About | Ellysa Zainul

Ellysa Zainul

Ellysa is dedicated to social justice and queer rights, she is on a mission to offer financial sustainability resources in support of these causes.

PROFILE

Ellysa is dedicated to social justice and queer rights, she is on a mission to offer financial sustainability resources in support of these causes.

RECENTLY REVIEWED BY ELLYSA ZAINUL

Navigating a new era of business and human rights

Business and Human Rights Resource Centre
This book highlights the intersection of corporate practices and human rights. It explores evolving challenges, regulatory landscapes, and the importance of collaborative, ethical business conduct. Key themes include transparency, state roles, and the human rights-based approach, offering insights for stakeholders to navigate this complex field.
Research
7 August 2019

Right direction, wrong equipment: Why transition risks do not fit into regulatory stress tests

Sustainable Finance Observatory
The authors of this report explore the challenges of integrating climate-related risks into regulatory stress tests. They demonstrate that supervisory risk assessment frameworks struggle to capture long-term systemic risks, and offer recommendations for developing a 'long-term risk;' supervision 'infrastructure.'
Research
21 September 2017

Is regulation enough? A review of UK master trusts' ESG policies

ShareAction
This report explores the approach to climate change risk by UK's largest master trusts. It examines 16 master trusts' ESG policies and practices, focusing on the work of the trustees and their engagement with investee companies on ESG practices and risk management. The report draws attention to some positive developments, showing that some schemes have incorporated ESG and/or climate change factors into their asset allocation strategy.
Research
19 December 2019

Climate scenario analysis: Cement's financial performance under 2°c and 2.7°c

The report examines the financial implications of climate transition scenarios on the cement sector's future. It provides useful insights to company analysis and financial risk analysis for the cement sector, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the impact of climate transition scenarios.
Research
26 July 2018

We know our lives are in danger: Environment of fear in South Africa's mining-affected communities

Centre for Environmental Rights
This report highlights how mining has affected South African communities and examines the legal framework and community engagement procedures relating to mining activity. It discusses the impacts of mining on communities in terms of health, environment, livelihoods and social cohesion, as well as the high levels of violence in these communities.
Research
11 April 2019

Asset-level data and the energy transition: Findings from ET risk work package 2

Sustainable Finance Observatory
This report demonstrates the potential of asset-level data to manage risks and opportunities arising from the transition to a net-zero emissions economy. The authors develop a demonstrator database of assets across six carbon-intensive industries, calculating cumulative committed carbon emissions (CCCE) and potential reductions (RCCCE) through retrofits.
Research
10 April 2018

The biomass blind spot

ShareAction
This report highlights the financial and reputational risks associated with the biomass power sector's impact on climate change. The report provides recommendations for investors and banks engaged with the sector, including not providing financial support for new biomass power infrastructure.

Research
7 February 2019

A little less conversation, a little more action: 10 lessons learned from 10 years of helping investors to tackle climate

ISS
This report presents 10 lessons for investors on tackling climate change. Through this summary, the authors offer insights on methodologies for climate scenario analysis, the intersection of reporting and acting, an effective climate voting process, the role of regulators in transparent carbon neutral investments, among other topics.
Research
20 August 2021

Leaders or laggards? Tax and revenue transparency of ASX listed mining, gas and oil companies

Ethical Partners
This report investigates the tax and revenue transparency disclosure policies of 20 ASX listed mining, gas and oil companies. It examines indicators deemed as "best practices" for conformity to standards, such as country-by-country reporting, mandatory disclosure legislation and The Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative. Recommendations are to move towards mandatory regulation and better disclosure.
Research
27 July 2020

Sustainable finance forum: Legal opinion 2019

The Aotearoa Circle
This report, and legal opinion, lays out the current legal obligations on directors of New Zealand companies and retail managed investment schemes to address climate risks. It finds that these obligations are evolving and expanding, driven by the growing recognition of the material financial risk climate change presents for businesses.
Research
29 October 2019

