goldman now manages 59 ETF strategies globally, overseeing over $40 billion in assets as of April 2025.

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By focusing on emerging markets, the fund taps into a segment with significant growth potential that is often underrepresented in traditional portfolios. It reflects the increasing demand from institutional investors for ESG-integrated strategies that combine environmental and social impact with solid financial performance.

The investment process emphasizes thorough evaluation of how bond proceeds are used and assesses issuers’ ESG practices alongside financial fundamentals. This dual analysis supports a more informed and impact-oriented approach to fixed income investing in regions where capital can drive meaningful change.

The GEMS ETF adds to the growing range of tools available to investors seeking diversified, active, and responsible exposure in global bond markets, while aligning portfolios with sustainability objectives in some of the world’s fastest-growing economies.