From Baseline to Standard: SDAX’s Approach to ESG
Sustainability is becoming more closely embedded in how capital is allocated and how risk is assessed. Increasingly, the focus is shifting from intent to execution, with greater emphasis on how ESG considerations are measured, disclosed and applied in practice.
For platforms operating at the point where capital meets opportunity, this shift carries particular significance. The parameters applied do more than shape internal processes. They influence how assets are evaluated, how transparency is maintained, and how trust is built over time.
SDAX’s inaugural Sustainability Report marks the starting point of this transition. It establishes a clear baseline for how environmental, social and governance factors are approached, bringing greater structure to areas that have historically been uneven in their application.
The report sets out the frameworks, processes and data that underpin this approach. These are not an endpoint but the foundations required to support accountability and comparability as expectations continue to evolve.
FY2025 saw a number of key developments:
- Emissions measured across Scopes 1, 2 and 3 for the first time
- 4% reduction in total emissions compared to the FY2024 baseline
- ISO 27001 certification maintained for the third consecutive year
- Zero significant market disruptions and zero data breaches
- 100% completion of compliance and ESG training
Taken together, these reflect a deliberate effort to strengthen internal discipline and governance. Establishing a baseline is necessary, but not sufficient. The real test lies in how consistently these approaches are applied and how they translate into better outcomes.
As disclosure requirements evolve and investor expectations deepen, the quality and comparability of information will become increasingly important. Platforms that can provide clarity and coherence in how ESG is presented will be better positioned to support long-term capital formation.
From FY2026, all issuers on the SDAX platform will be required to disclose their sustainability practices. This represents a natural progression from measurement to standard, reinforcing a more consistent approach to ESG across private markets.
Reflecting on this, Sunil Mascarenhas, CEO of SDAX, noted:
“We are positioning SDAX to move in step with these changes, including progressively strengthening disclosure expectations for issuers and deepening engagement across our ecosystem.”
Access the full Report below.