ESG Ratings: assessment, challenges and financial performance

The aim of this thesis is to investigate the phenomenon of sustainable finance, often referred to with the term ESG investing. In particular, it is expected to offer some insights relating to the main issues that emerged contextually with the development of the aforementioned investment segment. In this regard, the thesis will be characterized by a theoretical-empirical approach, firstly discussing the integrative process of environmental, social and governance factors within financial investment models and, subsequently, to support these considerations through the associated market evidence. Based on this analysis, current scenarios and procedures of the ESG field are discussed, with related critical issues and future prospects, as well as offering a complete vision of the trend of sustainable investments at a global level. In more detail are treated the topics of sustainability ratings, the range of green financial products available on the markets and the integration of sustainability criteria within companies.