ESG

Australia's House of Representatives has recently passed the Treasury Laws Amendment (Financial Market Infrastructure and Other Measures) Bill 2024, marking a pivotal step in both climate and financial market reforms. This significant piece of legislation introduces mandatory climate-related financial reporting for large and medium-sized companies and establishes the Net Zero Economy Authority to steer Australia towards its climate goals.

A new report sheds light on the crucial role that Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) ratings and data products are playing in shaping financial markets. The study, which analyzes the impact and regulation of ESG ratings, reveals how these tools are becoming instrumental in driving business efficiency, informing decision-makers, and allocating capital towards sustainable initiatives.

With the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) looming like a back-to-school deadline, KPMG’s latest findings reveal who’s ready for the ESG exam—and who might be cramming at the last minute. The stakes are high, as companies not only face the pressure of ticking all the regulatory boxes but also the challenge of proving to increasingly discerning stakeholders that their sustainability efforts are more than just hot air. Those who are prepared are stepping up to the podium, while the less prepared scramble to catch up, knowing that in this high-stakes game, there’s no room for half-measures or last-minute cramming.

The Australian Senate recently passed a groundbreaking bill mandating climate-related financial disclosures for large and medium-sized companies. This legislation marks a significant milestone in Australia's journey towards establishing a comprehensive climate risk disclosure framework.

The latest annual benchmark study on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) policies and compliance conducted by Corporate Counsel in partnership with Morrison Foerster has revealed several notable trends in how organizations and their legal departments are approaching ESG.

The Securities and Exchange Commission is firmly asserting its authority to require public companies to disclose information about their climate-related risks and greenhouse gas emissions.

The European Commission has published a comprehensive set of frequently asked questions (FAQs) on August 7, 2024. This initiative aims to provide clarity and reduce administrative burdens for companies navigating the complex landscape of sustainability reporting requirements.