Global Finance and the Anthropocene: Regulatory Shifts and Prospective Effects

Abstract

Financial institutions must play their part in the fight against climate change. In this context, the concept of the Anthropocene becomes relevant for securities markets via terms such as sustainable finance and ESG. These terms are now a core issue for securities regulators around the world. Lack of clarity and standardized disclosure both across and within jurisdictions make the analysis of and comparison between financial products extremely difficult. Investors’ demand for green products exacerbates the need for standardization. Against this backdrop, financial institutions face two hurdles. First, how to properly assess their in-house financing activities. Second, how to guide investors in their investment decisions. The article shows that, due to the increasing complexity and political importance of green finance, we are witnessing a double, simultaneous shift. First, from transnational private regulation to domestic regulatory law, with the EU in the driver’s seat. Second, towards transnational supervisory standards, adopted by IOSCO. Anthropocene, sustainable finance, ESG, IOSCO, transnational securities regulation, Brussels effect, European green deal, green taxonomy, ESMA, EBA