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Articles by Rita Hunter
EU Sustainability reporting – ESMA sets 2026 common enforcement priorities – materiality and providing connected information remain firmly in focus
On 13 October 2026, the European Securities and Markets Authority (“ESMA”) published a Statement on its European common enforcement priorities (“ECEP”) for 2026 corporate reports. The ECEPs identify the focus areas for ESMA and national competent authorities when examining issuers' 2026 annual financial reports.
Anti-greenwashing under the EmpCo Directive – what businesses need to know
Key takeaways The EmpCo Directive introduces new anti-greenwashing rules for business-to-consumer communications, including restrictions on certain environmental and sustainability claims. The Directive introduces categories of "blacklisted" claims, meaning that where the relevant requirements are not met, such claims are prohibited in all circumstances.
EU Sustainability reporting – ESMA sets 2026 common enforcement priorities – materiality and providing connected information remain firmly in focus
The ESEP sets out two priorities related to sustainability statements: (i) continuing progress along the materiality learning curve, and (ii) providing connected information on impacts, risks and opportunities (IROs), policies, actions and targets (PATs) and metrics.
UK corporate reporting updates – UK SRS and TCFD updates
In February 2026, the FCA published a , in which it proposed the replacement of TCFD-aligned reporting for UK listed companies with a mixture of mandatory and “comply or explain” reporting against the UK Sustainability Reporting Standards (“UK SRS”1). It suggested mandatory UK SRS S2 (climate-related disclosures) apart from Scope 3 emissions disclosures and “comply or explain” disclosure for SRS S2. Read more detail about the proposals in our briefing here.
UK corporate reporting updates – UK SRS and TCFD updates
In this briefing, we provide updates from the UK Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) on (i) aligning listed issuers’ sustainability disclosures with international standards and (ii) simplifications to TCFD-aligned disclosures for asset managers, life insurers and FCA-regulated pension providers. We also provide the latest on the UK Department of Business, Innovation, Science and Trade (“BIST”) consultation on modernising corporate sustainability reporting.
EU corporate sustainability reporting: simplified ESRS and VESRS finally published following omnibus
On 21 September 2026, the simplified European Sustainability Reporting Standards (“ESRS”) and the sustainability reporting standards for voluntary use (“VESRS”) were published in the Official Journal. The publication of the simplified ESRS and the VESRS follows the EU adoption of the omnibus simplification package and a lengthy process to “simplify” and “reduce administrative burden” for EU businesses whilst maintaining high quality sustainability disclosures.
ESG Focus: UK/EU/International ESG Regulation Monthly Round-Up – August/September 2026
a. EmpCo Directive comes applicable from 27 September 2026 Following entry into force on 26 March 2024, Member States have been busy transposing the EU Directive on Empowering Consumers for the Green Transition (the “EmpCo Directive”, also known as the ECGT Directive) into national law.
European sustainability reporting updates – final ESRS and VESRS published
On 3 July 2026, the European Commission adopted the revised, simplified European Sustainability Reporting Standards (“ESRS”) and Sustainability Reporting Standard for Voluntary Use (“VESRS”) for smaller companies outside the scope of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (“CSRD”). The Commission published a staff working document which sets out the development of the standards and supporting reasoning for amendments, including expected cost savings.
European sustainability reporting insights – EFRAG publishes State of Play 2026 Report
On 1 July 2026, EFRAG published State of Play Report 2026, providing an evidence-based assessment of sustainability reporting practice over 900 assured 2025 sustainability statements prepared under European Sustainability Reporting Standards (“ESRS”). It provides “an objective and data-driven picture of where reporting practice stands today: a factual contribution to a debate that deserves to be grounded in evidence”.
ESG Focus: UK/EU/International ESG Regulation Monthly Round-Up – June 2026
This month’s edition covers a wide set of developments from the UK, EU and internationally for June 2026, set against the backdrop of London Climate Action Week 2026. In the UK, we saw the UK government’s proposed anti-deforestation legislation, developments announced in climate reporting, ESG ratings regulations and strategies and partnerships ranging from climate to nature to AI.
