The type of consulting activities that would require a separation of business vis-à-vis ESG rating activities encompass advisory services that may affect the independence and impartiality of ESG ratings issued and published or distributed by the ESG rating provider.  

For example, helping clients improve their ESG rating by advising on sustainability disclosures, KPIs or sustainability strategies. 

At the same time, advisory activities distant to ESG ratings should not be regarded as a service justifying a legal separation from ESG rating activities in the context of Article 16(1)(a). For instance, tax and accounting advisory, such as recommending tax-efficient structures.