CSA Roundtable on ESG-Related Regulatory Issues in Asset Management

The Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) hosted a virtual roundtable on environmental, social and governance (ESG) related regulatory issues in asset management.

Roundtable Video Recording

Roundtable Transcript

An expert panel discussed a number of regulatory issues arising from increased interest in ESG investing from Canadian investors and the investment fund industry. Panellists addressed the importance of enhancing ESG-related fund disclosure so that investors are not misinformed about the ESG-related aspects of a fund – known as “greenwashing” - and can make more informed investment decisions. The panel also explored the benefits and challenges associated with ESG-related fund disclosure from the perspective of asset managers, ESG ratings providers and retail investors.

Panellists included Melanie Adams, Vice President and Head, Corporate Governance and Responsible Investment, RBC Global Asset Management; Mari Brossard, Senior Manager, Sustainable Investment, National Bank Investments; Jean-Paul Bureaud, Executive Director, FAIR Canada; Michelle Edkins, Managing Director, BlackRock Investment Stewardship, BlackRock; Ian Howard, Executive Director Commercial, Corporate Solutions, Morningstar Sustainalytics and David Rutherford, Vice President, ESG Services, NEI Investments.

The panel was moderated by Wendy Berman, Vice-Chair, Ontario Securities Commission, included remarks from Hugo Lacroix, Superintendent, Securities Markets, Autorité des marchés financiers and offered audience members an opportunity to pose questions to the panellists. Representatives from various CSA jurisdictions were in attendance.

Agenda