Sustainable investing has exploded in popularity, but with that comes a risk of “greenwashing” – where funds don’t quite live up to their eco-friendly claims. The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) recently finalized guidelines aimed at cracking down on misleading labels for sustainable investment funds. While these regulations might add a layer of complexity, they ultimately benefit investors seeking transparency and genuine impact.
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Stricter Labeling: Forget terms like “sustainable” or “green.” If a fund wants to use those buzzwords in its name, at least 80% of its holdings must demonstrably meet strict ESG (environmental, social, and governance) criteria. This could limit your options in the short term but ensures greater clarity when comparing funds.
Transition Funds Get Scrutinized: Funds that support companies transitioning to a more sustainable future, like those partially reliant on fossil fuels but actively working towards cleaner solutions, can now use terms like “transition” in their name. However, they’ll still need to meet that same 80% ESG alignment threshold.
More Compliance Burden: Existing funds have a limited window (around nine months) to adjust their holdings or names to comply. This may lead to some fund restructuring or even closures.
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