<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8" ?><!-- generator=Zoho Sites --><rss version="2.0" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/"><channel><atom:link href="https://www.carnadvisory.com/blogs/feed" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><title>Carn Advisory - Blog</title><description>Carn Advisory - Blog</description><link>https://www.carnadvisory.com/blogs</link><lastBuildDate>Wed, 15 Apr 2026 19:44:53 -0700</lastBuildDate><generator>http://zoho.com/sites/</generator><item><title><![CDATA[Demystifying Sustainability - Part 1]]></title><link>https://www.carnadvisory.com/blogs/post/demystifying-sustainability-part-1</link><description><![CDATA[<img align="left" hspace="5" src="https://www.carnadvisory.com/files/Site Images/Insights/CARN.png"/>Sustainability and ESG may feel like they are everywhere right now....... but, for many businesses, it still feels like a blur of acronyms (the well wo ]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="zpcontent-container blogpost-container "><div data-element-id="elm_MpZrNgh4RVKjyDPTIhO-2Q" data-element-type="section" class="zpsection "><style type="text/css"></style><div class="zpcontainer-fluid zpcontainer"><div data-element-id="elm_Igpvy4SBSxqJZZVSr850iw" data-element-type="row" class="zprow zprow-container zpalign-items- zpjustify-content- " data-equal-column=""><style type="text/css"></style><div data-element-id="elm_cDKSQKaESjGCpoLrTlciTw" data-element-type="column" class="zpelem-col zpcol-12 zpcol-md-12 zpcol-sm-12 zpalign-self- "><style type="text/css"></style><div data-element-id="elm_vWL1_ktkTnKiAfHwaE3CwQ" data-element-type="heading" class="zpelement zpelem-heading "><style></style><h2 class="zpheading zpheading-align-center zpheading-align-mobile-center zpheading-align-tablet-center " data-editor="true">Sustainability &amp; ESG are the same thing.........right?!?!</h2></div>
<div data-element-id="elm_YZvEdF6uSiOUCKCmOsN8nA" data-element-type="text" class="zpelement zpelem-text "><style></style><div class="zptext zptext-align-left zptext-align-mobile-center zptext-align-tablet-center " data-editor="true"><p></p><div><p><strong>Sustainability and ESG may feel like they are everywhere right now.......</strong>but, for many businesses, it still feels like a blur of acronyms (the well worn 'alphabet soup' adage!) , vague expectations and understanding along with plenty of competing opinions.&nbsp;</p><p><br></p><p>The reality is pretty simple though: the world your business operates in is changing around you (both figuratively and literally), and the organisations that stay resilient are the ones that respond with clarity.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>The Myth: “Sustainability and ESG are the same thing……….and it’s pretty much all about being greener.”</strong></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>The Reality: They’re connected, but they are distinct:</strong></p></div>
<p></p><blockquote style="margin:0px 0px 0px 40px;border:none;padding:0px;"><li><span style="font-style:italic;text-decoration-line:underline;">Sustainability</span> is the goal: long-term viability - both for your business and the world it relies on.</li><li>ESG is the framework: how you manage and evidence environmental, social and governance risks and impacts.</li></blockquote><div><p>&nbsp;</p><p>This is also why many organisations are moving from “CSR” to “ESG”. CSR often focused on good initiatives but often lacked measurability of impact.</p><p>ESG brings the discipline stakeholders now expect: governance, controls, measurement and credibility.</p><p>Credibility matters because greenwashing isn’t always malicious. It’s often what happens when ambition and intent run ahead of evidence and planning.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>One more signal worth noting, and one which will affect vast numbers of businesses - even established management standards are increasingly prompting organisations to consider climate change in their business context.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>ISO and IAF’s 2024 communiqué introduced climate-related considerations into management system standards, and ISO/IEC 27001 includes an amendment explicitly framed as “climate action changes.”</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>That’s not about “everyone becoming an environmental expert”. It’s about recognising climate as a genuine business risk - just like cyber, supply chain, or regulatory change.</p><p>&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p><span style="font-weight:bold;font-style:italic;">Great, but my business is coming from a standing start, so what does good looks like? </span></p></div>
<blockquote style="margin:0px 0px 0px 40px;border:none;padding:0px;"><li>Knowing what matters most (for your sector, geography and business model)</li><li>Putting governance around it (ownership, accountability, decision-making)</li><li>Building evidence you can stand behind (a few strong KPIs + honest narrative)</li></blockquote><div><p>&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p><span style="font-weight:bold;font-style:italic;">Again, sounds great - but how do we actually take our first step?</span><br> Start here and answer these 5 questions. Doing so will be enough to begin your journey.</p><ul><ul><li>What could disrupt us in 12–36 months?</li><li>Where are we exposed in our supply chain?</li><li>What are customers/procurement/lenders/insurers already asking for?</li><li>What claims do we make that we couldn’t evidence tomorrow?</li><li>What’s our first “no regrets” step in the next 30–60 days?</li></ul></ul><p>&nbsp;</p><p><span style="font-weight:bold;">Want a sense check? An external perspective? Have more questions? </span></p><p>If this is raising questions - or you want to turn ESG from “noise” into a practical plan, at Carn Advisory we can help you take the next best step, proportionate to your organisation and your sector.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Drop us a message.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>(Part 2: Climate risk - why it shows up in supply chains, operations and customer demand long before it shows up in a sustainability report!)</p></div>
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</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>]]></content:encoded><pubDate>Thu, 29 Jan 2026 15:37:08 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[When Good Intentions Backfire: Why evidence-based Safer Gambling Policy matters]]></title><link>https://www.carnadvisory.com/blogs/post/green-shoots-as-europe-aligns-on-evidence-based-markers-of-harm-for-safer-gambling</link><description><![CDATA[<img align="left" hspace="5" src="https://www.carnadvisory.com/files/Site Images/Insights/optimized_CARN -1-_564x317.png"/>Why an evidence-based approach to safer-gambling is critical]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="zpcontent-container blogpost-container "><div data-element-id="elm_miHIX-b9Sg-cV9aG2LIszA" data-element-type="section" class="zpsection "><style type="text/css"></style><div class="zpcontainer-fluid zpcontainer"><div data-element-id="elm_hOicKSydSgmmGZHxzOpt9g" data-element-type="row" class="zprow zprow-container zpalign-items- zpjustify-content- " data-equal-column=""><style type="text/css"></style><div data-element-id="elm_addvQjT4SsSJFld-u5b53w" data-element-type="column" class="zpelem-col zpcol-12 zpcol-md-12 zpcol-sm-12 zpalign-self- "><style type="text/css"></style><div data-element-id="elm_ivPyUFoYOlBWKRJ2umM8aQ" data-element-type="imageheadingtext" class="zpelement zpelem-imageheadingtext "><style> @media (min-width: 992px) { [data-element-id="elm_ivPyUFoYOlBWKRJ2umM8aQ"] .zpimageheadingtext-container figure img { width: 336px !important ; height: 336px !important ; } } </style><div data-size-tablet="" data-size-mobile="" data-align="left" data-tablet-image-separate="false" data-mobile-image-separate="false" class="zpimageheadingtext-container zpimage-with-text-container zpimage-align-left zpimage-tablet-align-center zpimage-mobile-align-center zpimage-size-custom zpimage-tablet-fallback-fit zpimage-mobile-fallback-fit hb-lightbox " data-lightbox-options="
