Sustainable Finance Trends: Key Insights from Our 2026 Barometer

Are ESG practices among investment funds really retreating in the face of the backlash? The findings of our 2026 Sustainable Finance Barometer tell a very different story. Analyzing 60 SFDR Article 8 and 9-classified funds across multiple geographies (United States, United Kingdom, Europe) with over 200 data points collected per fund, the study reveals a clear strengthening of sustainability ambitions between 2024 and 2025.

But how should these signals be interpreted? What does the SFDR 2.0 reform mean for ESG funds? And how can asset managers build a credible, measurable transition strategy?

To unpack these questions, WeeFin brought together two sustainable finance experts for a 45-minute webinar, hosted by Louise Piette, alongside Luisa Florez, Head of Responsible Investment Research at Ofi Invest AM, and Jean-Baptiste Rouphaël, Senior Impact and ESG Specialist at Mirova.

Agenda

📊 Strengthening ESG Ambitions Despite the Backlash

Far from a retreat, the barometer reveals a positive and measurable evolution in sustainability practices. The share of funds excluding new oil & gas projects has doubled, as has the share of funds publishing a fund-level engagement report, while funds integrating biodiversity into their strategy have increased fivefold. What are the drivers behind this momentum? What role have the French SRI Label v3 and ESMA's naming guidelines played?

⚖️ SFDR 2.0: What Impact on ESG Fund Classification?

Over 80% of the studied funds would be reclassified as Article 6 under SFDR 2.0, primarily due to non-compliance with coal and oil & gas exclusion criteria. How are asset managers preparing for this shift? Which funds will retain their "sustainable" or "ESG Basic" classification? What are the risks of a mass migration toward Article 6?

🎯 Transition Funds: Strategy and Credibility

Funds with a quantified transition objective display a lower weighted average carbon intensity and more mature engagement policies. But is carbon intensity alone sufficient to define a credible transition fund? What complementary indicators — CapEx alignment, decarbonization levers, governance readiness — are essential to go further?

🔍 Building a Mature Engagement Policy

As expectations from institutional investors and regulators continue to rise, how can asset managers structure a rigorous and transparent shareholder engagement policy? What are the hallmarks of an effective escalation process? How can biodiversity and transition considerations be embedded into stewardship practices?

Speakers

Louise Piette – WeeFin

Luisa Florez – Head of Responsible Investment Research, Ofi Invest AM

Jean-Baptiste Rouphaël – Senior Impact and ESG Specialist, Mirova

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