Top 10 things asset managers need to know about the EU ESG initiative

The European Union (EU) has set in motion an ambitious legislative programme to make environmental, social and governance (ESG) concerns a central plank of regulation in the financial services industry.

The EU’s initiative is relevant to firms which have an express ESG or sustainability focus.

However, key aspects of the new rules will apply to all firms - even those without an express ESG or sustainability focus.

The first set of rules of particular relevance to most asset managers will come into force in Q1 2021 so firms will need to prioritise the ESG initiatives as a key Legal & Compliance project in 2020.

Our guide summarises the top 10 things asset managers need to know about the EU ESG initiative:

1. What is the EU's ESG initiative?
2. What are the key elements of the Action Plan relevant to asset managers?
3. What is the status of the new rules and when do they come into force?
4. Which firms and products are in scope?
5. What are the key requirements of the SFDR?
6. What are the key requirements of the Framework Regulation?
7. What are the key requirements of the Suitability Delegated Regulation?
8. What are the key requirements of the Delegated Acts?
9. How does Brexit impact UK firms?
10. What should firms be doing now?