Regulation database

PRI’s regulation database documents existing and in progress sustainable finance policies around the world. It covers 868 policy tools and guidance and more than 300 policy revisions which support, encourage or require investors to consider all long-term value drivers, including environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors

Government and policy maker interest in sustainable finance and investment has grown dramatically since the start of the century. Of the policies identified by PRI, 96% have been developed since the year 2000. The pace continues to increase – the PRI identified 225 new or revised policy instruments in 2021, more than double the number in any previous year. This continues the trend identified when the PRI first published its database of global sustainable finance policy in 2016 ¹.

Sustainable finance policies and regulations can:

• support national policy goals on climate change and the SDGs;
• enhance the resilience and stability of the financial system and the economy;
• improve market efficiency by clarifying and aligning investor and company expectations; and
• increase the attractiveness of countries as investment destinations.

As sustainable finance and investment policies develop, driving investments towards sustainable, inclusive and zero-carbon economies will require aligning regulatory frameworks globally.

The data is derived from a review of existing databases, primary research by the PRI’s policy team, and interviews with market stakeholders including investors, stock exchanges, regulators, and industry associations.