Global integrated risk assessment firm Moody’s and investment data and research provider MSCI announced today the launch of a new strategic partnership, with each company gaining access to each others’ sustainability and business databases to enable the launch of new data-driven ESG investing and sustainable finance solutions.

Under the new partnership, Moody’s will use MSCI’s sustainability data and models, including ESG ratings and content, which measure company management of financially relevant ESG risks and opportunities, while MSCI will gain access to Moody’s private company-focused Orbis database, which captures and standardizes data on more than 500 million entities globally.

Moody’s said that over time, it aims to migrate its existing ESG data and scores to offering MSCI’s sustainability content, through solutions for customers in the banking, insurance and corporate sectors.

Rob Fauber, President and CEO of Moody’s, said:

“Moody’s is excited to partner with MSCI, a leader in solutions for the global investment community and a pioneer in ESG and sustainability. This is a real win-win, as Moody’s customers gain access to MSCI’s renowned ESG content and MSCI customers will gain access to Moody’s world-class risk assessment expertise, data and insights.”

Through its new access to Orbis, MSCI said that it will extend its private company ESG coverage. Additionally, the companies said that they plan to explore solutions leveraging Moody’s private company data and credit scoring models to provide greater insight into the private credit market.

Earlier this year, MSCI launched MSCI Private Company Data Connect, a new platform aimed at collecting and communicating sustainability and climate data from private companies to general partner investors and lenders.

Henry A. Fernandez, Chairman and CEO of MSCI, said:

“We are exceptionally pleased to partner with Moody’s to offer MSCI’s ESG and sustainability data to Moody’s broad base of global customers. Sustainability remains one of the most important trends reshaping the global investment landscape, and the shift to private assets is another. This agreement will help MSCI expand our private company ESG coverage and deliver enhanced solutions across client segments and asset classes.”

Moody’s said that the new agreement will not impact Moody’s Ratings, which utilizes its proprietary Credit Impact Scores and Issuer Profile Scores to provide transparency into the material impacts of ESG factors on its credit ratings, and that it will continue to provide sustainable finance offerings, including Second Party Opinions and Net Zero Assessments.