Tobacco free portfolios: The toolkit 12th edition

Tobacco Free Portfolios
This toolkit offers a framework for finance professionals to invest in tobacco-free portfolios. The toolkit covers various areas including the Tobacco-Free Finance Pledge, prospective investment risks and case studies, with a call to action for the industry to follow.
Research
28 January 2020

Business reporting on the SDGs: An analysis of the goals and targets 2022

Global Reporting Initiative
This report offers a comprehensive overview of the Sustainable Development Goals and how businesses can align their practices with these goals through transparent disclosures and disclosures reporting. This 2022 edition provides actionable steps for businesses to contribute to sustainable development.
Research
28 July 2022

The good transition plan: Climate action strategy development guidance for banks and lending institutions: COP26-version

Climate Safe Lending Network
This guide is designed for banks and lending institutions to assist in the creation of a climate action strategy. The report analyses the challenges and solutions to financing transitions towards a climate-safe world, outlining a comprehensive seven-element framework, key tools for measuring alignment with Paris Goals, and numerous sector guidelines.
Research
1 February 2022

Mapping ocean governance and regulation

This report provides an overview of ocean governance and regulations through the lenses of ocean-based industries, addressing international governance, key industries, emerging issues and regulatory developments, cross-cutting challenges and the role of the private sector through the UN Global Compact Action Platform for Sustainable Ocean Business.
Research
24 September 2018

Catalysing bank climate action: Lessons from the inside

Climate Safe Lending Network
This report shares insights from the Climate Safe Lending Fellowship, a programme for banking professionals committed to accelerating the decarbonisation of their institutions. The report offers practical approaches and tools used by climate intrapreneurs to help their banks transition toward climate-safe banking.
Research
28 June 2022

The third, systems stage of corporate governance: Why institutional investors need to move beyond modern portfolio theory

The authors of this paper argue that institutional investors need to move beyond Modern Portfolio Theory (MPT), and consider a wider risk management strategy. The paper outlines the potential failings of MPT and suggests ways for institutional investors to better align with the needs of society and the economy.
Research
1 February 2018

RECENTLY PUBLISHED BY ELLYSA ZAINUL

Reconsidering the macroeconomic damage of severe warming

This study finds that accounting for global weather conditions significantly increases projected macroeconomic damage from climate change. Global GDP losses by 2100 may rise from ~11% to ~40% under high emissions. Incorporating global effects also reduces the optimal warming threshold from 2.7°C to 1.7°C, aligning with Paris Agreement targets.
Research
31 March 2025

Fossil to Clean — business action checklists

We Mean Business
The Fossil to Clean Business Action Checklists provide sector-specific guidance for companies to transition from fossil fuels to clean energy. Developed by the We Mean Business Coalition, the tool outlines key actions aligned with science-based targets and global climate goals. It supports practical implementation of climate commitments.
Online tool/database

AIGCC's the state of investor climate transition in Asia

Asia Investor Group on Climate Change (AIGCC)
This benchmark series tracks the progress of institutional investors across Asia in integrating climate considerations into governance, investment, engagement, disclosure and policy advocacy. It provides a consistent and structured assessment framework to evaluate investor alignment with net zero pathways and climate-related financial risks and opportunities.
Benchmark/series

IGCC's state of net zero investment series

Investor Group on Climate Change
The Investor Group on Climate Change (IGCC) annual State of Net Zero report series is Australia’s most comprehensive analysis of institutional investors’ net zero investment practices. This benchmark series is based on survey responses from firms managing trillions of dollars on behalf of Australian and New Zealand beneficiaries.
Benchmark/series

CA100+ net zero benchmark

Investor Group on Climate Change
​Climate Action 100+ focuses on 169 companies crucial to the global net-zero emissions transition. The tool provides assessments of these companies' alignment with climate goals, aiding investors in evaluating climate-related financial risks and opportunities.
Online tool/database

