Regulatory Radar

TCFD reporting rules to affect more UK-based companies

REGULATORY RADAR - The UK's FCA published plans to extend climate reporting requirements to most UK-listed companies and domestic asset managers.

EU publishes guidance to help companies address forced labor in supply chains

REGULATORY RADAR - The guidance is intended to enhance companies' capacity to eradicate forced labor from value chains.

SEC announces annual regulatory agenda, including proposed ESG disclosures

REGULATORY RADAR - The SEC's annual regulatory agenda includes proposed rules dealing with climate change disclosure, board diversity, ESG investments, cybersecurity, and human capital management

Maine requires companies to pay for packaging

REGULATORY RADAR -On July 13, 2021, Maine signed the United States’ first packaging-based extended producer responsibility (EPR) program into law, signaling a possible change in the recycling systems in the nation.

SEC approves Nasdaq’s plan to boost diversity on corporate boards

REGULATORY RADAR - On August 6, 2021, the SEC approved two board diversity proposals previously filed by the stock market index Nasdaq: the Board Diversity Proposal and the Board Recruiting Service Proposal.

Biden executive order targets half of all vehicles sold to be electric by 2030

REGULATORY RADAR - On August 5, 2021, President Joseph Biden announced and signed an executive order that sets a new target to make half of all new vehicles sold in 2030 zero-emissions vehicles.

Global financial regulator issues roadmap for climate disclosures

REGULATORY RADAR - On July 7, 2021, the Financial Stability Board (FSB) issued its Roadmap for Addressing Climate-Related Financial Risks, prepared in consultation with standard-setting bodies.

European Commission proposes landmark climate legislation, including carbon border tax

REGULATORY RADAR - On July 14, 2021, the European Commission proposed a landmark “Fit for 55” package of climate and energy legislation.

Regulators limit use of criminal histories in hiring decisions

REGULATORY RADAR - New laws and guidance in Louisiana, Maine, and New York limit the ability of employers to consider and demand criminal history during the hiring process.

EPA to prohibit use of certain food pesticides

REGULATORY RADAR - On August 18, 2021, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it will stop the use of the pesticide chlorpyrifos on all food, by revoking all “tolerances” for the chemical.

Singapore Exchange proposes mandatory climate and board diversity disclosure for issuers

REGULATORY RADAR - Singapore Exchange Regulation (SGX RegCo) is proposing a roadmap for climate-related disclosures to be made mandatory in issuers’ sustainability reports

China passes new personal data privacy law

REGULATORY RADAR - On August 20, 2021, China's National People's Congress passed a law designed to protect online user data privacy, which will go into effect on November 1.