QSE joins elite club of bourses with ESG data digitalisation

The QSE is among the first stock exchanges in the world to encourage transparency and disclosure by promoting the digitalisation of ESG data.The online ESG platform allows all listed companies to login, upload their sustainability reports and submit their sustainability data on the QSE’s 34 ESG indicators. Investors can have real-time access to publicly reported essential sustainability data, information and reports organised by each issuer; all from a single source.This platform is designed to accelerate the objectives of the QSE Guidance on ESG reporting launched in December 2016 to support listed companies report on key ESG indicators.The initiative, which comes with the support of the Qatar Financial Markets Authority, is in line with the sustainability pillars of the Qatar National Vision 2030. It is also part of the exchange’s efforts to uphold its voluntary commitment to the Sustainable Stock Exchanges initiative (SSE).Companies that have successfully communicated their sustainability strategy stand to gain from improved capital raising and are expected to have competitive edge, the QSE said, adding investors worldwide are increasingly incorporating sustainability factors into their investment decisions."This initiative will enable investors and interested individuals to access critical ESG data and periodic sustainability reports uploaded by the listed companies – online and on demand," according to Hussain Mohamed al-Abdullah, QSE’s marketing and communication director.This initiative is not only aimed at encouraging ESG disclosure among the listed companies but also promoting responsible investing practices by supporting investors access to high-quality ESG data.As of April 2018, more than 1,900 investment entities signed up the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), representing about $82tn of assets under investment management. The QSE's ESG platform will be a major factor in enhancing QSE’s global competitiveness in attracting sustainable investments, al-Abdullah highlighted."We voluntarily commit, through dialogue with investors, companies and regulators, to promote long-term sustainable investment and improved environmental, social and corporate governance disclosure and performance among listed companies on our exchange," according to QSE chief executive Rashid bin Ali al-Mansoori.ArabSustainability.com – the largest online database of corporate sustainability performance in the region, introduced the QSE sustainability and ESG dashboard at the launch event last year.