Addressing biodiversity risk and opportunity at PensionDanmark

Accounting for Sustainability (A4S)
PensionDanmark developed a biodiversity strategy targeting its real estate and infrastructure assets to mitigate nature loss. It employs data-led initiatives, stakeholder engagement, and nature-based solutions to protect and restore biodiversity, aligning with EU taxonomy and Science Based Targets for Nature. Implementation includes construction screening, sustainable sourcing, and performance monitoring.
Research
18 February 2025

Landing the economic case for climate action with decision makers

Boston Consulting Group
The report outlines strategies to better communicate the economic rationale for climate action to decision makers. It examines barriers, including limited capacity and political constraints, and recommends clearer economic framing, stronger narratives, and alignment with national development goals to drive engagement and support for climate policies.
Research
11 March 2025

Regulatory guide (RG) 280: Sustainability reporting

Australian Securities and Investments Commission
ASIC’s Regulatory Guide 280 outlines the framework for sustainability reporting in accordance with ISSB Standards. It details expectations for listed and unlisted entities, implementation timelines, assurance requirements, and guidance on materiality, governance, and transition planning, aiming to improve transparency and consistency in climate-related and sustainability disclosures across Australia.
Research
31 March 2025

A practitioner's perspective - from obstacles to outcomes: Enhancing effectiveness in stewardship and engagement

WHEB Asset Management
This report identifies barriers to effective investor stewardship and engagement, highlighting challenges such as unclear definitions, resource constraints, and ineffective reporting. It outlines practical solutions from WHEB, recommending clearer alignment of engagement objectives with client mandates and prioritising measurable outcomes over activity metrics to deliver long-term client value.
Research
31 October 2024

WHEB Asset Management

Commercial Organisations
​WHEB is a specialist boutique asset manager focused entirely on sustainable and positive impact investing. In 2025, WHEB was acquired by Foresight Group, a leading investment manager providing diverse investment solutions aimed at reducing carbon emissions and supporting sustainable growth.
Organisation
1 research item

AI, data governance and privacy: Synergies and areas of international co-operation

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
This report examines the synergies between artificial intelligence, data governance, and privacy, highlighting international collaboration opportunities. It identifies key regulatory frameworks, interoperability standards, and policy recommendations to address shared global challenges and promote responsible AI deployment while safeguarding data privacy across jurisdictions.
Research
26 June 2024

A roadmap to disclosure

Energetics
​Energetics' interactive roadmap assists organisations in preparing for mandatory climate reporting under AASB S2. It offers a structured approach to understanding climate risks and opportunities, tailored to individual organisational readiness and objectives. The tool supports the development and execution of effective climate disclosure plans.
Organisation

Voluntarily applying ISSB Standards—A guide for preparers

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
The guide assists entities in voluntarily adopting IFRS S1 and IFRS S2, facilitating consistent disclosure of sustainability-related financial information. It outlines transition reliefs and proportionality mechanisms to ease initial compliance challenges, aiding preparers in effectively communicating sustainability progress to investors and stakeholders regardless of jurisdictional regulations.
Research
2 October 2024

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)

Issue Focused NGOs & Think Tanks
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world's largest humanitarian network, supporting local Red Cross and Red Crescent action in over 191 countries. With more than 16 million volunteers, the IFRC acts before, during, and after disasters and health emergencies to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people worldwide. ​
Organisation
1 research item

The purpose of investor stewardship

This paper critically examines investor stewardship, shifting from traditional shareholder-focused governance towards "enlightened stewardship." It advocates balancing fiduciary duties with broader societal and environmental considerations. Analysing the evolution of the UK Stewardship Code, it highlights a systemic shift to integrate sustainability and stakeholder concerns alongside financial returns for long-term value creation.
Research
23 January 2025

Doughnut Design for Business - Core Tool

Doughnut Economics Action Lab (DEAL)
​The Doughnut Design for Business Core Tool is a workshop resource that guides companies in aligning with Doughnut Economics principles. It focuses on transforming key business aspects—Purpose, Networks, Governance, Ownership, and Finance—to foster regenerative and distributive practices. Developed through pilot workshops with over 300 businesses, it offers practical steps for strategic redesign.
Online tool/database
2 November 2022