The three European Supervisory Authorities (EBA, EIOPA and ESMA – ESAs) today published an interactive factsheet that answers consumers’ most frequently asked questions about sustainable finance. The factsheet provides tips to consumers considering to buy financial products with sustainability features, including loans, savings, investments, insurances and pensions.
The factsheet provides answers to frequently asked questions and steps consumers can take to understand how their financial choices could contribute to a more sustainable future.
In addition, the factsheet provides four tips consumers should take into account before choosing financial products with sustainability features. Consumers are encouraged to:
- decide how important sustainability is for them and what financial goals they want to achieve before they choose a product;
- avoid being misled by ‘greenwashing’, pay attention to the conditions and the sustainability features;
- keep in mind that financial products with sustainability features are not risk-free;
- for investments and life insurance policies, take their time before deciding and, if need be, seek further clarification from the firm or person that can advise them on and sell them such products.
Financial jargon can at times be intimidating and prevent consumers from understanding crucial financial concepts such ‘ESG’ or ‘EU taxonomy’. To overcome this barrier, the factsheet has helpful pop-up boxes that explain specific terms in a simple and easy-to-understand way.
The factsheet has been translated in all EU languages, and the ESAs are working with national supervisory authorities to help promote it across the EU.
Background and legal basis
The three ESAs developed the interactive factsheet in fulfilment of their mandate in Article 9(1)(b) of their respective Founding Regulations, which requires the authorities “to take a leading role in promoting transparency, simplicity and fairness in the market for consumer financial products or services across the internal market, including by reviewing and coordinating financial literacy and education initiatives by the competent authorities”.