EU: Building governance expectations in sustainable finance under SFDR 2.0
Governance has always been important. In the EU, one of the aims of the sustainable finance legislation which has been put in place has been to set a level playing field for governance, as well as protecting consumers and the markets from greenwashing.
UK climate reporting – FCA consults on changes to climate reporting for investment products
Key takeaways TCFD investment product reports will be replaced by more limited streamlined reporting Retail investors will receive information to help them make informed investment decisions in line with the firm’s obligations under the Consumer Duty Institutional investors will have access to more limited information in product reports on Scope 1, 2 and 3 greenhouse gas ("GHG") emissions on request once a year per product.
UK climate reporting – FCA consults on changes to climate reporting for investment products
In 2021, the FCA introduced climate disclosure rules for asset managers, life insurers and FCA-regulated pension providers based on the Taskforce on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (“TCFD”) recommendations. The rules require firms to publish annual entity and product-level reports on climate risks and opportunities, carbon metrics and climate scenario analysis (read more here).
Climate Transition Focus: Third Edition – update on transition planning and transition finance developments, primarily in the UK and the EU
In this Third Edition of Climate Transition Focus, we reflect on the progress and the range of transition developments that have occurred since our last briefing. We highlight the key transition milestones, including the Transition Finance Council’s publication of new documents, guidance on nature transition pathways and plans and the establishment of a new Canadian Taxonomy and Transition Planning Council.
ESG Focus: UK/EU/International ESG Regulation Monthly Round-Up – May 2026
June 4, 2026 To embed, copy and paste the code into your website or blog: [co-author: Benjamin Garbett] This month’s edition highlights key ESG developments across the UK, EU and international landscape for May 2026. In the UK, the FCA published a report on its Transition Finance Pilot, identifying barriers to scaling climate investment and the Climate Change Committee highlights persistent gaps in climate adaptation.
Climate Transition Focus: Third Edition - update on transition planning and transition finance developments, primarily in the UK and the EU
In this Third Edition of Climate Transition Focus, we reflect on the progress and the range of transition developments that have occurred since our last briefing. We highlight the key transition milestones, including the Transition Finance Council's...
ESMA publishes 2025 Report on EU corporate reporting enforcement and regulatory activities
On 7 May 2026, the European Securities and Markets Authority (“ESMA”) published its Report on 2025 Corporate reporting enforcement and regulatory activities (the “ESMA enforcement report”) – the report covers enforcement under financial, sustainability and digital reporting. In this briefing we will concentrate on sustainability reporting and lessons learned as 2025 was the first year of corporate reporting under the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (“ESRS”).
EU SFDR 2.0 – Parliament draft published
The European Parliament has published its draft report on the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (“SFDR”) review – now being referred to as SFDR 2.0. The Report suggests a number of changes to the European Commission's proposal for SFDR 2.0, which are intended to enhance its effectiveness and reduce some of the burdens on financial market participants. The SFDR has been in force since 2021.
EU: Building governance expectations in sustainable finance under SFDR 2.0
The SFDR has been in force since March 2021. It introduced a number of disclosure requirements for sustainable finance products and their issuing entities which had the effect of strengthening governance and transparency in the market. Focus on the “E” of ESG has been a focus for the last few years.
ESG Focus: UK/EU/International ESG Regulation Monthly Round-Up – May 2026
In this issue: Chapter 1: UK developments Chapter 2: EU Developments Chapter 3: International developments Chapter 1: UK developments This month, we have seen DESNZ publish a review of the SECR regulations, the FCA has published research setting out findings from the Transition Finance Pilot and the UK Climate Change Committee published its fourth independent assessment of UK climate risk.
