UN-backed alliance members now represent $9.5T in assets under management: report

The Net Zero Asset Owner Alliance said 69 of its members have set intermediate targets to help align operations with a global goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. 

By Lamar Johnson • Oct. 24, 2023

7 ESG trends influencing corporate strategy

Developments in the ESG landscape directing investor decisions include the consolidation of reporting frameworks, the rise of AI and data metrics, social responsibility and impending regulation from the SEC.

By Lamar Johnson , Zoya Mirza • Oct. 23, 2023

Explore the Trendline➔

Top 5 stories from ESG Dive

The landscape for ESG continues to shift, as U.S. exits from major climate agreements and organizations are juxtaposed with states forging ahead with their own climate disclosure laws.

By ESG Dive staff

Investors not willing to sacrifice returns for ESG performance: report

Retail investors care about incorporating ESG factors into their decision-making when they are “financially material” for company operations, according to recent research.

By Zoya Mirza • Oct. 23, 2023

SEC drops ESG from exam priorities for 2024

The agency’s office responsible for promoting compliance and monitoring market risk no longer lists environmental, social and governance investing as a priority for next year.

By Lamar Johnson • Oct. 19, 2023

Citigroup’s $1B racial equity program gets Labor Department greenlight

The department’s advisory opinion clears the way for the investment bank’s program, which includes plans to subsidize investment management fees for minority- and women-owned plan managers.

By Lamar Johnson • Oct. 18, 2023

Climate change leading cause for excluding companies from portfolios: report

A coalition of nonprofits released a financial exclusions tracker of companies that have been blacklisted by banks and investors over factors such as climate change, weapon and tobacco use, and human rights violations.

By Zoya Mirza • Oct. 17, 2023

BlackRock decarbonization venture with Temasek reached $1B in climate tech investments in Q3

CEO Larry Fink said the joint venture with the Singapore-based investment firm committed a first round of funding to five companies developing technologies that will be critical to the clean energy transition.

By Lamar Johnson • Oct. 13, 2023

FASB tightens draft environmental credit rule’s scope

The U.S. standard setter is developing the first accounting guidance to directly apply to certain environmental credits.

By Maura Webber Sadovi • Oct. 11, 2023

BlackRock creates net-zero investment after axing pair of ESG funds

The asset management firm has shifted resources to climate-specific funds after the SEC updated the “Names Rule” to increase accountability on ESG funds.

By Lamar Johnson • Oct. 9, 2023

75% of companies unprepared for coming ESG audits: KPMG

As regulators worldwide begin to mandate ESG disclosures, only 25% of companies are ready for audits of their reports, KPMG said.

By Jim Tyson • Sept. 26, 2023

22 Republican state attorneys general accuse a financial services climate alliance of potential antitrust violations

The letter, led by Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti, alleges the Net Zero Financial Services Providers Alliance’s market influence could “deprive disfavored companies of economic opportunities.”

By Lamar Johnson • Sept. 18, 2023

ESG ratings fluctuate for asset managers: Morningstar

Three U.S.-based firms saw their grades move up, while UBS Asset Management slipped following its merger with Credit Suisse.

By Zoya Mirza • Sept. 11, 2023

Vanguard joins BlackRock in pouring cold water on ESG proposals

The nation’s two largest asset management firms supported fewer environmental and social proposals in 2023, as companies voted on a record number of ESG proposals.

By Lamar Johnson • Sept. 1, 2023

Who will pay to decarbonize the supply chain?

Some brands are helping their suppliers reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Others are dumping new requirements on vendors without shouldering any of the costs.

By Ben Unglesbee • Aug. 15, 2023

6 CFO tips for handling the backlash against ESG

The ESG backlash has compelled companies to alter their sustainability strategies, including ensuring close alignment with core business goals, the Conference Board said.

By Jim Tyson • Aug. 9, 2023

Record number of ESG shareholder proposals go to a vote

As of June 30, approval rates for shareholder proposals focused on environmental and social issues fell compared to all of 2022, Diligent Market Intelligence said.

By Jim Tyson • Aug. 4, 2023

Sustainability can boost bottom line: Brand Finance

Companies that fail to live up to consumers’ perceptions of their ESG performance put hundreds of millions in value at risk, according to Brand Finance.

By Jim Tyson • June 30, 2023