28 August 2024

Investors are demanding ever more comprehensive disclosures on the impact of climate-related matters. They’re expecting a company’s financial statements, management discussion and analysis (MD&A) and sustainability-related disclosures all to provide a coherent, connected and integrated picture of the risks and opportunities facing the business.​

​Our 2023 climate-related disclosure benchmarking analysis covers 47 major insurers. It focuses on 5 key areas: financial reporting, financed and insurance-associated emissions, transition plans, nature-related disclosures and assurance.​

​These areas have been selected as they are current or emerging areas of focus in sustainability reporting for insurers. ​

map - areas of analysis

Progress continues but the opportunity for insurers to tell a more connected story remains. Driven by the demands for climate-related information, insurers are embracing transparency and increasing their disclosures. They are now on a journey to join the dots and create a narrative that is more meaningful and clear for their users.

Mark Taylor,
Audit Quality Leader – Insurance,
KPMG International Standards Group​

Connected reporting​

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Financial reporting​

​Mentions of climate in insurers' financial statements are primarily limited to the basis of preparation or risk management sections.​ Continuing to improve connectivity through the full reporting suite, including the financial statements, is key.​

Financed and insurance-associated emissions

Calculating financed and insurance-associated emissions is far from easy and presents an ongoing challenge for insurers, particularly in jurisdictions with less advanced climate-related disclosure regulations.​

Transition plans​

Many insurers have committed to becoming net zero by 2050. Now they need to continue developing and articulating their transition plans with detailed implementation strategies, including clear action plans.​ This would allow users to better assess insurers’ feasibility, progress and effort associated with reaching net zero.​

Nature-related disclosures​

There is an increasing focus on nature and its connection with climate-related risks, but there is a lot more to be done in terms of developing strategies and plans. ​Most insurers acknowledge this as an emerging area which they are currently working through. ​

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