Editor’s pick
RIMM Tool Provides ESG Missing Link, Says Outspoken Expert Beslik
Sasja Beslik is an unusual figure within the ESG ecosystem. The newly appointed senior adviser to RIMM, a sustainability data and tech provider, is passionate about getting ESG right within the investment industry. But he is critical – to the point of damning – of the way it’s currently being managed. “The entire purpose with...
Top Blogs
Webinar Review: Net-Zero Goals Face Data Challenge but Offer Hope
Decarbonising the atmosphere is the most ambitious target that’s been set to limit rising global temperatures to within the levels set by the Paris climate agreement. But putting in train the processes that can achieve that target is proving difficult. The financial system will be key to finding the resources to bring that change. But...
Are We Paralysing CSOs Through ESG Metric Overload?
AI ethics analyst Tess Buckley examines how new technology can be applied to streamline ESG regulatory compliance. The overwhelming number of ESG disclosures unnecessarily burdens Chief Sustainability Officers (CSOs), potentially hindering their pursuit of meaningful change. We believe this causes paralysis of ESG changes that stems from a need for more regulation and standardisation in...
ESG Ratings Regulation Proposal Questioned Over Green Deal Alignment
An EU proposal to regulate ESG rating agencies has been criticised for failing to align with the bloc’s broader green finance laws. While the European Commission’s (EC) proposed regulation has been widely welcomed, critics including the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA) say several shortcomings would render it ineffective. An ESG ratings experts...
Latest briefs
EU Considers Rewriting Sustainability Categorisations for Financial Products
The European Commission is reviewing parts of its flagship regulation covering financial institutions’ ESG performance reporting. In a consultation questionnaire on the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) market participants are queried on the way sustainability products are categorised. This follows complains that the designation of products as Article 6, 8 or 9 – indicating increasing…
CDP Urges G20 to Back Nature Disclosures
Nature-related impact disclosures should be made mandatory for financial institutions and companies, CDP has urged on the eve of a meeting of the world’s 20 richest countries and trading blocs. The disclosure organisation warned the G20 that without such data, greenwashing could remain a challenge and that biodiversity would suffer.
ESG Book Chosen to Support Data Project in Asia
ESG Book will provide data to an Asian-based project to address gaps in the sustainability data record. ESG Book, a open data initiative led by vendor Arabesque and backed by a dozen major banks, will be among providers of information to the Sustainable Finance Institute Asia’s (SFIA) Single Access Point for ESG Data (SAFE) initiative….
MSCI and Google to Harness Generative AI in ESG Data Offering
MSCI and Google Cloud are to jointly create generative AI solutions in an expansion of a collaborative effort to build a data marketplace for ESG investors. MSCI intends to offer the technology driven by Google Cloud’s Vertex AI, along with its climate tools BigQuery Geospatial and Earth Engine.
Executives Planning to Substantially Increase ESG Data Spend
ESG data demand is on the rise among portfolio managers, with the vast majority planning to substantially increase spending on the resource, according to a Bloomberg survey. The financial data giant’s ESG Data Acquisition and Management Survey of more than 100 managers and executives found that 92 per cent would boost spending on ESG data…
Europe Adopts Reporting Standards for CSRD Disclosures
The European Commission has given assent to its own set of guidelines for the estimated 50,000 companies that will be required to report their ESG performance data under the Corporate Sustainable Reporting Directive (CSRD). The European Sustainability Reporting Directive considers frameworks established by the International Sustainability Standards Board and GRI and will be applicable when…
Auditing Body Releases ESG Data Assurance Proposal
The global auditing standards setter, the International Auditing and Assurance Standards Board (IAASB), has released its proposals for ISSA 5000, which will cover the validation of ESG data. As the IAASB explained to ESG Insight last week, the standard – if adopted – is hoped to harmonise the way ESG data is verified by auditors.
ISS ESG to Update Cyber Risk Score Model
ISS ESG is to tweak the model behind its recently launched Cyber Risk Score to make it easier to identify “good” and “bad” scores. “The ability for this model to differentiate ‘goods’ from ‘bads’ by discerning forward-looking risk, is a key differentiator in the market,” the company said. The new version, 5.0, also updates its…
GLEIF Signals Intent to Join Global Project Designed to Digitise ESG Credentials of MSMEs
The Global Legal Entity Identifier Foundation (GLEIF), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), and Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) have signed a statement of intent to embark on a collaborative initiative to develop digital Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) credentials for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) worldwide. The initiative, Project Savannah, hopes to lower the…
Sphera Launches Cloud-Based AI Climate Risk Tool
Investor clients of ESG risk management software provider Sphera can access the company’s new SpheraCloud Corporate Sustainability-Portfolio Management service. The product offers financed emissions and portfolio emissions data, using AI.
Finastra Unveils Bank Climate Sandbox with Green RWA
FinTech Finastra has partnered with Green RWA to create a tool that enables banks manage climate risks, including those facing their assets. The Climate-Extended Risk Model (CERM) Sandbox calculates physical and transition risks to its portfolio and loan book as well as its own operations.
