The Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) funds of Goldman Sachs
According to sources that spoke with the Wall Street Journal, the SEC is investigating Goldman Sachs' asset management arm for two of the four ESG funds that the investment titan currently offers. However, as federal regulations don't currently define ESG standards, the SEC will likely avoid attempting to determine how "green" the funds are, focusing instead on whether the funds get invested according to the policies advertised to clients. Both the SEC and Goldman Sachs have remained silent on the matter for the time being.
ESG funds such as Goldman Sachs' Future Planet Equity ETF
Last month, the SEC fined Bank of New York Mellon
While U.S. federal law does not yet define an ESG standard, the SEC is taking steps in the direction of setting such a standard. In May, the regulator proposed enhancements to disclosure laws to "categorize certain types of ESG strategies broadly and require funds and advisers to provide more specific disclosures" in marketing and informational materials. Any such regulations are likely not to be implemented for some time.