ESG assurance and assurance readiness
Reliable sustainability information is becoming increasingly important to investors, regulators, lenders and Boards. As ESG disclosures become more closely connected with investment decisions and financial reporting, organisations need confidence that the underlying data, processes and controls can withstand independent scrutiny.
In Oman, this is becoming increasingly relevant as listed companies operate within the MSX ESG disclosure environment and the FSA progresses the phased implementation of IFRS S1 and IFRS S2. Building assurance-ready processes early can help organisations improve data quality, reduce reporting risk and avoid costly remediation when assurance expectations increase.
As an audit-heritage firm established in Oman in 1976, BDO Oman brings the rigour, professional scepticism and control-focused approach associated with assurance to ESG and sustainability information.
How BDO Oman can help with ESG assurance
- Provide independent assurance over ESG and sustainability reports, disclosures, data and KPIs, where appropriate
- Assess ESG data, processes and documentation for assurance readiness
- Identify gaps in data quality, ownership, evidence and reporting controls before an assurance engagement
- Support readiness for disclosures prepared with reference to GRI Standards and IFRS Sustainability Disclosure Standards
- Strengthen internal controls over ESG data and reporting processes
- Help establish repeatable processes that support smoother and more cost-effective assurance cycles over time
What ESG assurance can help your organisation achieve
- Increase confidence in reported ESG information
- Strengthen trust with investors, lenders and other stakeholders
- Reduce the risk of unsupported or inconsistent sustainability claims
- Identify weaknesses in ESG data and controls before they become reporting issues
- Improve readiness for evolving sustainability disclosure and assurance expectations
ESG due diligence and ESG in deals
ESG considerations can affect transaction value, investment risk, access to capital and post-deal performance. Environmental liabilities, governance weaknesses, workforce issues, supply chain exposure or inadequate sustainability controls may materially change the risk profile of an acquisition or investment if they are identified too late.
Whether acquiring a business, evaluating an investment, raising capital or preparing for a public listing on the Muscat Stock Exchange, ESG due diligence can provide decision-makers with a clearer view of sustainability-related risks and value creation opportunities before transaction terms are finalised.
How BDO Oman can help with ESG due diligence
- Conduct ESG due diligence on acquisition targets, investments and other transactions
- Assess material environmental, social and governance risks relevant to the target and its sector
- Identify potential ESG value creation opportunities ahead of a transaction
- Review ESG governance, policies, reporting practices, controls and available performance data
- Assess ESG considerations relevant to investors, lenders and other transaction stakeholders
- Support investor readiness through ESG strategy and roadmap alignment
- Advise on ESG considerations relevant to MSX listings and capital raising
- Translate due diligence findings into practical post-deal priorities, where required
Why ESG due diligence matters
Traditional financial due diligence does not always identify the full range of sustainability-related exposures that may affect a company's future performance or reputation. Integrating ESG into transaction analysis can help investors and organisations make more informed decisions, challenge assumptions earlier and incorporate relevant risks and opportunities into deal planning.
ESG capacity building and sustainability training
ESG only becomes embedded when people across the organisation understand what it means for their decisions and responsibilities. Sustainability cannot be managed effectively by a single ESG function if the underlying data, risks and actions sit across finance, operations, procurement, risk, compliance, human resources and other business functions.
BDO Oman helps Boards, senior management and operational teams develop the knowledge and practical capabilities needed to take ownership of ESG. Our capacity-building approach can be tailored to an organisation's ESG maturity, sector, reporting requirements and internal responsibilities.
How BDO Oman can help with ESG training and capacity building
- Deliver tailored ESG and sustainability training for Board members and Board committees
- Build ESG awareness and capability among senior management
- Provide practical training for operational and functional teams responsible for ESG implementation and data
- Clarify ESG ownership, accountability and responsibilities across departments
- Support the development of internal ESG governance and coordination structures
- Build in-house ESG capability and reduce reliance on external expertise over time
- Embed ESG considerations into procurement, risk management and operational processes
- Support teams in understanding evolving ESG reporting and disclosure expectations relevant to Oman
From ESG awareness to organisational capability
Effective capacity building goes beyond general ESG awareness. The objective is to enable the people responsible for strategy, risk, reporting and operations to understand what is expected of them and incorporate ESG considerations into existing business processes and decision making.
Why organisations choose BDO Oman for these ESG services
Our ESG offering combines capabilities that are often treated separately: assurance discipline, transaction experience, sustainability expertise and practical organisational implementation.
- Established in Oman since 1976 — combining longstanding knowledge of the Omani business environment with international BDO expertise
- Audit heritage — bringing a rigorous approach to ESG data, evidence, controls and assurance readiness
- Cross-industry ESG experience — supporting organisations across financial services, oil and gas, aluminium, steel, power, real estate and other sectors
- Local regulatory understanding — familiarity with the evolving ESG disclosure environment involving the FSA and MSX
- Integrated advisory capability — connecting ESG considerations with transactions, governance, risk, reporting and operational processes
- Capability transfer — helping internal teams develop the knowledge and processes needed to manage ESG more independently over time
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