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            theme:dark"><figure role="none" class="zpimage-data-ref"><span class="zpimage-anchor" role="link" tabindex="0" aria-label="Open Lightbox" style="cursor:pointer;"><picture><img class="zpimage zpimage-style-none zpimage-space-none " src="https://www.carnadvisory.com/files/Core Branding Assets/Dark/optimized_Carn Blog TLDR_336x336.png" data-src="/files/Core Branding Assets/Dark/optimized_Carn Blog TLDR_336x336.png" size="custom" alt="Too Long; Didn't Read!" data-lightbox="true"></picture></span></figure><div class="zpimage-headingtext-container"><h3 class="zpimage-heading zpimage-text-align-left zpimage-text-align-mobile-left zpimage-text-align-tablet-left" data-editor="true">TL;DR:</h3><div class="zpimage-text zpimage-text-align-left zpimage-text-align-mobile-left zpimage-text-align-tablet-left " data-editor="true"><p></p><div><p>Europe is close to finalising a common set of “markers of harm” for online gambling (evidence-based indicators that flag risky behaviour). It’s a big step toward consistent, effective safer gambling policy and regulation that can be demonstrably effective.</p><p><br></p><p>In this blog, we explore:&nbsp;</p></div>
<p></p><div><div style="line-height:1.5;"><p></p></div></div><blockquote style="margin:0px 0px 0px 40px;border:none;padding:0px;"><blockquote style="margin:0px 0px 0px 40px;border:none;padding:0px;"><div><div style="line-height:1.5;"><li>Why common standards matter for both regulators and operators</li></div>
</div></blockquote><blockquote style="margin:0px 0px 0px 40px;border:none;padding:0px;"><div><div style="line-height:1.5;"><li>How the CEN process works, and why it gives the initiative real weight</li></div>
</div></blockquote><blockquote style="margin:0px 0px 0px 40px;border:none;padding:0px;"><div><div style="line-height:1.5;"><li>What emerging markets like the US and others can learn (and avoid) from Europe’s journey</li></div>
</div></blockquote><blockquote style="margin:0px 0px 0px 40px;border:none;padding:0px;"><div><div style="line-height:1.5;"><li style="line-height:1.5;">How shared harm definitions can make interventions smarter, earlier, and more effective</li></div>
</div></blockquote></blockquote></div></div></div></div><div data-element-id="elm_AYbrpa7ok9ScZse71YgE5Q" data-element-type="buttongroup" class="zpelement zpelem-buttongroup "><style></style><div class="zpbutton-group-container zpbutton-group-align-center zpbutton-group-align-mobile-center zpbutton-group-align-tablet-center"><div data-element-id="elm_2ctmKR1SWF19gmgOFGWEqw" data-element-type="buttongroupInner" class="zpelement zpelem-buttonicon "><div class="zpbutton-container "><style type="text/css"></style><a class="zpbutton-wrapper zpbutton zpbutton-type-primary zpbutton-size-md zpbutton-style-none zpbutton-icon-align- " href="https://tysmith-carnadvisory.zohobookings.com/#/4733067000001647002" title="Call schedule link"><span class="zpbutton-icon "></span><span class="zpbutton-content">Schedule a call </span></a></div>
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</div></div></div><div data-element-id="elm_DAw5DmqrRceg7aT_9seL0A" data-element-type="heading" class="zpelement zpelem-heading "><style></style><h2 class="zpheading zpheading-align-center zpheading-align-mobile-center zpheading-align-tablet-center " data-editor="true"><span style="font-weight:700;">Imagine a regulatory meeting where everyone finally speaks the same language about gambling risk</span></h2></div>
<div data-element-id="elm_AqHTsNfoScKGcY-mfHfWpA" data-element-type="text" class="zpelement zpelem-text "><style></style><div class="zptext zptext-align-center zptext-align-mobile-center zptext-align-tablet-center " data-editor="true"><p style="text-align:left;">That scenario is becoming reality. In early 2025, the Gambling Regulators European Forum (GREF) endorsed a landmark initiative to create a standardised list of “markers of harm” (evidence-based behavioural signals that can flag at-risk gambling)<span style="font-size:9px;"><a href="https://www.egba.eu/news-post/egba-welcomes-gref-support-for-european-standard-on-markers-of-harm/#:%7E:text=Brussels%2C%2012%20February%202025%20%E2%80%93%2Cknown%20as%20%E2%80%9Cmarkers%20of%20harm%E2%80%9D" rel="">(</a><a href="https://www.egba.eu/news-post/egba-welcomes-gref-support-for-european-standard-on-markers-of-harm/#:%7E:text=Brussels%2C%2012%20February%202025%20%E2%80%93%2Cknown%20as%20%E2%80%9Cmarkers%20of%20harm%E2%80%9D" rel="">l</a><a href="https://www.egba.eu/news-post/egba-welcomes-gref-support-for-european-standard-on-markers-of-harm/#:%7E:text=Brussels%2C%2012%20February%202025%20%E2%80%93%2Cknown%20as%20%E2%80%9Cmarkers%20of%20harm%E2%80%9D" rel="">egba.eu</a><a href="https://www.egba.eu/news-post/egba-welcomes-gref-support-for-european-standard-on-markers-of-harm/#:%7E:text=Brussels%2C%2012%20February%202025%20%E2%80%93%2Cknown%20as%20%E2%80%9Cmarkers%20of%20harm%E2%80%9D" rel="">)</a></span><span style="font-size:9px;">.</span>&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:left;"><br></p><p style="text-align:left;"></p><div><p style="text-align:left;">For regulators, operators, and support services, this marks a critical moment: the chance to align on what really matters in player protection, and the opportunity to act on it.</p></div>
<p></p><p style="text-align:left;"><br></p><p style="text-align:left;"></p><div><p style="text-align:left;">After many years of effort, spearheaded by industry and experts, Europe is on the verge of agreeing a shared framework to identify risky gambling - a critical step towards more effective and coordinated safer gambling policies; and <span style="text-decoration-line:underline;">something we at Carn Advisory have long publicly advocated for</span>.&nbsp;</p></div>
<br><p></p><p><br></p><h2>A long-running effort to harmonise Safer Gambling</h2><div><br></div>
<p style="text-align:left;">The journey toward a common set of harm markers began several years ago. The European Gaming &amp; Betting Association (EGBA), a Brussels-based industry body, recognised a core problem: <strong>many organisations use behavioural indicators of gambling harm, but there was no standard, agreed-upon list across Europe </strong><span style="font-size:10px;color:rgb(48, 4, 234);font-style:italic;">(<a href="https://www.egba.eu/news-post/cen-to-develop-a-european-standard-on-markers-of-harm-for-online-gambling/#:%7E:text=Markers of harm are changes%2Clist of markers of harm" title="egba.eu" target="_blank" rel="">e</a><a href="https://www.egba.eu/news-post/cen-to-develop-a-european-standard-on-markers-of-harm-for-online-gambling/#:%7E:text=Markers of harm are changes%2Clist of markers of harm" title="egba.eu" target="_blank" rel="">gba.eu</a>)</span>.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:left;"><br></p><div><p style="text-align:left;">“Markers of harm” typically include observable changes in a person’s gambling habits – for example, a sudden increase in bet frequency, unusually long play sessions, or abrupt changes in spending patterns. These changes can flag that a player may be at risk, enabling early intervention.</p><p style="text-align:left;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:left;">Yet without a common definition, each operator or regulator might track different signals, making it hard to align efforts and direct resources effectively; but more importantly to act with complete confidence that the efforts are measuring what actually matters.&nbsp;</p></div>
