The shareholder advisory division of ISS Stoxx, part of Deutsche Börse Group and one of the leading global providers of benchmark indices used for the creation of ETFs, investment funds and financial derivatives, has announced this week the launch of its Annual Benchmark Policies Survey, a key component of its annual policy development process that explores potential changes to the voting policy for 2027 and beyond, and gathers opinions on governance and other issues relevant to shareholder voting decisions.
For the first time, the company has added a question about whether companies exposed to significant nature-related risks should disclose information on this topic in their annual benchmark policies survey.
The company launched the survey this week as part of the policy development process of the US firm. It targets investors, listed companies, corporate executives, and all other market participants interested.
Specifically, ISS Stoxx asks if "given the constantly evolving regulatory landscape and best practices" regarding nature-related issues, respondents believe that companies "with significant exposure to nature-related risks" should disclose information in accordance with a recognised framework.
The same survey also asks whether organisations have considered nature-related risks and opportunities in recent years and what reference frameworks they have used or are "seriously considering using."
The survey is expected to conclude on 14 August 2026.
