UK FCA provides guidance ahead of anti-greenwashing rule
“Consumers care about investing in products that have a positive impact on the planet and people. That’s why we want to boost the integrity of the market and ensure people can make informed decisions about how to invest their money.”
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) has reminded the financial industry ahead of the anti-greenwashing rule coming into force on 31 May.
The financial watchdog is also providing guidance to help regulated entities meet the standard, which is designed to protect consumers by ensuring sustainable products and services they are sold are accurately described.
Good and poor practice anti-greenwashing examples for guidance
Sacha Sadan, Director of Environmental, Social and Governance, FCA, said: “Confirming the new anti-greenwashing guidance and our proposals to extend the Sustainability Disclosure Requirements and investment labels regime are important milestones that maintain the UK’s place at the forefront of sustainable investment. Our good and poor practice anti-greenwashing examples will help firms market their products in the right way. We continue to work closely with the ASA and CMA to address greenwashing.
“Consumers care about investing in products that have a positive impact on the planet and people. That’s why we want to boost the integrity of the market and ensure people can make informed decisions about how to invest their money.”
According to the latest Financial Lives survey, there is significant consumer interest in sustainable finance as 81% of adults surveyed would like their investments to do some good as well as provide a financial return.
The new anti-greenwashing rule and the FCA’s guidance aim to support the long-term growth and competitiveness of the sector by helping businesses meet this demand and ensuring consumers who invest in sustainability-related financial products can make informed decisions.
FCA consulting on how sustainable investments are labeled and explained
The FCA is also consulting on extending to portfolio managers the requirements on how sustainable investments are labeled and explained, making consumer choice easier. These are firms that manage a group of investments for consumers, which can either be offered as standardized products or tailored services.
The proposed labeling and Sustainability Disclosure Requirements (SDR) for portfolio managers largely mirror those introduced for asset managers in November 2023. They include:
- product labels to help consumers understand what their money is being used for.
- naming and marketing requirements so products can only be described as having positive outcomes on the environment and/or society when those claims can be backed up.
