Japanese
July 12, 2022
Financial Services Agency

Invitation for Public Comments regarding “the Code of Conduct for ESG Evaluation and Data Providers”

1. Purpose, Objectives and Background

　In the "Report by the Expert Panel on Sustainable Finance: Building A Financial System that Supports a Sustainable Society" published by the Expert Panel on Sustainable Finance in June 2021, several issues were pointed out with regard to ESG evaluation and data provision organizations, including transparency and fairness of evaluation, as the expected role of such organizations increases.
　Since February 2022, the Technical Committee for ESG Evaluation and Data Providers, etc. discussed a wide range of issues, including the current status of ESG evaluation and data, challenges faced by stakeholders in the appropriate provision and use of ESG evaluation and data, and future developments.
　Based on the discussions at the Technical Committee, the FSA has compiled the attached Code of Conduct for ESG Evaluation and Data Providers, and is soliciting a wide range of opinions.

2. Subject of the call for opinions

　Draft Code of Conduct for ESG Evaluation and Data Providers
　Please refer to the Appendix for specific details.
 

3. Comment period (start and end dates of the call for comments)

　From 3:00 p.m. JST on Tuesday, July 12, 2022 to 5:00 p.m. JST on Monday, September 5, 2022 (must arrive no later than this date).
 

4. Where and how to submit opinions

　Please send your comments to sustainable-fin.esg@fsa.go.jp or via internet with your name (or your entity name), your occupation (or your entity’s business type), and your contact information (address, phone number and/or E-mail address) by 5:00 p.m.JST on Monday, September 5. Please refrain from submitting comments by telephone.
 

5. Other

　Please be advised that we will disclose the name (or the name in the case of a corporation or other organization) of the person who submitted the comment, along with the content of the comment, if requested to do so. If you wish to remain anonymous at the time of disclosure, please state so clearly at the beginning of your comment. If your opinion contains (1) information about an individual that could identify a specific individual, or (2) a statement that could infringe on the rights, competitive position, or other legitimate interests of a legal entity, we may withhold such information.
 
　Personal information, such as telephone number, will be used to contact or confirm the contents of the comment, or to confirm the position from which the comment was made.
　Please note that we will not respond to your comments individually.
 

The public comment period is now closed.
 

 (Attachment 1) The Code of Conduct for ESG Evaluation and Data Providers (Draft)

 (Attachment 2) The Code of Conduct for ESG Evaluation and Data Providers (Draft) (Japanese)