Archive

Hong Kong publishes ESG ratings and data code of conduct

Hong Kong has followed jurisdictions including Japan and the UK in publishing a code of conduct for ESG ratings and data, covering aspects such as transparency of methodologies and avoiding potential conflicts of interest.

Asia needs common sustainability taxonomy, thinktank argues

Green and transition taxonomies in Asia are too diverse, undermining comparability, a thinktank has said as it called for a "unified framework that aligns with international standards".

Vanguard fined record AUD12.9m over greenwashing

The Australian federal court has fined Vanguard Investments Australia a record AUD12.9 million ($8.9 million) for making "misleading" ESG claims about exclusionary screens applied to investments in its Vanguard Ethically Conscious Global Aggregate Bond Index Fund.

Australian super funds increasingly looking at green bonds

As Australian superannuation funds "mature" on sustainability, they are increasingly looking at labelled bonds and expecting higher credentials from issuers, the Australian Office of Financial Management (AOFM) has said.

'We're seeing more brown discounting than green premiums' in Asia, says Actis

'Green premiums' that boost the valuations of energy transition-focused investments are not as visible in the emerging markets, one sustainable infrastructure investor has claimed.

People moves, 13 September: SocGen, FTSE Russell, ING and Knight Frank

Natural gas is flashpoint in Australian taxonomy consultation

Disagreements over whether gas should be included in Australia's taxonomy of sustainable finance activities have been exposed by responses to a consultation.

ASEAN public sector 'critical' to energising local sustainable bond markets

Public sector issuers in Asia have a "significantly limited" presence in sustainable bond markets, but a think tank said sovereign and government-related bonds are "critical" to energising local sustainable bond issuance.

Australian regulator warns of more action against suspected greenwashing

The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) has said it is investigating several suspected greenwashing cases and expects to take further "enforcement action" to penalise greenwashing.

Australian Senate backs mandatory climate reporting

The Australian Senate has formally passed legislation requiring mandatory climate reporting for large businesses and asset managers, to be introduced from 1 January 2025.