Japan’s Financial Services Agency (FSA) has published a list of 17 ESG evaluation and data providers that it says have pledged support to the voluntary ‘Code of Conduct’. The endorsers of the code include Bloomberg LP, Clarity AI, FTSE Russell, ICE, ISS ESG, Moody’s Japan, Morningstar Sustainalytics, MSCI ESG Research, Refinitiv, and S&P Global Ratings Japan. In December 2022, the FSA finalised its Code of conduct for ESG evaluation and data providers. The Code was proposed in July 2022, following a November 2021 report from the International Organization of Securities Commissions which called for tighter oversight of ESG ratings and data product providers. Organisations expressing support for the Code have the flexibility to either comply with its principles and guidelines or explain why they do not adhere to a specific principle or guideline. The FSA asks organisations to disclose their stance publicly and notify the regulator. The endorsement status of the code will be published every six months.
