🌏 Can Asia lead the world on ESG? 💰🌿 In the race for sustainable finance, Asian financial hubs are making significant strides. Financial and company regulators from China, Hong Kong, Japan and Singapore are advancing globally-aligned disclosure requirements (the ISSB standards) to boost transparency and corporate accountability. Monetary authorities from the region are also setting aside billions to attract ESG-focused capital. In Responsible Investor's latest special report, managing director Christina Ng says it would be strategic for the region to aim for a leadership position in the global ESG agenda, given Asia's role in the global economy and rapid growth. "However, whether this is an explicit goal for Asia remains uncertain. Many Asian markets prioritise economic development -- usually a short-term goal -- which sometimes conflict with ESG objectives". Dive into the full story to explore Christina’s insights and perspectives from other regional experts: https://lnkd.in/giSbcfzS

Australia has the highest number of United Nations ‘Principles for Responsible Investment’ signatories across the APAC region, with 228 investment managers, asset owners, and service providers currently signed up to the framework. This places Australia well ahead of larger economies such as China (136) and Japan (128). Additionally, Australasia as a region is second only to Europe in terms of ESG management indicators on a global scale. This means that firms in Australasia have greater disclosure across core ESG indicators and are committed to aligning with leading ESG frameworks and standards. For more data, research and insights visit: https://lnkd.in/gyXEJrCk #InvestmentCouncilAU #ResponsibleInvesting #ESG

ESG Principles: Asia Pacific's Sustainable Investing Revolution Emerging economies in Asia Pacific are embracing ESG principles, with Japan, China, and Australia leading the way through innovative regulations and incentives for sustainable investing. Discover how these changes are shaping the future of finance and fostering positive environmental and social impacts. #ESG #SustainableInvesting #AsiaPacific #EnvironmentalImpact #SocialResponsibility #RegulatoryFrameworks #InvestingInTheFuture #Japan #China #Australia

🌏 ESG is Gaining Momentum in Asia: A Positive Shift but More Work Ahead! 📈 In 2024, regulatory bodies across Asia stepped up their game in sustainability reporting. Key developments include: 1️⃣ New Regulations: Countries like Hong Kong, Singapore and Japan are establishing frameworks for green taxonomy, net zero transition plans and ESG ratings. 🚀 2️⃣ Rising Investor Expectations: Over 83% of global investors now incorporate sustainability into their analysis, and 89% of leading corporates in Asia reported sustainability in 2022, up from 49% in 2011! 📊 3️⃣ Demand for Quality: As the emphasis on sustainability grows, so does the need for third-party scrutiny. 94% of investors use ESG ratings monthly, highlighting the importance of accuracy and transparency. 🔍 4️⃣ Path Forward: Regulators must ensure robust oversight to mitigate greenwashing risks and implement clear standards. Japan's recent issuance of transition bonds serves as a great model for best practices. 📜 The increased focus on ESG is a significant step forward, but it’s crucial for regulators and corporates to work together to ensure integrity and transparency in sustainability efforts. 💪🌱 Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/eF_gjWyV Soni Tiwari | #ESG #Sustainability #Investing #Regulations #CorporateResponsibility

Challenging economic times have led a significant number of Singaporean CEOs to deprioritize sustainability initiatives. However an EY survey suggests a contrasting trend is emerging, as Asia-Pacific markets lead the adoption of sustainability disclosure standards. This approach is further supported by China's ambitious plan to implement nationwide ESG disclosure rules by 2030, signalling a region-wide shift towards transparent and accountable business practices.     Globally, the emphasis on ESG is influencing major corporate decisions, with over 70% of companies halting acquisitions due to ESG concerns, according to a Deloitte survey. However, this momentum faces challenges in Southeast Asia, where gas investments threaten to derail green energy advancements, as a recent report indicates. Moreover, the shipping industry is preparing for a greenhouse gas levy, which could significantly impact global trade dynamics.    Subscribe to our newsletter for the full consolidation of this week’s global ESG headlines: https://bit.ly/40Wyl5P    Top ESG stories from this week include:    Singapore 🇸🇬     🌱 Over half of Singapore CEOs have pushed sustainability down their to-do list: EY survey (May 31)  https://lnkd.in/gDC-i58A 🌱 Corporate disclosures for an ESG-focused audience (June 5)  https://lnkd.in/gmgK6BdM APAC 🌏     🌱 Asia-Pacific markets make up majority of pioneer group to adopt sustainability disclosure standards (May 29)  https://lnkd.in/gz-_eFHV 🌱 On the cards: Nationwide ESG disclosure rules for Chinese companies by 2030 (June 3)  https://lnkd.in/g8dhiTWi 🌱 Gas investments in South-east Asia undermine green energy, climate push: Report (May 30)  https://lnkd.in/gBD2rjXx Global 🌎    🌱 Over 70% of Companies Have Abandoned Acquisitions Over ESG Concerns: Deloitte Survey (June 3)  https://lnkd.in/gUKzwXFD 🌱 A greenhouse gas shipping levy is on the horizon (May 30)  https://lnkd.in/gWYBhKCn #ESG #Sustainablefinance #STACSESGFinanceWeekly    Ray Ferguson | Benjamin Soh | David Teo | Jin Ser | Madeleine Chang | Kimberly Lee | Cleo Tan | Benjamin Tan | Grace Lim 

