The UK is setting the pace in private market climate disclosures, driven by an increasing regulatory push and a strong commitment to ESG principles and a carbon neutral strategy. According to a report by Unwritten 360, UK-based asset managers are demonstrating greater transparency in climate risk reporting compared to their US and EU counterparts. 

The study analyzed 47 Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) reports from general partners (GPs) across the UK, EU, and US. It found that UK managers are more likely to publish standalone climate reports, whereas EU and US firms tend to integrate their disclosures within broader sustainability reports. The Financial Conduct Authority’s TCFD ruling has played a key role in shaping the UK’s approach, fostering a more structured disclosure framework. 

Despite this progress, executive committee endorsements remain low, with less than half of UK firms-including even fewer in the US and EU-featuring leadership-level commentary in their reports. Climate risk strategy disclosures have evolved, with many UK and EU managers identifying risks such as carbon taxation and coastal flooding. However, financial impact assessments remain a challenge, with only 19% disclosing financial implications for physical risks and 11% for transition risks. 

Most asset managers assess climate risks before investments, but the report notes that US firms lag in ongoing risk management. Additionally, UK and EU managers lead in emissions target-setting, with 80% tracking progress compared to just 10% of US firms. 

Alignment with global net-zero frameworks is growing, with references to initiatives like the Private Markets Decarbonization Roadmap (PMDR) and the Net Zero Investment Framework (NZIF) 2.0. These frameworks provide guidance for firms to enhance climate risk assessments, ensuring sustainable investment strategies and long-term financial resilience in an evolving ESG landscape. 

Sources: 

https://funds-europe.com/uk-leads-private-market-climate-disclosures-amid-regulatory-push/