<p style="text-align:left;"><br></p><p style="text-align:left;">To solve this, EGBA proposed back in 2022 that Europe develop a <strong>unified, evidence-based set of harm markers</strong><span style="text-align:center;">&nbsp;</span><span style="text-align:center;font-style:italic;"><a href="https://www.egba.eu/news-post/egba-welcomes-gref-support-for-european-standard-on-markers-of-harm/#:%7E:text=Brussels%2C 12 February 2025 %E2%80%93%2Cknown as %E2%80%9Cmarkers of harm%E2%80%9D" title="(egba.eu)" target="_blank" rel=""><span style="font-size:10px;">(</span></a><span style="color:rgb(48, 4, 234);font-size:10px;"><a href="https://www.egba.eu/news-post/egba-welcomes-gref-support-for-european-standard-on-markers-of-harm/#:%7E:text=Brussels%2C 12 February 2025 %E2%80%93%2Cknown as %E2%80%9Cmarkers of harm%E2%80%9D" title="(egba.eu)" target="_blank" rel="">egba.eu</a><a href="https://www.egba.eu/news-post/egba-welcomes-gref-support-for-european-standard-on-markers-of-harm/#:%7E:text=Brussels%2C 12 February 2025 %E2%80%93%2Cknown as %E2%80%9Cmarkers of harm%E2%80%9D" title="(egba.eu)" target="_blank" rel="">)</a></span><span style="font-size:10px;">.</span></span></p><p style="text-align:left;">By the end of 2022, members of the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN) (the official body for developing standards in Europe) voted to take up the task.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:left;"><br></p><p style="text-align:left;">Work kicked off in 2023 within CEN’s framework, bringing together a <strong>wide range of expertise</strong>&nbsp;including:&nbsp;</p><blockquote style="margin:0px 0px 0px 40px;border:none;padding:0px;"><ul><li style="text-align:left;">academics who study gambling behaviour,&nbsp;</li><li style="text-align:left;">health professionals,&nbsp;</li><li style="text-align:left;">gambling regulators from various countries,&nbsp;</li><li style="text-align:left;">operators with years of player data, and</li><li style="text-align:left;">&nbsp;harm prevention specialists.&nbsp;</li></ul></blockquote><p style="text-align:left;"><br></p><p style="text-align:left;">This broad collaboration gives all stakeholders the best chance of ensuring the standard developed isn’t just an industry wish-list nor a regulator’s decree, but truly <strong>evidence-based and well-rounded</strong>.</p><p></p><div style="text-align:left;"><br></div>
<p></p><p style="text-align:left;">Crucially, the CEN process is designed to build consensus. Through national delegations and technical committees, stakeholders have a forum to contribute research and insights. The goal is to finalise and <span style="font-weight:bold;">publish the standard by the end of 2025</span><span style="font-style:italic;"><a href="https://www.egba.eu/news-post/egba-welcomes-gref-support-for-european-standard-on-markers-of-harm/#:%7E:text=Development of the European standard%2CEGBA webinar on the topic" title="(egba.eu)" target="_blank" rel=""><span style="font-size:10px;">(</span></a><a href="https://www.egba.eu/news-post/egba-welcomes-gref-support-for-european-standard-on-markers-of-harm/#:%7E:text=Development of the European standard%2CEGBA webinar on the topic" title="(egba.eu)" target="_blank" rel=""><span style="font-size:10px;">e</span></a><a href="https://www.egba.eu/news-post/egba-welcomes-gref-support-for-european-standard-on-markers-of-harm/#:%7E:text=Development of the European standard%2CEGBA webinar on the topic" title="(egba.eu)" target="_blank" rel=""><span style="font-size:10px;">gba.eu</span></a><a href="https://www.egba.eu/news-post/egba-welcomes-gref-support-for-european-standard-on-markers-of-harm/#:%7E:text=Development of the European standard%2CEGBA webinar on the topic" title="(egba.eu)" target="_blank" rel=""><span style="font-size:10px;">)</span></a></span>.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:left;"><br></p><p style="text-align:left;"></p><div><p style="text-align:left;">It will <span style="font-weight:bold;">outline a common set of markers of harm for online gambling</span>, becoming essentially a pan-European checklist of warning signs that an online player may be experiencing or approaching harm. Whilst the standard will be <span style="font-weight:bold;">voluntary </span>by default, it carries weight: regulators could (and in our view should) incorporate it into their regulatory frameworks, and operators will be encouraged to adopt it as best practice.</p><p style="text-align:left;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:left;">Even as a voluntary guideline, having a CEN standard means a shared reference point that all parties recognise, and one that is evidence-based, which gives it the best chance of actually being effective in its impact.</p></div>
<p></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><h2>CEN’s Role: From proposal to pan-European standard</h2><p style="text-align:left;">So why develop these harm markers through CEN? Because CEN provides a formal, Europe-wide approach to standardisation.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:left;"><br></p><p style="text-align:left;">It’s the same body that harmonises everything from technical product specifications to safety guidelines across EU and EEA countries, and in the context of safer gambling, <strong>CEN’s involvement elevates the initiative from an informal agreement to an official European Standard</strong>, with all the rigour that entails.&nbsp;</p><p></p><div style="text-align:left;"><br></div>
<div style="text-align:left;"><div><p>The CEN process ensures transparency and broad input, and its outputs are respected by both industry and regulators. By working through CEN, the markers of harm project gains legitimacy and a pathway for adoption in multiple jurisdictions at once.</p></div>
</div><p></p><p style="text-align:left;"><br></p><p style="text-align:left;">Critically, CEN standards are <strong>evidence-driven<span style="font-weight:normal;">. Which means t</span></strong>he markers of harm are being developed <span style="font-weight:bold;">are based on existing research and data from those on the front lines of gambling harm prevention</span>. For example, academic experts can contribute findings from studies on what betting behaviours correlate with problem gambling, while operators can share practical knowledge from responsible gambling tools they’ve tested.</p><p style="text-align:left;"><br></p><p style="text-align:left;"></p><div><p style="text-align:left;">The result should be a set of harm indicators that are <span style="font-weight:bold;">science-based and validated by real-world experience</span>. This means any measures triggered by these indicators (such as automated alerts to staff, player notifications, or tailored interventions) are more likely to pinpoint genuinely at-risk individuals, rather than casting too wide a net and spreading resource too thinly, or missing crucial signs altogether because they aren't actually considered as the important metrics to track from a regulatory perspective.&nbsp;</p></div>
<div style="text-align:left;"><br></div><p></p><p style="text-align:left;">Those working in the industry understand that the current situation is well below optimal.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:left;"><br></p><p style="text-align:left;">Another advantage of the CEN route is flexibility. The forthcoming standard on markers of harm will not automatically override national rules – GREF has been careful to stress that <strong>compliance will remain voluntary unless national regulators decide otherwise</strong><span style="font-style:italic;"><span style="font-size:10px;"><a href="https://casinobeats.com/2025/02/14/gref-and-egba-endorse-new-european-standards-for-safer-gambling/#:%7E:text=GREF outlined in a statement%3A%2C%E2%80%9D" title="(CasinoBeats)" target="_blank" rel="">(</a></span><span style="font-size:10px;"><a href="https://casinobeats.com/2025/02/14/gref-and-egba-endorse-new-european-standards-for-safer-gambling/#:%7E:text=GREF outlined in a statement%3A%2C%E2%80%9D" title="(CasinoBeats)" target="_blank" rel="">CasinoBeats</a></span><span style="font-size:10px;"><a href="https://casinobeats.com/2025/02/14/gref-and-egba-endorse-new-european-standards-for-safer-gambling/#:%7E:text=GREF outlined in a statement%3A%2C%E2%80%9D" title="(CasinoBeats)" target="_blank" rel="">)</a></span></span>. This respects the fact that Europe’s gambling markets aren’t identical; some countries already enforce strict “duty of care” requirements on operators, while others have minimal guidelines.&nbsp;</p><p></p><div style="text-align:left;"><br></div>
<div style="text-align:left;"><div><p>The CEN standard can act as a <span style="font-weight:bold;">common baseline</span> so that jurisdictions with fewer safeguards can use it as a ready-made toolkit for duty of care, and those with established rules can compare and enhance their frameworks against the European benchmark. In short, <span style="font-weight:bold;">CEN’s role is to provide a unifying foundation</span> – a common language of harm markers – which everyone can build upon.</p></div>
<br></div><div style="text-align:left;"><br></div><div style="text-align:left;"><br></div>
