Join the webinar on greenwashing on March 28th Posted on March 4, 2024 at 2:35 pm.Written by Roeland Jongejan The Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment (CISI) and DSI Foundation warmly invite you to an upcoming webinar on March 28, where our guests speakers from DSI, EY and ACCA will join the lively conversation on greenwashing. The speakers will delve into the most important issues that emerged from conversations with industry professionals while researching the recent white paper from DSI on Greenwashing: Let’s be real! Sign up here for the webinar! Register here! The event will focus on its eight calls to action, addressing the issue of greenwashing in the investment industry from the perspective of professionals within the sector. The webinar will provide insights that could be overlooked by policymakers during the process of creating new rules for the financial sector. With this paper, DSI wants to actively contribute to the lively discussion around greenwashing, and the implications for the financial sector, regulators and legislators. The webinar will also focus on recent work by ACCA and the CISI on coming reforms to the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Requirement, particularly in relation to greenwashing. If you would like to discover more about DSI Greenwashing, please click here. Webinar Registration The webinar will take place online via Zoom and will be conducted in English. Registration is required for participation. You can register using this registration link: ZOOM LINK. If you encounter any issues with registration or have other questions, please contact DSI at communicatie@dsi.nl. We look forward to seeing you there! More information about CISI: click here More information about ACCA: click here More information about Sustainable Finance Disclosure Requirement: click here
Greenwashing: let’s be real! Posted on February 15, 2024 at 10:00 am.Written by Roeland Jongejan Greenwashing has entered the investment industry lexicon with a vengeance in recent years. With the dramatic growth of ESG investing it is perhaps not a surprise that many products do not (yet) meet the claims of investment providers. Through the whole value chain financial organizations are considering how to protect themselves from accusations of greenwashing. With European regulators set to issue a joint report on greenwashing in May 2024, regulatory risk – with financial and reputational consequences – is set to be “top of mind” in the coming years. The current legislative focus seems to be fully aimed at transparency as a silver bullet solution. Shouldn’t policy action be more direct? And what about all the pledges and commitments that have been made by CEO’s and boards? Shouldn’t there be a more constructive dialogue within the investment firms about the the road to a carbon neutral economy and what choices and tradeoffs need to be made to get there? Explore in our whitepaper the call-to-action items that reflect the most important issues that emerged in conversations with industry professional. Download the whitepaper © Stichting DSI | With this whitepaper, DSI aims to actively contribute to the lively discussion on greenwashing. The recommendations can be taken to heart by both the financial sector, regulators and legislators. DSI outlines eight calls for action This white paper is a result of multiple round tables that DSI organized together with EY over the course of 2023. It reflects the most important issues that emerged in conversations with industry professionals. These professionals are specialists in marketing, compliance and investing, and work at banks, pension funds and asset managers. They deal with the issues discussed on a daily basis and provide insights that could be overlooked by policymakers during the process of creating new rules for the financial sector. With this paper, DSI wants to actively contribute to the lively discussion about greenwashing. The recommendations can be taken to heart by both the financial sector, regulators and legislators. For more information Would you like to learn more about this topic or would you like DSI to also engage in discussions about greenwashing within your organization? Please visit our page about Greenwashing or contact DSI via Floris Mreijen, Director, at 020-620 74 12 or through our contact form.
Challenges for Investment Professionals regarding greenwashing Posted on December 12, 2023 at 1:53 pm.Written by Roeland Jongejan DSI and EY are joining forces in 2023 for roundtable meetings on greenwashing in the financial sector. We aim to facilitate a constructive dialogue among professionals in the investment industry, discussing recent developments and their impact on investment practices. Previous meetings In previous sessions, held in June and September, the focus was on legal, compliance, and marketing aspects of greenwashing. Participants extensively discussed the definition of greenwashing and how organizations interpret this concept. They also reflected on the Progress Report of the European Supervisory Authorities dated June 1st. Read more about these meetings here. Challenges for Investment Professionals During our third meeting on November 22nd, investment professionals collectively discussed challenges related to ESG investing and greenwashing. The growing demand for transparency regarding companies’ sustainable results (and the regulations surrounding them) poses challenges for investment professionals. One of these challenges is the sometimes limited availability of the right data. On the other hand, it was also noted that more data might not necessarily be the solution to the problem of greenwashing. Training During the meeting, investment professionals emphasized the importance of effective communication. It’s crucial to be transparent about the dilemmas surrounding ESG investing. An investment that was previously classified as sustainable may no longer be so later, partly due to regulatory changes. Investment professionals need a basic level of expertise in the ESG field. DSI can play a role in setting standards for competence and integrity. Awareness and future whitepaper It’s essential for organizations to create greater awareness of greenwashing across various sectors. The findings from the three sessions will be compiled into an informative whitepaper, to be shared with the industry in the first quarter of 2024. Contact information For more information about these meetings, you can contact Floris Mreijen, the director at DSI, and/or Mark van der Lecq, the lead legal at DSI.
