CFA Institute Updated Sustainable-Investing Exam Questions and Answers by orlaith

Under the SFDR,Article 6applies tofinancial products that do not integrate sustainability considerationsinto their investment decisions. These products are not marketed as having any ESG objectives or characteristics. In contrast,Article 8covers products that promote environmental or social characteristics, andArticle 9covers those with explicit sustainable investment objectives.

Successful engagement depends on bothmutual receptivenessandincentivesto change. Companies withreputational concerns—such as potential public or regulatory backlash—have strong motivation to listen and act. When they also have thecapacity to implement change, investors can achieve more meaningful outcomes. While a share price drop (option A) or performance considerations (option B) may influence engagement decisions, they do not inherently increase the likelihood of implementation or success.

Historically, ESG integration began inactive-listed equity strategiesbecause equities offeredgreater flexibilityfor asset managers to engage with companies directly through shareholder voting and engagement. Active equities also allowed for moredirect influenceon corporate ESG practices compared to fixed income or infrastructure investments, which typically have fewer levers for direct engagement.

ESG disclosure rulesare increasingly enforced by bothstock exchanges(listing rules, ESG reporting frameworks) andsecurity regulators(mandatory sustainability disclosure standards like the EU SFDR and CSRD). CFA materials emphasize that this dual regulatory approach is becoming more common to ensure comprehensive sustainability transparency.