<p></p><h2>GREF’s 2025 Endorsement: Regulators rally</h2><div><br></div><p style="text-align:left;">This collaborative approach received a major vote of confidence earlier this year. GREF (comprising regulators from across the continent), <strong>publicly welcomed CEN’s markers of harm initiative</strong><span style="font-style:italic;"><span style="font-size:10px;">(</span><span style="font-size:10px;"><span><a href="https://gref.eu/news/statement-on-the-cen-draft-standard-regarding-online-gamblings-markers-of-harm-in-support-of-identification-and-prevention-of-risky-and-problem-gambling-behaviour/#:%7E:text=GREF welcomes CEN%E2%80%99s initiative to%2Cof harm in online gambling" title="GREF.eu" target="_blank" rel="">G</a></span><span><a href="https://gref.eu/news/statement-on-the-cen-draft-standard-regarding-online-gamblings-markers-of-harm-in-support-of-identification-and-prevention-of-risky-and-problem-gambling-behaviour/#:%7E:text=GREF welcomes CEN%E2%80%99s initiative to%2Cof harm in online gambling" title="GREF.eu" target="_blank" rel="">REF.eu</a></span></span><span style="font-size:10px;">)</span></span>.&nbsp;GREF’s endorsement is significant: it signals that regulators themselves see the merit in a common, evidence-based standard and are keen to support it.</p><p></p><div style="text-align:left;"><br></div>
<p></p><p style="text-align:left;">For an industry-led proposal (originating from EGBA) to gain formal support from regulators is a <strong>welcome alignment of interests</strong>. It reflects a growing recognition that <strong>safer gambling requires collaboration</strong>. No single group - not regulators, operators, nor researchers - can effectively tackle gambling harm in isolation. By backing the CEN process, GREF essentially reinforces the idea that working together on shared definitions will benefit all sides.&nbsp;</p><p></p><div style="text-align:left;"><br></div>
<div style="text-align:left;"> As EGBA’s Secretary General Maarten Haijer commented, <span style="font-family:Roboto, sans-serif;font-style:italic;color:rgb(48, 4, 234);">“The development of a European standard on markers of harm will be a crucial step forward for safer gambling in Europe. It will help establish a more common understanding of problem gambling behaviours and raise the bar on player protection across the industry.”</span><span style="font-style:italic;"><span style="font-size:10px;"><a href="https://www.egba.eu/news-post/egba-welcomes-gref-support-for-european-standard-on-markers-of-harm/#:%7E:text=%E2%80%9CWe very much welcome GREF%E2%80%99s%2C%E2%80%9D" title="(EGBA.eu)" target="_blank" rel="">(</a></span><span style="font-size:10px;"><a href="https://www.egba.eu/news-post/egba-welcomes-gref-support-for-european-standard-on-markers-of-harm/#:%7E:text=%E2%80%9CWe very much welcome GREF%E2%80%99s%2C%E2%80%9D" title="(EGBA.eu)" target="_blank" rel="">E</a></span><span style="font-size:10px;"><a href="https://www.egba.eu/news-post/egba-welcomes-gref-support-for-european-standard-on-markers-of-harm/#:%7E:text=%E2%80%9CWe very much welcome GREF%E2%80%99s%2C%E2%80%9D" title="(EGBA.eu)" target="_blank" rel="">GBA.eu</a></span><span style="font-size:10px;"><a href="https://www.egba.eu/news-post/egba-welcomes-gref-support-for-european-standard-on-markers-of-harm/#:%7E:text=%E2%80%9CWe very much welcome GREF%E2%80%99s%2C%E2%80%9D" title="(EGBA.eu)" target="_blank" rel="">)</a></span></span>.&nbsp; </div>
<div style="text-align:left;"><br></div><div style="text-align:left;"> Such high-level support also builds momentum: it encourages all stakeholders involved in the CEN working group to double down on their efforts to finalise the standard in the coming months. </div>
<p></p><p></p><div style="text-align:left;"><br></div><div style="text-align:left;"> Equally, GREF’s backing may reassure any sceptics that the standard isn’t about watering down national rules or imposing one-size-fits-all policies. More that it’s about <strong>finding the best evidence-based indicators and making them available to use Europe-wide</strong>. </div>
<div style="text-align:left;"><span style="text-align:center;"><br></span></div><div style="text-align:left;"><span style="text-align:center;">Regulators can then consider these markers of harm when designing or updating their own safer gambling measures. The hope is that, over time, regulatory approaches will naturally converge around these common harm signals, yielding more consistency across borders. For pan-European operators, that consistency is welcome; for consumers, it means a more uniform level of protection no matter where they play.</span></div>
<p></p><p></p><div style="text-align:left;"></div><div style="text-align:left;"><br></div>
<div style="text-align:left;"><br></div><div style="text-align:left;"><br></div><p></p><h2>When Good Intentions Backfire:</h2><div><br></div>
<p style="text-align:left;">A key motivation for developing common harm markers is to <strong>improve the effectiveness of safer gambling interventions</strong>. Across Europe, many regulatory actions to curb problem gambling have always been well-intentioned but not always grounded in solid evidence. In some cases, regulations introduced “in good faith” have missed their mark or even produced unintended consequences for consumers.</p><p style="text-align:left;"><br></p><p style="text-align:left;"></p><div><p style="text-align:left;">Take the example of the United Kingdom. Over the past decade, UK authorities have rolled out various measures to protect gamblers - from strict limits on betting machines to tougher identity and affordability checks. While some of these moves were necessary, others were implemented before a robust evidence base existed, essentially, they are experiments in real-time!<b> Results, unsurprisingly have been mixed</b>.</p><p style="text-align:left;">&nbsp; &nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:left;">Certain blunt measures ended up inconveniencing or alienating ordinary customers without significantly helping the most vulnerable. In the worst cases, <b>heavy-handed rules have backfired by driving players away from regulated sites toward the unregulated black market</b>, where no protections apply (A lesson from Britain to America).</p><p style="text-align:left;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:left;">The UK’s Betting and Gaming Council has warned that <b>“draconian, arbitrary and blanket rules”</b> (such as blanket affordability checks that don’t distinguish between players) <b>risk pushing responsible players into the arms of illicit operators</b>. This is a perverse outcome: <b>a policy meant to enhance safety can end up exposing players to greater harm</b>.</p><p style="text-align:left;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:left;">Beyond the black market issue, <b>lack of evidence-based standards can lead to inefficient use of resources for both regulators and operators</b>. If each regulator defines “at-risk behaviour” differently it creates confusion and increased risk for players.</p><p style="text-align:left;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:left;">To illustrate the point - an online operator with customers in five countries might have to configure five separate monitoring systems - one looking at time spent playing, another focusing on money lost in a week, and so on.</p><p style="text-align:left;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:left;">Compliance teams end up stretched, chasing a multitude of alerts and thresholds. Some genuinely risky players might slip through because the warning signs weren’t recognised in a particular jurisdiction, while elsewhere, staff might be flagging lots of false positives (players who hit a numeric threshold but aren’t actually experiencing harm).</p><p style="text-align:left;">&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:left;">This patchwork approach is inefficient and confusing. It also makes it hard to measure what actually works in preventing harm, since everyone is using different methodologies.&nbsp;<span style="text-align:center;">This is why the </span><b style="text-align:center;">evidence-based, common markers of harm are so important</b><span style="text-align:center;">.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:left;">By drawing on empirical research and expert consensus, the CEN standard aims to define the most <b>reliable indicators of gambling harm</b> i.e. the signals that truly merit action. With those agreed indicators, regulators can enact policies that target proven risk factors, and operators can direct their safer gambling tools and teams toward the players who need help most.</p><p style="text-align:left;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:left;">&nbsp;In short, an evidence-led approach helps ensure that interventions are both effective and proportionate. It reduces the guesswork and the trial-and-error that characterised some earlier policies, and unfortunately still under development.</p><p style="text-align:left;">&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:left;">Instead of acting on hunches or public pressure alone, policymakers must refer to a solid framework of risk markers and say, “These are the behaviours we should be concerned about. We know they matter as the evidence supports them; and when we see them, here’s how we respond.”</p></div>
