ESG Archives

In ESG

Luxembourg: New regulatory requirements regarding the implementation of SFDR RTS

October 7, 2022 by Laurent Fessmann and Catherine Martougin 4 Mins Read

On 27 July and 6 September 2022, the Commission de surveillance du secteur financier (CSSF) released a communiqué and a communication in relation to Regulation (EU) 2019/2088 on sustainability-related disclosures in the financial services sector (SFDR) and the upcoming date of application of Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2022/1288 of 6 April 2022 supplementing SFDR (SFDR RTS).
The CSSF outlined the deadline of 1 January 2023.
Specific updates of UCITS and AIFs pre-contractual (prospectus/issuing documents) and periodic documents (annual reports) are referred to and the CSSF created an accelerated procedure for the submission of updated pre-contractual documents with templates of confirmation letter that should accompany the filing of a prospectus/issuing documents.

In Antitrust / Competition

Australia: ACCC chair explains key priorities for the year ahead

October 6, 2022 by Lynsey Edgar, Georgina Foster and Helen Joyce 3 Mins Read

Substantiating green claims, statements regarding price increases and minority interests in competing companies In brief The new ACCC…

In ESG

International: Off the Shelf Video Podcast – Artificial Intelligence as an enabler of green innovation (Podcast)

October 4, 2022 by lmaglana 6 Mins Read

Companies in the consumer goods and retail industry are adopting Artificial Intelligence in their business operations – from client marketing, to human resources, to supply chain management– to boost efficiencies and reduce operational costs. Though sustainability may not always be the initial driver, an organization’s overall sustainability efforts vastly benefit from the efficiencies brought about by AI. While AI brings about a myriad of benefits, it is prudent for companies to be aware of its associated risks.

In Environment

International: Off the Shelf Video Podcast – How trademarks can promote green innovation (Podcast)

September 29, 2022 by Eva-Maria Strobel and Tiffany Conley 5 Mins Read

In the fifth episode of the series, partner Eva-Maria Strobel and senior associate Tiffany Conley from our IP and data and technology practice discuss green trademarks in green innovation, the options for protection, and the challenges of green trademarks registration. They examine the issues surrounding the revocation of registered trademarks, and highlight the trends and developments from both a European and Asia Pacific lens.

In ESG

Hong Kong: Government to support fintech and ESG industries with immigration and finance options

September 29, 2022 by Antonia Grant 1 Min Read

The Hong Kong government, having recently been in talks with regulatory authorities, has signified its intention to support the fintech and ESG market in an effort to attract talent.

In Employment

China: Employment law update | September 2022

September 28, 2022 by Jonathan M. Isaacs, Zheng Lu and Bofu An 1 Min Read

The newly revised Shanghai Labor Union Regulations came into effect on 1 June 2022. The recent round of revisions to the Regulations place emphasis on the democratic management of companies, though the revisions are stated in the form of general principles and provide little concrete guidance. The added provisions regarding gig workers are in line with recent national guidance over the past couple of years focusing on the rights and interests of gig workers. Companies with a labor union should pay particular attention to the obligation to notify the union of their unilateral termination of employment contracts.

In Employment

Germany: German Federal Labour Court on employers duty to record working hours

September 28, 2022 by Christian Koops and Miriam Siemen LL.B. 7 Mins Read

A new decision by the Federal Labour Court (BAG) includes an important change in the law: On 13 September 2022, Germany’s highest labor court ruled that employers – regardless of the size of the company and the existence of a works council – must record the working hours of their employees.

Through The Employer Report blog, our lawyers provide legal updates and practical insights to help clients understand, prepare for and respond to the latest domestic and cross-border Labor and Employment issues affecting US and multinational employers.

In Employment

Canadian Labour and Employment Law

September 25, 2022 by George Avraam, Ajanthana Anandarajah, Jennifer Bernardo, Matthew De Lio, Jeremy Hann, Stephanie MacIntosh, Alissa Scarcello, Andrew Shaw, Nell Slochowski and Bill Watson 3 Mins Read

Through the Canadian Labour and Employment Law blog, our lawyers provide legal updates and practical insights to help clients understand,…

In Environment

South Africa: Notice published for exclusion of solar PV installations from obtaining environmental authorisation and adoption of screening tool

September 23, 2022 by Kieran Whyte 5 Mins Read

The Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment in South Africa has published a notice excluding the development and expansion of solar photovoltaic facilities, including any associated activity or infrastructure from the requirement to obtain environmental authorization in terms of the National Environmental Management Act. Members of the public have 30 days from the date of publication (8 September 2022) to submit comments on the draft notice. The proposed exclusion for solar photovoltaic facilities presents opportunities for independent, small-scale power producers and is considered to be a step forward for the government in terms of its commitment to energy transition and to securing a reliable supply of clean energy in the country.