Week of Integrity Posted on December 6, 2023 at 9:57 am.Written by Roeland Jongejan As a proud partner of the Week of Integrity, taking place from December 1 to 9, we emphasize the power of ethical behavior in the financial sector. DSI has undertaken various initiatives to highlight integrity in this sector. At DSI, integrity goes beyond being a core value; it is the guiding principle for our mission. We believe in a financial world where ethics and professionalism go hand in hand. DSI has taken various initiatives to bring attention to ethical behavior in the financial sector. This includes incorporating the Integrity Module e-learning into all our certifications and forming various collaborations with partners in the sector. DSI Activities in the Week of Integrity EY and DSI host a roundtable on greenwashing: EY and DSI organized roundtable discussions on Greenwashing. Insights will be shared in an informative whitepaper available to the sector. ➜ more information Stakeholder event on integrity and inclusion: Rabobank, KPMG, and DSI organized a stakeholder arena on integrity and inclusion. Perspectives from various sectors were discussed based on statements and questions. ➜ more information Devil’s dilemmas of investment professionals: Watch our live webinar on the devil’s dilemmas of investment professionals. Discover the learning outcomes and practical applications of statements discussed during the DSI Disciplinary Committee. ➜ more information What is the Week of Integrity? The annual event, held in December, is a crucial multi-stakeholder initiative. It promotes knowledge sharing and stimulates discussions about integrity in workplaces and boardrooms, regardless of the type of organization. What can employees, officials, and managers expect? And what responsibility do politicians bear, both nationally and internationally, for companies with international interests? The commitment extends beyond just one week in December; on the contrary, the organization aims to unite people throughout the year in their dedication to integrity. Every day, efforts are made to make integrity an integral part of the behavior of individuals, organizations, and businesses. The Week of Integrity highlights the power of ethical behavior in the financial sector. Explore DSI’s initiatives.
DSI and EY are hosting a roundtable on greenwashing | Part II Posted on October 4, 2023 at 10:29 am.Written by Roeland Jongejan Challenges in Marketing and Communication In 2023, DSI and EY are joining forces to organize a series of exclusive roundtable meetings focused on the timely topic of greenwashing and how the financial sector is addressing it. Our goal is to facilitate a constructive dialogue among policymakers from various sectors, discussing recent developments and their impact on investment practices. Defining greenwashing: compliance and legal aspects Our first meeting, held in June, focused on the compliance and legal aspects of greenwashing. Participants in this session extensively discussed the current definition of greenwashing and how different organizations interpret this concept. A key talking point was an article published by ESMA on June 1st, exploring the definition of greenwashing through various articles. Marketing and communication challenges In our second meeting on September 13th, a new group of specialists discussed the marketing and communication challenges associated with greenwashing. The session began with an introduction and the establishment of objectives. We then engaged in open discussions on various topics. We started by critically examining the current definition of greenwashing and reflecting on its interpretation by participating organizations. Next, we focused on how an excessive emphasis on commercial incentives can lead to greenwashing. We explored why greenwashing exists in the first place and how organizations and professionals can become involved in this phenomenon. We also discussed the challenges this presents for marketing professionals in carrying out their work. Moral and ethical considerations in the financial sector Moral and ethical considerations related to greenwashing were extensively discussed. We examined the differences in ethical perspectives on ESG between investors and institutions offering investment products. We pondered why there is a difference in understanding and whether the financial sector itself should establish concrete frameworks to provide clarity and maintain trust. Effective communication of ESG performance Another important point of discussion was how to effectively communicate a company’s ESG performance. We had extensive discussions on how this can be done transparently and accurately. Participants shared numerous practical examples where ESG performance was honestly and clearly communicated to investors. The final part of the meeting focused on creating awareness within organizations about greenwashing. We discussed how to ensure that this topic is on the agenda at all levels of an organization. Attendees shared valuable best practices. Upcoming session: greenwashing from an investment perspective It’s important to note that there will be one more session on Greenwashing in October, this time from an investment perspective, with investment specialists. The findings and insights from these three meetings will be compiled into an informative whitepaper to be shared on our website. Contact Information For more information about these inspiring meetings, please contact Floris Mreijen, the director, and/or Mark van der Lecq, the lead legal at DSI.
