Clifford Chance

ESG in the European (UK & Continental Europe) equity capital markets: inching forward?

12 April 2023

ESG – environmental, social and governance – considerations are increasingly important for the equity capital markets (ECM), not only for companies whose core business is ESG-driven or those companies motivated by the reputational or financial benefits of ESG performance, but also for all issuers and market participants.

In this briefing, the eighth in our European Capital Markets Briefing Series, we look at ESG disclosure requirements in the context of initial public offerings (IPOs) in particular, as well as the key challenges presented by the contrasting requirements for companies preparing to list and those already listed, and the issues surrounding the use of third-party ESG data and ratings. Through this discussion, the briefing highlights the significant progress that needs to be made before ESG considerations are thoroughly and efficiently embedded in the processes of European equity capital markets.

Our European Capital Markets team is happy to discuss these issues further and other Capital Markets topics with you. You can access our European Capital Markets Briefing Series on the Clifford Chance Financial Markets Toolkit here. These briefings are produced to help you keep abreast of the latest developments relevant to European capital markets and our briefings so far include our insights on ESMA Guidance, EU Pilot Regime, the EU Capital Markets Union, the Green Bond Regulation, European SPAC IPOs, and the EU Listing Act. Do not hesitate to reach out to one of our team members in Europe.

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