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.
Overview of DSI Participants Posted on December 5, 2023 at 1:36 pm.Written by Roeland Jongejan At DSI, we firmly believe in the power of collaboration to enhance the reliability of the financial sector. Our DSI Participants form the backbone of this collaboration and play a crucial role in strengthening integrity and professionalism in the industry. We want to provide more insight into who our DSI Participants are and why participating in DSI is essential. Overview of DSI Participants For a complete overview of our over 300 DSI participants, you can visit our DSI Participants page. Who Are the Participants? Our DSI Participants are companies and organizations in the financial sector dedicated to the highest standards of competence and integrity in their field. This includes a wide range of institutions, from financial service providers and banks to asset managers and investment firms. While each participant is unique, they all share a common goal: to increase the reliability of the financial sector. The importance of participants for DSI Participants are invaluable in promoting transparency and trust in the financial world. By joining DSI, participants demonstrate their commitment to the highest ethical standards and the competence of their employees. This contributes to enhancing the reputation of the entire sector and the reliability of professionals working within it. Benefits of DSI Membership As an organization participating in DSI, you enjoy various benefits, including: Trust and Recognition: Involvement with DSI emphasizes a participating organization’s commitment to integrity and professionalism, building trust with customers and stakeholders. Expertise and Support: DSI provides support and resources to help organizations maintain the highest standards in the industry, including certifications, the Continuing Professional Education program, the DSI Public Register, the code of conduct, and accredited training providers. Networking Opportunities: Participating organizations gain access to an extensive network of like-minded professionals and organizations, offering valuable opportunities for collaboration and growth. Efficient Oversight Tools: Through our dedicated employer portal, employers can access necessary figures and data for internal and external use at any time. This allows them to manage the real-time status of employee certifications. How can an organization become a participant at DSI? The process of becoming a participant at DSI is simple and accessible. If a company holds an AFM license, the organization can join DSI and become a participant. Registration can be done through this registration page. For more information on registration, interested organizations can also contact Nana Asante, Relationship Manager at DSI, via the contact form on our website.