(19 June 2019, Stockholm) The International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) held its first Sustainable Finance Network Stakeholder Meeting in Stockholm as an interchange between securities regulators, standard-setting bodies and the market on sustainable finance. Four panel discussions looked to evaluate the impact on corporate business models and risk management of developing sustainable businesses, the impact of sustainability factors in the investment decision process, corporate reporting for sustainability and the role of security regulators in each of these topics.

“There is clearly a role for securities regulators to play in this Arena,” said Paul Andrews, Secretary General of IOSCO.

“The SSE has identified 5 main action areas where securities regulators can contribute to a more stable and resilient financial system,” added James Zhan, Director of Investment and Enterprise, UNCTAD, and chairman of the United Nations Sustainable Stock Exchanges initiative’s Governing Board.

Participants included regulatory authorities from Argentina, Hong Kong, Sweden, Spain and USA, UN officials, issuers, investors, and thematic experts. A keynote speech was given by H.E. Per Bolund, Minister for Financial Markets and Housing and Deputy Minister for Finance, Sweden.

IOSCO Secretary General Paul Andrews launched at the 2018 SSE Global Dialogue the SSE’s guidance document “How securities regulators can support the Sustainable Development Goals”. Mr. Andrews also announced at this time the creation of the IOSCO sustainability network, which provides a platform for IOSCO’s members to share their experiences and discuss sustainability-related issues. The network was formed at the initiative of the Swedish Capital Market Authority Finansinspektionen, whose Director General Erik Thedéen will chair the network.

The SSE continues to support regulators in the development and promotion of sustainable finance throughout their markets and continues its work in this area with its Regulator Working Group.

KEYNOTE: Paul Andrews, Secretary General, IOSCO