Frequently asked questions.
The questions SYNE hears most often, grouped by topic. If yours isn't here, our team is a message away.
How a score becomes a grade.
What does an AAA grade actually mean?
AAA is the top tier of SYNE's shared AAA–D scale, corresponding to a composite score of 90–100. It means an entity performs strongly across every scored dimension, and that at least 80% of the underlying criteria carry Assured or higher-quality data - a strong score alone isn't enough to reach AAA if the evidence behind it can't be verified.
What's the difference between a rating and a SYNE Index position?
A rating is an independent judgement of one entity, built from a weighted criteria framework. A SYNE Index position is derived entirely from that rating - it doesn't add a new assessment, it just plots the rating's Standards Alignment and Data Quality on two axes so it can be compared against peers.
What's the difference between an indicative index position and a full rating?
An indicative index position - like most entries on the SYNE World Index - is built from public data to the same scale, but without on-site verification or Rating Committee sign-off. A full rating, available in SYNE's 71 licensed markets, includes that complete independent verification process.
Why does data quality affect my grade, not just my score?
A composite score built on unverifiable data isn't a trustworthy rating. Every methodology caps the top grade bands unless most criteria are independently verified - see the Data Quality Adjustment section of any methodology document for the exact thresholds.
How ratings are produced and reviewed.
How often are ratings updated?
Every SYNE Rating is fully reassessed at least annually, with interim reviews triggered by material events such as a controversy, restatement, or leadership change. The SYNE Index refreshes quarterly, or immediately when an underlying rating updates.
Can a company pay for a better rating?
No. Fees are agreed before an engagement begins and have no bearing on the outcome. Analysts hold no financial interest in the entities they rate, and every rating is signed off by an independent Rating Committee separate from the analyst who scored it.
What happens if I disagree with my rating?
Rated parties can request a factual accuracy review within a defined window before a rating is finalised - this is strictly for factual errors, not to negotiate the score. Ongoing disagreements about methodology can be raised with SYNE's methodology team for the next scheduled review cycle.
How long does a first rating take?
Typically 8–12 weeks from a completed disclosure submission to a published rating, depending on data quality and any factual accuracy review.
Do all SYNE Ratings get published?
Not by default. Many ratings - particularly Sustainability Ratings and Climate Risk Assessments - are commissioned privately and only published with the rated party's explicit consent. Government ratings and Second Party Opinions are more often published by default, to support public accountability or investor distribution.
What each product actually covers.
Is a Carbon Rating the same as a carbon credit itself?
No. A Carbon Rating is SYNE's independent opinion on a project's or issuer's carbon integrity - additionality, permanence, MRV quality and co-benefits. The carbon credit itself is the tradable instrument issued by a registry once a project meets that registry's own methodology.
What's the difference between Independent Assurance and a Second Party Opinion?
A Second Party Opinion reviews a financing framework before issuance - is it well-designed? Independent Assurance tests whether reported figures after the fact are materially accurate - was the KPI actually hit? They answer different questions at different points in time.
Why does SYNE license data separately from publishing ratings?
A rating is a judgement; the data behind it is a set of structured facts. Some clients want the judgement, some want the underlying inputs to run their own models, and many want both - so SYNE licenses the emission factors, financial data and other inputs as their own product through ESG Data.
Can I get a custom peer comparison that isn't on a standard product page?
Yes - that's exactly what Benchmarking and Research is for. A bespoke peer set, sector cut, or regional comparison can be commissioned as a standalone study.
Can I request a rating for a country I don't see listed?
Yes - the SYNE World Index covers every tracked country, and a full commissioned rating can be requested for any of them through Sustainability Ratings for Governments.
How SYNE itself is overseen.
How is SYNE itself regulated?
SYNE operates under the EU ESG Ratings Regulation (ESMA 2023/2631) and the FCA Code of Conduct, and has adopted equivalent voluntary codes in other markets including Singapore's MAS and Japan's FSA. See the Regulatory Tracker for the full picture.
Where to go deeper.
Still have a question?
Talk to our team directly - no FAQ covers every situation.