When financial market participants refer to sustainable finance, it is the focus on processes that will be affected or impact Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) considerations. Discussions in this arena are key to determining appropriate capital usage in adherence to the new global regulatory landscape.
Although a global topic, from an EMEA perspective this centres primarily on policy objectives of the European Union (EU), taking into account the European Green deal as well as the EU’s international commitments to fighting climate change. The EU has been a world leader in transitioning to a low-carbon and sustainable economy, with its unrivalled efforts to create a financial system to support its goals.
Key events include the international agreement on the adoption of UN Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, and the Paris Agreement, which was the first global initiative to combat climate related issues. In 2019, the European Commission released the EU Green Deal, pledging Europe to become the first continent to be carbon neutral by 2050, and presenting an investment plan in 2020 to help focus public and private investment to this cause. In 2020, the UK also outlined proposals of a Ten Point Plan towards a green industrial revolution.
In April 2020, the Commission launched a consultation on the Renewed Sustainable Finance Action Plan, building on the 2018 Action Plan, and focussing on 3 core areas:
- Strengthening the foundations for sustainable investment by creating an enabling framework, with appropriate tools and structures.
- Increasing opportunities to have a positive impact on sustainability for citizens, financial institutions and corporates.
- Integrating climate and environmental risks into the financial system, whilst ensuring social risks are duly taken into account and reducing the exposure to climate and environmental risks.
Publication of the Renewed Sustainable Finance Strategy is expected in Q1 2021.
In December 2020, ISLA created an ESG Steering working group with representation from both buy-side and sell-side members. Working with relevant industry stakeholders as well as the regulatory community, the group looks to develop an ‘ESG Policy Framework’ around four key pillars; Advocacy & Consultations, Best Practice, Regulation and Thought Leadership.
Please note, ISLA has a separate Corporate Social Responsibility section, which focuses specifically on its own CSR strategy amongst other things.
IMPLEMENTATION TIMELINE & KEY DATES
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December 2019
i ISLA forms the 'ISLA Council for Sustainable Finance' (ICSF) and publishes the Association’s Manifesto - ‘Securities Lending to Support More Autonomous EU Capital Markets: Priorities for the Next 5 Years’ and cites the empowerment of investors and the stimulation of good corporate governance to support the sustainable finance agenda as a focus.ISLA publishes the Association’s Manifesto & forms ICSF
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February 2020
ICSF launches its Principles for Sustainable Securities Lending (PSSL)
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April 2020
ISLA & ICSF respond to consultation on Renewed Sustainable Finance Action Plan
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April - May 2020
i ICSF publishes two position papers: April 2020 - ‘Making Sense of Sustainable Securities Lending & Short Selling During the COVID-19 Crisis’ and May 2020 - ‘Reinforcing Global Sustainable Finance by Improving Guidance on Securities Lending’. -
Nov - Dec 2020
i ICSF decommissioned to move ESG focus into the mainstream ISLA working groups framework, as debate moves from a concept and design phase, to one of detailed implementation. -
March 2021
ISLA ESG Steering Group publishes matrix for SFDR and joint A&O paper, ‘Framing securities lending for the sustainability era’
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Nov 2021
GASLA is formed and publishes 'Voting Practices & Shareholder Engagement'