SASB Investment Banking & Brokerage
SASB
SASB aids sustainable finance in investment banking and brokerage.
The SASB Investment Banking & Brokerage costs $0 USD. Renewal costs $0 USD.
Key Strengths
- Industry-specific materiality focus tailored to investment banking and brokerage
- Globally recognized framework backed by IFRS Foundation (via ISSB merger)
- Developed through rigorous multi-stakeholder consultation process
- Widely used by major institutional investors including BlackRock and State Street
- Facilitates comparability across peer firms for ESG benchmarking
- Free to access and implement — no licensing fees for standard users
Ideal For
This standard is best suited for publicly traded investment banks, broker-dealers, and financial services firms seeking to disclose material ESG information to institutional investors. It is particularly valuable for IR teams, sustainability officers, and CFOs at firms that want to align disclosures with investor expectations and frameworks like TCFD or GRI.
Target Audiences
Relevant Roles
Industries
Alignment & Recognition
Accrediting Body
Scope
Overview
The SASB (Sustainability Accounting Standards Board) Investment Banking & Brokerage program develops standards for companies to disclose financially material sustainability information. Established in 2011 and now part of the Value Reporting Foundation, SASB aims to help investors make informed decisions by promoting transparency. These standards cater to various sectors, including Investment Banking & Brokerage, encouraging firms to adopt sustainability practices in their operations.
The program provides certifications for organizations, helping businesses align with its stringent sustainability criteria. Notable clients and partners include global financial institutions and investment firms that prioritize ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) factors.
SASB's framework is backed by extensive research and stakeholder consultations, reflecting industry-specific risks and opportunities. Its standards are recognized globally, aiding companies in better risk management and investors in more robust portfolio analysis. Prominent users of SASB standards include names like BlackRock and State Street, underscoring its significant impact on the finance sector.
Requirements & Verification
Evidence Requirements
Organizations self-report against the SASB Investment Banking & Brokerage standard's disclosure topics and accounting metrics, typically within annual reports, sustainability reports, or dedicated ESG disclosures. No formal third-party audit or submission to SASB is required; however, firms are encouraged to map and disclose which metrics they report and explain any omissions.
Prerequisites
Assessment Process
There is no formal exam or audit process. Organizations self-select the applicable SASB standard for their industry and voluntarily disclose against the defined accounting metrics and activity metrics. SASB provides a Navigator tool to help companies identify relevant disclosure topics. Disclosures are typically included in annual reports or standalone ESG/sustainability reports and are not submitted to or reviewed by SASB directly.
Renewal & Compliance
SASB standards do not require formal renewal or recertification. Organizations are expected to update their disclosures annually in line with the standard's metrics. SASB periodically revises its standards through a public consultation process, and organizations should monitor for updates and adjust their reporting accordingly.
Accountability Model
Impact & Outcomes
Employer Recognition
Consider Alternatives If...
Organizations seeking a pass/fail certification with a formal audit process or a public seal of compliance should look elsewhere, as SASB is a voluntary disclosure standard rather than a third-party verified certification. Smaller private firms with limited sustainability reporting resources may find the disclosure requirements resource-intensive without a clear near-term ROI.
Alternative Programs
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick Facts
Certification
English
2011