Dubai FSA Publishes Guiding Principles on Sustainable Finance

The principles signal that UAE recognizes the importance of ESG factors to the investor community. At the regulated community level, the principles aim to facilitate transition of UAE to a more sustainable economy and to help organizations to develop strategies that re-orientate and diversify the economy, help mitigate risks of reduced global demand for oil, adapt to the physical risks of climate change, and explore the new investment opportunities it presents. These principles are voluntary and represent the first stage of the Authorities’ joint work, as part of the effort to ensure that the transition is effected in a gradual and consultative manner. 

Following the endorsement of these principles, the Authorities undertake to implement appropriate measures, which may include guidelines and policies, to encourage UAE financial firms, including banks, insurers, financial intermediaries, issuers, asset and wealth managers, and investment funds as well as corporates and other entities under their purview. The aim is to encourage these financial firms to develop strategies to incorporate ESG considerations in their business activities and decision-making, risk frameworks, and in the context of exploring new investment opportunities.

Based on the United Nations Agenda for Sustainable Development, the guiding principles are the result of co-operative efforts among a number of authorities in UAE, namely Dubai FSA, CBUAE, Insurance Authority, Securities and Commodities Authority, Financial Services Regulatory Authority of the Abu Dhabi Global Market, Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, Dubai Islamic Economy Development Centre, Dubai Financial Market, Nasdaq Dubai, and Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange.

Related Links

• Press Release
• Guiding Principles (PDF)

Keywords: Middle East and Africa, UAE, Dubai, Banking, Insurance, Securities, ESG, Sustainable Finance, Reporting, Disclosure, UAE Authorities, Climate Change Risk, Islamic Banking, Dubai FSA