Latest figures from CDP show that last year, 85% of financial institutions had utilized environmental, social and governance (ESG) ratings to seek out climate-related opportunities, collectively managing more than $4 trillion in assets. These institutions credited these ratings for significant financial gains, calling attention to the crucial role ESG ratings play in their operational strategies.
This comes as regulators around the globe focus on ensuring the transparency and reliability of ESG data products.
The International Organization of Securities Commissions recently rolled out a framework that champions for improved transparency, management of conflicts of interest and better oversight.
Pietro Bertazzi, CDP’s director of policy and external affairs, underscored the necessity of strong regulatory mechanisms. He stated that interoperable policies were important for this market as ESG data products and ratings were cross-border evaluations, often consumed by users globally and carried out by providers operating in different locations. He explained that it was important that the right checks and balances were set up to address risks while ensuring the allocation of capital was impactful and efficient to achieve goals of environmental agendas globally.
Experts have also observed huge advancements in regulatory practices across jurisdictions such as the European Union (EU), India, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan. Each of these countries has customized their regulatory frameworks to align with regulations introduced by the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO). This includes different approaches in defining what makes up an ESG data product or rating, which demonstrates a need for standardized definitions to improve alignment to policies while preventing confusion in the market.
The report also discussed the developments and challenges in the regulatory landscape, calling attention to the significant increase in ESG rating use. It found that 94% of investors used these tools every month to minimize impact to the environment while guiding investment strategies.
The EU has already instituted strict transparency requirements that overshadow suggestions made by the IOSCO, calling for adherence to global agreements, increased use of artificial intelligence (AI) and the need for disclosures to have scientific backing. Japan has also introduced requirements that separate consulting services from rating activities.
The need for a consolidated regulatory framework becomes more obvious as the demand for interoperability among rules increases.
Experts note that integration would likely enhance transparency and decrease compliance costs, among other things.
Currently, the growing ESG landscape presents both opportunities and challenges for sustainable investment, with international alignment playing a significant role in promoting a strong regulatory environment.
It isn’t only banks that are showing an increasing interest in ESG. Companies in a wide array industries, such as Energy and Water Development Corp. (OTCQB: EAWD), are beginning to integrate ESG principles in what they do, so that they can tap the advantages that come with espousing these practices.
NOTE TO INVESTORS: The latest news and updates relating to Energy and Water Development Corp. (OTCQB: EAWD) are available in the company’s newsroom at https://ibn.fm/EAWD
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