Statement from ISS’ Global Head of Investment Stewardship Solutions, Lorraine Kelly, on New Japan FSA Code of Conduct for ESG Evaluation and Data Providers

NEW YORK (December 16, 2022) “ISS welcomes the Japan Financial Services Agency’s (JFSA) principles-based framework for oversight of ESG ratings providers and its objective of promoting transparency and best practices in the industry. We commend the agency for its leadership in prioritizing the principles of research independence and robust and transparent internal governance practices of ESG research providers while also recognizing that a diversity of methodological approaches benefits investment professionals. We look forward to continuing to engage with the JFSA and other regulators on the development of globally consistent standards that leverage the work of the JFSA and the recommendations of the International Organization of Securities Commissions to benefit institutional investors and capital market participants more broadly.”