Establishing data integrity and governance for ESG reporting

The Challenge

Our client identified significant exposure to emerging mandatory ESG-related accounting and reporting standards. With varying regulatory timelines – particularly accelerated in the EU ahead of Australia – the organisation faced increasing pressure to deliver accurate, auditable ESG disclosures across its global footprint.

While an ESG Reporting Program had been initiated, the business quickly recognised that accurate reporting was impossible without first addressing the quality, structure, and governance of its underlying data. The organisation lacked:

• A consistent, enterprise-wide data model
• Clear ownership and controls for ESG data elements
• Fit-for-purpose technology and architecture
• Processes aligned to financial-grade reporting standards
• Governance and assurance mechanisms to ensure data accuracy and compliance
• Change management and communication plans to support adoption

Without these foundational elements in place, the program was not positioned for effective execution or long-term sustainability.

Client Overview

Our client, a diversified financial services provider headquartered in Sydney, operates across global markets, delivering banking, investment, and advisory solutions. They manage a global asset portfolio across public and private markets, emphasising long-term strategies in real assets and infrastructure. They are also actively investing in renewable energy and climate-focused initiatives, aligning their strategic direction with global sustainability goals.

Solution

Org was engaged to help the client establish the data integrity and control frameworks required for mandatory ESG reporting. Our focus was on building sustainable reporting capability – ensuring that data used for disclosures could stand up to the same level of scrutiny as financial statements.

Key actions included:

• Strategic ESG Data Model and Architecture

  We developed a structured, enterprise-wide ESG data model aligned with international taxonomies including AASB S2, ISSB, and CSRD. This included mapping 150+ climate-related data elements to ensure consistency, traceability, and alignment across business units and regions.

  We also worked with Technology and Architecture teams to design and agree on a strategic reporting and data management architecture, laying the foundation for scalable and reliable ESG reporting.

• Data Governance and Control Frameworks

  To enable audit-ready reporting, we established detailed data control frameworks. These controls provided transparency and accountability across the data lifecycle – critical for supporting both pre-assurance and limited assurance reporting obligations under AASB S2.

• ESG Data Process Uplift

  Reviewed and enhanced existing ESG reporting and data collection processes, ensuring they were elevated to meet the rigor of financial reporting-grade standards.

• Integrated Technology and Architecture Strategy

  Coordinated cross-functional teams to define a future-ready ESG technology architecture. This included data management systems, integration capabilities, and scalable infrastructure to support accurate and streamlined ESG reporting.

• Strengthened Global Oversight and Governance

  We supported the development of an enterprise-wide ESG reporting governance model, bringing together stakeholders from Finance, Risk, Technology, and Sustainability. This cross-functional governance ensured that data and reporting remained consistent, aligned, and strategically owned.

• Delivered Change and Roadmap for Long-Term Success

  Created and executed a change management and communication strategy, endorsed by the Steering Committee, to drive stakeholder engagement. A multi-year roadmap was also developed to establish strong data governance, control frameworks, and assurance readiness for 150+ climate-related data metrics under AASB S2.

Implementation

Implementation was structured in phased, pragmatic stages to ensure alignment with both business readiness and regulatory timelines. We began by engaging key stakeholders across Finance, Risk, Sustainability, and Technology to establish shared ownership and accountability for ESG data. Using a collaborative, agile approach, we rolled out the strategic data model and taxonomy mapping, followed by the design and configuration of a centralised ESG data architecture. Data sources were validated, ownership was assigned, and controls were embedded at critical points in the reporting process. In parallel, we stood up change enablement activities to drive adoption and ensure consistency across global teams. This approach ensured the client could move from insight to implementation with confidence, delivering a future-proof reporting capability built on trusted data.

The Impact