🌍 Embracing ESG Investment in Asia: Opportunities and Challenges 🌱 ESG investment isn't just a trend—it's a strategic approach that integrates environmental, social, and governance factors into investment decisions, driving long-term returns and fostering resilient businesses. As highlighted in the latest report, Asia stands at a pivotal moment in this global movement. Key findings reveal that Asia-based ESG funds, totaling $83 billion, predominantly in China and Japan, are gaining traction. Despite challenges like greenwashing and regulatory scrutiny, ESG funds continue to influence markets and drive accountability. These funds, often passively managed, underscore a shift towards sustainable financing and responsible investing across the region. For deeper insights, explore the latest report by UNDP #ESGInvestment #Sustainability #Asia #CorporateResponsibility #ClimateAction

In recent years, Environmental, Social, and Governance or #ESG investing has emerged as a key strategy across various regions, including Japan, the EU, and emerging economies such as ASEAN. However, the pace and scale of ESG investments within ASEAN Member States (AMS) have varied significantly. ASEAN’s progress has been driven by regulatory frameworks and reporting guidelines, with the ASEAN Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance serving as a cornerstone for a smooth transition. While increased involvement from regulators and stock exchanges, including ESG disclosure guidance, has improved practices, it has also contributed to disparities in implementation and market fragmentation. In collaboration with Waseda University, ERIA: Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia organised a 2-day International Workshop on the Impacts and Interlinkages of ESG Investments on the Net-Zero Economy Transition. Nineteen international experts in ESG investments, net-zero transitions, and sustainable finance taxonomy were invited. More details are available here https://lnkd.in/gTThPQJq

On Wednesday 29 May, in partnership with Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business (CKGSB), Asia House will be holding a hybrid conference on how businesses can strategically integrate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors to drive growth and innovation, while considering the nuances of ESG practices in China and the West. The conference will explore recent developments in the ESG landscapes of China and Europe. Leading experts from LSEG (London Stock Exchange Group), CDP, Shell, and Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business will share key insights on navigating ESG regulatory changes across varied global markets while achieving sustainable growth and tackling climate challenges. Professor Zhu Rui, Director of the Social Innovation and Business for Good Center at CKGSB, will highlight trends in ESG assessment in China, and address how to define and achieve 'Business for Good'. She will draw on her first-hand experience mentoring over 2,000 Chinese executives to integrate ESG into the core of their businesses. If you would like to express interest in joining, please register here: https://lnkd.in/gMEQxxTi #asiahouse #CKGSB #ESG #environment #climatechange #China #Europe #London #growth #innovation #globalmarkets #sustainability #businesses 

"Over the past three years a growing number of companies are beginning to embrace ESG practices in Mongolia. This shift is primarily driven by external pressures from stakeholders and internal initiatives within companies. Notably, 76% of these companies anticipate a substantial impact from the ESG agenda on their economies, industries, and overall business landscape.” noted by Shaukat Tapia, Country Managing Partner at PwC Mongolia. PwC Mongolia presents the findings from a study on ESG Awareness in the Eurasia region, which includes data for Mongolia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan. These reports provide insights into the process and results of implementing the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices within companies in each of these countries. For detailed insights and comprehensive data, access the full report at:  https://lnkd.in/gJD35fJe

Are you up to date with the rapidly evolving Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) landscape in Southeast Asia? As ESG gains global momentum, ASEAN Exchanges are collaborating to promote sustainable investments and broaden opportunities in the capital markets. With growing regulatory pressures, investor scrutiny, and public expectations, understanding ESG priorities in ASEAN is vital for compliance and growth. Our publication, “Unlocking the ASEAN-6 | ESG Transition Landscape 2024”, provides a comprehensive analysis of the latest sustainability reporting requirements across these six ASEAN economies. It equips investors with the insights they need to ensure compliance and maximize business value through quality ESG disclosures. 📌 Download the publication here: https://ow.ly/VC5E50TtYMw #AsiaBriefing #ESG #ESGtransition #ASEANExchanges #SustainableDevelopment #ESGCompliance #SustainabilityReporting #ASEAN6