Renewed and modernized integrity e-learning Posted on October 3, 2023 at 2:40 pm.Written by Roeland Jongejan Together with the Dutch Compliance Institute (NCI), DSI has completely revamped the ‘Integrity’ e-learning. This modernized e-learning is designed to raise awareness among financial professionals about the importance of acting with integrity in their daily practice. It is mandatory for anyone seeking certification within one of the DSI registers. You can enroll in the e-learning starting today through the Dutch Compliance Institute website. Renewed and modernized integrity e-learning ready for use The e-learning has undergone a thorough makeover. Not only has the content and structure been revised, but all learning objectives have also been meticulously reviewed by NCI in collaboration with members of the DSI Integrity Advisory Committee. During the development, committee members also shared their insights. The result? A completely revised and modernized ‘DSI-Integrity’ e-learning, available for use starting today. Sign up here for the Integrity E-learning Efficient E-Learning: Shorter Duration and Focus on Relevance In addition to changes in structure, we have also considered the time factor for participants. We have critically evaluated the relevance of topics and the length of texts, resulting in a shorter duration for completing the e-learning. Important to note: the new e-learning is applicable to all professionals, regardless of their role or responsibilities. Integrity is crucial for every professional, and this is highlighted through examples from various work environments. Upon completing the e-learning, there will be an assessment that needs to be passed with a satisfactory grade. Workshop as an Additional Requirement for Certain Professionals For some professionals in DSI’s ESMA and Specialists Registers, an additional requirement applies: in addition to the e-learning, they must also successfully complete the DSI Integrity Workshop. This workshop is conducted by the Dutch Compliance Institute in collaboration with Nyenrode Business University. It primarily focuses on applying integrity and critical judgment in practice. How can I enroll in the e-learning and/or the workshop? If you wish to enroll in the e-learning and/or the workshop, you can do so through the Dutch Compliance Institute website: www.compliance-instituut.nl. For more information about the Integrity E-Learning, you can also contact the Dutch Compliance Institute at 088-9988100 or DSI at 020-6201274.
DSI and EY are organizing a roundtable discussion on Greenwashing Posted on August 25, 2023 at 9:11 am.Written by Roeland Jongejan DSI and EY are joining forces in 2023 to organize a series of exclusive roundtable meetings, focusing on the current topic of greenwashing and how the financial sector is addressing it. Our goal is to facilitate a constructive dialogue among policymakers from various sectors, discussing recent developments and analyzing their impact on investment practices. The discussion will revolve around the moral and ethical considerations related to greenwashing. The valuable insights derived from these meetings will be compiled and presented in an informative white paper by the end of the year. Greenwashing from different perspectives The first meeting took place on June 7th at Beursplein in Amsterdam, with a focus on compliance and legal aspects. This session brought together professionals from risk, legal, and compliance domains of various DSI participants. After an introduction and setting the meeting’s objectives, open discussions covered various topics. Firstly, the current definition of greenwashing was critically examined. What does this term precisely entail, and how do the present organizations interpret this theme? We reflected on an ESMA article published on June 1st that explores the definition of greenwashing based on various articles. Current regulation surrounding greenwashing Subsequently, our attention turned to the current regulations. Greenwashing is addressed through several European sustainable finance regulations. Together, we discussed how organizations navigate this complex set of rules. How do they implement these guidelines, and which regulations have the most significant impact on their operations? Moral and ethical considerations regarding greenwashing were also extensively discussed. We explored the differences in ethical standpoints on ESG between investors and institutions offering investment products. Why does such a disparity in understanding exist, and should the financial sector itself establish concrete frameworks to provide clarity and maintain trust? Creating awareness about greenwashing within your organization The final part of the meeting focused on creating awareness about greenwashing within organizations. How can we ensure that this topic is on the agenda at every level of the organization? Attendees shared valuable best practices, which we will elaborate on in the white paper scheduled for publication at the end of the year. After the summer, DSI and EY will host two more sessions on Greenwashing, but this time from a different perspective, involving marketing and communication specialists, as well as investment experts. The findings from these three gatherings will be consolidated into an informative white paper, to be shared on our website. For more information about these inspiring meetings, feel free to reach out to Floris Mreijen (Director) and/or Mark van der Lecq (Lead Legal) by sending an email to certificering@dsi.nl.