The Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) has recently received an influx of applications for the authorization of climate-related funds. However, the Authority has deemed the majority of these to have serious shortcomings. In a bid to ensure quality applications, as well as full compliance with FCA standards, the Authority has recently published two Policy Statements, targeted at ESG-related investment funds. These guidelines mainly promote climate-related financial disclosure.
The FCA’s new Policy Statements are aimed at increasing transparency regarding how firms are managing climate-related risks and opportunities, so that clients and consumers are empowered to make informed decisions. The new guidelines require climate-related disclosures by asset managers, life insurers and FCA-regulated pension providers.
The Authority believes that this, in turn, will enhance market competition, benefiting consumers and offering protection from unsuitable products, while simultaneously driving investment toward greener projects and activities.
The new climate-related disclosure rules, requiring mandatory disclosures on an annual basis at entity and product level, have come into effect as of January 1st, 2022.
