About | Mentor | Ishita Rai

Ishita Rai

I summarise and categorise all resources that go into Altiorem’s library, support engagement with Altiorem members, and ad hoc projects that enhance Altiorem’s value proposition and offering to sustainable finance communities.

PROFILE

I summarise and categorise all resources that go into Altiorem’s library, support engagement with Altiorem members, and ad hoc projects that enhance Altiorem’s value proposition and offering to sustainable finance communities.

RECENTLY REVIEWED BY ISHITA RAI

Business-led blended finance: A practical playbook

United Nations Global Compact
This report examines business-led blended finance, which grew to US$24 billion in 2024. It provides a practical playbook for companies to move from passive recipients to active deal architects, addressing the US$4 trillion SDG financing gap through risk management toolkits, sector analyses, and eight global case studies.
Research
25 June 2026

Climate-related disclosures: Insights from our reviews 2026

Financial Markets Authority (FMA)
This Financial Markets Authority report reviews 62 climate statements from the second reporting period in Aotearoa New Zealand. It identifies improvements in reporting structures but highlights gaps in physical risk analysis and assurance compliance. Future monitoring will focus on education to improve data substantiation and risk disclosure quality.
Research
26 May 2026

The climate premium on commercial real estate insurance

First Street
This report analyses rising insurance costs in the United States commercial real estate sector. It finds that premiums have surged 154% since 2017, driven by climate risk and reinsurance trends. High-risk markets face significant valuation erosion, with multi-family properties particularly impacted by increased financial burdens and pricing volatility.
Research
14 May 2026

Why shareholder-driven corporate social responsibility failed

European Corporate Governance Institute (ECGI)
This report analyses why shareholder-led corporate social responsibility failed in the early 2020s. It argues that political forces blocking government regulation also dismantle private CSR initiatives. Using the BlackRock-Texas conflict as evidence, it concludes that direct political action is the only viable path for systemic change.
Research
21 May 2026

Coller FAIRR seafood index methodology: May 2026

Farm Animal Investment Risk and Return (FAIRR)
The Coller FAIRR Seafood Index Methodology outlines the framework for assessing 20 global companies across 16 material topics. It details a bottom-up scoring process, ranging from 0 to 100, and a four-step production cycle. The index measures corporate maturity in response to environmental and social risks in the seafood industry.
Research
1 May 2026

A novel multilevel conceptual framework for flood risk governance

This research introduces a multilevel framework integrating flood hazard modelling, social vulnerability assessments, and risk communication. Designed for data-scarce environments, it addresses analytical silos by treating communication as a coequal component. The framework supports equitable decision-making through consequence-oriented risk surfaces and transparent uncertainty representation for municipal planning.
Research
27 April 2026

Templates in the EU Inc. regulation proposal

Leibniz Institute for Financial Research SAFE
This research evaluates the European Commission’s Proposal for an optional 28th corporate law regime. It argues that proposed model articles of association fail to support venture capital-backed firms. The authors identify four shortcomings regarding scope, process, logic, and safe-harbour effects, suggesting a dedicated drafting track and broader coverage.
Research
18 May 2026

Harmonized calculations methods for product carbon footprints and life cycle assessments in the mining and metals industry

This research presents methodological recommendations for harmonising product carbon footprint and life cycle assessment calculations across the mining and metals industry. Developed with the International Council on Mining and Metals, it establishes consistent guidelines for 17 aspects, including system boundaries, electricity modelling, and multi-output allocation procedures.
Research
11 March 2026

Stakeholder governance and corporate purpose in certified B Corps: Minimizing conflict and fostering collaboration

This research examines how Australian and New Zealand B Corporations implement stakeholder governance through corporate purpose. Based on 20 interviews, it identifies six roles for purpose in decision-making and signalling. The findings suggest that purpose-led models help attract supportive stakeholders and foster collaboration beyond mere conflict resolution.
Research
29 April 2025

Regionalized characterization factors for microplastic emissions in life cycle assessment considering multimedia fate modelling

This research establishes regionalised characterisation factors for microplastic emissions across marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems. Using fate modelling aligned with USEtox, it evaluates 14 polymers and five size categories. Findings demonstrate that particle size and density significantly influence environmental persistence and subsequent impacts on global species richness.
Research
6 January 2026

An engaged market: The 2026 state of stewardship report, prepared by the Aotearoa New Zealand stewardship code

Stewardship Code Aotearoa New Zealand
This report examines stewardship reporting across New Zealand's investment market for 2025. Representing 20 signatories with $3.8 trillion in assets, it highlights maturing practices in collaborative engagement, escalation, and voting transparency. The document notes increased integration of te ao Māori and provides guidance on strengthening stewardship and voting policies.
Research
1 June 2026

Global employment trends for youth 2026: Back to the future

International Labour Organisation (ILO)
The Global Employment Trends for Youth 2026 report highlights a stalled post-pandemic recovery, with global youth unemployment reaching 12.4 per cent. It examines rising NEET rates, artificial intelligence impacts, and job experience inflation, while advocating for bold, adaptive policies to ensure secure, decent work pathways for young people.
Research
6 August 2026

Artificial intelligence and sustainability transitions: Emergent opportunities, risks, and governance

Columbia Center on Sustainable Investment
This report examines the intersection of artificial intelligence and sustainability transitions, detailing opportunities and risks across environment, energy, labour, finance, and democracy. It proposes a three-layered governance framework and a phased roadmap for global scientific alignment, interim safety measures, and a binding international framework convention to ensure societal well-being.
Research
28 March 2026

