Question 1

If a Japanese company's board does not have committees, it most likely:

Accepted Answer

B

Explanation: Many Japanese companies use a statutory auditor system (Option B) instead of board committees for oversight. In this approach: A statutory board of auditors (kansayaku) monitors management rather than a traditional audit or governance committee. This structure is legally permitted in Japan and is different from Western corporate governance models that require independent board committees. Option A (cross-shareholding practice) refers to companies holding each other’s shares to maintain business stability but does not directly explain the lack of board committees. Option C is incorrect because Japan’s Corporate Governance Code allows the statutory auditor model. Reference: Japan’s Corporate Governance Code (2021 Revision) Tokyo Stock Exchange: Corporate Governance Reports OECD Corporate Governance Factbook

Question 2

The mechanism of dual-class shares most likely favors:

Accepted Answer

C

Explanation: Dual-class shares typically favor the founders of a company by giving them greater voting power compared to other shareholders, allowing them to retain control over decision-making even if their economic ownership of the company is diluted. This mechanism is often used to protect the founders' vision and strategy for the company.ESG Reference: Chapter 5, Page 241 - Governance Factors in the ESG textbook.

Question 3

Based on the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board's (SASB) materiality map, which of the following is a material ESG risk for healthcare companies?

Accepted Answer

A

Explanation: According to the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) materiality map, certain ESG issues are deemed material for specific industries. For healthcare companies, customer welfare is a significant material ESG risk. This includes aspects such as patient safety, quality of care, access to healthcare, and patient privacy. These factors are critical in the healthcare sector due to the direct impact on patients' well-being and regulatory scrutiny. Customer welfare (A): This is a core material issue for healthcare companies as it directly impacts patient safety and quality of care, which are critical aspects of healthcare services. Competitive behavior (B): While competitive behavior can be material in many industries, it is not the primary material ESG risk for healthcare companies according to SASB's materiality map. Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (C): GHG emissions are more material for industries with significant energy consumption and environmental impact, such as utilities and manufacturing. While healthcare companies do have environmental impacts, customer welfare is more directly relevant to their core operations. Reference: Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) Materiality Map CFA ESG Investing Principles ======

Question 4

What type of provider of ESG-related products and services is CDP (formerly known as Carbon Disclosure Project)?

Accepted Answer

A

Explanation: CDP (formerly known as the Carbon Disclosure Project) is a nonprofit organization that focuses on helping companies, cities, states, and regions disclose and manage their environmental impacts. It operates a global disclosure system that encourages transparency and accountability on climate change, water security, and deforestation. Nonprofit Organization: CDP is structured as a nonprofit organization, meaning it operates for the public good rather than for profit. Its mission is to drive environmental disclosure and action among businesses and governments globally​​​​. Global Environmental Disclosure: CDP runs a comprehensive environmental disclosure platform where thousands of entities report their environmental data. This data is used to assess and manage environmental risks and opportunities. ======

Question 5

Which of the following encourages institutional investors to work together on human rights and social issues?

Accepted Answer

C

Explanation: The United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights encourage institutional investors to work together on human rights and social issues. These principles provide a global standard for preventing and addressing the risk of adverse impacts on human rights linked to business activity, promoting collaborative efforts among investors to uphold human rights standards​​​​. ======

Question 6

A company is accused of surveying employees to prevent them from forming a union. The decision of an asset manager to divest from holding shares in the company is an example of:

Accepted Answer

C

Explanation: Conduct-related exclusions are applied when a company is excluded from an investment portfolio due to specific behaviors or incidents that violate certain ethical or legal standards. In this case, the exclusion is based on the company's actions rather than the nature of its business. Conduct-Related Exclusion: This type of exclusion arises from specific behaviors or practices that are deemed unethical or illegal. Examples include violations of labor rights, corruption, environmental damage, or other significant breaches of conduct. The decision to divest from a company accused of preventing union formation fits this category as it directly relates to the company's conduct​​​​. Universal Exclusion: This refers to broad-based exclusions applied to entire sectors or industries based on certain ethical principles or ESG criteria. It is not specific to the behavior of individual companies but rather to the nature of the industry. Idiosyncratic Exclusion: These are exclusions that do not have broad consensus and are based on individual or specific institutional criteria. They are not generally applied universally or based on common ethical standards​​​​. ======

Question 7

Wastewater treatment facilities:

Accepted Answer

A

Explanation: Wastewater treatment facilities are highly capital intensive to develop. The development of these facilities involves significant upfront investments in infrastructure, technology, and construction. Infrastructure Costs: Building a wastewater treatment facility requires substantial investment in infrastructure, including pipelines, treatment plants, and equipment. These costs can be very high due to the scale and complexity of the systems needed to treat wastewater effectively. Technology and Equipment: The technology and equipment used in wastewater treatment, such as filtration systems, chemical treatment processes, and monitoring tools, are expensive to acquire and install. Advanced technologies that improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact further increase costs. Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring that the facility meets regulatory standards and environmental guidelines adds to the capital costs. Compliance with regulations often necessitates additional investments in specialized equipment and processes. Reference: MSCI ESG Ratings Methodology (2022) - Discusses the capital-intensive nature of developing sustainable infrastructure projects, including wastewater treatment facilities​​. ESG-Ratings-Methodology-Exec-Summary (2022) - Highlights the high upfront investment required for infrastructure projects aimed at improving environmental outcomes​​.

Question 8

What is the underlying principle of the corporate governance code in most markets?

Accepted Answer

C

Explanation: The underlying principle of the corporate governance code in most markets is "comply or explain." This principle mandates that companies either comply with the established governance guidelines or explain why they have not done so. This approach allows for flexibility while encouraging transparency and accountability in corporate governance. Flexibility and Adaptability: The "comply or explain" approach provides companies with the flexibility to adapt the guidelines to their specific circumstances. If a company believes that a certain recommendation is not suitable for its situation, it can choose not to comply, provided it explains the reasons for this decision. Transparency: By requiring companies to explain their non-compliance, this approach promotes transparency. Stakeholders, including investors, can assess the company’s governance practices and make informed decisions based on the explanations provided. Encouragement of Best Practices: This principle encourages companies to strive towards best practices in governance, while allowing for deviations when justified. It balances the need for high standards with the recognition that one size does not fit all. Reference: MSCI ESG Ratings Methodology (2022) - Discusses the principles of corporate governance codes and highlights the "comply or explain" approach as a common standard in various markets​​. ESG-Ratings-Methodology-Exec-Summary (2022) - Provides insights into how corporate governance codes are designed to promote transparency and accountability through the "comply or explain" principle​​.

Question 9

Interest by retail investors in responsible investing has:

Accepted Answer

C

Explanation: Interest by retail investors in responsible investing has been growing over time. This trend is driven by increased awareness of ESG issues and the recognition that sustainable investing can align with both personal values and financial goals. Growth in interest: Surveys and market data consistently show that more retail investors are considering ESG factors in their investment decisions. This trend is supported by the increasing availability of ESG-related investment products and greater transparency from companies regarding their ESG practices. Drivers: Factors contributing to this growth include heightened awareness of environmental and social issues, the impact of regulatory changes promoting ESG disclosures, and the perception that ESG investing can mitigate risks and uncover opportunities. Reference: CFA ESG Investing Principles Market surveys and reports on trends in responsible investing ======

Question 10

Globalization has led to a reduction in:

Accepted Answer

C

Explanation: Globalization has contributed to a reduction in social structural inequality. By integrating economies and increasing access to global markets, globalization has created opportunities for economic growth and development in many regions, helping to reduce poverty and inequality. Reduction in social structural inequality (C): Globalization has enabled the transfer of technology, capital, and skills across borders, leading to job creation and economic development in less developed regions. This has helped to reduce structural inequalities by providing more equal opportunities for people in different parts of the world. Regulation (A): Globalization has often led to an increase in regulation, particularly in areas such as trade, finance, and environmental standards, as countries cooperate to manage global issues. Market efficiency (B): Globalization typically enhances market efficiency by increasing competition, improving resource allocation, and fostering innovation. Reference: CFA ESG Investing Principles Economic studies on the impacts of globalization ======

Question 11

The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) aims to:

