Top tech groups are about to dilute ESG disclosure rules

Alphabet and Microsoft pushed back against calls regarding disclosures on social, environmental, and governance issues in essential US regulatory filings. The tech companies informed the top US securities watchdog that they should not include ESG information in a type of filing known as a 10k, which most groups have to submit every year. Microsoft and Alphabet said that these filings might open them up to potential legal risks. At the same time, such data are close to more uncertainty than the detailed risk and financial disclosures required in 10ks. In fact, in recent days, these two companies` submission to the Exchange and Securities Commission sets up a clash with Invesco, Pimco, and other massive asset managers that want ESG information included in 10ks.

The SEC has a plan to make the disclosures mandatory. It is also considering where one should submit them. Chief executive of the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility, Josh Zinner, said such disclosures might create a playing field and highlight companies’ leaderships. Companies’ chief executives, SEC staff, and financial officers must sign the annual 10k filings. They will do this by making them one of the essential types of disclosures for public companies.

What Microsoft and Alphabet said about the project

Microsoft and Alphabet said that they position themselves as sustainability leaders. To that end, they have to be supportive of disclosure on ESG matters, including in the regulatory filings. The battle between companies and asset managers over ESG disclosure might intensify in the coming months. Human rights and global warming are posing new risks for companies. As a response to this, the SEC embarked on unprecedented disclosure to make rules for the booming ESG sector.

Lastly, according to the Bank of America, Microsoft is the most widely held company in the US regarding ESG funds. However, Alphabet is in half US ESG funds and is in the top 10 most popular ESG companies.