Whilst not unexpected, the long-awaited review of the EU Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR), originally scheduled for Q4 2025, is now likely to be delayed to Q1 2026. This follows the public and targeted...more
In recent weeks, EU regulators have issued several updates clearly indicating that, while the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) remains subject to review and likely substantial revision at the end of 2025,...more
The funds industry continues to wait for regulators and legislators to review and fix the multiple flaws in the existing SFDR regime. In the meantime, in July 2023, ESMA launched a “common supervisory action” ("CSA”)...more
With ESG regulation now well embedded across all major jurisdictions, the trend we see for 2025 is about increasingly sophisticated triangulation by private fund managers between the regimes that apply by default (such as...more
The Platform on Sustainable Finance has published its report on categorisation of products under SFDR ahead of the European Commission's proposal for review of the SFDR, expected in Q4 2025. ESMA released new Q&As...more
Within the investment industry, sustainability is an area that has evolved significantly over the past few years. For infrastructure funds, the regulatory environment and regional differences have created a complex landscape...more
The briefing contains a mapping exercise and analysis of the approach taken by the European Supervisory Authorities and the U.K.’s Financial Conduct Authority to address risks or concerns relating to such greenwashing. The...more
2024 was set to be the year of review for the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR). A number of different approaches have been suggested by the European Commission, national competent authorities and other...more
In the EU, the new year brings on the one hand hope for relief regarding ESG reporting and disclosure obligations (I. below). On the other hand, the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) will create new burdens for many...more
In der EU lässt das neue Jahr einerseits auf Entlastungen bei den ESG-Berichterstattungs- und Offenlegungspflichten hoffen (unten I.). Andererseits wird die EU-Entwaldungsverordnung (EUDR) für viele Unternehmen neuen Aufwand...more
Following the turn of the new year, our UK Regulatory specialists have examined the key regulatory developments in 2025 impacting a range of UK and European firms within the financial services sector. The key dates have been...more
On 19 November 2024, the Council of the European Union formally adopted the new ESG Ratings Regulation (the “Regulation”), following a proposal from the European Commission on 13 June 2023 and an agreement with the European...more
On 15 October 2024, the Luxembourg Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (the “CSSF”) imposed a fine of EUR 56,500 against a fund manager, Aviva Investors Luxembourg S.A. (the “Manager”), with regards to the...more
Over the past few years, there has been a sharp increase in funds using environmental, social, governance (“ESG”), sustainability, impact or sustainable development goals (“SDG”) references in fund names. With this has come...more
The recent ESMA Final Report on the Guidelines for funds’ names using ESG or sustainability-related terms (the “Guidelines”) marks a critical moment for asset managers. These Guidelines aim to clarify when the use of ESG or...more
Welcome to the Regulation Round Up, a regular bulletin highlighting the latest developments in UK and EU financial services regulation....more
Climate change disclosures have recently become mandatory in Japan, following amendments to the Financial Instruments Exchange Act (FIEA) and the Cabinet Office Order on Disclosure on Corporate Affairs. These require...more
An accelerating focus on doing business responsibly will force changes to wide-ranging aspects of business operations and strategy - Societal expectations of businesses have shifted fundamentally over the past five years....more
The European Union (EU) Commission has published a draft set of frequently asked questions (FAQs) on the interpretation of certain provisions of the EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and the first set of...more
Although we might have expected a complete lull over the Summer, there has still been activity in the ESG regulatory world. In the UK, we have seen a continuation of the work on the sustainable disclosure requirements regime...more
Due to the increased importance of sustainability, environmental protection and social factors in recent years, the luxury industry has found itself at a crossroads of tradition and transformation. Once characterized...more
On 24 July 2024, the European Securities and Markets Authority ("ESMA") published an opinion on the sustainable finance regulatory framework (the "ESMA Opinion"), which outlines the ESMA's long-term vision for the functioning...more
The first half of 2024 has been a bumper year for European Collateralized Loan Obligations and a mix of market and legislative catalysts could push the second half into record-breaking territory The European Collateralized...more
Key topics in Akin’s July 2024 Sustainability/ESG Policy and Regulatory Update include: Updated Assessment of SFDR by EU Regulators: The European Supervisory Authorities have proposed changes to the Sustainable Finance...more