EU ESG rating providers must register with ESMA by August 2026

• ESG rating providers must register with ESMA by August 2026 to continue offering services within the EU.
• The registration process involves a formal application and notification of intention to continue offering ESG rating services.
• Applicants will need to submit complete sets of documents, including the 'Application for authorisation' tab from the ESGRR Master Application Template.

As of August 2026, ESG rating providers must register with ESMA to continue offering their services within the EU.

The European Union is introducing new regulations to ensure transparency and integrity in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) rating activities. As of August 2026, ESG rating providers must register with the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) to continue offering their services within the EU. This marks a significant shift for ESG rating providers, who will need to adapt to new requirements and timelines. The Regulation on the transparency and integrity of ESG rating activities, published in November 2024, sets out the framework for registration and supervision. ESMA is responsible for overseeing the registration process and ensuring compliance with the regulations.

Under Article 4 of the ESG Ratings Regulation, ESG rating providers must register with ESMA to provide services defined as ESG ratings in the EU. This requires a formal application process, which starts on August 2, 2026, and must be completed by November 2, 2026. Applicants will need to submit notifications of their intention to continue offering ESG rating services, followed by a comprehensive application for registration. ESMA has developed self-assessment tools to help entities determine whether they fall within the scope of the regulation and to support the determination of whether a product qualifies as an ESG rating.

Lawyers advising clients on ESG ratings should ensure their providers are registered with ESMA by the August 2026 deadline to avoid compliance exposure. Failure to register may result in significant consequences, including reputational damage and financial penalties. The registration process requires careful attention to detail, as applicants must submit complete sets of documents within the specified timelines. ESMA's registration fee will also apply, in accordance with Commission Delegated Regulation C(2026)2580 of April 24, 2026.

Lawyers advising clients on ESG ratings should ensure their providers are registered with ESMA by the August 2026 deadline to avoid compliance exposure, and review the specific requirements for registration and application under the ESG Ratings Regulation.

Source: Original reporting via European Securities and Markets Authority