Federal Judge Blocks Missouri ESG Investment Rules

A federal judge in Missouri has invalidated state regulations that restricted financial professionals from considering environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors in investment advice. U.S. District Judge Stephen Bough ruled in favor of the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA), stating the regulations imposed requirements not supported by federal law and violated free-speech rights. The rule, enacted by Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft, mandated that advisors disclose any ESG considerations to clients and obtain their consent, a requirement deemed vague and unenforceable by the court. SIFMA argued that such regulations disrupted the uniformity required in securities market regulation. The ruling reflects ongoing tensions surrounding ESG investing amid broader Republican efforts to limit its influence in financial decision-making. Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey's office, which defended the rules, did not provide immediate comments following the decision.