EFFAS Newsletter - November 2024
Dear EFFAS Community,
It is with great anticipation that I address you in this latest edition of our newsletter, where we reflect on significant milestones and upcoming events that shape the fabric of our shared commitment to excellence in finance and sustainability.
First, I am thrilled to highlight the recent recognition of the CESGA 4.1 as the first certification accredited by the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG) as compliant with the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS). This achievement only goes to underscore the rigor and relevance of the CESGA programme reinforcing our dedication to empowering finance professionals in an evolving regulatory landscape.
Looking ahead to coming EFFAS conferences, I warmly invite you to join us on 3rd April 2025 for the EFFAS Capital Markets Forum, both in Zurich and online. Reflecting on our recent past, I want to acknowledge the success of the CESG Conference held on 2nd October in Vienna. There is a press note with our conclusions from the conference.
Lastly, I was privileged to represent EFFAS at the IFRS Conference on 18th October where I spoke about the importance of integrated reporting. My focus was on ensuring that integrated reporting maintains a methodological rigor so that disclosures are meaningful and distinct.
As we continue to navigate an era defined by rapid change and heightened accountability, EFFAS remains committed to equipping our members with the education, resources, and opportunities that foster the industry. Thank you for your continued dedication and participation in our collective mission.
Jesús López Zaballos,
EFFAS Chair.
We are excited to announce that the CESGA 4.1 certification has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first credential accredited by the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group (EFRAG) for compliance with the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS). This accreditation solidifies CESGA’s position as a leading certification in the field of sustainable finance and investment.
With the ESRS set to play a pivotal role in shaping how organizations report on sustainability and non-financial information across the EU, and therefore, linking all supply chains that operate with European companies, holding a certification that aligns with these standards is more crucial than ever for finance and sustainability professionals. CESGA 4.1’s recognition by EFRAG underscores its rigorous framework and comprehensive curriculum.
Video Interview Alexander Bassen: What will be the added value of CESGA 4.1 for financial analysts and investment professionals?
We are delighted to invite you to the upcoming EFFAS Capital Markets Forum on 3rd April 2025 in Zurich and online.
The event will gather experts, thought leaders, and finance professionals to discuss the most pressing topics and emerging trends in European finance and capital markets. Covering Europe’s economic outlook, asset allocation, Capital Markets Union, ESG research, and the IPO market for SMEs.
This forum will be an opportunity to gain valuable knowledge, engage with industry peers, and understand the strategic approaches that are shaping the future of the European financial landscape.
We look forward to welcoming you!
With the ESRS set to play a pivotal role in shaping how organizations report on sustainability and non-financial information across the EU, and therefore, linking all supply chains that operate with European companies, holding a certification that aligns with these standards is more crucial than ever for finance and sustainability professionals. CESGA 4.1’s recognition by EFRAG underscores its rigorous framework and comprehensive curriculum.
Video Interview Alexander Bassen: What will be the added value of CESGA 4.1 for financial analysts and investment professionals?
The EFFAS Capital Markets Commission has written a statement regarding the SME Bond Market:
Improved transparency and higher trading liquidity needed to improve European SME bond markets.
- Decreasing liquidity endangers SME bond placements
- More credit research needed to support the EU primary bond market for SMEs
- Italian basket bonds show a new route for successfully placing SME bonds
- Urgent need for ESG data standardization and the creation of a European Single Access Point
This past 2nd October, EFFAS and The Austrian Association for Financial Analysis and Asset Management (ÖVFA) held its annual CESG (Commission on Environment, Social and Governance) conference at the Austrian National Bank in Vienna. Leading experts in finance, sustainability, and technology gathered to discuss the latest advances and challenges in sustainable finance.
The conference covered a wide range of topics, including the impact of Artificial Intelligence on portfolio management, the evolving role of ESG data in investment, SMEs, and the regulatory changes shaping the future of sustainable finance across Europe.
The EFFAS Commission on ESG wrote their Note 2 on Engagement. ‘’Engagement is one of the three components of stewardship alongside (more or less regular) dialogue with issuers and voting policy. Engagement is the core, accessible to all types of investors, whether active or passive and oriented short term (hedge fund) or long term (long only, pension fund).’’
The conference covered a wide range of topics, including the impact of Artificial Intelligence on portfolio management, the evolving role of ESG data in investment, SMEs, and the regulatory changes shaping the future of sustainable finance across Europe.
