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Increasing materiality of ESG issues highlighted by recent SEC enforcement

Posted on March 3, 2024 by Amber De La Haye

In recent years, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations have gained significant traction among investors, reflecting a growing emphasis on sustainable and responsible investing practices. This trend has not only reshaped investment strategies but has also heightened the importance of accurate and transparent disclosures by public companies and investment firms.

Recent enforcement actions outlined by the US Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC’s) Gurbir S. Grewal (Director, Division of Enforcement) at the Ohio State Law Journal Symposium underscore the SEC’s commitment to holding accountable those who mislead investors or fail to disclose material information related to ESG factors.

Grewal highlights enforcement actions covering the full spectrum of E, S and G. Examples include a Brazilian mining company, whose misleading ESG disclosures concealed catastrophic signs of a dams instability – highlighting the serious consequences of misleading ESG disclosures and the imperative for accuracy and transparency in corporate reporting.

In governance terms, the SEC charged McDonald’s Corporation after it failed to fully disclose the circumstances surrounding the termination of its CEO. The company’s “incomplete disclosures misrepresented the nature of the CEO’s departure” and raised concerns about corporate governance practices. The SEC’s enforcement action emphasises the importance of comprehensive and truthful disclosures in matters involving corporate leadership and governance.

In another case the SEC took action against a Deutsche Bank subsidiary – highlighting the need for investment firms to uphold the integrity of their ESG products and strategies. Despite marketing itself as a leader in ESG investing, the firm “failed to ensure adherence to its stated ESG policies, leading to misleading representations about its investment practices”. This case highlights the growing scrutiny on investment advisers to align their ESG offerings with their stated principles and commitments.

These enforcement actions signal a broader shift in regulatory focus towards ensuring the accuracy and reliability of a wide range of disclosures.

By upholding rigorous standards of disclosure, market participants can foster trust, enhance investor confidence, and contribute to the integrity and resilience of financial markets.

Read the speech here.

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