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

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

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

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

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

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

The visibility of climate-related disclosures by large Australian companies

This study examines the visibility of climate-related disclosures in reports from 28 large Australian ASX50 firms during 2022. It finds that disclosures on physical climate risks are generally limited and superficial, whereas opportunities from the transition to a low-carbon economy are more prominently highlighted, indicating selective disclosure practices across sectors.
Research
20 October 2024

The triple gap in finance for agrifood systems

Climate Policy Initiative
This report identifies significant planning, finance, and data gaps in climate investment needed to transition global agrifood systems. Annual climate finance must increase by at least 40 times to USD 1.1 trillion by 2030. Current national commitments underestimate actual requirements, highlighting the need for clearer targets and improved data collection.
Research
19 November 2024

War and sanctions database

The War and Sanctions portal, managed by Ukraine’s Defence Intelligence, is an open-access database detailing individuals, entities, and assets linked to Russia’s military activities. It supports due diligence and compliance efforts by providing verified information on sanctions, war-related logistics, and foreign components in weaponry.
Online tool/database

Australian sustainable finance taxonomy (Version 1 - 2025)

Australian Sustainable Finance Institute (ASFI)
The Australian Sustainable Finance Taxonomy (2025) provides a framework classifying economic activities aligned with environmental sustainability goals, particularly climate mitigation. It includes performance-based criteria for key sectors such as agriculture, mining, energy, construction, and transport, facilitating sustainable capital allocation, consistent reporting, and transition planning, thus supporting Australia’s transition to a net-zero emissions economy.
Research
16 June 2025

IEEFA's Australian gas and LNG tracker

Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA)
The IEEFA Australian Gas and LNG Tracker is an interactive tool offering bi‑annual updates on Australia’s LNG infrastructure, demand forecasts, export capacity and trade flows. It integrates data from sources such as Kpler, AEMO and IEEFA’s own analysis to enhance transparency in gas and LNG market dynamics.
Online tool/database

Exploring pathways for world development within planetary boundaries

The report assesses global development scenarios to 2050 using planetary boundaries. Current trends worsen conditions across key Earth system indicators, except ozone depletion. Implementing strong sustainability measures, including climate agreements, diet shifts, and resource efficiency, significantly reduces boundary breaches but still leaves climate, biodiversity, and nutrient flows at risk.
Research
14 May 2025

ERM's the global regulations radar series

ERM SustainAbility Institute
This bi-annual update outlines key ESG and EHS regulations across major regions, detailing compliance timelines, reporting standards, and emerging legislative trends. It highlights increasing global alignment on sustainability disclosures and regulatory developments in climate risk, human rights, and environmental protection, including new rules in the EU, US, Canada, and APAC.
Benchmark/series
3 February 2025

The value of NGO activism

NGO campaigns alleging environmental and social “E&S-washing” lead to negative stock and media responses, especially on financially material issues. Firms reduce direct emissions following climate-related allegations—often shifting them to supply chains. NGOs also prompt investor engagement, suggesting a monitoring role despite unintended consequences such as increased indirect emissions.
Research
2 April 2024

PRI's resolution database

Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI)
The PRI Resolution Database provides information on shareholder resolutions, management proposals, and votes, aiming to enhance transparency in shareholder advocacy and proxy voting. It includes details on ESG themes, proposal statuses, and allows PRI signatories to pre-declare voting intentions.
Online tool/database

Rewiring finance – a new approach to financing a sustainable economy

Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership
This report outlines three systemic shifts needed to align finance with sustainability: policy reform to drive market incentives, mindset changes to embrace long-term value, and structural financial changes to embed environmental and social risks. It highlights barriers and proposes actions to support an inclusive, sustainable economic transition.
Research
13 May 2025

Artificial intelligence in financial services

World Economic Forum
AI is reshaping financial services by enhancing efficiency, reducing costs and unlocking new revenue opportunities. With $97 billion in projected investment by 2027, firms must address risks like misinformation and data bias while prioritising governance, regulation and workforce reskilling to ensure responsible, secure and effective AI adoption.
Research
21 January 2025

Regulating AI in the financial sector: Recent developments and main challenges

The report outlines AI’s growing use in finance—especially in underwriting, fraud detection, and customer support—highlighting regulatory challenges around explainability, governance, and data security. It discusses evolving global guidance and the need for risk-based, proportionate oversight, particularly as generative AI gains traction in high-impact applications.
Research
12 December 2024

Regen Melbourne's impact visualiser tool

Regen Melbourne
The Impact Visualiser enables users to qualitatively assess the social and ecological impacts of initiatives within the Melbourne Doughnut framework. It allows for rating across various dimensions, facilitating visual representation of potential effects, and supports downloading the results for sharing or further analysis.
Online tool/database

Doughnut design for business case studies

Doughnut Economics Action Lab (DEAL)
The Doughnut Design for Business tool presents case studies of enterprises applying Doughnut Economics principles. It supports companies in aligning operations with ecological boundaries and social foundations, offering structured insights into practical implementation and outcomes across diverse sectors and regions.
Online tool/database
4 November 2024

Human rights in global value chains investor toolkit

Responsible Investment Association Australasia
This toolkit guides investors in addressing human rights risks in global value chains. It outlines regulatory developments, risk identification practices, and engagement strategies to improve corporate accountability. Practical steps include audits, grievance mechanisms, collaboration, and traceability to mitigate modern slavery and labour abuses, enhancing long-term investment and operational resilience.
Research
28 May 2025

Circle Economy's circularity gap report series

Circle Economy
The Circularity Gap Report series, launched annually since 2018 by Circle Economy, offers key insights into the global circular economy. Each report focuses on vital topics driving action, from the first global metric in 2018 to industry and country perspectives in subsequent years.
Benchmark/series