ESMA assesses impact of guidelines on use of ESG or sustainability-related terms in fund names

The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has published a risk analysis report assessing the impact of its guidelines on the use of ESG or sustainability-related terms in fund names. The study found that the guidelines have improved consistency in the use of ESG terms by increasing alignment of fund names and their actual investment strategies and enhanced investor protection by reducing greenwashing risks. Analysis of nearly 1,000 shareholder notifications from the 25 largest EU asset managers revealed that 64% of funds mentioned in shareholder notifications changed their name, often to remove ESG terminology, while 56% updated investment policies to strengthen their sustainability focus. Additionally, funds with higher fossil fuel exposures were more likely to drop ESG terms from their names, whereas those retaining ESG terms have reduced fossil fuel holdings more than all other funds. ESMA concludes that its guidelines have driven convergence in the use of ESG terms and have reduced greenwashing risks.

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