PI Market Report podcast series: spotlight on ESG risks

In the latest episode of the Professional Indemnity (PI) Market Report podcast series, we explore the evolving landscape of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) risks and what they mean for professional service firms and their insurers.

Sam Godding, Legal Director in Clyde & Co’s National PI team, is joined by Alexia Howard, Senior Associate and ESG specialist in the lawyers PI team to unpack the findings from the latest PI Market Report and delve into how ESG issues are beginning to shape risk management, liability, and insurance considerations across the professions.

Throughout the episode, the team discuss the current pace of ESG integration in the insurance industry, the role of underwriters in assessing ESG credentials, and the regulatory and claims environment emerging around ESG-linked responsibilities. From construction to legal, accounting, and financial services, the episode highlights the potential for claims arising from greenwashing, climate disclosure failures, evolving regulatory expectations, and scope of duty issues.

While we may still be in the early stages of seeing ESG-specific claims hit the PI market, the signs are clear: ESG is no longer just a reputational concern - it is becoming a critical risk and compliance issue. This episode provides timely insight into how firms can prepare, what insurers should be thinking about, and why ESG should be seen as both a challenge and an opportunity for innovation.