Importance of Digital Taxonomy and Comparison of Financial vs. Impact Materiality

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The International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) issued final IFRS® Sustainability Disclosure Standards (SDS) in June of 2023. Multiple jurisdictions around the world have signaled their intent to adopt the new standards, including some with fulsome legislative or regulatory proposals.

To capture the latest updates regarding the adoption of ISSB standards, Heather Horn sat down with Katie Woods, PwC UK Senior Director, to discuss measures advancing the standards in specific jurisdictions, as well as other important updates on the standard setter’s recent activities.

In this episode, you’ll hear discussion of:

• 3:15 – The International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) and its role in the global framework
• 4:00 – The first two standards issued by the ISSB, including the general disclosure standard and the climate standard
• 4:19 – Countries moving forward with potential adoption of ISSB standards
• 7:32 – Updates on Singapore's adoption of ISSB standards and its impact on public and large private companies in Singapore
• 8:12 – An update on the UK's approach to sustainability disclosure standards as well as a rundown of other countries’ recent measures on sustainability reporting
• 14:45 – The ISSB’s work to internationalize Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) standards, and its recently issued educational materials
• 20:42 - The focus of the ISSB's next thematic standards and the importance of the digital taxonomy in sustainability reporting
• 27:10 – The importance of understanding multiple reporting frameworks to keep up with the rapid pace of change in sustainability reporting

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Katie Woods is a Senior Director in PwC's Global Corporate Reporting Services - sustainability group advising on ESG and International accounting standards. Katie specializes in the new and emerging ESG reporting frameworks working across the PwC Network. She has over 30 years of experience working with a broad range of companies. Katie speaks regularly on a range of ESG and accounting topics at national and international seminars.

Heather Horn is PwC’s National Office thought leader, responsible for developing our communications strategy and conveying firm positions on accounting and financial reporting matters. She is the engaging host of PwC’s accounting and reporting weekly podcast and quarterly webcast series. With over 30 years of experience, Heather’s accounting and auditing expertise includes financial instruments and rate-regulated accounting.

Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to us_podcast@pwc.com.