On the 30 June 2025, the European Securities and Markets Authority (“ESMA”) published its final report on the 2023–2024 Common Supervisory Action (“CSA”) on the integration of sustainability risks and disclosures. This...more
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
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
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
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
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
In this month’s round-up of the latest developments in ESG for UK clients, we cover: New ESMA guidelines to use ESG or sustainability-related fund names FCA publishes new guidance on the anti-greenwashing rule, to come into...more
On 31 May 2024, a new anti-greenwashing rule is being introduced by the Financial Conduct Authority (the “FCA”) as part of its Sustainability Disclosure Requirements (“SDR”). We cover here the introduction of the FCA’s...more
On 14 May 2024, the European Securities and Markets Authority ("ESMA") published its final report on "Guidelines on funds’ names using ESG or sustainability-related terms" (the "Guidelines"). The Guidelines aim to provide...more
Amid a rise of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) investing and initiatives, the European Union and United Kingdom have set their sights on efforts to combat greenwashing in the financial sector. Regulations...more
On November 28, 2023, the UK's Financial Conduct Authority ("FCA") published its long-awaited final rules and guidance on Sustainability Disclosure Requirements ("SDR") and investment labels. According to the FCA, it intends...more
In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in green products and the promotion of sustainable objectives across the financial services industry. For example, we have seen much discussion of green loans, green...more
In our previous alert, The Sustainability Disclosure Requirements and Investment Labels Rules: Tougher ESG Standards for UK Private Fund Managers, we discussed the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) October 2022 consultation...more
On September 14, 2023, the European Commission launched two consultations on the implementation of the Sustainable Finance Disclosures Regulation ("SFDR"): One targeted at public bodies and expert stakeholders, and one aimed...more
On 14 September 2023, the European Commission published a targeted consultation and a public consultation on the implementation of Regulation (“EU”) 2019/2088 on sustainability-related disclosures in the financial services...more
The UK’s financial services regulator, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), has delayed the release of its policy statement setting out the final rules of the Sustainability Disclosure Requirements (SDRs), leaving asset...more
The European Commission has published two consultation papers that seek views on the fundamental features and effectiveness of the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR). The purpose of both the targeted and the...more
Both opportunities and challenges have arisen for the asset management industry as a result of the rapid introduction of UK and EU sustainable finance regulation in recent years. The new requirements have been heightened in...more
There are useful takeaways for EU and non-EU firms arising from the European Supervisory Authorities’ (ESA) latest thinking on greenwashing. In June 2023, the ESAs issued progress reports examining greenwashing risks and...more
Over the last few months, the European Commission and the European Supervisory Authorities (“ESAs”) have published a number of press releases and reports that aim to clarify and provide further updates on concepts used within...more
On 1 June 2023, the three European Supervisory Authorities (the “ESAs”) published their respective progress reports (ESMA, EBA and EIOPA) in response to a request for their input from the European Commission (the...more
The European Commission ("Commission") is relentless in its fight against Greenwashing and the misrepresentation of sustainability impacts or benefits of a company’s products or actions. Following the global ESG trend and the...more
On 20 February 2023, the European Securities and Markets Authority’s (“ESMA”) consultation paper (ESMA34-472-373) “Guidelines on funds’ names using ESG or sustainability-related terms” (the “Consultation”) closed to comments....more