Finance for good
Sustainability has become a leading strategic priority for the financial sector. Climate change, in particular, is widely recognised as a major threat to the stability of the world economy.
Sustainability
Insights
Sustainability
Webinar: Avenues to improve audit quality
On 21 November 2022, ecoDa and Mazars co-organised a timely and open webinar on ways to improve the corporate reporting ecosystem in the context of the European Commission’s initiative, in the presence of DG FISMA, board members, investors and auditors.
C-suite: energy insights
09/11/2022 Earlier this year, we released our C-suite barometer, a report that captures the views of over 1,000 executives around the world. Since then, much has happened, from the war in Ukraine to rising inflation. In this article, we check in with Bob Green, Partner, Mazars, who reacts to key statistics from the report with today’s lens on the energy sector and shares his insights on what’s...
C-suite: retail and consumer goods insights
24/11/2022 Earlier this year, we released our C-suite barometer, a report that captures the views of over 1,000 executives around the world. Since then, much has happened from the war in Ukraine to rising inflation. In this article, we check in with Isabelle Massa, Partner, Mazars, who reacts to key statistics from the report with today’s lens on the retail and consumer sector and shares her...
C-suite: technology and telcoms insights
15/11/2022 Earlier this year, we released our C-suite barometer, a report that captures the views of over 1,000 executives around the world. In this interview, Karine Philippon, Global Tech Media and Telecom leader, reflects on the findings and shares her analysis on current trends in the technology and telecoms sector.
The return of geopolitics
Thomas Gomart, Director of IFRI, comments on how recent geopolitical events have transformed the global economic map
Automotive suppliers face Green Taxonomy choices
02/11/2022 With the first reports on the EU’s Green Taxonomy eligibility ratios now published, what has been the impact on automotive suppliers? The Green Taxonomy entered into force in the EU on 1 January 2022 as a first step towards directing capital investments towards more sustainable activities.
Compliance is key for OEM sustainability aims
02/11/2022 Despite the additional information supplied by the EU concerning the Green Taxonomy that came into force on 1 January 2022, certain interpretations persist in the automotive sector.
Myths preventing the progression of women
The benefits of diversity no longer need to be proven. However, it is clear that gender inequalities persist, particularly in executive committees and among CEOs. This report, 'Myths and barriers preventing the progression of women: analysis and solutions', developed by Mazars in partnership with the Observatory for Gender Balance, is designed for leaders who wish to concretely advance equality...
Sustainability reporting in Asia
Are the EU’s initiatives the benchmark for ESG disclosure in the region?
C-suite: technology insights
23/09/2022 Earlier this year, we released our C-suite barometer, a report that captures the views of over 1,000 executives around the world. The study revealed that leaders expect technology and innovation trends to have the biggest impact in the coming years. In this interview, Asam Malik, Partner, Technology & Digital Consulting, Mazars shares his insights on the findings and how...
C-suite insights: LATAM region
At the end of 2021 we ran our annual C-suite barometer, surveying over 1,000 executives from around the world, including more than 170 from the Latin America region.
C-suite insights: CEE region
At the end of 2021 we ran our annual C-suite barometer, surveying over 1,000 executives from around the world, including around 160 from the Central and Eastern European (CEE) region.
C-suite insights: APAC region
At the end of 2021 we ran our annual C-suite barometer, surveying over 1,000 executives from around the world, including around 200 from the Asia Pacific (APAC) region.
C-suite insights: AME region
At the end of 2021 we ran our annual C-suite barometer, surveying over 1,000 executives from around the world, including more than 135 from the Africa and Middle East (AME) region.
Banks making headway on ESG and climate risk
11/03/2022 While gaps in data remain a challenge for fully assessing and quantifying climate change risk, 65% of banks now use climate scenario analysis for their risk management framework, according to Mazars Responsible Banking Benchmark Study 2021.
Banks road test sustainability strategies
04/03/2022 Most banks now identify environmental targets for their activities, but only 24% of them have set net zero financed emissions targets in line with the Paris Agreement objectives, according to Mazars Responsible Banking Benchmark Study 2021[1]. In addition, the identification of social targets as a long-term sustainability strategy continues to lag environmental targets set.
Event: Impacts of taxonomy and bank loans on SMEs
05/04/22 The pressure on European companies is accelerating to integrate the ESG dimension into their strategy and business models. At the same time, banks are also more and more required to deliver green, sustainable and taxonomy-aligned loans.
The move to mandatory sustainability disclosure
11/02/2022 Sustainability disclosure and reporting standards aim to foster transparency of banks’ environmental, societal and governance (ESG) risks, opportunities and impacts. Disclosures seek to explain the implications of ESG matters on banks’ business performance and risks, enhance portfolio transparency and overall exposure for external stakeholders, and describe how ESG is managed.
Mazars’ integrated business model and strategy
02/02/2022: Mazars, the international audit, tax and advisory firm, today announces fee income of €2.1bn in its 2020/2021 financial year (1 September 2020 – 31 August 2021), representing a 12.3% increase (excluding forex impact of -1.6%) compared to the previous financial year. The increase in fee income comprises strong organic growth (9.4%), complemented by external growth of 2.7%.
An evolving sustainability governance landscape
28/01/2022 Banks have been steadily allocating formal responsibility for sustainability-related matters within their board and management functions and adopting specific oversight processes. However, those responsibilities and who is accountable can differ depending on the prevailing regulatory environment, geographic location or board and management’s preferences.
