This post catches up on the ESG front at the SEC following the appointment of Gary Gensler as Chairman. The switch from a Chairman appointed by President Trump to one appointed by President Biden may add momentum to the SEC’s ESG proposals.
shareholder proposals
The SEC’s ESG Risk Alert and the CFTC’s New Climate Risk Unit
On April 9, 2021, the SEC’s Division of Examinations (the “Division”) published its first risk alert detailing deficient and effective practices among investment advisers and registered and private funds (“Firms”) offering ESG strategies. The SEC is not alone in its focus on ESG matters as the CFTC and its Climate Risk Unit (“CRU”) continue to assess the risks to U.S. financial stability posed by climate change.…
The SEC Is All in on ESG, Including (Potentially) D&I Issues
Acting SEC Chair Allison Herren Lee continues to aggressively promote the SEC’s ESG agenda by launching a dedicated ESG webpage on the SEC’s website and speaking in support of ESG initiatives. The SEC’s Asset Management Advisory Committee (“AMAC”) is also moving forward with important ESG recommendations, including promotion of diversity and inclusion measures.…