Information and transparency are vital for informed consumers, quality products and strong market integrity. To assist with comprehension and application, there are different ways of organising this information.
For sustainable finance, there are four key concepts when it comes to information about financial products:
- Product disclosure requirements
- Product classification systems
- Product labelling or naming regimes
- Taxonomies
These concepts can be interdependent and reinforce each other, for example:
- Product disclosure enables transparency about taxonomy alignment, product classification, and product labelling.
- Taxonomies can provide the foundation for product classification and product labelling regimes.
- Product labelling and product classification help consumers and investors navigate the market confidently.
Together, they create a coherent framework that supports sustainable investment, regulatory oversight, and market integrity.
Outline of responsible investment product information
The four key concepts table explains the different mechanisms through which important information about sustainable finance is shared. It differentiates these terms to ensure clarity when evaluating and recommending regulatory and policy developments.
<a href="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/67a17dcc2362afe3723b9c97/689bf70298497379b2d615a2_Four%20Key%20Concepts%20in%20Sustainable%20Finance%20-%20RIAA%20pdf.pdf" class="button icon_arrow-stem-down">Download PDF version</a>
RIAA Certification
Since 2005, RIAA has run the RI Certification Program, in the absence of regulated or legislated requirements on sustainable finance product disclosure and labelling. The industry-run Standard implements robust governance processes and keeps up-to-date with local and international regulatory developments. RIAA’s Responsible Investment Certification Program is the leading initiative for distinguishing quality responsible, ethical and impact investment products and services in Australia and New Zealand. For more information, see the Certification web page.
Information and transparency are vital for informed consumers, quality products and strong market integrity. To assist with comprehension and application, there are different ways of organising this information.
For sustainable finance, there are four key concepts when it comes to information about financial products:
- Product disclosure requirements
- Product classification systems
- Product labelling or naming regimes
- Taxonomies
These concepts can be interdependent and reinforce each other, for example:
- Product disclosure enables transparency about taxonomy alignment, product classification, and product labelling.
- Taxonomies can provide the foundation for product classification and product labelling regimes.
- Product labelling and product classification help consumers and investors navigate the market confidently.
Together, they create a coherent framework that supports sustainable investment, regulatory oversight, and market integrity.
Outline of responsible investment product information
The four key concepts table explains the different mechanisms through which important information about sustainable finance is shared. It differentiates these terms to ensure clarity when evaluating and recommending regulatory and policy developments.
<a href="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/67a17dcc2362afe3723b9c97/689bf70298497379b2d615a2_Four%20Key%20Concepts%20in%20Sustainable%20Finance%20-%20RIAA%20pdf.pdf" class="button icon_arrow-stem-down">Download PDF version</a>
RIAA Certification
Since 2005, RIAA has run the RI Certification Program, in the absence of regulated or legislated requirements on sustainable finance product disclosure and labelling. The industry-run Standard implements robust governance processes and keeps up-to-date with local and international regulatory developments. RIAA’s Responsible Investment Certification Program is the leading initiative for distinguishing quality responsible, ethical and impact investment products and services in Australia and New Zealand. For more information, see the Certification web page.