Policies and Procedures
Standard Ethics Europe operates according to a structured system of internal policies and procedures, established in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2024/3005 on ESG rating providers and the related delegated acts of the European Commission. The Agency's internal policies and procedures were submitted to ESMA as part of the registration process, completed on 13 August 2026. The policies are organized into two series: the GOVERNANCE series, which addresses the Agency’s organizational and governance requirements, and the GENERAL series, which addresses the rating process and operational and regulatory activities.
The policies governing the Agency’s core principles—ethics, sustainability, equality, and human rights—are published in full on this page. The policies that provide detailed guidelines on analytical processes, system security, and internal organization are summarized in their key principles.
📘 Click here for Standard Ethics Glossary
📘 Click here for the Code of Ethics
Conflict of Interest Management Policy: sets out principles and mitigation measures for the nine categories of conflicts of interest identified by the Agency. Download the summary here.
Whistleblowing Policy: download the summary here.
Standard Ethics Rating Methodology Policy: describes the methodology for calculating the ESG rating, the Proprietary Algorithm and the related E, S and G factors. Download the summary here.
Rating Issuance Process: sets out the operational stages involved in issuing a rating, whether solicited or unsolicited. Download summary here.
Methodology Review Policy: sets out the process, frequency and conditions for reviewing the rating methodology. Download summary here.
Analytical Independence and Rating Quality Policy: governs quality controls, analyst rotation and safeguards to ensure independent judgement. Download summary here.
Public Disclosure Policy: defines the information that the Agency publishes on its website, in accordance with European legislation. Download summary here.
Disclosure Policy towards Users and Rated Entities: defines the specific technical information provided to users of ratings and to rated entities. Download summary here.
Complaints Handling Policy: sets out the procedures for submitting and handling complaints relating to rating activities. Download summary here.
Policy on the Use of Artificial Intelligence: sets out the limits and conditions for the use of artificial intelligence systems within the Agency’s processes. Download here.
Pricing Policy and Fee Structure: sets out the criteria for determining the fees charged for solicited ratings. Download summary here.
Travel Policy and Remote Working: sets out the conditions for staff working remotely and travelling on business. Download here.
Environmental Policy: sets out the Agency’s environmental commitment in its internal management. Download here.
Human Rights Policy: sets out the Agency’s commitment to respecting human rights in its activities. Download here.
Gender Equality, Inclusion and Diversity Policy: sets out the measures adopted to ensure gender equality and inclusion within the Agency. Download here.
Policy on the Appointment of the Board of Directors: download summary here.
