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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The building blocks supporting open finance

Consultative Group to Assist the Poor (CGAP)
This working paper explores how open finance can drive financial inclusion by reducing costs, improving access, and providing better-suited products for underserved populations. Key building blocks—digital accounts, fast payments, and diverse financial providers—are essential for achieving open finance's potential, with case studies from Brazil and India highlighting successful implementation pathways.
Research
8 April 2024

ESG and executive remuneration in Europe

The report examines the integration of ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) metrics into executive compensation strategies within Europe's largest listed companies. It analyses how ESG targets influence remuneration policies and explores concerns regarding their effectiveness. The report also discusses policy implications, highlighting the need for stronger corporate culture shifts to ensure sustainable business practices.
Research
6 May 2024

A tool for developing credible transition plans: Public edition for asset owner pilot-testing

United Nations Environment Programme
This report provides asset owners with guidance for preparing and evaluating transition plans. It highlights key elements for credibility, outlines relevant frameworks, and offers recommendations for both preparers and users of transition plans, enhancing transparency and accountability in achieving net-zero goals.
Research
23 December 2023

Nature-related litigation: Emerging trends and lessons learned from climate-related litigation

Central Banks and Supervisors Network for Greening the Financial System
This report explores emerging trends in nature-related litigation, focusing on biodiversity, deforestation, ocean degradation, and plastic pollution. It highlights the legal risks for the financial sector and calls for increased monitoring. Lessons from climate-related litigation are applied to nature protection strategies, impacting regulatory and corporate practices.
Research
3 July 2024

Climate-related litigation: recent trends and developments

Central Banks and Supervisors Network for Greening the Financial System
The report highlights the growing volume and diversity of climate-related litigation. It outlines legal trends targeting financial and non-financial institutions and governments, with significant implications for financial risks and reputational damage. The report emphasises the potential increase in litigation tied to climate disclosure laws, greenwashing, and corporate responsibilities.

Research
1 September 2023

The effect of pricing instruments on CO2 emissions: Empirical evidence from Australia

The World Bank
The report evaluates Australia's short-lived carbon tax and renewable energy policies. It finds a 7% per capita emissions reduction from 2009 to 2018, with effects weakening after policy repeal. Coal exports increased during this period, potentially offsetting domestic emission reductions.
Research
24 June 2024

The demand for a fair international financial architecture

UN University Centre for Policy Research (UNU-CPR)
The report explores the Global South's calls for reforming the international financial system. It highlights six key outcomes: improved representation, faster response times, increased funding scale, sustainable financing, enhanced global solidarity, and fostering economic self-reliance. The report underscores the urgency of reforming global financial institutions to address disparities.
Research
18 April 2024

Good Jobs First's violation tracker

Good Jobs First
Violation Tracker is a comprehensive database that tracks corporate misconduct in the United States and United Kingdom. It provides insights into violations, fines, and settlements across various sectors, helping finance professionals assess risks associated with corporate behaviour. This tool enhances transparency and accountability in corporate governance and compliance.
Online tool/database

Finternet: the financial system for the future

Bank for International Settlements
The report outlines a vision of interconnected financial ecosystems powered by digital innovation. By leveraging technologies like tokenisation and unified ledgers, it aims to create a user-centric, inclusive financial system that lowers costs, improves access, and increases efficiency globally.
Research
16 April 2024

Guide for adaptation and resilience finance

Standard Chartered
The guide outlines strategies for mobilising private capital into climate adaptation projects in emerging markets. It provides investment criteria, eligible activities, and guidance on reducing climate risks. The guide aims to standardise financing processes for resilience across global financial systems.
Research
30 April 2024

Insurance-associated emissions: Top tips for finance teams of insurers and reinsurers

Accounting for Sustainability (A4S)
This report provides finance teams in the insurance industry with practical guidance on calculating insurance-associated emissions. It outlines the PCAF Standard, emphasises the importance of establishing an emissions baseline, and offers actionable steps for leveraging data, improving processes, and supporting decarbonisation.
Research
9 April 2024

A director’s guide to mandatory climate reporting

MinterEllison
This guide covers Australia’s mandatory climate reporting, requiring large entities to disclose climate risks and opportunities from January 2025. It provides directors with practical steps for compliance, focusing on governance, strategy, and risk management, and encourages proactive engagement to build long-term organisational resilience.
Research
26 September 2024

Securing minerals for the energy transition: Unlocking the value chain through policy, investment and innovation

World Economic Forum
The report highlights the need for collaboration and innovation to secure a stable supply of critical minerals. These minerals are essential for the energy transition but face supply-demand imbalances. The report discusses financial and regulatory barriers and outlines solutions involving policy initiatives, stakeholder partnerships, and investment to ensure a sustainable, affordable, and available supply of critical minerals for clean energy technologies.
Research
23 September 2024

Climate Change Laws of the World tool

Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment
The Climate Change Laws of the World tool offers a comprehensive database of climate legislation and policies from across the globe. It provides finance professionals with access to legal frameworks and regulations that impact investment decisions, promoting informed, sustainable finance practices in alignment with climate-related goals.
Online tool/database

Pension fund trustees and fiduciary duties: Decision-making in the context of sustainability and the subject of climate change

The report discusses the legal duties of pension fund trustees, especially in the context of sustainability and climate change. It highlights how trustees must balance financial risks and returns while incorporating long-term sustainability. The paper provides guidance for trustees to navigate fiduciary duties, including the implications of climate-related factors on investment decisions.
Research
6 February 2024

The finfluencer appeal: Investing in the age of social media

CFA Institute
The report titled examines the role of financial influencers ("finfluencers") in shaping investment decisions, especially among Gen-Z investors. It highlights the regulatory challenges posed by finfluencers, explores their content's appeal to younger audiences, and provides recommendations for enhancing financial literacy and regulatory frameworks.
Research
23 January 2024
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