Business and Finance at the OECD

Are you interested in competition law and policy? Follow OECD Competition Law and Policy to gain further insight on how to foster open, competitive and innovative markets. Our objective is to encourage governments to promote competitive practices and foster market-oriented reform throughout the world. Find out more about the OECD’s work on competition here: https://brnw.ch/21wPN0C

Can companies compete on equal terms when governments intervene in the market? Read the OECD’s Competitive Neutrality Toolkit to find out more: https://brnw.ch/21wPLUy The toolkit emphasises the need for a fair and equal playing field in markets where government intervention does not distort competition. Competitive neutrality ensures that all enterprises are provided a level playing field with respect to a state’s ownership, regulation, or activity in the market. Find out more about the OECD’s work on Competitive Neutrality here: https://brnw.ch/21wPLUz

In a rapidly evolving global economy, attracting high-quality investment is key to building resilient, inclusive, and prosperous societies. The OECD is at the forefront of supporting governments worldwide in creating the right conditions for investment that not only drives economic growth but also prioritizes security, sustainability, and positive social impact. Whether you’re an investor looking for responsible opportunities or a government aiming to attract impactful investment ➡️ follow our investment account: OECD International Investment Policy. Stay on top of the latest, events, news, and report launches. More work on investment here: https://brnw.ch/21wPKFM

Warm wishes for 2025 from the OECD Directorate for Financial and Enterprise Affairs! As the year comes to a close, we would like to extend our warmest thanks to our members, partners and stakeholders around the globe, for a fruitful collaboration. We look forward to continuing our joint work to foster transparent and responsible #businesses, and fair and efficient markets that help create better lives. Happy New Year! Stay tuned for latest news and insights from the Business and Finance team.

Over the past two decades, the number of state-owned enterprises (#SOEs) among the top 500 global companies by revenue has nearly quadrupled. Ensuring SOEs adhere to very high standards of governance is essential to fostering fair competition, enhancing market efficiency, and serving the public interest. What can governments do to help state-owned enterprises lead by example? Since 2005, the OECD Guidelines on Corporate Governance of State-Owned Enterprises have been the global standard for effective SOE governance. The 2024 revision addressed key issues such as economic security and resilience, fair competition, integrity and sustainability to help policy makers meet new challenges. Watch insights from DAF Director Carmine Di Noia and SOE Unit Head Sara Sultan: https://lnkd.in/dW59syn7

Today, sovereign and corporate bond markets have a combined value of almost $100 trillion, similar in size to global GDP. Bond markets serve a vital role, allowing both governments and companies to raise financing and offering investment opportunities for households. However, keeping high levels of borrowing sustainable will be a major challenge, especially considering borrowing needs to finance the climate transition. Read more in our Global Debt Report out earlier this year: https://lnkd.in/dsMhjwx4

🏞️As the physical impacts of climate change — from heatwaves and coastal flooding to droughts and wildfires — continue to intensify, the need for increased investment in adaptation becomes urgent. Public and private investments in climate-resilient infrastructure, food systems, and supply chains are essential to reducing harm and realizing opportunities in the face of these challenges. The climate adaptation Investment framework provides actionable guidance to strengthen domestic policies and boost investment in climate resilience. Find out more: https://brnw.ch/21wPGNM

At the end of 2023, the outstanding amount of #sustainable bonds reached more than USD 4 trillion and is now a key source of funding for governments and companies in the transition to a low-carbon economy. However, more needs to be done to increase the confidence of investors that sustainable bonds will have positive environmental and social impacts. Bond contracts must establish clear commitments, and regulations should require high-quality information from issuers. Read more: https://lnkd.in/dsMhjwx4

The last two decades have seen significant growth in pension assets globally. In 2023, they reached over USD 56 trillion in OECD countries, more than triple the level two decades ago. With many countries facing ageing population challenges, the OECD Pensions Outlook 2024 suggests: ➡️Addressing coverage gaps by pooling pensions across multiple employers ➡️Encouraging retirement savings through financial incentives ➡️Enhancing investment strategies to better manage risk and optimise outcomes ➡️Strengthening financial education and consumer protection Read Pensions Outlook 2024 and Pension Markets in Focus 2024 to find out how to make asset-backed pension systems more inclusive, resilient and innovative. https://brnw.ch/21wPESZ #FutureOfPensions #PensionReform #FinancialSecurity

Did you know that 86% of individuals have been affected by schemes designed to trick them into providing personally identifiable information? The OECD Consumer Finance Risk Monitor analyses risks facing consumers of financial products and services in 43 economies. Read the Consumer Finance Risk Monitor here: https://brnw.ch/21wPDNV Learn more about financial consumer protection: https://brnw.ch/21wPDNU