ANALYSIS: GAO Report Reveals ESG Disclosure Variations

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has issued a significant report on environmental, social and governance (ESG) disclosures. According to the GAO, most of the institutional investors interviewed use ESG information to assess corporate risk management, and to inform their votes at shareholder meetings. The institutional investors noted that they want additional ESG disclosures to address gaps and inconsistencies in company disclosures that limit their usefulness. Issuers, meanwhile, cautioned that prescriptive ESG reporting rules would increase costs and impact management efficiency.

Responses From Institutional Investors

The GAO surveyed 14 institutional investors, including private asset managers and pension funds. The report stated ...