Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen has initiated an investigation into MSCI Inc., a prominent investment firm, over allegations of engaging in boycott, divestment, and sanctions (BDS) actions against Israel. The investigation is being conducted under Montana’s Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Act, which prohibits discriminatory business practices.
Reports suggest that MSCI may have reduced environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) points for an Israeli company due to its efforts to protect Israelis from terrorist activities. A Civil Investigative Demand (CID) has been issued to MSCI, requiring the firm to respond within 30 days.
"My support for Israel will not waiver and neither will Montana’s. I’m deeply concerned by the reports of discrimination against Israeli companies," stated Attorney General Knudsen. "Should we find MSCI has been involved in any illegal business practices, I will do everything in my power as attorney general to hold them accountable and continue to protect Montanans from unlawful and discriminatory business practices."
A recent report indicates that MSCI assigned a lower “yellow” rating in social and human rights concerns to Israeli banks operating in Judea and Samaria. In contrast, the firm awarded a higher “green” score in the same category to the state-run Bank of China, which operates a branch in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China. U.S. officials have determined that China is committing genocide and crimes against humanity against the Uyghur population in this region.
Earlier this year, Attorney General Knudsen joined 16 other attorneys general in sending a letter to MSCI expressing their concerns about reports suggesting the firm's support for the BDS movement against Israel.