At our latest Changing the Face of Finance (CFOF) panel discussion, “ESG Reporting: Sure, But Where is the Data and Can You Trust It?”, we explored one of the biggest hurdles in ESG today—not just regulatory compliance, but the integrity of the data itself.

Unlike financial reporting, ESG metrics often rely on supplier disclosures, operational estimates, and third-party sources, raising concerns about data reliability and verification.

🔹 ESG Data Gaps Are a Major Challenge – ESG data is often fragmented, qualitative, and inconsistent, making standardization difficult.

🔹 Trust & Verification Remain a Hurdle – Many companies still lack a structured ESG data verification process, relying on third-party audits, internal governance, or supplier surveys.

🔹 Technology Could Bridge the Gap – AI and blockchain offer potential solutions, but most companies still use manual processes, increasing risk.

🔹 Regulations Are Expanding – With CSRD (EU), SEC proposals (U.S.), and California’s new ESG laws, companies must prepare for stricter reporting requirements.

A special thank you to our panelists for sharing their insights and expertise:

✅ Andrea Smith – VP, Enterprise Transformation, USA Compression
✅ Stephanie Weiler – ESG Leader, Alvarez & Marsal
✅ Dr. Johnnie Williams – Professor, Business Strategy, Texas Southern University

The real question isn’t just “Can we report this?”—it’s “Where is the data coming from, and can we trust it?”

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