JPMorgan Launches Platform to Make ESG Data Easier to Use
JPMorgan Securities Service has unveiled a sustainability data interrogation and integration tool for clients. The Sustainable Investment Data Solution, available through the bank’s cloud-based Fusion platform, is designed to make it easier for clients to use ESG data, which is provided by multiple vendors, including Bloomberg and Sustainalytics.
ESG Risk Tool to be Reviewed by ISS ESG
ISS ESG is to adjust the methodology and data underlying its Environmental & Social Disclosure QualityScore product. The environmental and social risk assessment tool will undergo changes by the third quarter in response to changed disclosure standards. The Maryland-based sustainable investment arm of Institutional Shareholder Services said more than 150 factors underlying the score would…
Bloomberg Offers Full Funds Data Suite, Including ESG
Bloomberg has included ESG information in a major new product that provides transparency into almost 150,000 funds and exchange traded products. The Funds Data Solution also offers foundational, holdings, corporate actions, risk and regulatory data.
Novata Platform Incorporated into IQ:EQ ESG Offerings
Novata, an ESG data provider to private markets and investors, has signed a deal to embed its services with investor assistance group IQ:EQ. US-based Novata’s portfolio assessment platform will be incorporated into IQ:EQ’s various ESG solutions, which enable clients to gather, manage and deploy sustainability data.
Latest people
Broadridge Names Mike Sleightholme as President of Broadridge International
Broadridge Financial Solutions has appointed Mike Sleightholme as president of Broadridge International. Sleightholme, who is based in London, will be responsible for delivering the company’s capital markets technology and data solutions throughout the EMEA and Asia Pacific regions. Sleightholme first joined Broadridge in 2022 as president of its Asset Management Solutions business where he was…
Industry Veteran John White Sets Up Data Management Advisory Firm, Watchdog Data Services
John White, former CEO of 3d Innovations, the market data products and consultancy organisation, has left the company to establish a new data management advisory firm, Watchdog Data Services, LLC, whose goal is to collaborate with key partners in offering clients a broad level of market data consulting and services. White is a long-term veteran…
S&P Names New President at Sustainable1 Unit
Rating company and data vendor S&P Global has appointed a new president to its sustainability business. Chris Heusler has been named president of S&P Global Sustainable1, moving from his role as chief commercial officer at S&P Global Ratings.
ESG Consultancy 7 Centre Launched by Orenda Founder
A new consultancy, 7 Centre, has been launched, dedicated to advising corporate and financial clients on ESG engagement and offering guidance on sustainability strategies and incorporation of ESG factors into decision-making processes. The company was founded by ESG thought leader Tanya Seajay, who created alternative data firm Orenda.
Persefoni Boss Mohin Chosen to Sit on FCA’s ESG Advisory Board
Tim Mohin, chief executive of data provider Persefoni, is among the sustainability-linked financial figures selected to help shape the UK’s regulatory response to ESG issues. The former Global Reporting Initiative chief will be joined by five other executives on the Financial Conduct Authority’s ESG Advisory Board. They include Harald Walkate, senior fellow at the Center for…
ACA Group Names ESG Veteran as European MD
The ACA Group has named former United Nations Principles for Responsible Investing (PRI) European director Marie Luchet as its new Managing Director of ESG. Luchet will lead the governance, risk and compliance adviser’s European operations. In her more-than 20 years working in ESG, Luchet also served as Head of Responsible Investment with ECOFI Investissements and…
More Names Added to Bring ISSB Team to 10
Four more members have been added to the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB), the IFRS Foundation’s recently created body that’s been tasked with hammering out an international framework for ESG reporting. They are Richard Barker, of the University of Oxford Saïd Business School’s sustainable business initiatives; Verity Chegar of California State Teachers’ Retirement System; Bing…
Moody’s Appoints Former ISS Director to ESG Role
Moody’s ESG Solutions clients can now examine how companies’ emissions targets align with global net-zero benchmarks via a new Temperature Alignment Data product. The launch came as the company published a report that showed fewer than half of 4,400 companies surveyed had set emissions targets and only 17 per cent mentioned “net-zero”. Meanwhile, Moody’s has…
PRI Names Former Board Member Atkin as Next CEO
The Principles for Responsible Investing (PRI), the United Nations’ body that’s drawing up guidelines for sustainable finance, has appointed former AMP Capital executive David Atkin as its new Chief Executive. Atkin will take over the reins from Fiona Reynolds on December 10. In a career that has spanned major Australian asset managers Cbus, ESS Super…
GoldenSource Hires ex-ION Director to Lead OnDemand Managed Service Solution
GoldenSource has appointed Xavier Gerardin, formerly lead of hosted services at ION, as global head of its OnDemand solution, a cloud-based managed service that provides hosting, technical and business assistance services for the company’s EDM clients. With 20 years’ experience in capital markets, including managing over 100 financial software programmes, Gerardin’s responsibility at GoldenSource is…
LSEG Names David Harris to Lead Sustainable Finance Product Team
London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) has named David Harris to lead its sustainable finance product team, part of the data and analytics division. Harris will report to Stuart Brown, group head of enterprise data solutions, and will build on ongoing investment in ESG and sustainable investment indexes, data and analytics products. Harris will also drive…
Kay Swinburne Named as Chair of the International Regulatory Strategy Group
Dr Kay Swinburne, vice chair of financial services at KPMG UK and former vice chair of the European Parliament’s Economics and Monetary Affairs Committee, has been named chair of the International Regulatory Strategy Group (IRSG). The role was previously held by former city minister Mark Hoban. The IRSG is focused on promoting regulation that encourages…
Former Teradata CEO Oliver Ratzesberger, Appointed Chair of OpenCorporates
OpenCorporates, provider of a large open database of companies worldwide, has named former Teradata CEO Oliver Ratzesberger as the first chair of its board. OpenCorporates has grown rapidly in the past nine years with its White Box company data attracting millions of visitors to its website every month. Users include financial institutions, government agencies and…
Asset Control Targets Buy Side with Nielen Hire
Asset Control’s appointment of industry veteran Stef Nielen is part of a renewed focus on the buy side, following a number of contract wins in that segment. Nielen, who joins director, strategic development, hails from Axioma, where he was sales director, and has held sales-oriented roles with MSCI and RiskMetrics, among other buy-side oriented suppliers….