<div><br></div><div><br></div><br><p></p><p><span style="color:rgb(203, 170, 142);font-family:Montserrat;font-size:40px;font-weight:600;">New Markets, New Opportunity: The US and Lessons from Europe</span></p><div style="text-align:left;"><div><p>Europe’s hard-won lessons are especially valuable for emerging gambling markets like the <b>United States, Brazil etc. </b></p><p><b><br></b></p><p>Since the US began rapidly expanding legal online betting and gaming in 2018, many states have opened up sports betting and online casinos. However, responsible gambling measures in the US have not always kept pace. There’s a real risk that, without proactively adopting best practices, new markets could <b>repeat the same mistakes Europe made in the past</b> – <b>or even introduce risky features that European operators have since abandoned.</b></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>A 2024 Reuters special report stated: <i style="font-family:Roboto, sans-serif;">“Amid a U.S. boom in betting online, the European companies behind FanDuel and BetMGM are using features in America that they dropped in Britain after acknowledging them as risks to gamblers.”</i><span style="font-size:9px;">(Reuters)</span>. Put succinctly, practices that UK regulators and operators have ruled out (like specific aggressive advertising tactics or high deposit incentives) are still being used in the U.S.&nbsp; Moreover, many European firms operating in the US have not been required to implement many of the safeguards now common in Britain as their regulators have not deemed them to be of concern to player safety.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The problem is that without clear evidence to support the control requested it is one regulators view of what is potentially problematic vs that of another. We don't actually <b>know</b> who is right.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Yet, the US (and other new markets) also have a golden opportunity to <b>do things differently from the start</b>. They can leapfrog the learning curve by studying what worked (and what didn’t!) in Europe.&nbsp; Adopting <b>evidence-based harm markers and interventions early on</b> would allow American regulators and operators to <b>hardwire safer gambling into their market infrastructure, rather than retrofitting it after problems emerge</b>.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Encouragingly, there are signs of progress: for example, some large US operators have voluntarily agreed to a set of responsible gaming principles, and state regulators are increasingly consulting research experts when drafting rules.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The development of Europe’s common markers of harm standard can support these efforts globally. If a shared set of harm indicators is published through CEN, <b>it could serve as a reference well beyond Europe</b>. Forward-looking policymakers and companies might choose to align with those standards, recognising that they represent the collective wisdom of international experts.</p><p>&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>In essence, <b>emerging markets have the chance to avoid the pitfalls, reduce effort and spend by targeting effective measures, and most importantly give consumers the most effective levels of protection</b>. By embracing an evidence-led approach from day one, rather than waiting until incidents or public outcry force reactive measures, jurisdictions can implement policies informed by the data and definitions that Europe’s collaborative process is now producing.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><b>This transatlantic cross-pollination of safer gambling practices would be a win-win</b>: it raises the bar for consumer protection in new markets while reinforcing the value of the European initiative on a global stage.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p></div>
<br></div><h2>Shared Definitions as the Foundation for Safer Gambling</h2><p style="text-align:left;"></p><div><p><br></p><p>The push for common markers of harm is about more than just creating a list. It’s about establishing a <b>foundation for unified safer gambling efforts</b>.</p><p>When regulators, operators, and support services all <b>align on what constitutes harmful behaviour</b>, it becomes <b>much easier to work together to prevent it</b>.</p><p><br></p><p><b>Shared definitions create clarity</b>. Regulators can set targets and evaluate policies knowing that “harm” is being measured consistently. Operators can <b>build detection systems and staff training around known risk markers</b> without <b>juggling conflicting criteria</b>. Treatment and support organisations (like helplines and clinics) can also benefit from clarity on risk indicators, <b>helping them coordinate</b> with the industry <b>on when and how to intervene</b>.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>This alignment helps ensure that everyone is “on the same page” when it comes to identifying and acting on gambling-related harm. For example (and purely hypothetically) if “10+ deposits in a 24-hour period” becomes an accepted marker of harm, then a regulator might require operators to flag any customer who hits that metric.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The operator’s team, following the standard, will already be monitoring for exactly that pattern and can reach out to the customer or impose a cooling-off period as needed. A counselling service, aware of the same marker, might develop specific advice for people who find themselves depositing repeatedly. <b>The entire ecosystem, from policy to practical help, starts to move in sync</b>. This cohesion <b>multiplies the effectiveness of safer gambling initiatives</b>: rather than fragmented efforts, we get a concerted, reinforcing approach.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;Finally, having an agreed set of harm markers is a critical <b>first step toward more meaningful and data-driven gambling policies</b>. It opens the door to deeper collaboration, such as sharing anonymised data on these harm markers across operators or borders to improve early warning systems. It also allows for better evaluation of interventions – if everyone uses the same definitions, we can compare outcomes and refine our strategies across jurisdictions.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>In the long run, the hope is that <b>evidence-based standards</b> will lead to <b>evidence-based regulations</b> that truly protect players while allowing the gambling market to function responsibly. As one industry campaigner put it, safer gambling must be hardwired into everything – and that starts with knowing exactly what we’re looking for.</p><p><b><br></b></p><p><b>In conclusion, the European initiative to develop common ‘markers of harm’ signals a new era of cooperation and rigor in safer gambling</b>.</p><p><br></p><p>By rallying expertise from all corners and securing support from regulators, this CEN standard promises to raise the level of consumer protection across Europe.</p><p>Importantly it acknowledges past missteps and aims to correct course by putting evidence front and centre.</p><p><br></p><p>For industry professionals, regulators, and policymakers, it’s an exciting development: <b>a chance to replace fragmented guesses with unified, science-based action</b>.</p><p><br></p><p>For consumers, it means the promise of a safer gambling environment – one w<b>here help can arrive sooner</b>, and where <b>everyone involved is working from the same playbook to minimise harm</b>.</p><p><br></p><p>The journey is far from over when the standard is published, but <b>agreeing on what to look for is a pivotal beginning.&nbsp;</b>With shared markers of harm in hand, we can have increased confidence that Europe is taking a decisive step toward more effective, coordinated, and genuinely safer gambling practices.</p></div>
