This month includes news from Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX), London Stock Exchange (LSEG), and Singapore Stock Exchange (SGX), and more. Monthly news highlights are compiled by the SSE to give an overview of the capital markets' sustainability news from that month.
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UPCOMING SSE EVENTS
2025 (Inaugural) Ring the Bell for LGBTIQ+ Equality
14-23 May 2025
The UN SSE, alongside the UN Global Compact, UN Human Rights (OHCHR), and Koppa (The LGBTI+ Economic Power Lab) are inviting your exchange to participate in the 2025 Ring the Bell for LGBTIQ+ Equality, a global initiative to promote awareness and solidarity for LGBTIQ+ people. Scheduled as in-person or virtual bell-ringing ceremonies at participating stock exchanges between 14-23 May 2025 to mark the International Day against Homophobia, Biphobia and Transphobia, the initiative aims to galvanise support from stock exchanges, businesses and LGBTIQ+ organisations worldwide to advance LGBTIQ+ equality, inclusion and human rights. Contact the SSE team at [email protected] for more details!
SSE NEWS
Over 115 Exchanges Unite for the 11th Global Annual 'Ring the Bell for Gender Equality' Initiative
10 March 2025
During the month of March over 115 stock exchanges participated in the 11th annual "Ring the Bell for Gender Equality" initiative. This global event, organized by partners including the International Finance Corporation (IFC), UN Global Compact, UN Sustainable Stock Exchanges (SSE) initiative, UN Women, and the World Federation of Exchanges (WFE), aimed to highlight the private sector's role in advancing gender equality. The 2025 theme, "Ring the Bell for ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment," underscored the importance of inclusive actions to promote the rights and empowerment of women and girls worldwide.
Stock Exchanges Facilitate Collective Action
25 March 2025
A recent study published in the Journal of Management Studies identified stock exchanges as pivotal in integrating sustainability into capital markets. Co-authored by UN SSE Academy Head Dr. Tiffany Grabski and Professor Tina C. Ambos of the University of Geneva, the research highlighted how Latin American stock exchanges actively shaped sustainability trends by catalyzing discussions, brokering relationships, and building infrastructure for sustainable finance. By leveraging their central role, these exchanges transformed capital markets into platforms for sustainable economic growth.
UN SSE and Nasdaq Empower Graphic Design Students and Wrap Up Global Bell Ringing Events for Gender Equality
28 March 2025
In March the United Nations Sustainable Stock Exchanges (UN SSE) initiative collaborated with Nasdaq to promote gender equality during International Women's Day. Graphic design students from Christian Brothers University in Memphis created an animated visual, displayed on Nasdaq's Times Square tower, emphasizing the global call for women's empowerment. This initiative complemented the 11th annual "Ring the Bell for Gender Equality" campaign, where over 115 stock exchanges hosted bell-ringing ceremonies to advocate for women's economic empowerment and leadership.
SSE Academy Upcoming Workshops & News
The following SSE Academy workshops are coming soon! SSE Academy workshops are hosted by SSE Partner Exchanges and invitations are managed directly by the exchange. If you wish to register, please visit the event page. For all upcoming workshops, visit SSEinitiative.org/sse-academy/
- 10 April 2025: The Banks Association of Türkiye Workshop on IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards for Banks
Exchanges can sign up now for the 2025 IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards Training for their issuers and other market participants
Empower your issuers to meet the demands of sustainability-related financial disclosure with the IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards Training. Developed by the UN SSE in partnership with the IFRS Foundation and IFC, this free program helps market participants implement IFRS S1 (“General Requirements for Sustainability-related Financial Information”) and IFRS S2 (“Climate-related Disclosures”). Through 3.5 hours of live facilitation, interactive activities, and practical guidance, participants will gain the tools to integrate sustainability into governance, strategy, and risk management processes. Open to your listed companies, financial organizations, and regulators, this CPD certified training builds capacity in your market for global consistency in sustainability reporting. Capacity is limited so contact us early to reserve your training session.
