Linklaters - Sustainable Futures · 8 Sep, 16:07 · Finance briefing

ESG Quick Guide: UK greenwashing rules for corporates and financial sector, Michelle Ko, Gaura Moodley

New UK regulations targeting greenwashing impose strict disclosure requirements on corporates and financial institutions.

What it means for you ↓ Courses for this story

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The briefing

The story
in brief.

What happened, who it affects, and why it landed on our intelligence desk — in plain English, sixty seconds or less.

New UK regulations targeting greenwashing impose strict disclosure requirements on corporates and financial institutions. The guidance clarifies expectations for accurate environmental claims, mandating robust evidence and transparency in sustainability reporting. Professionals must now ensure their organisations meet these legal standards to avoid reputational damage and regulatory penalties. This development signals a shift from voluntary ESG initiatives to enforceable compliance, requiring rigorous data verification and clear communication strategies across all business sectors.

Employer demand for Compliance And Governance skills — indexed growth since 2019
Indicative index of skill mentions in professional job postings for the field this story moves (2019 = 1)

Your move

What this means
for your career.

Every headline redistributes opportunity. Here is who this one rewards — and how to be on the right side of it.

This regulatory shift elevates the value of compliance and sustainability expertise. If you work in finance, marketing, or corporate strategy, you must now understand ESG reporting standards to mitigate legal risk. Professionals skilled in data verification and ethical communication will find increased demand. You should immediately review your organisation’s current claims against these new rules. Upskill in regulatory compliance and sustainable reporting frameworks to future-proof your career. Engage with legal teams to understand specific obligations. Demonstrating proficiency in this area positions you as a critical asset in navigating the new regulatory landscape, ensuring your business remains credible and compliant while avoiding costly penalties.

For this story, the fields that convert it into pay are Compliance And Governance, Sustainability management, Finance and Accounting and Risk Management Strategies — exactly the programmes matched below. The chart shows the indicative salary uplift certified professionals report in each of those fields; every one of them is a click away, from £79, finishing in as few as 20 days.

Indicative salary uplift in the fields matched to this story
Indicative ranges from published continuing-education salary studies, by field — each field is a recommended course below

Matched to this story

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