Earlier this month, the government released guidance on the new corporate criminal offence of failure to prevent (FTP) fraud. In the first of a series of four articles, we analysed what companies and their advisers need to know about this significant development. In this second instalment, we explain how ESG fraud is likely to be […]
UK law enforcement agencies are increasingly turning their attention to ESG breaches, and not just to those committed by organisations themselves but also their suppliers. Maria Cronin was quoted in the City A.M. ‘Eyes on the Law’ column of 21 October, commenting on how regulators are taken ESG failures more and more seriously. She said: […]
In August, chancellor Rachel Reeves confirmed that she would continue the previous government’s plan to regulate the sustainability ratings industry. Also known as environmental, social and governance benchmarking, this is a growing industry that provides ratings on ESG in respect of firms and products. In this article for FT Adviser, James Tyler discusses the plans […]
Please join us on 16 October for our ESG Enforcement Evening. The event will feature a keynote address from Dr Alexander Schmidt, Head of Science, Sustainability, and Climate Research at Normative. The evening will also be a great opportunity for ESG practitioners, journalists, NGOs, and others to meet over drinks, canapés and discuss the ESG […]
Global sustainability-related legislation and regulation are developing fast, exposing international companies to complex ESG-related risks. One area in which businesses are facing particular challenges is supply chain liability and, while they might be used to dealing with other types of risks in that space, ESG-related due diligence is fast becoming an important requirement for them […]
In a historic first, last month, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) confirmed that it had opened a climate-related enforcement investigation against a company. This information was provided in response to a freedom of information request by legal activist organisation ClientEarth. It represents a key milestone on the path to joining regulators in the US, Germany […]
The Advertising Standards Agency (ASA) and latterly the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) have been leading the UK regulatory charge with respect to policing claims relating to the sustainability characteristics of products and services. However, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) now appears to be picking up the baton. What is the anti-greenwashing rule? The FCA […]
ESG-related legislation and regulation are increasingly a focus for companies operating internationally. Scanning the horizon for new developments and adapting their business practices accordingly will be key to ensuring compliance, especially in the face of diverse and ever-changing requirements. In this article for The World Financial Review, Maria Cronin and Fred Kelly discuss why there […]
Companies that operate internationally face complex ESG-related challenges and potential exposure across multiple jurisdictions. Their business practices and models must therefore be adapted to comply with the developing rules and regulations, such as the newly passed EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, in all the countries in which they operate. In this article for European […]
As 2030 and 2050 edge closer – key milestones under the UK government’s net zero strategy – UK businesses and regulators are under increased pressure to ensure the information that businesses provide to stakeholders about the environmental impact of their products and services is accurate and not misleading. Overstating ‘sustainable’ or ‘green’ credentials now carries […]
