Global | Publication | February 2024
Environmental, Social and Governance-related (ESG) matters are high on the global agenda with a focus not only on climate change, but also on wider environmental issues, such as, diversity and inclusion. Our monthly updaters track ESG regulatory developments from UK, US, EU, French and global regulators.
September-October 2024:
In this month’s updater we discuss key issues for fund managers in Let's talk asset management Episode 5 - Updated Q&As on SFDR, DESNZ note on extending the UK ETS first Free Allocation period to 2026, DNB Working Paper: Green transition in the Euro area - Domestic and Global Factors and Vanguard ordered to pay $12.9 million penalty for greenwashing.
Read our September 2024 updater
August-September 2024:
In this month’s updater we discuss 'Climate adaptation: What steps should financial institutions be taking now?', updated Q&As on SFDR: Key issues for fund managers in the new Global Regulation Tomorrow Plus podcast, FAQs on the implementation of the EU corporate sustainability reporting rules and mandatory climate reporting Bill passes the Senate.
July-August 2024:
In this month’s updater we discuss the future of the SFDR, a new briefing note on the FRC Plan 2024-2025 – which considers the enforcement aspects of the plan, the AMF findings of three supervisory initiatives on sustainable finance, the SEC’s upcoming rulemaking agenda, the ACC’s draft guidance “Sustainability collaborations and Australian competition law” and an information note published by NGFS on “Improving Greenhouse Gas Emissions Data”.
May-June 2024:
In this edition, we discuss the finalised non-Handbook guidance (FG24/3) published by the FCA on the anti-greenwashing rule, 10 things to know about the EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, the opening of the first round of public consultation regarding the development of an Australian Sustainable Finance Taxonomy and the cover report and two technical documents published by the NGFS on Sustainable and Responsible Investment for Central Banks.
April-May 2024:
In this month's edition, we discuss the FCA's recently published finalised guidance on the anti-greenwashing rule, the European Commission’s Progress Report on Sustainable Finance’s Monitoring Capital Flows to Sustainable Investments and an Order issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission staying its climate reporting rules for public companies.
February-April 2024:
In this edition, we discuss the US Securities and Exchange Commission's climate-related disclosure rules; the Transition Plan Taskforce's mandate extension to support the Transition Finance Market Review; the House of Commons Treasury Committee report published as part of its current inquiry into Sexism in the City; the European Banking Authority issuing consultation on draft guidelines on the management of ESG risks; ASIC first greenwashing penalty proceeding; and the Network for Greening the Financial System technical document providing guidance on the purpose and use of the NGFS scenarios.
January 2024:
In this month's edition, we discuss: The FCA's newly established industry-led working group for financial advisers focused on building capability in sustainable finance across the financial advice sector. The California Climate Emissions and Carbon Offset Disclosure Laws. The Australian Treasury's climate-related financial disclosure: draft exposure legislation.
November/December 2023:
In our November / December updater we discuss the development of Australian Sustainability, Reporting Standards, The FCA's final rules and guidance on SDR and investment labels and the FCA's proposed new guidance on the anti-greenwashing rule.
Read our November/December 2023 updater
October 2023:
Some of the highlights in this month’s updater include the Transition Plan Taskforce's publication of the final version of its Disclosure Framework; the recently launched consultations by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority setting out their proposals to introduce a new regulatory framework on diversity and inclusion in the financial sector; and the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures recommendations published in September.
August 2023:
This month, we discuss the European Commission's adoption of the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS), the interim report on Climate Resilience Dialogue and provide an updated timeline setting out key ESG milestones in the UK and EU from a financial services regulatory perspective.
July 2023:
In this months' updater we discuss the European Securities and Markets Authority Call for Evidence on the integration of sustainability preferences in the suitability assessment and product governance arrangements and the publishing of the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) inaugural standards and ClientEarth's recent attempt to judicially review a decision of the Financial Conduct Authority to approve the prospectus of a UK oil and gas company, Ithaca Energy plc.
June 2023:
Highlights from June's updater include an overview of The European Commission's sustainable finance package and the ESAs Progress Reports on greenwashing in the financial sector.
Publication
The Federal Court of Appeal recently issued a decision that may bolster the case for pre-placement and random alcohol and drug testing for workers in safety-critical roles.
Publication
Public Safety Canada first published guidance in December 2023 to assist organizations in complying with the requirements of Canada’s new modern slavery legislation The guidance was updated in March 2024.
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