Finance
A $9 Billion Mizuho Fund Sparks Review of Japan ESG Labels
- FSA looking at new labeling rules to avoid ‘greenwashing’
- Morgan Stanley-managed fund had provided limited ESG details
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A popular ESG fund in Japan managed by Morgan Stanley and sold by Mizuho Financial is triggering an industry-wide review by regulators who are looking into new rules for mutual funds to protect investors from possible “greenwashing.”
Japan’s Financial Services Agency may start discussions with asset management firms and fund distributors by June about whether there should be rules for mutual fund labels, according to FSA officials who spoke on condition they not be identified. One of the goals is to prevent firms from exaggerating or misrepresenting the environmental, social or governance benefits of their funds to attract investors, the people said.