On May 1, 2024, China's three major stock exchanges released new guidelines for the disclosure of sustainable development information by listed companies. This marks a significant step forward for China in the field of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices. According to these guidelines, by 2026, over 300 companies, including major index constituents, will be required to publish sustainability reports covering governance, strategy, risk management, and metrics and targets. This initiative signifies China's further commitment to promoting green finance and sustainable development, aiming to expand ESG investment and facilitate the transformation of traditional high-emission industries towards cleaner production processes.
Background of China's ESG Disclosure Guidelines
The new guidelines from China’s three major exchanges mandate that listed companies provide detailed disclosures in four core areas: governance, strategy, risk management, and metrics and targets. These disclosures will enhance transparency in corporate sustainability efforts and bolster investor trust. Particularly in governance, the guidelines emphasize the board's responsibility for effective oversight of ESG matters, encouraging companies to focus on long-term sustainability strategies rather than short-term financial performance.
This policy is expected to channel more investment into green and sustainable sectors, especially those previously overlooked high-emission industries such as steel and agriculture. By promoting the transition of these traditional sectors to cleaner production processes, China aims to achieve a green economic transformation, reduce environmental impact, and improve overall economic sustainability.
Recent Developments in Green Finance
In addition to the new ESG disclosure guidelines, significant progress has been made in China's green finance sector. The People’s Bank of China has extended the implementation period for carbon reduction tools to 2024, incorporating more foreign and domestic banks into the carbon reduction framework. This measure aims to strengthen financial support for carbon reduction and further promote green financing.
In the fourth quarter of 2023, the balance of green loans in China reached 30.08 trillion yuan, a year-on-year increase of 36.5%, accounting for 12.7% of the total loan balance. This growth highlights the increasing importance of green finance within China’s financial system. Meanwhile, the national carbon market’s trading volume reached 212 million tons in 2023, with transaction value rising from 2.81 billion yuan in 2022 to 14.44 billion yuan. These figures indicate significant progress in advancing carbon reduction and green finance in China.
Hong Kong's Green Finance Policy Updates
In Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKEX) has also strengthened its ESG reporting requirements for listed companies. According to the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Framework issued by HKEX in April 2024, companies must provide more detailed disclosures on ESG oversight, management practices, and strategies. This move aims to enhance Hong Kong’s status as a global green finance hub and ensure transparency and accountability in ESG matters among listed companies.
Additionally, the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) are advancing green finance development. The SFC's Code of Conduct for Fund Managers requires fund managers to incorporate climate-related risks into their investment and risk management processes and encourages enhanced ESG fund disclosure requirements. The HKMA’s Climate Risk Management Supervisory Policy Manual promotes scenario analysis and stress testing for financial institutions to address climate change-related financial risks.
Future Green Finance Initiatives in Hong Kong
The Financial Secretary of Hong Kong proposed in the 2024-25 Budget to extend the HKMA-managed Green and Sustainable Finance Funding Scheme until 2027, providing subsidies for green and sustainable bonds and loans. This initiative aims to further support the development of green finance products and reinforce Hong Kong's role as a leading sustainable finance center.
Furthermore, Hong Kong has introduced the Code of Conduct for ESG Rating and Data Product Providers, aimed at improving the reliability and transparency of ESG ratings and data products. These new regulations are expected to enhance market trust in ESG ratings, encouraging greater investor participation in green finance.
The latest developments in green finance and ESG disclosure in China and Hong Kong demonstrate a strong commitment to advancing sustainable development and environmental protection. The new ESG disclosure guidelines in China and related policy updates in Hong Kong are set to further boost green finance growth, improve market transparency, and drive the transformation of traditional high-emission industries. These policies not only reflect a commitment to environmental protection and sustainable development but also provide investors with clearer decision-making criteria. With the implementation of these policies, China and Hong Kong are poised to play a more significant role in the global green finance market.
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