<p></p><p><strong><br></strong></p><p><strong><br></strong></p><p><strong><br></strong></p><h2><strong>Taking the Next Step with Carn Advisory</strong></h2><div><h2></h2><p style="text-align:left;"><br></p><p style="text-align:left;">At Carn Advisory, we’re proud to support organisations in navigating and implementing effective, evidence-based safer gambling strategies.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:left;"><br></p><p style="text-align:left;">Our <span style="font-weight:bold;">expertise combines deep regulatory understanding with practical industry insight and critically - experience</span>.&nbsp; This helps clients turn standards into meaningful and actionable policies.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:left;"><br></p><p style="text-align:left;">Whether you’re an emerging regulator seeking clarity on best practice, an operator aiming for effective player protection, or a policymaker shaping your jurisdiction's future in gambling regulation, we can help you deliver safer gambling initiatives that work.</p><p style="text-align:left;"><br></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-weight:bold;">Reach out to our expert team using the button below</span> to help build a safer gambling environment together.</p><p><br></p></div>
<p style="text-align:left;"><strong><span style="font-size:10px;font-style:italic;">Sources:</span></strong></p><ul><li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10px;font-style:italic;"><a href="https://www.egba.eu/news-post/egba-welcomes-gref-support-for-european-standard-on-markers-of-harm/#:%7E:text=Brussels%2C 12 February 2025 %E2%80%93%2Cknown as %E2%80%9Cmarkers of harm%E2%80%9D" title="European Gaming &amp; Betting Association – “EGBA Welcomes GREF Support For European Standard On Markers Of Harm”, Feb. 2025 (EGBA Welcomes GREF Support For European Standard On Markers Of Harm - EGBA) (EGBA Welcomes GREF Support For European Standard On Markers Of Harm - EGBA)" rel="">European Gaming &amp; Betting Association – “EGBA Welcomes GREF Support For European Standard On Markers Of Harm”, Feb. 2025 (</a><a href="https://www.egba.eu/news-post/egba-welcomes-gref-support-for-european-standard-on-markers-of-harm/#:%7E:text=Brussels%2C 12 February 2025 %E2%80%93%2Cknown as %E2%80%9Cmarkers of harm%E2%80%9D" title="European Gaming &amp; Betting Association – “EGBA Welcomes GREF Support For European Standard On Markers Of Harm”, Feb. 2025 (EGBA Welcomes GREF Support For European Standard On Markers Of Harm - EGBA) (EGBA Welcomes GREF Support For European Standard On Markers Of Harm - EGBA)" rel="">EGBA Welcomes GREF Support For European Standard On Markers Of Harm - EGBA</a><a href="https://www.egba.eu/news-post/egba-welcomes-gref-support-for-european-standard-on-markers-of-harm/#:%7E:text=Brussels%2C 12 February 2025 %E2%80%93%2Cknown as %E2%80%9Cmarkers of harm%E2%80%9D" title="European Gaming &amp; Betting Association – “EGBA Welcomes GREF Support For European Standard On Markers Of Harm”, Feb. 2025 (EGBA Welcomes GREF Support For European Standard On Markers Of Harm - EGBA) (EGBA Welcomes GREF Support For European Standard On Markers Of Harm - EGBA)" rel="">)</a>.</span></li><li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10px;font-style:italic;">GREF – “Statement on the CEN draft standard regarding online gambling’s markers of harm”, Feb. 2025 (<a href="https://gref.eu/news/statement-on-the-cen-draft-standard-regarding-online-gamblings-markers-of-harm-in-support-of-identification-and-prevention-of-risky-and-problem-gambling-behaviour/#:%7E:text=GREF welcomes CEN%E2%80%99s initiative to%2Cof harm in online gambling" rel="">Statement on the CEN draft standard regarding online gambling’s markers of harm in support of identification and prevention of risky and problem gambling behaviour - Gref</a>)</span></li><li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10px;font-style:italic;">EGBA – “CEN to develop a European standard on markers of harm for online gambling”, Jan. 2023 (<a href="https://www.egba.eu/news-post/cen-to-develop-a-european-standard-on-markers-of-harm-for-online-gambling/#:%7E:text=The CEN vote took place%2Cmade legally binding through legislation" title="CEN to develop a European standard on markers of harm for online gambling - EGBA)." rel="">CEN to develop a European standard on markers of harm for online gambling - EGBA</a><a href="https://www.egba.eu/news-post/cen-to-develop-a-european-standard-on-markers-of-harm-for-online-gambling/#:%7E:text=The CEN vote took place%2Cmade legally binding through legislation" title="CEN to develop a European standard on markers of harm for online gambling - EGBA)." rel="">)</a><a href="https://www.egba.eu/news-post/cen-to-develop-a-european-standard-on-markers-of-harm-for-online-gambling/#:%7E:text=The CEN vote took place%2Cmade legally binding through legislation" title="CEN to develop a European standard on markers of harm for online gambling - EGBA)." rel="">.</a></span></li><li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10px;font-style:italic;">Betting &amp; Gaming Council (UK) – “A lesson from Britain to America: Safer gambling must be hardwired…” (<a href="https://www.egba.eu/news-post/cen-to-develop-a-european-standard-on-markers-of-harm-for-online-gambling/#:%7E:text=The CEN vote took place%2Cmade legally binding through legislation" target="_blank" rel="">A lesson from Britain to America: Safer… | Betting &amp; Gaming Council</a>)&nbsp;</span></li><li style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:10px;font-style:italic;">Reuters Special Report – “Online-gambling giants conquer U.S. with tactics deemed too tough for Britain”, July 2024 (<a href="https://www.reuters.com/investigations/online-gambling-giants-conquer-us-with-tactics-deemed-too-tough-britain-2024-07-03/#:%7E:text=Amid a U%2Cthem as risks to gamblers" target="_blank" rel="">Online-gambling giants conquer U.S. with tactics deemed too tough for Britain | Reuters</a>)</span></li><li><span style="font-style:italic;"><span style="font-size:10px;">CasinoBeats News – “GREF and EGBA Endorse New European Standards for Safer Gambling”, Feb. 2025 (<a href="https://casinobeats.com/2025/02/14/gref-and-egba-endorse-new-european-standards-for-safer-gambling/#:%7E:text=The CEN draft standard will%2Crisky and problem gambling behavior" rel="">GREF and EGBA Endorse New European Standards for Safer Gambling - CasinoBeats</a>)&nbsp;</span></span></li></ul></div>
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</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>]]></content:encoded><pubDate>Wed, 16 Apr 2025 15:00:00 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why is ESG THE smart business move? ]]></title><link>https://www.carnadvisory.com/blogs/post/why-is-esg-the-smart-business-move</link><description><![CDATA[<img align="left" hspace="5" src="https://www.carnadvisory.com/files/Site Images/Insights/CARN -1-.png"/>Why building your ESG strategy early is THE sensible move to improve the performance of your business]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="zpcontent-container blogpost-container "><div data-element-id="elm_ePqx7BFaQ9ypwCF6F9O9CQ" data-element-type="section" class="zpsection "><style type="text/css"></style><div class="zpcontainer-fluid zpcontainer"><div data-element-id="elm_gac5BEDdQRikCXNDEtq1gQ" data-element-type="row" class="zprow zprow-container zpalign-items- zpjustify-content- " data-equal-column=""><style type="text/css"></style><div data-element-id="elm_2rY1Ca0ARPWQu3h-W5Hm1Q" data-element-type="column" class="zpelem-col zpcol-12 zpcol-md-12 zpcol-sm-12 zpalign-self- "><style type="text/css"></style><div data-element-id="elm_sZrjiAeZRrebA9Zm84QDSA" data-element-type="heading" class="zpelement zpelem-heading "><style></style><h2 class="zpheading zpheading-align-center zpheading-align-mobile-center zpheading-align-tablet-center " data-editor="true"><span>ESG is About Business Performance (not just ethics!)</span></h2></div>
