UKSIF comment, Sustainable Disclosure Requirements (SDR) consultation paper from the FCA

A quote from UKSIF Chief Executive, James Alexander, on the SDR consultation paper from the FCA released this morning.

“Greenwashing has been consistently cited as a major challenge to the integrity, trust and growth of sustainable investment in the UK. We strongly welcome the proposals published by the FCA which seek to address this and develop a new and ambitious approach to fund labelling and disclosures. This will boost investor confidence at this crucial time for tackling global environmental and social challenges.

Across the sustainable label categories, we are pleased that the approach recognises savers’ diverse preferences for addressing the real-world sustainability challenges we face. Setting out clear criteria for funds that aim to invest in solutions, achieve positive impact and help to make improvements to the companies that are still on a sustainability journey.

We’re proud to have been an active member of the FCA’s Disclosures and Labels Advisory Group (DLAG). We look forward to continue working with the regulator and the DLAG to consider new ways to further enhance the regime as we seek to build a world-leading framework. Following today’s SDR publication, the new Government must now quickly outline its approach to real economy disclosures and the delivery of the remaining components of the Green Finance Roadmap published for COP26.”

—James Alexander, Chief Executive, UK Sustainable Investment and Finance Association (UKSIF)