Investing in the Age of AI
Regulatory ComplianceArticles, Whitepapers

SFDR: Just How Sustainable Are Article 9 Funds?

Published: November 3, 2022
Modified: July 4, 2025
Key Takeaways

Sustainable Investment

European regulatory authorities are leading the global transition to a more sustainable economy through multiple linked regulatory initiatives. Whether it’s the NFRD, the EU Taxonomy, the SFDR, or the new MiFID II, they all seek to manage capital flows toward sustainable investments. But are these regulations succeeding? Is greenwashing a thing of the past or are financial market participants still at risk of falling short of their sustainability-related claims?

Clarity AI’s research team has analyzed 15,000 funds, then focusing on 750 Article 9 funds to understand to what extent they can really be considered “sustainable investments,” as defined by the regulation itself.

Download the whitepaper to learn:

  • Clarity AI’s definition of “sustainable investment,” aligned with SFDR
  • How the Principal Adverse Impact indicators (PAIs) and the Do No Significant Harm principle can help demonstrate that an investment qualifies as a sustainable investment
  • How an AI-powered model for controversies can effectively capture violations that asset managers might overlook

“The classification of funds according to the SFDR guidelines is increasingly used in the markets as a shorthand for communicating that a product is sustainable. However, our analysis shows that some of the Article 9 funds currently in the market might be falling short of complying with the sustainability-related criteria.”
Patricia Pina, Head of Product Research and Innovation at Clarity AI

Patricia Pina

Head of Product Research & Innovation, Clarity AI

Patricia specializes in measuring sustainability and impact to help companies, governments, and individuals to make more environmentally and socially sustainable decisions. She has extensive experience in supporting financial stakeholders implement sustainable finance strategies. She also has worked crafting strategic plans and evaluating major development initiatives for public and private organizations.

Research and Insights

Latest news and articles

ESG Risk

Climate Finance is at a Crossroads. Can Policy and AI Help Investors Drive Real Action?

Climate finance is under pressure. Nico Fettes unpacks the limits of markets, the need for policy, and how AI can support credible transition plans.

AI

AI in Investment Management: 3 Ways It’s Powering Sustainable Investing

Explore how investors are using AI in investment management to make smarter, faster ,and more sustainable decisions across research, risk, and reporting

AI

AI and the Future of Sustainable Investment

What AI can and can’t do for institutional investors In 2025, the future of sustainable investing isn’t about slogans but strategy. In this on-demand webinar, discover what AI can and can’t do for institutional investors navigating political backlash, economic uncertainty, and rapidly shifting market conditions. Watch now to learn: