The Effects of Mandatory ESG Disclosure Around the World
75 Pages Posted: 26 Apr 2021 Last revised: 27 Jan 2024
Date Written: January 12, 2024
Abstract
We compile a novel dataset on mandatory environmental, social, and governance (ESG) disclosure around the world to analyze the stock liquidity effects of such disclosure mandates. We document a positive effect of ESG disclosure mandates on firm-level stock liquidity. The effects are strongest if the disclosure requirements are implemented by government institutions, not on a comply-or-explain basis, and coupled with strong enforcement by informal institutions. Firms with weaker information environments benefit more from ESG disclosure mandates. Our results support the view that ESG disclosure regulation improves the information environment and has beneficial capital market effects.
Keywords: Sustainability reports, ESG reporting, Nonfinancial information, ESG incidents
JEL Classification: G14, G15, G18, G32, G38
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