<div data-element-id="elm_otnA3MVuQN-zPmrxBygQGg" data-element-type="text" class="zpelement zpelem-text "><style></style><div class="zptext zptext-align-center zptext-align-mobile-center zptext-align-tablet-center " data-editor="true"><p></p><div><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:rgb(76, 76, 76);font-family:Montserrat, sans-serif;font-size:16px;font-weight:normal;">Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations have evolved from being a 'nice-to-have' to a core business priority. Companies that embrace ESG aren't just ticking compliance boxes—they're cutting costs, reducing risks, and gaining a competitive edge.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:rgb(76, 76, 76);font-family:Montserrat, sans-serif;font-size:16px;font-weight:normal;"><br></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:rgb(76, 76, 76);font-family:Montserrat, sans-serif;font-size:16px;font-weight:normal;">At Carn Advisory we are firm believers that any ESG strategy has to help businesses drive performance and growth, so we set about pulling together some real-world examples to illustrate how a well conceived ESG strategy can do this and have included some example key performance indicators (KPIs) to help illustrate how a business might be able to demonstrate progress and ROI.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:rgb(76, 76, 76);font-family:Montserrat, sans-serif;font-size:16px;font-weight:normal;"><br></span></p></div>
<p></p><h3 style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:28px;">A Quick Look at ESG’s Evolution</span></h3><p></p><div><h3 style="text-align:left;"></h3><p style="text-align:left;">ESG gained prominence in the early 2000s with the United Nations' Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI). Since then, investor demand, consumer expectations, and regulatory pressures have transformed ESG from a voluntary initiative into a business necessity. Companies integrating ESG into their strategies are now seeing better financial returns, stronger reputations, and lower operational risks.</p><p style="text-align:left;"><br></p><h3 style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:28px;">ESG in Action: How Businesses are Winning</span></h3><p style="text-align:left;">Let's look at real examples of companies leveraging ESG to their advantage, highlighting the relevant ESG pillars and giving illustrative KPIs which the business may use to monitor and demonstrate progress.</p><p style="text-align:left;"><br></p><h4 style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:24px;">1. Lloyds Bank: Managing Risk and Winning Customer Trust (Governance &amp; Environmental)</span></h4><p style="text-align:left;">Lloyds Bank has embedded ESG into its lending policies by prioritising sustainable investments and reducing exposure to industries with high climate risks.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:left;">This aligns with the <strong>Governance</strong> pillar, improving decision-making and reducing financial risk, and the <strong>Environmental</strong> pillar, directing capital towards green initiatives.</p><p style="text-align:left;">The <span style="font-weight:bold;">impact</span> includes <span style="font-weight:bold;">lower financial risk,</span><span style="font-weight:bold;">stronger regulatory standing</span>, and a <span style="font-weight:bold;">growing base of eco-conscious customers</span>.</p><p style="text-align:left;"><strong>Illustrative KPIs:</strong></p><ul><li style="text-align:left;"><strong>Percentage of Sustainable Loans:</strong> Measure the proportion of loans directed toward sustainable projects.</li><li style="text-align:left;"><strong>Climate Risk Exposure:</strong> Assess the bank's exposure to industries with high climate risks.</li><li style="text-align:left;"><strong>Customer Satisfaction Scores:</strong> Track customer trust and loyalty metrics.</li></ul><h4 style="text-align:left;"><br></h4><h4 style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:24px;">2. BlackRock: Stronger Portfolios and Higher Returns (Governance &amp; Environmental)</span></h4><p style="text-align:left;">BlackRock, the world's largest asset manager, recognises that ESG-aligned companies often outperform the market. It uses ESG screening tools to assess investment risks and opportunities, favouring businesses with strong governance and sustainability strategies.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:left;">This approach highlights the <strong>Governance</strong> pillar, ensuring responsible investment decisions, and the <strong>Environmental</strong> pillar, supporting businesses with sustainable practices.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:left;">The <span style="font-weight:bold;">result</span> is a <span style="font-weight:bold;">more resilient portfolio</span>, <span style="font-weight:bold;">higher returns</span>, and <span style="font-weight:bold;">increased investor trust.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><strong><span><strong>Illustrative KPIs:</strong></span></strong></p><ul><li style="text-align:left;"><strong>ESG Portfolio Performance:</strong> Compare returns of ESG-integrated portfolios against traditional ones.</li><li style="text-align:left;"><strong>ESG Ratings of Investments:</strong> Monitor the ESG scores of companies within the investment portfolio.</li><li style="text-align:left;"><strong>Investor Inflows into ESG Funds:</strong> Track the amount of capital flowing into ESG-focused investment products.</li></ul><h4 style="text-align:left;"><br></h4><h4 style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:24px;">3. Bet365: Compliance and Reputation Win the Game (Social &amp; Governance)</span></h4><p style="text-align:left;">Online gambling company Bet365 implemented AI-driven tools to detect problem gambling behaviour, ensuring player protection and regulatory compliance. This aligns with the <strong>Social</strong> pillar, prioritising customer well-being, and the <strong>Governance</strong> pillar, ensuring adherence to regulations.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:left;">The <span style="font-weight:bold;">outcomes</span> include <span style="font-weight:bold;">avoiding fines</span>, s<span style="font-weight:bold;">trengthening brand reputation</span>, and <span style="font-weight:bold;">improving customer loyalty</span>.</p><p style="text-align:left;"><strong><span><strong>Illustrative KPIs:</strong></span></strong></p><ul><li style="text-align:left;"><strong>Incidence of Problem Gambling:</strong> Track the number of identified cases and interventions.</li><li style="text-align:left;"><strong>Regulatory Compliance Rate:</strong> Measure adherence to industry regulations and standards.</li><li style="text-align:left;"><strong>Customer Retention Rates:</strong> Assess repeat customer metrics as an indicator of loyalty.</li></ul><h4 style="text-align:left;"><br></h4><h4 style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:24px;">4. Equinix: Cutting Costs While Leading on Sustainability (Environmental)</span></h4><p style="text-align:left;">Equinix, a global data centre provider, invested in renewable energy and advanced cooling technology, reducing energy costs and staying ahead of sustainability regulations. This initiative falls under the <strong>Environmental</strong> pillar, as it <span style="font-weight:bold;">reduces carbon emissions</span> and <span style="font-weight:bold;">operational costs</span>.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:left;">The move also <span style="font-weight:bold;">attracted corporate clients seeking greener suppliers,&nbsp;<span style="font-weight:normal;">an ever increasing factors as companies obligated to report look to reduce emissions in their supply chain ahead of concerns around future 'carbon taxes'.</span></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><strong><span><strong>Illustrative KPIs:</strong></span></strong></p><ul><li style="text-align:left;"><strong>Energy Consumption:</strong> Monitor total energy usage and improvements in efficiency.</li><li style="text-align:left;"><strong>Carbon Emissions:</strong> Track reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.</li><li style="text-align:left;"><strong>Client Acquisition from Sustainable Sectors:</strong> Measure the number of new clients attracted by sustainability initiatives.</li></ul><h3 style="text-align:left;"><br></h3><h3 style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:28px;">Conclusion: ESG is a Growth Strategy, Not a Cost</span></h3><p style="text-align:left;">Integrating ESG principles is of course partly about 'doing the right thing'; but it's primary driver should be about making smarter, more profitable decisions that make the business more sustainable and resilient in the long run.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:left;"><br></p><p style="text-align:left;">Whether it's reducing financial risk, improving customer trust, or cutting costs, ESG is demonstrably proving to be a game-changer across all industries.</p><p style="text-align:left;"><br></p><p style="text-align:left;">For companies of all sizes, ESG is no longer optional. It's a way to future-proof operations, attract investment, and stay relevant in a market that increasingly values sustainability and responsible business practices.&nbsp;</p><p style="text-align:left;"><br></p><p style="text-align:left;">The question isn't whether to embrace ESG—it's how soon you can start making it work for your business.</p></div>