EU SFDR 2.0 – Parliament draft published
The European Parliament has published its draft report on the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (“SFDR”) review – now being referred to as SFDR 2.0. The Report suggests a number of changes to the European Commission's proposal for SFDR 2.0, which are intended to enhance its effectiveness and reduce some of the burdens on financial market participants. The SFDR has been in force since 2021.
ESG Focus: UK/EU/International ESG Regulation Monthly Round-Up – October 2026
This edition of the ESG Regulation Monthly Round-Up covers developments from the UK, EU and internationally during October 2026. We have seen progress on the EU’s review of the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation and a number of updates for, and guidance on, other EU sustainability-related regulation. We also saw the EU Climate Resilience Framework being published demonstrating a continued focus on adaptation and resilience.
EU Corporate Reporting: European Commission launches consultations on revised European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) and sustainability standard for voluntary use (VESRS)
On 6 May 2026, the European Commission launched a consultation on the ESRS. The amendments to the ESRS have been proposed to simplify and streamline European sustainability reporting without undermining the objectives of the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (“CSRD”).
ESMA publishes 2025 Report on EU corporate reporting enforcement and regulatory activities
On 7 May 2026, the European Securities and Markets Authority (“ESMA”) published its Report on 2025 Corporate reporting enforcement and regulatory activities (the “ESMA enforcement report”) – the report covers enforcement under financial, sustainability and digital reporting. In this briefing we will concentrate on sustainability reporting and lessons learned as 2025 was the first year of corporate reporting under the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (“ESRS”).
EU Corporate Reporting: European Commission launches consultations on revised European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) and sustainability standard for voluntary use (VESRS)
The European Commission has launched a consultation on its revised version of the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (“ESRS”). There are some amendments to the version proposed by EFRAG in November 2025 which are set out in the briefing below.
UK/EU/International ESG Regulation Monthly Round-Up – April 2026
May 5, 2026 To embed, copy and paste the code into your website or blog: [co-author: Benjamin Garbett] This month's ESG Regulatory Monthly Round-Up covers UK, EU and international developments from April 2026. Internationally, we have seen developments around nature standards and Canada has formed its Canadian Taxonomy and Transition Planning Council. In the UK, we have seen developments in ESG ratings, BNG and UK CBAM.
ESG Focus: UK/EU/International ESG Regulation Monthly Round-Up – April 2026
In this issue: Chapter 1: UK developments Chapter 2: EU Developments Chapter 3: International developments Chapter 1: UK developments In the UK, a number of papers and consultations have been launched by the FCA, DEFRA and the HMRC covering areas such as ESG ratings, biodiversity net gain (“BNG”) and UK CBAM.
UK/EU/International ESG Regulation Monthly Round-Up - April 2026
This month's ESG Regulatory Monthly Round-Up covers UK, EU and international developments from April 2026. Internationally, we have seen developments around nature standards and Canada has formed its Canadian Taxonomy and...
Integrating nature into UK corporate reporting – how should businesses respond to the IPBES business and biodiversity assessment and recent UK national security assessment?
Key takeaways According to IPBES, less than 1% of publicly reporting companies mention their impacts on biodiversity in their reports. A recent UK national security assessment on global ecosystems identifies nature as the foundation of national security which depends on nature for water, food, clean air and critical resources. Businesses are already required to disclose all material financial risks and opportunities.
Integrating nature into UK corporate reporting - how should businesses respond to the IPBES business and biodiversity assessment and recent UK nati... | Business Information & News | FE | Westlaw Today
Integrating nature into UK corporate reporting – how should businesses respond to the IPBES business and biodiversity assessment and recent UK national security assessment? According to IPBES, less than 1% of publicly reporting companies...
Integrating nature into UK corporate reporting – how should businesses respond to the IPBES business and biodiversity assessment and recent UK national security assessment?
