CCRcorp Sites  

The CCRcorp Network unlocks access to a world of insights, research, guides and information in a range of specialty areas.

Our Sites

TheCorporateCounsel

TheCorporateCounsel.net

A basis for research and practical guidance focusing on federal securities laws, compliance & corporate governance.

DealLawyers

DealLawyers.com

An educational service that provides practical guidance on legal issues involving public and private mergers & acquisitions, joint ventures, private equity – and much more.

CompensationStandards

CompensationStandards.com

The “one stop” resource for information about responsible executive compensation practices & disclosure.

Section16.net

Section16.net

Widely recognized as the premier online research platform providing practical guidance on issues involving Section 16 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and all of its related rules.

PracticalESG

PracticalESG.com

Keeping you in-the-know on environmental, social and governance developments

The Center for Audit Quality (CAQ) has issued a few resources in the last year to outline the role of auditors in providing ESG assurance, and leaders from the Big 4 accounting firms also have had their eye on standard-setting and XBRL tagging initiatives for ESG disclosures. Now PwC is putting big numbers behind it. They announced plans to invest $12 billion over the next five years in recruiting, training, technology and acquisitions to capture growth in the global environmental, social and governance services market. PwC estimates they will increase headcount by a net 100,000 through the investments. 

Other audit firms are chasing the market as well, but I haven’t seen any of them announce plans this significant.

Which brings me to the topic of ESG qualifications for advisors and auditors. I plan to cover this is in detail soon, but just like anything else, you should do your due diligence before engaging any ESG advisor/auditor. The growth in people calling themselves ESG experts has not just exploded – it has gone supernova. There is even a LinkedIn cartoon meme about this. It is also worth noting that many small niche firms offer superior ESG expertise and have been deep in the game for a long time.

Back to all blogs

The Editor

Lawrence Heim has been practicing in the field of ESG management for almost 40 years. He began his career as a legal assistant in the Environmental Practice of Vinson & Elkins working for a partner who is nationally recognized and an adjunct professor of environmental law at the University of Texas Law School. He moved into technical environmental consulting with ENSR Consulting & Engineering at the height of environmental regulatory development, working across a range of disciplines. He was one… View Profile