EFFAS Newsletter - November 2023

I am writing to you today not just as the Chair of EFFAS, but as a fellow advocate and leader in the dynamic world of finance. As we navigate through an era marked by rapid changes and unprecedented challenges.

In the past year, EFFAS has continued to grow. This growth is a reflection of our unwavering commitment to promoting excellence in financial analysis, advocacy for ethical standards, and fostering a deeper understanding of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) criteria in investment decisions.

As we look ahead, I am particularly excited about the opportunities and initiatives that lie before us. Our upcoming conferences, workshops, and educational programs are designed not only to keep you abreast of the latest trends and regulatory changes but also to provide platforms for dialogue, collaboration, and innovation.

Best regards,
Dr. Jesús López Zaballos
EFFAS Chair

1. The Gasperini ESG Awards Call is open!

EFFAS proudly presents the Gasperini ESG Awards, recognizing groundbreaking research in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues.

The Gasperini ESG Awards recognizes outstanding papers and articles on Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) matters. The awards are designed to promote research, lead thinking on ESG issues, and encourage Investment professionals to contribute to the field”.
The prize is sponsored by the European Federation of Financial Analysts (EFFAS) and organized in alignment with AIAF.

🏆 Why Participate?
1. Showcase Your Research: Submit your innovative papers on sustainable development, climate change, ethical investment, and more.
2. Win Attractive Prizes: First Prize of €7500 and a Second Prize of €2500 await the most exceptional contributions.
3. Gain Recognition: Winners will have the opportunity to get their work published by EFFAS, elevating your profile in the sustainable finance community.

📅 Key Dates:
Submission Deadline: Papers accepted from November 10, 2023, until February 28, 2024.
Award Ceremony: Join us on May 23, 2024, in Milan, hosted by Associazione Italiana per l’Analisi Finanziaria (AIAF).

Open for All: Whether you’re an individual researcher or part of a team, this is your chance to contribute to vital discussions in ESG and investment.

2. The EFFAS CESG Conference gathers around 200 professionals.

A Look Back at the Successful EFFAS Commission on ESG FREE Hybrid Conference.
We are thrilled to share the highlights from our recent CESG Conference, held on November 24th. The event was a success, with around 200 total professionals in attendance, underscoring the significant role of EFFAS in the global conversation on sustainable finance.

Our CESG Conference delved deep into topics such as the latest regulation trends, panels covering diverse ESG aspects from climate change to human capital, a forward-looking discussion on CESGA 3.0 and insightful sessions on biodiversity, fixed income, emerging markets, and ESG trends.

As Frank Klein from DWS, one of our esteemed panel moderators, aptly put it: “Heading towards the next level in Regulation, Biodiversity, and Advisory.” This conference was not just a gathering but a vital step towards understanding and molding the framework of ESG standards and practices.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all participants, speakers, and organizers who made this event a landmark in our collective efforts to advance sustainable finance. Stay tuned for more insights and follow-up discussions from the conference in our upcoming communications.

3. Exploring EFFAS’ Vision for the Future of European Capital Markets.

In an insightful press release, the EFFAS Capital Markets Commission (CMC) has outlined a strategic vision for strengthening the European Capital Markets Union. This document, vital for anyone invested in Europe’s economic future, addresses three core areas of development:

  1. Halting Tax Discrimination of Equity: EFFAS emphasizes the need to incentivize long-term equity investments and reduce the existing tax bias against them.
  2. Solvency II Reassessment: The Commission critiques the current regulatory framework’s impact on public equity investments, advocating for reforms that favor long-term returns over short-term volatility.
  3. Support for SMEs: Highlighting the unique challenges faced by Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) in accessing capital markets, EFFAS showcases best practices from around Europe that could serve as models for wider implementation.

This statement from EFFAS is a must-read for financial professionals, policymakers, and anyone interested in the evolving landscape of European finance. Click here to access the full statement and delve deeper into these pivotal proposals for Europe’s economic progress.