ESG - Where are we and where do we go from here? Considerations for U.S. and global asset managers in a shifting regulatory and political landscape

This webinar discussed:

ESG awareness is becoming a priority for issuers, investors, asset managers and, increasingly, regulators. Investors’ consideration of the social and environmental impact of their investment activities (ESG investing) is transforming the proposition offered by many asset managers and the ways in which they operate. Emerging ESG trends and issues—including developing differences in standards, definitions and ratings—also affect the way that issuers and asset managers think about performance and disclosure. Understanding the evolving legal and regulatory framework relating to ESG in the U.S. and abroad is increasingly crucial for U.S. asset managers, particularly legal and compliance professionals.  Understanding this framework is more important than ever in a shifting regulatory and political landscape that has produced some uncertainty.

In light of this, Dechert attorneys discussed current U.S. and EU developments in ESG impacting on asset managers, including:

• Regulatory approaches, including EU regulation, SEC activity and the proposed DOL rule on ESG investing and related ERISA guidance.
• Investor expectations.
• The shifting regulatory and political landscape on ESG and how the U.S. elections may impact the legal and regulatory framework relating to ESG.
• The practical impact of these developments on U.S. asset managers.