Solution

Asset management companies (AMCs) will now be able to launch more than one environmental, social, governance (ESG) thematic fund, following six new sub-categories introduced by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). It has also mandated more disclosures, internal assurance, and ESG audits for mutual funds (MFs) to curb mis-selling and greenwashing. The regulator introduced six sub-categories to the ESG theme, namely exclusion, integration, best-in-class and positive screening, impact investing, sustainable objectives, and transition-related investments. Each new ESG fund will have to be launched under these six strategies.AMCs will have to invest 80 per cent of the total assets under management (AUM) in equity or equity-related instruments in these categories. Further, the ESG scheme will have to invest at least 65 per cent of the AUM in companies reporting comprehensive BRSR and providing assurance on Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR) Core disclosures. MFs have also been directed to ensure that these schemes are distinct in terms of strategy and asset allocation. However, SEBI has mandated BRSR Core for only the top 150 listed companies from 2023-24 and will be extended to the top 1,000 listed companies only by 2025-26 through 2026-27.