Regulation database

More policies are being introduced to support the economic transition

In previous versions, PRI’s regulation database clearly demonstrated that the number of responsible investment policies and regulations had grown significantly worldwide and that out of 316 policies assessed between 2019-2022, 79% included direct or indirect sustainability outcome requirements. In our 2024 update, we have moved our focus from monitoring this exponential growth to understanding the comprehensiveness of policy reform across a set of key markets.

The database tells us that since 2014, across the jurisdictions assessed, the variety of policies has increased by a third (from 15 different types of policy to 20), with the introduction of taxonomies, investor due diligence requirements etc. In the same period, the number of policies that reference the Paris Agreement has increased from 33 to surpass 200 out of 379 entries in our database.

There is also an increased focus on regulations which support governments to drive the economy-wide transition towards a sustainable future (see figure 1 below). This policy approach recognizes that the financial sector alone cannot tackle system-level sustainability-related risks, and a whole-of-government approach is needed. You can learn more about the three policy approaches in the methodology document.

Figure 1. The number of policies with each approach up to and including 2014, and up to and including 2024. Please note one policy can have more than one approach.

The number of regulations which support the economic transition, has more than quadrupled. As a percentage of policies assessed, this has increased from 41% in 2014 to 60% in 2024.

Methodology and categories

This Q2 2024 update, conducted with support from Canbury Insights Limited, takes a deep dive of policies from the top 20 counties by PRI signatory count, plus the G20 members and the European Union. It also introduces new filters, including ESG focus and alignment to global frameworks.

This data was updated in May 2024 using a methodology which you can read in full here. Please be aware this database was developed using large language models (LLMs), and while we have made best efforts to ensure its accuracy, it should not substitute for your own due diligence. To request a copy of the database please request to join the Collaboration Platform page (you will have to be registered on the Collaboration Platform first to do this). For corrections, additions or questions please contact [email protected]. If you intend on using the information externally, we kindly request to know how you will use it and for PRI to be credited.

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