The World Federation of Exchanges (WFE) said inconsistent ESG data and a lack of standardised reporting frameworks are hindering progress sustainability as it released the results from its WFE Sustainability Survey 2022. The survey, involving 54 stock exchanges, found 11% reported having put in place net zero targets. Further, 58% of exchanges reported their carbon emissions, with 68% covering Scopes 1,2 and 3. With regards to gender diversity, the exchanges’ average female workforce has seen a slight increase of 1.2% since the previous year. Other statistics of note were 20% of exchanges having a dedicated listing segment for green, social or sustainability bonds, and 34% having a dedicated team overseeing the exchange’s sustainability initiatives. The survey also found that 26% of exchanges are incorporated in at least one sustainability/ESG index, a decrease from last year’s 33%. But 12 exchanges (23%) are actively working towards inclusion (compared with 19% in 2021). Nandini Sukumar, Chief Executive Officer of the WFE, said: “We will continue as an industry to champion ESG in financial markets as we make the crucial move towards a sustainable and inclusive global economy.”
Our ninth sustainability survey has revealed industry has reached #ESG milestone in collective efforts to achieve sustainability. Further information can be found on the WFE website.https://t.co/BVhkHHGaXb pic.twitter.com/efGKitGkU2
— TheWFE (@TheWFE) June 12, 2023