Neudata Opens Shanghai Office, Hires China-Focused Data Strategist
After seeing an increase in demand for data scouting services in Asia, London-based independent data sourcing and research service Neudata announced today that it has opened an office in Shanghai and hired Helena Yu to manage its client data requests in the region. The Neudata Scout platform captures over 3,500 datasets across sentiment, social media,…
Featured
FEATURED WEBINAR
Upcoming Webinar: How to develop a reporting framework for ESG disclosure regulation
Date: 10 October 2023 Time: 10:00am ET / 3:00pm London / 4:00pm CET Duration: 50 minutes ESG reporting is a challenge and additional burden for many financial institutions as regulations continue to evolve, ESG data management is complex, and global standards remain elusive. Helpful solutions include reporting frameworks that support the collection, understanding, and management…
FEATURED EVENT
ESG Data & Tech Summit London
The ESG Data & Tech Summit will explore challenges around assembling and evaluating ESG data for reporting and the impact of regulatory measures and industry collaboration on transparency and standardisation efforts. Expert speakers will address how the evolving market infrastructure is developing and the role of new technologies and alternative data in improving insight and filling data gaps.
FEATURED GUIDE
ESG Handbook 2023
The ESG Handbook 2023 edition is the essential guide to everything you need to know about ESG and how to manage requirements if you work in financial data and technology. Download your free copy to understand: What ESG Covers: The scope and definition of ESG Regulations: The evolution of global regulations, especially in the UK…
Top White Papers
Solving the Enterprise Data Challenge for Institutional Investors
Institutional investors are evolving under pressure from a range of emergent externalities that are prompting many to assume new roles and processes, some of which have traditionally been the preserve of asset managers. Enabled by data-led technology, they are making more direct investments and managing their portfolios in-house. At the same time, they are streamlining...
How to Build an Efficient Enterprise ESG Data Strategy in Banking with Cloud and Machine Learning
ESG investing is now integral to financial institutions’ activities, motivated by client demands for sustainable investment options, regulatory obligations and a growing cultural shift towards ensuring that capital is allocated in order to do better for the planet and the people on it. Data is the magic dust that is enabling the translation of that...
Future-Proof Your ESG Data Strategy Across the Enterprise
ESG data is now as important to financial institutions as traditional price and reference data. Ensuring that data is accurate and consistent is critical so that can deploy it in their portfolio and risk management strategies as well as regulatory reporting systems. But ESG data is unlike that they would be used to. It’s often...
Events and webinars
Recorded Webinar: Putting data management processes in place for MiFID II
The January 2018 compliance deadline for Markets in Financial Instruments Directive II (MiFID II) is approaching fast, so how ready are financial institutions to meet the directive’s requirements, what data management processes should they be prioritising to ensure compliance, and what outstanding challenges do they face? Also, what do regulators expect firms to have in...
Recorded Webinar: Managing data, research and trading challenges in the countdown to MiFID II
MiFID II is a far-reaching regulatory directive, years in the works, but now just a few short months from taking effect on January 3. The European Union regulation will have global impact, in areas including unbundling payments for asset management research, allowing systematic internalizers latitude to handle more types of instruments, data management methods and...
Recorded Webinar: Artificial Intelligence in the EDM Era
The scope and scale of structured and unstructured data that financial firms must manage continues to grow exponentially, calling for innovative approaches that can deliver automated, accurate and timely decision making. Artificial intelligence (AI) and cognitive computing are prime contenders to ease the enterprise data management burden, but what types of solutions are available, how...
Awards
ESG Insight Awards
Congratulations to the winners of A-Team Group’s ESG Insight Awards 2023! The ESG Insight Awards have been designed to shine a light on ESG providers and celebrate innovations that help us make progress with such an important goal for the industry.
