Library | ESG issues
Law, Regulation & Compliance
The evolving legal and regulatory landscape financial organisations regarding Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations comprises both voluntary frameworks and mandatory regulations. Voluntary initiatives, such as the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), provide guidelines for companies to disclose climate-related financial risks and opportunities. In contrast, mandatory regulations like the European Union’s Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) require financial market participants to disclose how they integrate ESG factors into their investment decisions.
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Guidance for voluntary climate change mitigation
This guidance outlines expectations for voluntary climate change mitigation in New Zealand. It details six core principles for high-integrity carbon credits, including additionality and permanence. It distinguishes between contribution and exclusive-use claims and clarifies the role of the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme and Nationally Determined Contributions.
Assessing digital traceability systems for critical mineral value chains: Aligning upstream and downstream agendas
This report assesses digital traceability systems for critical raw materials, evaluating their architecture, feasibility, and impact. It emphasises aligning downstream regulatory demands with upstream producer realities, recommending that traceability should support due diligence and inclusion—particularly for artisanal mining—rather than serving as a standalone compliance burden.
Legal liability vs. proportional representation: What works in improving poor investor protection?
This research evaluates Korean governance reforms, comparing director legal liability with proportional representation. Findings indicate that markets react positively to increased director liability, especially for undervalued firms. Conversely, mandated proportional representation triggers negative reactions, as investors fear boardroom conflicts may hinder strategic decision-making and reduce board cohesion.
Advancing competition for financial inclusion: Six policy considerations for financial sector authorities
This report provides six policy considerations for financial sector authorities to promote competition and advance financial inclusion. Drawing on eight country case studies, it explains how regulators can use existing mandates, coordinate across sectors, and leverage infrastructure design to address market concentration and support digital financial innovation.
Solutions to protect consumers from fraud in digital finance
Curating 56 successful fraud protection solutions, this report details strategies across intelligence sharing, telecom security, and biometrics. It highlights how AI-driven oversight and multi-sector collaboration, such as Malaysia's NSRC and UK's reimbursement rules, can reduce losses and restore consumer trust in digital financial ecosystems.
Employment in the circular economy: Leveraging circularity to create decent work
This report provides a global baseline for circular economy employment, estimating that 121 to 142 million people work in the sector. Produced by Circle Economy, the ILO, and World Bank Group, it highlights the prevalence of informal work and the need for policies ensuring a just, inclusive transition.
Annual sustainable investment asset owner survey series
This benchmark series examines global asset owner attitudes and approaches to sustainable investment. It tracks adoption levels, thematic priorities, and perceived barriers across diverse regions and asset classes. The research provides factual insights into how sustainability factors are integrated into core investment practices, aiding portfolio construction and risk management.
Limited impacts of shareholder pressure on climate strategy of fossil firms
This research examines shareholder pressure on US fossil fuel firms’ climate strategies. Using NLP to analyse 10-K filings and SEC regulatory changes, it finds limited impact on substantive reforms. Firms often employ symbolic disclosures or procedural tactics to resist decarbonisation, suggesting that mandatory policy is required for transition.
Reconsidering supply chains and industrial policy from the economic security perspective
This report analyses supply chain resilience and industrial policy through the lens of economic security. It evaluates market failures in supply chain investment, examines cases of Chinese economic coercion, and assesses Japanese semiconductor subsidies for TSMC and Rapidus, emphasizing the roles of diversification, existing industrial clusters, and international research collaboration.
AI systems at work: A changing psychosocial work environment
This International Labour Organization report examines the psychosocial risks of AI systems in workplaces. It identifies how algorithmic management and advanced robotics impact mental health, autonomy, and privacy. The paper advocates for integrated regulatory frameworks across labour law and safety standards to protect workers from emerging digital hazards.
NGFS 2026 Nature Package
The NGFS 2026 Nature Package offers central banks and supervisors practical tools to integrate nature-related risks into financial stability assessments and macroeconomic modelling.
The green central banking scorecard series
The Green Central Banking Scorecard is a benchmark series that ranks G20 central banks and financial regulators on their progress in integrating environmental considerations into their operations. It assesses institutions across research and advocacy, monetary policy, financial policy, and leading by example categories to encourage a just green transition.
Legal opinion on enabling impact investing
This legal opinion examines how the Trusts Act 2019 enables New Zealand trustees to engage in impact investing. It reframes fiduciary duties, addresses perceived barriers like SIPO wording, and provides practical realities for organisations seeking to align capital investments with charitable purposes while generating financial returns.
Oil market report series
This monthly series provides a comprehensive analysis of global oil market fundamentals, including supply, demand, refinery throughputs, and price developments. Produced by the International Energy Agency, it offers detailed data and forecasts to support evidence-based decision-making. This document is part of a benchmark series.
Empowering consumers as partners in sustainability: Case studies on financial regulation and implementation
This report by Fair Finance Asia examines financial regulation through case studies in Thailand, Pakistan, Indonesia, and Cambodia. It highlights systemic gaps in consumer protection, cybersecurity, gender-responsive inclusion, and ESG accountability. Recommendations are provided for regulators and banks to strengthen consumer engagement and promote sustainable finance practices across Asia.
Off the books: Practical guidance for business
This report provides practical guidance for Australian businesses to identify and address migrant worker exploitation. Based on a survey of 9,963 temporary visa holders, it highlights risks like ABN misclassification, casual employment, night shifts, and misleading payslips. It offers due diligence tips and remediation steps to ensure compliance.
