ESG highlights for financial advisers
EU enhanced anti-greenwashing rules take effect – new EU directives came into force last week to help combat misleading marketing and greenwashing. The new rules now require companies to back-up environmental claims with stronger evidence, tighten standards for sustainability labels and climate pledges, and strengthen consumer protections.
UK eases climate disclosure requirements - the FCA has abandoned plans for mandatory climate reporting under the UK’s new IFRS-based sustainability standards, instead adopting a "comply or explain" approach. The move now gives companies greater flexibility on reporting and aligns closer to international standards, reducing the disproportionate reporting burden on smaller companies.
New York launches inaugural ESG bond issuance – New York State has raised nearly $319 million through its first ESG-designated bonds - with two sustainability bond issuances earmarked for clean-air, transportation, education and environmental jobs, highlighting continued use of sustainable finance to support long-term public investment priorities.
Germany to phase out fossil fuels by 2045 – the European giant has unveiled a roadmap to end the use of coal, oil and natural gas by 2045 at the latest, outlining measures to accelerate renewable energy, electrification and hydrogen adoption as part of its strategy to strengthen energy security and support the transition to a low-carbon economy
Spotlight: are EV’s too cheap to ignore?
Source: Carbon Brief, 2026
Why this matters
As the take up of electric vehicles (EVs) continues to grow world-wide, the market has been given an unexpected boost from the current Iran-US conflict. As oil supplies struggle to get through the Strait of Hormuz, costs have remained high for most of 2026, translating into higher prices at the pump for petrol and diesel.
In contrast, EVs are much cheaper to drive because electricity, particularly through off-peak home charging, costs far less per mile than petrol or diesel, and unlike fossil fuels, electricity prices have been less exposed to recent spikes in global oil markets. Today, this cost differential now makes the average EV nine times cheaper to run than the equivalent petrol car.
Our takeaway from SRI Services 'Good Money Week' event
Cleona Lira is a financial planner specialising in sustainable investing and a member of Parmenion's Ethical Oversight Committee (EOC). She gave her thoughts on last week’s annual SRI Services conference for Good Money Week, at the Mermaid Theatre in London.
“The fund-manager panel discussions were excellent, covering timely topics including Climate Transition Investment and AI’s Environmental & Social Footprint.
“One message that really stuck with me is that the language we use when we communicate about climate messaging is important. I also found the sessions on the Advisers’ Sustainability Group (ASG) report useful, particularly the honest exchange between the panellists and the audience.”
The day’s highlight came at the end: a screening of The People’s Emergency Briefing, followed by The Rt. Hon John Gummer, Lord Deben’s invitation to audience members to commit to a clear action, such as speaking to your local MP.
“I was moved by his dedication, hard work, passionate pleas, and his advocacy of urgent climate action. I have emailed my local MP asking for a meeting of a personal matter, per the suggestion.”
Good Money Week: a new guide to sustainable advice
This #GoodMoneyWeek Parmenion EOC member Julia Dreblow, Founder of SRI Services and Partners, covers the recently published Adviser Sustainability Group report.
Read more here: Good Money Week: a new guide to sustainable advice
Parmenion Investment Management wins Best ESG Provider 2026 for the second year running
We’ve been committed to sustainable investing since 2012, with a well-established, multi-award-winning ethical proposition. Our ESG Growth range offers four distinct ESG styles, helping advisers match investments more closely with their clients’ individual views and beliefs while accessing a broad cross-section of the investible universe.
Read more here: Best ESG Provider for the second year running
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Parmenion accepts no duty of care or liability for loss arising from any person acting, or refraining from acting, as a result of any information contained within this article. All investment carries risk. The value of investments, and the income from them, can go down as well as up and investors may get back less than they put in. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future returns.
