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Sustainable Finance

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Sustainable Finance and Responsible Investment is an issue of global importance which is front and centre of political, legal and market priorities. Although the rise to prominence has been market led, regulation is catching up. 
 

Whether you are a bank, insurer, trustee, investment or fund manager, adviser, broker or fintech founder, we can help you navigate the sustainability agenda. Our holistic approach to ESG and climate action draws together specialists in sectors aligned to green finance such as renewables, ESG funds, green real estate finance and infrastructure. 

Our services include

  • structuring of green finance, bonds and impact investment
  • financial regulatory advice on EU and national legislation
  • auditing of ESG risks, reporting and opportunities

Highlights of Sustainable Finance & Responsible Investment track record

13/12/2023
MEES - are the regulations working?
MEES is a flagship policy to help the UK meet its net zero targets. MEES returns over 50million hits on Google, so it is undoubtedly a widely discussed piece of legislation that should play a major role in reducing the carbon footprint of the non-domestic property stock in the UK. But is there sufficient bite to these regulations? 
05/08/2020
Why CMS for ESG legal advice?
Why CMS? In short, because we have the right experience, the right approach and the right ambition. Securing a sustainable future for our clients The firm’s international scope, sectoral focus and...
01/09/2022
ESG Hub
ESG factors have moved from being a niche concern to a strategic board level priority across all sectors and jurisdictions. Whether a business is a financial institution, an energy company, or a tech start-up – all companies with a future must now focus on ESG as a business imperative. 

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13/12/2023
Solutions for the voluntary carbon market
Unlocking finance has been a key theme of the COP28 climate summit. Banks, regulators and top officials at COP28 have thrown their weight behind efforts to revive the global trade in voluntary carbon credits which is plagued by criticisms over lack of transparency and inadequate regulation.
08/12/2023
Key takeaways from Energy Day at COP28
As a young professional in the legal field, attending COP28's Energy Day was an eye-opening experience that provided valuable insights into the future of environmental policies and their potential impact. Day 6 of COP28 showcased a collective determination to address the pressing challenges of our time. The discussions emphasised the urgency of transitioning to sustainable energy sources, with a focus on innovation, collaboration and policy frameworks. Supply chain planning, streamlining approvals through a clear permitting process and advocating for mandatory carbon pricing were some of the other key points discussed in the various panel sessions we attended. Another noteworthy aspect was the emphasis on international co-operation and the role of legal frameworks in facilitating cross-border partnerships. Governments were urged to think strategically beyond the present, emphasising long-term planning for renewable energy expansion.  COP28 Key Takeaway  The key takeaway for me was not just the global agreements discussed but also amplifying the voices of those on the front lines – farmers, coal workers, the youth, indigenous people and others. What set this COP apart was its focus on showcasing these voices, by, for instance, dedicating a full day to discuss the impact of climate change on health. These voices are essential in translating agreements into on-the-ground success and bridging this gap between policy decisions and the real life experiences of those directly affected by climate change is our collective responsibility, ensuring the protection of our planet for present and future generations. The Impact on Legal Practice The outcome of COP28 may lead to more stringent regulations and compliance requirements, presenting both challenges and opportunities. Legal practitioners will play a pivotal role in navigating these complexities, offering counsel to businesses and other organisations seeking to align their operations with emerging environmental standards, one way of doing this would be through using contracts as a mechanism to de-risk. As we move forward post-COP28, the legal community's commitment to guiding clients through these evolving landscapes will be instrumental in ensuring progress in the renewable energy transition. In conclusion, COP28 has been a catalyst for reflection and action. It is an exciting time to be in the legal field, with the potential to be at the forefront of shaping legal frameworks that promote a more sustainable future.
01/11/2023
COP28
CMS contributed to the conversations at, and around, COP28 by hosting a series of events to collaborate, debate and look forward. Here, our experts publish soundbites and commentary to share their perspectives on the impacts of the announcements and agreements. 
18/05/2023
Investor Attitudes to ESG Disclosures
One of the biggest challenges with ESG reporting today is understanding what information is required; what investors themselves want to know; what it is that the companies they invest in need to measure;...
31/03/2023
Revenue based financing and responsible lending
This article was first published in the March 2023 edition of the Butterworths Journal of International Banking and Financial Law. Fiona Henderson and Laura Collins discuss what steps revenue-based financing...
05/12/2022
ESG and finance
Sustainable finance and responsible investment is an issue of global importance which is front and centre of political, legal and market priorities.  
13/09/2022
A Look at the Engine for ESG: Finance
Between sus­tain­ab­il­ity-linked loans and, more recently, green bonds, the finance world has been one of the early adopters and promoters of the ESG movement. We spoke with CMS Partners Ana Radnev, Cristina...
08/08/2022
ESG themes in Real Estate Finance
Reflecting on the last roundtable in July 2020 (note produced from that meeting available here)  the following developments and themes were recently discussed by attendees from the industry body, Commercial...
01/06/2022
CMS Next
What’s next? In a world of ever-ac­cel­er­at­ing change, staying ahead of the curve and knowing what’s next for your business or sector is essential. At CMS, we see ourselves not only as your legal advisers but also as your business partners. We work together with you to not only resolve current issues but to anticipate future challenges and innovate to meet them. With our latest publication, CMS Next, our experts will regularly offer you insights into and fresh perspectives on a range of issues that businesses have to deal with – from ESG agendas to restructuring after the pandemic or facing the digital transformation. We will also share with you more about the work that we are doing for our clients, helping them innovate, grow and mitigate risk. To be able to provide you with the best support, we immerse ourselves in your world to understand your legal needs and challenges. However, it is equally important that you know who we are and how we can work with you. So, we invite you to meet our experts and catch a glimpse of what is happening inside CMS. Enjoy reading this publication, which we will update regularly with new content. CMS Executive Team
03/02/2022
Reimagining Industry
CEE Legal Matters spoke with CMS Partner and Head of Environmental Law Practice in Poland and CEE Agnieszka Skorupinska and CMS Turkiye Managing Partner Done Yalcin about the impacts of the EU Green Deal...
04/11/2021
Financial risk in the face of climate change
Firms not addressing climate change will face material losses and become obsolete. Unprecedented levels of standards, regulation and legislation are being implemented to encourage positive change and manage risk. In this video, Laura Houët discusses what is being implemented and its impact on businesses.
27/10/2021
Archive news from COP26
Archived COP26 updates - Day 13Archived COP26 updates - Day 12Archived COP26 updates - Day 11Archived COP26 updates - Day 10Archived COP26 updates - Day 9Archived COP26 updates - Day 7Archived COP26 updates - Day 6Archived COP26  updates - Day 5Archived COP26  updates - Day 4Archived COP26  updates - Day 3Archived COP26  updates - Day 2