CFA ESG-Investing Exam Questions
Certificate in ESG Investing (Page 21 )

Updated On: 24-Feb-2026

An asset manager considering environmental risks would most likely use:

  1. qualitative analysis only
  2. quantitative analysis only
  3. both qualitative and quantitative analyses

Answer(s): C

Explanation:

An asset manager considering environmental risks would most likely use both qualitative and quantitative analyses. Combining these approaches provides a comprehensive understanding of the environmental risks associated with investments.

Qualitative Analysis: This involves evaluating non-numerical information, such as company policies, management practices, and environmental impact reports. It helps assess the company's approach to managing environmental risks and its commitment to sustainability.

Quantitative Analysis: This involves analyzing numerical data, such as carbon emissions, energy consumption, water usage, and waste generation. It provides measurable metrics that can be compared over time and against industry benchmarks.

Holistic Assessment: Using both qualitative and quantitative analyses allows asset managers to gain a complete picture of a company's environmental performance. It helps identify potential risks and opportunities, leading to more informed investment decisions.


Reference:

MSCI ESG Ratings Methodology (2022) - Highlights the importance of integrating both qualitative and quantitative analyses in evaluating environmental risks.

ESG-Ratings-Methodology-Exec-Summary (2022) - Discusses the benefits of a holistic approach to environmental risk assessment using diverse analytical methods.



Jurisdictions are most likely to impose extraterritorial laws in relation to:

  1. bribery and corruption
  2. paying suppliers appropriately and promptly.
  3. upholding high standards in health and safety

Answer(s): A

Explanation:

Jurisdictions are most likely to impose extraterritorial laws in relation to bribery and corruption. Extraterritorial laws are those that have legal force beyond the borders of the issuing country, and they are often applied to combat global issues such as corruption.

Global Standards: Countries impose extraterritorial laws to ensure that their nationals and corporations comply with anti-bribery and anti-corruption standards, regardless of where they operate. This helps maintain ethical business practices internationally.

Regulatory Frameworks: Prominent examples of extraterritorial laws include the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and the UK Bribery Act, which apply to activities conducted abroad by U.S. and UK entities, respectively. These laws aim to prevent and penalize bribery and corruption on a global scale.

Enforcement and Compliance: By implementing extraterritorial anti-corruption laws, jurisdictions can enforce compliance and hold companies accountable for corrupt practices in foreign countries, promoting transparency and integrity in international business.


Reference:

MSCI ESG Ratings Methodology (2022) - Discusses the role of extraterritorial laws in combating bribery and corruption and their impact on global business practices.

ESG-Ratings-Methodology-Exec-Summary (2022) - Highlights the significance of extraterritorial regulations in maintaining ethical standards and preventing corruption in international operations.



Working conditions on a tree plantation are most likely an example of a(n)

  1. social issue
  2. governance issue.
  3. environmental issue

Answer(s): A

Explanation:

Working conditions on a tree plantation are most likely an example of a social issue. This encompasses aspects related to labor practices, employee welfare, and human rights.

Labor Practices: Evaluating working conditions involves assessing factors such as wages, working hours, health and safety standards, and the provision of benefits. Ensuring fair and safe working conditions is a critical social concern.

Employee Welfare: Social analysis of working conditions includes examining the treatment of workers, their access to healthcare, training opportunities, and overall well-being. Poor working conditions can lead to labor unrest and reputational damage.

Human Rights: Ensuring that working conditions respect human rights is essential. This includes preventing forced labor, child labor, and discrimination. Companies must adhere to international labor standards to uphold workers' rights and promote social justice.


Reference:

MSCI ESG Ratings Methodology (2022) - Highlights the importance of assessing social issues, such as working conditions, in evaluating a company's ESG performance.

ESG-Ratings-Methodology-Exec-Summary (2022) - Discusses the impact of labor practices and employee welfare on the social dimension of ESG analysis.



According to the framework of the Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD): the formula for carbon intensity at the portfolio level weighs emissions based upon an issuer's:

  1. profit.
  2. revenue.
  3. net assets

Answer(s): B

Explanation:

The Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) framework uses the weighted average carbon intensity metric, which calculates carbon intensity based on an issuer's revenue. The formula is as follows: \text{Weighted Average Carbon Intensity} \sum \left( \frac{\text{Current Value of Investment}}{\text{Current Portfolio Value}} \times \frac{\text{Issuer's Scope 1 and 2 Emissions}}{\text{Issuer's Revenue in US$m}} \right) This approach helps investors understand their portfolio's exposure to carbon-intensive companies based on financial performance metrics such as revenue.



According to a study of the Hermes UK Focus Fund: which of the following engagement objectives was most likely to be achieved through shareholder activism?

  1. Renumeration policy changes
  2. Improvements to investor relations
  3. Restructuring and financial policies

Answer(s): C

Explanation:

According to a study of the Hermes UK Focus Fund, engagement objectives most likely to be achieved through shareholder activism include restructuring and financial policies. The study found that the success rate for achieving objectives related to restructuring and financial policies was higher compared to other objectives such as remuneration policy changes and improvements to investor relations. This indicates that shareholder activism is more effective in driving changes in corporate structure and financial strategies.






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