MSCI to incorporate biodiversity data through NatureAlpha partnership

MSCI is set to distribute biodiversity data and analytical tools from NatureAlpha, an AI and data-driven platform providing specialist insights into nature footprints and risks. This, MSCI said, will help its clients better identify their exposure to higher-impact companies from a biodiversity risk perspective, better align companies’ activities with the Global Biodiversity Framework and provide … Read more

What to consider when buying carbon offsets

As companies continue to make efforts to achieve their climate and emission reductions goals, many may consider the purchase of carbon offsets or an equivalent instrument. However, the fragmented and bilateral nature of the voluntary carbon markets may cause potential purchasers to exercise caution when evaluating carbon offsets. There are concerns that market participants may … Read more

Mandatory climate finance disclosure ‘evens playing field’ for Australia

Responsible investors in Australia support the mandating of climate-related financial disclosures, including the disclosure of Scope 3 emissions, in order to prevent the region from “lag[ging] behind the rest of the world”. A consultation closed last Friday on the Australia government’s plans to mandate climate-related financial disclosure as a tool to manage the material risk … Read more

ClientEarth: FCA approval of Ithaca Energy ‘unlawful’ for inadequate climate disclosure

The UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has had a case filed against it by ClientEarth, which claims the financial regulator acted unlawfully in approving the prospectus of UK oil and gas company Ithaca Energy. The non-profit, which earlier this month filed a claim against Shell directors for failing to manage the material and foreseeable risks … Read more

French regulator recommends stricter SFDR criteria

Article 9 funds should not invest in fossil fuels, French financial regulator the Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF) has said. The way the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) is being used can be misinterpreted by savers to mean that Article 8 or 9 funds are guaranteed to contribute to a more sustainable European economy, the regulator … Read more

Hong Kong prices world’s first tokenised green bond offering

The Hong Kong government has become the first government globally to issue a tokenised green bond offering. The HK$800m ($102.1m) one-year bond was priced at a coupon rate of 4.05% following a virtual roadshow through joint global coordinators, lead managers and bookrunners Bank of China (Hong Kong), Credit Agricole, Goldman Sachs and HSBC. The beneficial … Read more