A practical guide on sustainability
15/11/2021 With societal expectations increasingly permeating corporate governance, companies need to evolve their business models to embrace lasting value creation that benefits not only the shareholders, but also internal and external stakeholders as well as wider society.
Event: Defining issue for SMEs across Europe
10/11/21 Sustainability is at the heart of corporate governance in Europe, but little guidance exists on how to truly embed ESG into business models.
Tracking the green transition with OMFIF
29/09/2021 There is no longer any question about whether to transition from brown to green finance – only how. Easy access to climate risk data and global regulation promises to help policymakers see the big picture and better understand what is missing in order to make the transition a success.
Fostering a culture of sustainability
17/09/2021 The tone at the top typically establishes the foundations and values upon which a culture of sustainability is built. Developed at board level and communicated consistently across an organisation, ESG values need to be reflected in a bank’s governance structure if they are to last.
The case for improving sustainability disclosures
09/09/2021 Developing innovative products and harmonised frameworks across banking activities is crucial to achieving sustainable finance objectives and contributing to global transition targets. Yet, a lack of standardised reporting frameworks means identifying and comparing sustainable products and services remains a challenge.
Getting granular on emissions disclosure
06/09/2021 Banks are adopting risk management practices that account for climate-related risks in response to growing recognition that climate change negatively impacts operations and revenues.
C-suite 2020: automotive insights
23/06/2021 Electrification, emissions and efficiencies are the watchwords of the automotive sector as it adjusts to changing customer demands and tight sustainability regulation. As one of the sectors covered by the Mazars 2020 C-suite barometer, Christian Back, Partner and Co-head of automotive, Mazars, reacts to the findings, saying automotive businesses have to be optimistic about the year...
C-suite: interviews and insights from LatAm
16/06/2021 Six interviews with partners across Latin America reveal a complicated C-suite agenda that is balancing economic imperatives with societal and environmental pressures. Read excerpts from each interview below and see the report – featuring partners from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Uruguay
Development of the CSRD
19/05/21 Awaited with great impatience by some, yet with caution or even concern by others, the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) adopted by the European Commission on April 21 has received a largely positive reception from many stakeholders, and rightfully so.
Brand partnerships shaping luxury sector’s future
20/05/2021 The luxury sector is exploring new methods of collaboration to adapt to evolving market expectations. These partnerships are influencing and powering how the sector reaches new audiences, guarantees authenticity, and meets the growing demand for more sustainable products.
C-Suite: retail and consumer insights
18/05/2021 Mazars’ inaugural C-suite barometer captures the views of over 500 senior executives from around the world. Conducted in Q3 2020, with a pulse check in Q4, the survey found that, although most business leaders were positive about their growth prospects, there were some notable differences between leaders in different industry sectors. Here, Isabelle Massa and Francisco Sanchez,...
Finance for good
Sustainability has become a leading strategic priority for the financial sector. Climate change, in particular, is widely recognised as a major threat to the stability of the world economy.
EC sustainability directive builds on EFRAG advice
28/04/2021 The recently released proposal for the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) aims to create a robust common language for sustainability reporting in the EU. Adopted by the European Commission and currently making its way through the European Parliament and Council, the directive imposes common sustainability reporting standards that large businesses and listed...
C-suite 2020: Financial services insight
23/04/2021 The financial services sector has been at the centre of efforts to resist, and later recover from, the commercial consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic. As one of the sectors recently surveyed in the Mazars 2020 C-suite barometer, it returned broad optimism for the year ahead and a focus on technological transformation and sustainability. Reacting to the survey findings, Emmanuel...
C-suite: Latam most optimistic region
20/04/2021 Business leaders in Latin America were the most optimistic about their commercial outlook, according to the regional results of the Mazars 2020 C-suite barometer. Surveyed for their views on the coming year, and further ahead, C-suite leaders in Latin America also predicted technology and new service, market and business model developments to be the most likely transformations over...
Carbon neutrality: the ultimate goal
20/04/2021 Business leaders are unsure of how to go carbon neutral and uncertain of the opportunities if they do, according to a recent Mazars survey. Marking its release, Mathieu Mougard, Partner, discusses what’s stopping business leaders from going further and why the private sector has to take the necessary steps to reduce the global carbon footprint.
Addressing fraud and cyber risks in Africa
14/04/2021 Global cybercrime costs are increasing each year and cybercrime is appointed as one of business leaders’ biggest concerns. Africa – a world leader in mobile banking – is a prime target for cybercrime and, as phishing and fraud get more sophisticated, businesses on the continent need to find new ways to protect themselves, including strengthening legal frameworks, regulation and cyber...
How to keep up with Brexit: interview
05/05/2021 Months of Brexit negotiations culminated in a deal signed by the UK and EU in late 2020 that defines their future relationship. While the deal lays out new rules for how the UK and EU live, work and trade, it does not comprehensively cover all areas of business. As a result, organisations that trade directly or indirectly with the UK have to monitor and react to developments to keep...
C-suite 2020: technology and telecom insights
26/03/2021 Mazars’ inaugural C-suite barometer, conducted in Q3 and Q4 2020, captures the views of over 500 executives globally. Kay Pierik, Partner, Mazars, shares his thoughts on the findings and how the insights from technology and telecoms leaders shine a light on the sector’s short and long-term future.