Thailand Securities & Exchange Commission publishes first-year assessment of ESG integration in research reports by 34 securities companies

The Thailand Securities & Exchange Commission announced the results of an assessment of how 34 securities companies integrate Environmental, Social, and Governance factors into investment research reports under its initiative to promote ESG adoption in investment analysis. The assessment points to a continued upward trend in ESG emphasis across the industry, while indicating that integration in analytical processes remains at an early stage. The survey found that most firms prioritise human capital development, with more than 50 percent of those producing ESG-related research encouraging staff to undertake additional training and obtain internationally recognised ESG qualifications. Around 40 percent have board-approved policies or strategies for incorporating ESG factors into investment research. Operationally, current practices commonly focus on compiling information and analysing ESG-related risks, at a minimum covering climate risk, alongside early steps toward more systematic approaches, while ESG communication is typically provided through investor-accessible channels and dedicated ESG sections in research reports. Several firms highlighted constraints related to the adequacy of ESG data and called for clearer, more standardised ESG disclosure by listed companies, alongside SEC support for knowledge development and practical guidance aligned with international standards. The SEC plans to use the findings and recommendations to support the development of measures to promote ESG disclosure that is comprehensive, practical, and comparable.