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</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>]]></content:encoded><pubDate>Tue, 18 Mar 2025 11:25:54 +0000</pubDate></item><item><title><![CDATA[Why Would Anyone Need a Consultant?]]></title><link>https://www.carnadvisory.com/blogs/post/why-would-anyone-need-a-consultant</link><description><![CDATA[<img align="left" hspace="5" src="https://www.carnadvisory.com/files/Site Images/Insights/CARN -1-.png"/>Why would anyone need consultancy?]]></description><content:encoded><![CDATA[<div class="zpcontent-container blogpost-container "><div data-element-id="elm_BF7Cw3hzQmuPoU-bPQNmUw" data-element-type="section" class="zpsection "><style type="text/css"></style><div class="zpcontainer-fluid zpcontainer"><div data-element-id="elm_LFqJ_U3MTTC2PxipeN2geg" data-element-type="row" class="zprow zprow-container zpalign-items- zpjustify-content- " data-equal-column=""><style type="text/css"></style><div data-element-id="elm_PkFamKcmR3G403qFGo82HQ" data-element-type="column" class="zpelem-col zpcol-12 zpcol-md-12 zpcol-sm-12 zpalign-self- "><style type="text/css"></style><div data-element-id="elm_TiGRsgOUSFOwq1bdEGeDtA" data-element-type="heading" class="zpelement zpelem-heading "><style></style><h2 class="zpheading zpheading-align-center zpheading-align-mobile-center zpheading-align-tablet-center " data-editor="true"><span style="color:rgb(72, 75, 81);">Hiring a consultant? Sounds like an expensive luxury......right?</span></h2></div>
<div data-element-id="elm_NL6SQJx3SyOZKMCmfeJXaQ" data-element-type="text" class="zpelement zpelem-text "><style></style><div class="zptext zptext-align-center zptext-align-mobile-center zptext-align-tablet-center " data-editor="true"><p></p><div><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:rgb(72, 75, 81);">A bit like paying someone to come in, state the obvious, and leave you with a fancy PowerPoint deck?</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:rgb(72, 75, 81);">Yeah… not quite.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:rgb(72, 75, 81);">The truth is, from my experience, businesses (whether they’re start-ups, scale-ups, or global giants) run into challenges that can’t always be solved internally.&nbsp;</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:rgb(72, 75, 81);"><br></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:rgb(72, 75, 81);">Sometimes, you need fresh eyes, specialist knowledge, or just someone who can cut through the noise and get things moving. That’s where consultants come in. So why would anyone need one?</span></p><p></p><div style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:rgb(72, 75, 81);"><br></span></div>
<div style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:rgb(72, 75, 81);">Having been on the other side of the fence, here’s my thoughts as to why:</span></div>
<p></p></div><p></p><blockquote style="margin:0px 0px 0px 40px;border:none;padding:0px;"><h3 style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:24px;color:rgb(72, 75, 81);">1. Expertise You Don’t Have In-House</span></h3><div><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:rgb(72, 75, 81);">Look, no business can be great at <em>everything</em>. Whether it’s strategy, operations, digital transformation, or navigating change, consultants bring specialist knowledge that would take years (and a lot of trial and error) to build internally. Why reinvent the wheel when you can bring in someone who’s already built the car?</span></p></div>
</blockquote><p></p><div><h3 style="text-align:left;"></h3></div><blockquote style="margin:0px 0px 0px 40px;border:none;padding:0px;"><div><h3 style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:24px;color:rgb(72, 75, 81);">2. An Unbiased, Objective Perspective</span></h3></div>
<div><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:rgb(72, 75, 81);">When you’re deep in the day-to-day, it’s hard to see the wood for the trees. Internal teams have history, office politics, and ingrained habits that can cloud judgment. A consultant? They come in with zero baggage and a fresh perspective, helping you spot inefficiencies, challenge assumptions, and see opportunities that may have been hiding in plain sight.</span></p></div>
<div><h3 style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:24px;color:rgb(72, 75, 81);">3. Faster Problem-Solving</span></h3></div>
<div><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:rgb(72, 75, 81);">Time is money, and let’s face it—most businesses don’t have the luxury of waiting around for the ‘perfect’ solution to magically appear. Consultants bring structured problem-solving approaches, best practices, and real-world experience to get to the root of an issue <em>fast</em>—so you can spend less time firefighting and more time moving forward.</span></p></div>
<div><h3 style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:24px;color:rgb(72, 75, 81);">4. Flexibility Without the Commitment</span></h3></div>
<div><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:rgb(72, 75, 81);">Hiring a full-time specialist for a short-term challenge? Not practical. Consultants give you the flexibility to bring in expertise when you need it—whether that’s for a three-month project, a year-long transformation, or just a few days of advisory support. No long-term contracts, no overhead, just focused expertise on demand.</span></p></div>
<div><h3 style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:24px;color:rgb(72, 75, 81);">5. Making Change <em>Actually</em> Happen</span></h3></div>
<div><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:rgb(72, 75, 81);">Let’s be real—great ideas are useless without execution. A consultant doesn’t just give advice and disappear; they can stick around to help implement the change. Whether it’s rolling out new processes, training teams, or making sure the plan doesn’t just gather dust in a drawer, they’re there to make sure things actually get done.</span></p></div>
<div><h3 style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:24px;color:rgb(72, 75, 81);">6. A Much-Needed Energy Boost</span></h3></div>
<div><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:rgb(72, 75, 81);">Sometimes, businesses don’t need another ‘strategy session’—they need momentum. A consultant can be that external force that sparks movement, motivates teams, and helps drive urgency in ways that internal efforts sometimes struggle to do.</span></p></div>
</blockquote><div><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:rgb(72, 75, 81);"><br></span></p><h3 style="text-align:left;"><span style="font-size:24px;color:rgb(72, 75, 81);">The Bottom Line</span></h3><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:rgb(72, 75, 81);">A consultant isn’t just an extra cost—they’re an investment in expertise, efficiency, and progress. If you’re stuck, facing a big decision, or just want to move <em>faster</em>, the right consultant can make all the difference.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:rgb(72, 75, 81);"><br></span></p><p></p><div style="text-align:left;"><span style="color:rgb(72, 75, 81);">Thinking a consultant might be exactly what you need? Let’s have a chat. I can guarantee that Carn Advisory will be able to deliver you value.&nbsp;</span></div>
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</div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>]]></content:encoded><pubDate>Tue, 04 Mar 2025 14:21:47 +0000</pubDate></item></channel></rss>