Key takeaways According to IPBES, less than 1% of publicly reporting companies mention their impacts on biodiversity in their reports. A recent UK national security assessment on global ecosystems identifies nature as the foundation of national security which depends on nature for water, food, clean air and critical resources. Businesses are already required to disclose all material financial risks and opportunities.
ESG Focus: UK/EU/International ESG Regulation Monthly Round-Up – March 2026
April 3, 2026 To embed, copy and paste the code into your website or blog: [co-author: Benjamin Garbett] This month's ESG regulatory round-up covers a mix of UK, EU and international developments from March 2026.
ESG Focus: UK/EU/International ESG Regulation Monthly Round-Up – March 2026
Chapter 1: UK developments Chapter 2: EU Developments Chapter 3: International developments Chapter 1: UK Developments March saw new publications released from the Transition Finance Council (“TFC”) bringing further clarity to transition finance and publication of more of the UK Financial Conduct Authority’s (“FCA”) Regulatory Priorities reports which provide key priorities sector by sector, amongst other things.
Defence sector – tackling the barriers to securing finance – EU and UK
Recently we wrote about how the UK government and the European Commission have both confirmed that investment in the defence sector is not incompatible with sustainability-related rules and regulations in our briefing here, though of course the regulators have not (and would not) say that they are always compatible.
ESG Focus: UK/EU/International ESG Regulation Monthly Round-Up – February 2026
Chapter 1: UK developments Chapter 2: EU Developments Chapter 3: International developments Chapter 1: UK Developments This month we saw the final publication of the UK Sustainability Reporting Standards (“UK SRS”) and examples of good and poor practice under the UK Sustainability Disclosure Requirements (“UK SDR”). We also saw a number of nature and environmental bills being passed in Wales and the UK.
UK FCA publishes examples of good and poor practice for using labels under the UK Sustainability Disclosure Requirements
On 27 February 2026, the UK Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) published examples of good and poor practice for using labels under the UK Sustainability Disclosure Requirements (“SDR”) in its publication Sustainability Disclosure Requirements labels: good and poor practice. In this briefing we set out some takeaways for UK asset managers disclosing under the UK SDR labels.
Defence sector – tackling the barriers to securing finance – EU and UK
Tackling the barriers to defence finance Although there are clear national priorities to direct private finance to defence and defence-related investments and there have been many conversations about how to apply sustainable finance to the defence industry, there seems to have been far fewer conversations about the existing structural and market barriers to investment in the defence sector.
ESG Focus: UK/EU/International ESG Regulation Monthly Round-Up - February 2026
This month's ESG Regulatory Round Up captures a broad range of UK, EU and international developments for February 2026. UK regulators intensified their focus on transition and biodiversity, with the Bank of England...
ESG Focus: UK/EU/International ESG Regulation Monthly Round-Up – February 2026
California Air Resources Board unanimously approves initial climate disclosure regulation recommended by staff On 26 February 2026, the California Air Resources Board (“CARB”) held a public hearing to consider adoption of its initial regulation implementing the Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act (SB 253) and the Climate-Related Financial Risk Act (SB 261).
AI, ESG, and ethics: Building responsible systems for a transforming world: Part 2
In part two of our conversation on AI, ESG, and ethics, the discussion between Hogan Lovells Global Head of ESG Adrian Walker and Sustainable Finance Co-Head Rita Hunter with host Leo von Gerlach goes deeper and reveals how governments, regulators, and global corporations are racing to keep pace with AI's rapid rise. Discover what is truly at stake as policy, politics, and emerging technologies intersect, and learn how companies can turn strong governance into a strategic advantage.
UK FCA publishes examples of good and poor practice for using labels under the UK Sustainability Disclosure Requirements
On 27 February 2026, the UK Financial Conduct Authority ("FCA") published examples of good and poor practice for using labels under the UK Sustainability Disclosure Requirements ("SDR") in its publication Sustainability Disclosure Requirements...
