EthiFinance October Briefing

This month, we look at new sustainability reporting rules in the UK and EU, Australia's guidance on transition planning, and Türkiye's new Green Taxonomy. We also cover how banks and asset managers are bringing ESG into lending and investment decisions, from loans linked to ESG ratings to a growing focus on nature-related risks. Alongside these developments, this edition features EthiFinance's latest research on corruption, sovereign and nature-related risks, our climate risk solutions for real estate, and our work supporting D.A.T.E. ahead of its IPO on Euronext Growth Paris.

Regulatory Moves Shaping the Future of Sustainable Finance

1. UK FCA finalises UK Sustainability Reporting Standards requirements for listed companies

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has finalised a comply-or-explain reporting framework aligned with UK-endorsed ISSB standards, taking effect on 1 January 2027. The framework allows listed companies to explain where and why they have not complied with specific reporting requirements. Stakeholder feedback is invited by 28 October 2026. Read more.

2. EU EmpCo guidance clarifies environmental marketing requirements

European Commission guidance clarifies requirements for substantiating environmental claims, restrictions on generic sustainability statements, and the prohibition of product-level climate claims based on carbon offsetting. The rules began applying on 27 September 2026. Read more.

3. Australia - Treasury launches voluntary transition-planning guidance

The guidance provides practical advice, illustrative examples and supporting resources to help organisations develop transition plans. It complements Australia's Sustainable Finance Roadmap and may support entities preparing climate-related financial disclosures, but does not address mandatory disclosure requirements. Read more.  

4. Türkiye - Green Taxonomy Regulation establishes a national sustainable finance framework

Published on 24 September 2026, the regulation establishes criteria for classifying environmentally sustainable economic activities. Reporting is voluntary for eligible non-financial companies, while specified financial institutions face mandatory reporting from 1 January 2029. Read more.  

Insight: ESG data: the unexpected upside of agency regulation?

In her last thought piece, Julia Haake, CRO at EthiFinance and Chair of the Board of EASRA, shares her perspective on how Europe’s new ESG ratings regulation could reshape ESG data markets and strengthen the European sustainable finance ecosystem.

Read more: ESG data: the unexpected upside of agency regulation? | EthiFinance

Industry Moves

1. HSBC launches ESG-linked loans for European SMEs

HSBC has launched its Sustainability Improvement Loan (SIL) for European small and medium-sized enterprises, linking financing costs to a third-party ESG rating. The loan introduces a variable pricing adjustment based on the borrower's ESG assessment, reflecting the growing integration of sustainability performance into lending terms. Read more

2. Credit Agricole unveils a natural capital finance and investment division

Credit Agricole has launched a new natural capital finance and investment division in response to growing demand for nature-related financing, biodiversity and ecosystem data. The initiative will focus on natural capital risks and resilience, including asset-level assessments to support investment and financing decisions. Read more

3. BNP Paribas Asset Management publishes sustainability strategy following AXA IM acquisition

Following its acquisition of AXA Investment Managers, BNP Paribas Asset Management has unveiled a sustainability strategy centred on transition-focused investing. The strategy includes plans to publish net-zero targets and integrate artificial intelligence and research into investment decisions, highlighting the role of technology and transition finance in the firm's investment approach. Read more

4. Deloitte's 2026 C-suite Sustainability Report highlights increased investment and focus on returns

Deloitte's 2026 C-suite Sustainability Report finds that 78% of companies increased their sustainability investments over the past year. Organisations are moving from broad sustainability ambitions towards more focused execution embedded across their operations, with greater emphasis on return on investment, resilience and technology-led solutions. Read More

EthiFinance Data Highlight

European Companies and the Risk of Corruption

How are European companies managing corruption risk in practice?
Our latest study examines how anti-corruption practices vary across sectors, countries and company sizes, revealing their level of maturity.

Based on EthiFinance’s 2023-2025 ESG ratings database, this study examines how European companies are addressing corruption risk through formal policies, whistleblowing systems and employee training.

Covering 2,351 European companies, with a dedicated focus on 1,436 companies operating in countries exposed to corruption risk, the study highlights key trends, progress made and remaining gaps in anti-corruption maturity across Europe.

Read more

Product Highlight

Real Estate Climate Risk Suite: Turn basic asset data into forward-looking insights

As climate risks intensify, understanding their potential impact on real estate portfolios is becoming increasingly critical. Our ready-to-use models help investors and asset owners assess their exposure to physical climate risks and stress-test the financial impact of both physical and transition risks.

Built on robust scientific foundations, our models require only basic asset data—such as location, energy consumption or floor area—to generate actionable, forward-looking insights.

Already deployed across commercial and residential real estate portfolios ranging from 40 to more than one million assets, the suite is designed to support analysis at any scale.

Want to learn more about the climate risks within your portfolio? Contact us | EthiFinance

Client Case Study

Supporting D.A.T.E.’s IPO Journey Through ESG Rating

EthiFinance supports companies preparing for an IPO in showcasing their extra-financial profile through an ESG rating. D.A.T.E. has successfully completed its initial public offering on Euronext Growth Paris.

We supported the company ahead of its IPO by conducting an ESG rating, providing an independent assessment of its environmental, social and governance performance.

This milestone reflects the role of ESG assessments in capital market access and investor engagement, supporting transparency around companies' sustainability performance and commitments.

We thank the D.A.T.E. teams for their collaboration and wish the company continued success in its next phase of development. Read more

Recent Publications and Events

• Sovereign debt and credit risk. How can sovereign risk affect companies? Our latest study explores how sovereign risk can influence corporate credit ratings and access to financing, and why its effects are never automatic.

Read more: Sovereign debt and credit risk | EthiFinance

• European Securitisation Market - Annual Report 2026: European securitisation gained momentum in 2025, driven by stronger investor demand and a broader collateral mix. Explore the key market, country and asset-class trends shaping its recovery. Read more

• October Policy Digest: The latest edition of our Policy Digest is out. Read more.  

Meet us at:

• October 27 – Sustainability Day, Spain

• November 27 – AFTE, Paris

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