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ARTICLE · 02 APRIL 2021

SEC To Prioritize Climate And Environmental, Social, And Corporate Governance Matters

Winston Taylor
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Early this March, the Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) Division of Examinations announced its 2021 examination priorities

United StatesEnvironment
Eleni Kouimelis
Eleni Kouimelis
Emily N. Kath
Emily N. Kath

Early this March, the Securities and Exchange Commission's (SEC) Division of Examinations announced its 2021 examination priorities, which include a greater focus on climate-related risks and Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG) matters. The annual examination priorities highlight areas which the SEC believes present potential risks to investors.

In her March 15, 2021 speech, SEC Acting Chair Allison Herren Lee described the agency's approach to climate and ESG matters with four goals in mind: (1) informing the markets, (2) protecting shareholder rights, (3) ensuring corporate accountability, and (4) engaging across jurisdictional boundaries.

In addition, the SEC has directed the Division of Corporation Finance to enhance its focus on climate-related disclosures1 and issued a statement requesting public comment on climate disclosures.2 The public comment period closes on June 13, 2021.

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