USA Archives

Kansas anti-ESG bill could reduce pension returns by $3.6bn

Kansas anti-ESG bill could reduce pension returns by $3.6bn March 15, 2023 Kansas’ proposed legislation to prevent ESG considerations by public contractors could lower state pension system returns by $3.6bn over the next decade. The Protection of Pensions and Businesses Against Ideological Interference Act would also cost the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS) $1.14bn […]

Do more on diversity, SEC urged by ex-chairs

The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) could be doing more in its work to improve diversity within the US financial services industry, several of its former chairwomen have agreed.

SEC open to easing controversial climate disclosure proposal

SEC open to easing controversial climate disclosure proposal February 15, 2023 Enhanced climate disclosure rules in the US could be subject to change after SEC chairman Gary Gensler admitted “adjustments” could be made. The ‘Enhancement and Standardization of Climate-Related Disclosures for Investors’ rules were proposed last year and have invited negative feedback. The proposals will […]

Republicans challenge DOL’s ESG rule

Republicans challenge DOL’s ESG rule February 8, 2023 In the latest anti-ESG action taken in the US, Republicans in the Senate and House have filed joint bills to nullify the Department of Labor’s (DOL’s) new ESG rule for retirement plans. On January 26, attorney generals from 25 Republican states filed a suit to invalidate the […]

SEC preparing 50+ ESG regs for 2023

SEC preparing 50+ ESG regs for 2023 10 January 2023 The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is aiming to release 52 regulations targeting ESG investing. Over the next ten months, the SEC is expected to release 27 regulations currently in the proposal stage and 26 in the final rule-making stage. The proposed regulations aim to […]

Kentucky threatens divestment from 11 companies in anti-ESG move

Kentucky threatens divestment from 11 companies in anti-ESG move January 5, 2023 Republican states continue to shun ESG investments as 11 major financial companies face potential divestment from Kentucky. Kentucky State Treasurer Allison Ball has threatened to divest in companies participating in the “boycott” of energy companies. Citigroup, JPMorgan Chase, and BlackRock are some of […]

US: 14 Democratic states show ESG support

State treasurers from 14 democratic states have voiced their support for ESG investment, in the latest development in a widening political rift over how public investments are influenced.

SEC proxy roll-back – researchers and clients still vulnerable

The SEC’s amendments to the Trump administration’s 2020 rules only partially addresses investor concerns over attacks on independence of proxy voting advice

DoL proposes fresh ESG regulation

The US Department of Labor (DoL) has proposed changes to a controversial rule brought in last year that would have restricted pension funds’ ability to implement ESG strategies.

Four billion reasons not to fix the proxy plumbing

Four billion reasons not to fix the proxy plumbing Can the SEC resist the lobbying deluge and restore essential share ownership rights? Since the GFC, regulators have been working to make markets and economies safer. Part of that process has been to encourage market disruption by fostering better competition and increasing diversity. Now it’s time […]