Amid concerns about economic sustainability, European securities regulators are launching a consultation on financial sector pressure to produce short-term results at corporations.
The European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) has published a survey that aims to gather evidence on short-term pressures on corporations generated by the financial sector.
“In particular, as a result of short-term market pressures, some companies may under-invest in long-term value drivers such as innovation and human capital and overlook environmental and social objectives that require a long-term orientation,” the ESMA said in a statement.
“Consequently, sustainability faces obstacles to develop in a context where incentives, market pressures and prevailing corporate culture prompt market participants to focus on near-term performance at the expense of mid- to long-term objectives,” it added.
The survey aims to identify areas where rules may exacerbate, or mitigate, short-term pressures.
The regulators are seeking feedback from investors, issuers and asset managers, among others, by July 29.
Based on its findings, the regulators will report to the European Commission by December, which may lead to policy action in this area.