Accepted Answer

C

Explanation: The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) aims to stabilize greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to limit man-made climate change. UNFCCC Objectives: The primary objective of the UNFCCC is to stabilize greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system. This goal is articulated in Article 2 of the convention. Climate Stabilization: The stabilization of GHG emissions is crucial to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change, including extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and disruptions to ecosystems and agriculture. International Cooperation: The UNFCCC provides a framework for international cooperation to combat climate change, involving commitments from countries to reduce GHG emissions and promote sustainable practices. CFA ESG Investing Reference: The CFA Institute’s materials on ESG investing emphasize the importance of understanding global frameworks like the UNFCCC in shaping climate-related policies and investment strategies. The stabilization of GHG emissions is a key aspect of global efforts to mitigate climate change risks and is fundamental to sustainable investing practices​​​​. Conclusion: The UNFCCC’s role in stabilizing GHG emissions aligns with global climate goals and supports the transition to a lower-carbon economy, making it a critical consideration for investors integrating ESG factors into their decision-making processes. ======

Question 12

Which of the following is most likely a result of monitoring rather than engagement?

Accepted Answer

B

Explanation: Monitoring allows investors to gather information on company performance and capital allocation. While engagement may lead to changes in company behavior or improvements in corporate governance, monitoring focuses on analyzing and optimizing capital efficiency.ESG Reference: Chapter 6, Page 297 - Engagement and Stewardship in the ESG textbook.

Question 13

Which of the following sectors has the highest percentage of corporate profits at risk from state intervention?

Accepted Answer

A

Explanation: In evaluating which sector has the highest percentage of corporate profits at risk from state intervention, it is crucial to consider the exposure of various industries to regulatory changes, government policies, and state interventions. The banking sector, in particular, is highly sensitive to such interventions due to the following reasons: Regulatory Environment: Banks operate under strict regulatory frameworks established by governments to ensure financial stability, consumer protection, and market integrity. These regulations can significantly affect banking operations and profitability. Changes in capital requirements, lending limits, and other regulatory policies can have immediate and substantial impacts on banks' profit margins. Government Policies: Governments often implement policies aimed at influencing economic activity, such as monetary policy changes, interest rate adjustments, and fiscal policies. Banks are directly impacted by these policies as they influence lending rates, deposit rates, and overall financial market conditions. State Intervention: During financial crises or economic downturns, governments may intervene in the banking sector to stabilize the economy. This can include measures like bailouts, nationalization, or imposing stricter controls on banking activities. Such interventions can disrupt normal business operations and affect profitability. Systemic Importance: Banks are considered systemically important to the economy. Their failure can lead to widespread economic repercussions. As a result, governments closely monitor and regulate the sector, often intervening to prevent instability, which can affect banks' financial performance. Reference: MSCI ESG Ratings Methodology (2022) - This document outlines the factors affecting the ESG risks and opportunities for companies, emphasizing the regulatory and governance aspects that significantly impact the banking sector​​. Energy Technology Perspectives (2020) - Although this document primarily focuses on energy technologies, it highlights the broader implications of state intervention in critical industries, including finance, for achieving policy objectives​​.

Question 14

The EU Paris-Aligned Benchmarks and EU Climate Transition Benchmarks both:

Accepted Answer

A

Explanation: Both the EU Paris-Aligned Benchmarks (EU PABs) and the EU Climate Transition Benchmarks (EU CTBs) prohibit investments in fossil fuels. These benchmarks are designed to align investment portfolios with the goals of the Paris Agreement by reducing carbon emissions intensity and excluding investments that contribute significantly to carbon emissions, such as those in the fossil fuel industry​​​​. ======

Question 15

The adoption of ESG investing by retail investors has generally been:

Accepted Answer

A

Explanation: The adoption of ESG investing by retail investors has generally been slower than its adoption by institutional investors. Institutional investors have led the way in integrating ESG factors into their investment decisions due to their larger resources and regulatory pressures. In contrast, retail investors have been slower to adopt ESG investing, though interest is growing, especially among younger generations​​​​​​​​. ======

Free CFA Institute Sustainable-Investing Actual Exam Questions