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🗞️ Driving the news: The European Union's recent survey hints at a potential expansion of the Sustainable Financial Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) to encompass all financial products, not just those labeled as environmentally friendly
🔭 The context: Initially introduced in 2018, the SFDR aimed to regulate the portrayal of sustainable products by fund managers, giving rise to what are now termed as environmental, social, and governance (ESG) funds
• The European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) was designed to complement the reporting obligations of the SFDR
• These regulations fall under the broader objective of dictating how businesses showcase their eco-friendly initiatives
🌍 Why it matters for the planet: With sustainability becoming a focal point, there's an escalating threat of "greenwashing" – where entities exaggerate their green initiatives for marketing gains
• The SFDR's current form and application have stirred concerns about it serving more as a branding tool rather than genuinely promoting transparency
⏭️ What's next: The European Commission is spearheading a consultation initiative to gather insights on the ESRS and appraise the SFDR's impact on businesses and funds and feedback from diverse stakeholders, including financial experts, NGOs, and investors, is being sought
• The window for input remains open till December 15, 2023
💬 One quote: The growing demand for sustainability in business and finance is double-edged, as it also amplifies the risk of using greenwashing as a promotional tactic (Jon McGowan, attorney)
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