More information here: https://sseinitiative.org/training-issb
Exchanges can sign up now for the 2025 Gender Equality in Global Capital Markets Training for their issuers and other market participants
Help to achieve UN Sustainable Development Goal 5 by hosting the Gender Equality in Global Capital Markets training. This free program, hosted by SSE Partner Exchanges and facilitated by experts from the UN SSE and UN Women, offers a step-by-step approach to understanding and enhancing gender equality in markets. With four engaging modules, participants will explore the financial implications of gender inequality, improve corporate reporting and literacy on gender equality, and identify market opportunities tied to these advancements. Designed for leadership and operational staff, the training includes live expert facilitation, interactive activities, and case studies from guest speakers. This CPD certified program is an excellent opportunity for listed companies, financial organizations, and regulators to drive gender equality through sustainable finance. Capacity is limited so contact us early to reserve your training session.
More information here: https://sseinitiative.org/gender-equality-workshop
EXCHANGE NEWS
Voluntary Carbon Markets Found To Be Over 10 Times Less Efficient Than Mainstream Markets, WFE Research Reveals
5 March 2025
A study by the World Federation of Exchanges (WFE) found that voluntary carbon markets were significantly less efficient than traditional financial markets. The research highlighted issues such as low transparency, price volatility, and inefficiencies in credit issuance. WFE called for improved governance and integration of voluntary carbon markets into regulated financial systems. These findings raised concerns about the credibility of carbon offset mechanisms.
China: HKEX Achieves Carbon Neutrality Goal In 2024
13 March, 2025
Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) announced that it had achieved carbon neutrality in 2024. The milestone was reached through renewable energy procurement, emission reduction strategies, and carbon offset programs. HKEX’s efforts aligned with its broader ESG commitments to green finance and sustainable market practices. The exchange emphasized its role in supporting Asia’s transition to a low-carbon economy.
United Kingdom: London Stock Exchange Group Plc Annual Report And Accounts Notice Of Annual General Meeting
27 March 2025
The London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) released its annual report, highlighting sustainability initiatives and ESG integration. The report detailed LSEG’s efforts to support climate transition finance, sustainable investments, and net-zero commitments. The company reinforced its role in global green finance by enhancing ESG-related data services and regulatory alignment. The annual meeting aimed to discuss further climate-related financial disclosures.
REGULATOR AND STANDARD SETTER NEWS
UK Financial Conduct Authority: Our Position On Sustainability Regulations
11 March 2025
The UK Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) clarified its position on sustainability regulations and investment labeling. The statement aimed to improve transparency in sustainable finance by establishing clear guidelines for ESG disclosures. FCA reinforced its commitment to mitigating greenwashing risks and ensuring that sustainability claims accurately reflect investment strategies. The regulator sought to align the UK’s approach with evolving international sustainability standards.
Singapore: SGX RegCo And CGS Review Shows Issuers Made Modest Progress In Climate Reporting
11 March 2025
A joint review by SGX RegCo and CGS found that Singapore-listed issuers had made limited progress in climate reporting. While some companies improved their disclosures, many still lacked detailed emissions data and transition plans. The report emphasized the need for more robust climate risk assessments and clear sustainability targets. SGX RegCo pledged to enhance its regulatory approach to strengthen corporate climate accountability.
IOSCO Unveils Work Program For 2025: Core Focus On Investor Protection And Financial Integrity
12 March 2025
The International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO) outlined its 2025 work program, emphasizing sustainability disclosures and climate risk assessment. IOSCO committed to strengthening global oversight of ESG investments to prevent greenwashing. The plan included promoting standardization in sustainability reporting and aligning regulatory frameworks. These initiatives aimed to enhance investor confidence in sustainable finance markets.
Australia: Active Super Ordered To Pay $1.05 Million Penalty In ASIC's Third Greenwashing Case
18 March 2025
ASIC fined Active Super $1.05 million for misleading sustainability claims, marking its third greenwashing case. The fund falsely claimed to exclude fossil fuels and other environmentally harmful industries. This enforcement action underscored ASIC’s commitment to ensuring integrity in ESG disclosures and preventing misleading climate-related statements. The ruling served as a warning to financial institutions regarding the accuracy of sustainability marketing.