UK FCA publishes examples of good and poor practice for using labels under the UK Sustainability Disclosure Requirements
On 27 February 2026, the UK Financial Conduct Authority (“FCA”) published examples of good and poor practice for using labels under the UK Sustainability Disclosure Requirements (“SDR”) in its publication Sustainability Disclosure Requirements labels: good and poor practice. In this briefing we set out some takeaways for UK asset managers disclosing under the UK SDR labels.
ESG Focus: UK/EU/International ESG Regulation Monthly Round-Up – January 2026 | JD Supra
Chapter 1: UK developments Chapter 2: EU Developments Chapter 3: International developments Chapter 1: UK Developments There have been various developments and consultations in the UK including the FCA’s consultation on the UK SRS, DBT response to its consultation on sustainability reporting assurance and new guidance from the UK CMA on green claims.
Climate Transition Focus: Third Edition – update on transition planning and transition finance developments, primarily in the UK and the EU
In this Third Edition of Climate Transition Focus, we reflect on the progress and the range of transition developments that have occurred since our last briefing. We highlight the key transition milestones, including the Transition Finance Council’s publication of new documents, guidance on nature transition pathways and plans and the establishment of a new Canadian Taxonomy and Transition Planning Council.
ESG Focus: UK/EU/International ESG Regulation Monthly Round-Up - January 2026
Chapter 1: UK developments Chapter 2: EU Developments Chapter 3: International developments Chapter 1: UK Developments There have been various developments and consultations in the UK including the FCA’s consultation on the UK SRS, DBT response to its consultation on sustainability reporting assurance and new guidance from the UK CMA on green claims.
UK sustainability reporting: Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) publishes proposals for new ISSB-aligned rules to replace TCFD-aligned rules for listed companies | Hogan Lovells - JDSupra
On 30 January 2026, the UK Financial Conduct Authority (the “FCA”) published a (CP 26/5) proposing the replacement of its current Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (“TCFD”) aligned rules for listed companies' climate disclosures to align them with international standards. The proposal intends to promote international alignment, increase transparency, and boost the quantity, quality, and comparability of sustainability disclosures.
UK sustainability reporting: Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) publishes proposals for new ISSB-aligned rules to replace TCFD-aligned rules for listed companies
Some mandatory disclosures proposed for in-scope companies The FCA proposes that in-scope UK listed companies move to mandatory reporting against the UK Sustainability Reporting Standards (“UK SRS”) S2 (climate-related disclosures) – which many companies already do – but do not go as far as proposing mandatory disclosure of Scope 3 emissions data given feedback from issuers about the difficulties in collecting emissions data from third parties.
UK sustainability reporting: Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) publishes proposals for new ISSB-aligned rules to replace TCFD-aligned rules for lis... | Business Information & News | FE | Westlaw Today
UK sustainability reporting: Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) publishes proposals for new ISSB-aligned rules to replace TCFD-aligned rules for listed companies On 30 January 2026, the UK Financial Conduct Authority (the "FCA") published a...
UK PRA publishes new supervisory expectations for identifying and managing climate-related risks for banks and insurers | JD Supra
On 3 December 2025, the UK Prudential Regulation Authority (“PRA”) published its (i) Policy Statement (PS25/25) entitled Enhancing banks' and insurers' approaches to managing climate-related risks – Update to SS3/19 (“PS”) and (ii) Supervisory Statement (SS5/25) of the same name (the “SS”)1.
ESG Focus: UK/EU/International ESG Regulation Monthly Round-Up – December 2025 | JD Supra
January 8, 2026 To embed, copy and paste the code into your website or blog: [co-author: Teofisto Consistente VI] This month's ESG Regulatory Monthly Round-Up sets out updates from the UK, EU and elsewhere across the globe for December 2025. In the UK, regulators released several publications relating to enhancement of banks' and insurers' approaches to managing climate-related risks, proposals for the regulation of ESG ratings and the FCA published its Regulatory Initiatives Grid.
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