Ongoing project
The sustainability journey of an investor services firm
The Challenge
When a global investor services firm publishes its first sustainability report, the milestone raises an immediate question. Is the company actually ready for CSRD? With 5,500 employees across 23 countries and an EcoVadis score sitting in the low 50s, the pressure is structural. Both workstreams have to move forward together, before the first reporting deadline arrives.
Project Objectives
01
Map all material ESRS topics across a 23-country value chain so the company's first sustainability statement stands up to external assurance.
02
Design an annual review structure that keeps the materiality assessment current without rebuilding it from scratch each year.
03
Turn a stagnating EcoVadis score into Gold through structured improvement across all four assessment pillars.
Nexio Projects’ Solution
01
Double Materiality Assessment
We ran a full CSRD aligned DMA: documentation review, value chain mapping across 23 countries and peer benchmarking versus direct sector competitors. We identified and scored IROs using EFRAG guidance, running expert SME consultations across the business. We developed and validated the IRO threshold methodology collaboratively with the company's internal team. We presented findings and the complete audit documentation package to the Senior Leadership Team.
02
Annual DMA review
Because ESRS guidance continues to evolve, we designed a structured annual review cycle alongside the initial assessment. This is not a full rebuild each year. It is a targeted update: the materiality assessment stays current, the documentation stays assurance ready. The review cycle now runs as part of the company's standard reporting calendar.
03
EcoVadis improvement programme
We supported the company through a structured improvement programme across all four EcoVadis pillars. These cover Environment, Labour and Human Rights, Ethics and Sustainable Procurement. We built the evidence package, tightened policy documentation, and reinforced performance across every category.
Key Outcomes
The client has a sustainability programme that continues to serve CSRD reporting cycles and EcoVadis requirements. It is built to improve and stay current with each annual review.
CSRD foundation built for assurance
Five ESRS material topics identified. These cover Climate Change (E1), Circular Economy (E5), Own Workforce (S1), Consumers and End Users (S4) and Business Conduct (G1). Six entity specific topics confirmed alongside. Full audit documentation package delivered to the Senior Leadership Team. The company enters its CSRD reporting cycle with a foundation built to withstand
EcoVadis Gold with 30+ points
80/100 Gold Medal reached in 2025. A structured improvement programme across all four pillars turned a stagnating score into top quartile performance for the financial services sector.
Compliance-proof governance
The annual DMA review cycle is live. The 2026 review is already underway. CSRD readiness is not a single exercise. It is an ongoing programme that grows stronger with each reporting cycle.