Fragmentation of shareholder power

National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)
This research examines how fund proliferation and stewardship decentralisation affect corporate governance. It finds that supply-driven growth weakens oversight, while demand-driven expansion by incumbents can strengthen it. Competitive adoption of pass-through voting improves investor preference alignment but often reduces monitoring incentives and firm value.
Research
20 June 2026

ENCORE Insights: Country Dashboard

Global Canopy
The ENCORE Insights: Country Dashboard is an interactive tool that maps how national economies and sectors depend on nature. Developed by Global Canopy, it helps finance professionals and regulators assess macroeconomic risks associated with nature degradation and ecosystem service dependencies.
Online tool/database
10 December 2025

Preference for explainable AI

National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER)
This research investigates the demand for explainable AI in high-stakes credit settings. It finds that decision-makers strategically avoid explanations that reveal racial or gender bias to preserve moral wiggle room. Additionally, behavioural biases cause individuals to undervalue explanations even when they complement private information and improve decision accuracy.
Research
16 May 2026

RECENTLY PUBLISHED BY ISHITA RAI

ASEAN sustainable finance state of the market series

Climate Bonds Initiative
This series by the Climate Bonds Initiative examines the development of sustainable finance markets across ASEAN. It covers green, social, sustainability and sustainability-linked debt instruments, alongside market structures, taxonomies, transition finance and policy developments supporting sustainable capital markets across the region.
Benchmark/series
9 May 2023

Women's empowerment principles series

United Nations Global Compact
This series examines how businesses integrate women’s empowerment and gender equality across leadership, workplaces, marketplaces and communities. It uses the Women’s Empowerment Principles Gender Gap Analysis Tool to assess corporate policies and practices, support benchmarking and identify opportunities for businesses to strengthen gender equality approaches over time.
Benchmark/series
13 March 2020

FCLT Gold Standard: Information and resources

FCLTGlobal
FCLTGlobal’s Gold Standard provides criteria for asset owners, asset managers and companies to support long-term value creation. It outlines recommended practices across governance, incentives, engagement, metrics and future success, including long-term performance measurement, aligned remuneration, sustainability reporting, carbon pricing, diverse decision-making and investment in innovation.
Research
29 August 2025

Extraction to equity: Responsible finance and trade for critical minerals in Asia

Fair Finance Asia
The report examines critical mineral value chains across selected ASEAN countries, highlighting downstream processing ambitions alongside environmental, human rights and governance risks. It finds trade agreements lack adequate sustainability safeguards and recommends stronger due diligence, impact assessments, benefit-sharing, local value addition, transparency and sustainable finance taxonomies.
Research
13 July 2026

Sector insights: Real estate series

Sustainable Fitch
Sustainable Fitch Sector Insights Report Series is a series providing analytical assessments of the sustainability profiles of different sectors. It examines sustainability impacts, ESG rating trends, sustainable finance developments, sector-specific issues, and relevant sustainability-related regulations to support finance professionals’ understanding of sector performance.
Benchmark/series
7 April 2026

Planet Tracker

Finance / Corporate Focused NGOs & Think Tanks
Planet Tracker is a non-profit sustainable finance think tank that produces research, data and investor tools to help financial markets address nature, climate and environmental risks. It supports investors, lenders and companies with analysis on biodiversity, food systems, plastics, water and supply chains to improve long-term capital allocation and stewardship.
Organisation
2 research items

Futureproofing Institute

Finance / Corporate Focused NGOs & Think Tanks
Futureproofing Institute is an independent sustainable finance organisation that develops integrated value methodologies to assess companies’ financial, social and environmental performance. Through research, publications and the Futureproof Index, it supports investors, businesses and policymakers in evaluating long-term value creation, transition risks and responsible investment using evidence-based analysis.
Organisation
1 research item

He Pou a Rangi - Climate Change Commission

Government Organisations & Departments
He Pou a Rangi Climate Change Commission is New Zealand’s independent climate advisory body. It provides evidence-based advice to government on emissions budgets, climate change mitigation and adaptation, while monitoring progress towards national emissions reduction targets. The Commission publishes climate risk assessments, policy advice and monitoring reports to support a low-emissions, climate-resilient economy.
Organisation
1 research item

Marsh

Other
Marsh is a global insurance broker and risk advisory firm that helps organisations identify, assess and manage complex risks. Through insurance broking, risk management, cybersecurity, climate risk, analytics and consulting services, Marsh supports businesses across industries in making informed decisions, building resilience and navigating regulatory, operational and financial challenges worldwide.
Organisation
1 research item

Motu Economic and Public Policy Research

Finance / Corporate Focused NGOs & Think Tanks
Motu Research is an independent New Zealand economics and public policy research institute that produces evidence-based research on climate change, emissions trading, wellbeing, housing, productivity, labour markets and human rights. Through publications, data analysis and policy engagement, Motu helps decision-makers, researchers and finance professionals understand key environmental, social and economic challenges.
Organisation
1 research item

Value Balancing Alliance

Finance Industry Groups
Value Balancing Alliance is a non-profit organisation that develops impact accounting and valuation methodologies to help businesses and investors measure environmental, social and economic impacts alongside financial performance. Through research, pilot studies, publications and collaboration with global companies, it supports sustainability reporting, ESG analysis, impact measurement and informed decision-making.
Organisation
1 research item

Council of Europe

Government Sponsored / Multilateral Organisations
Council of Europe is an international organisation that promotes human rights, democracy and the rule of law across Europe. Through the European Court of Human Rights, policy frameworks, monitoring bodies and intergovernmental cooperation, it supports member states on issues including justice, equality, digital rights, governance, social rights and democratic institutions.
Organisation
1 research item

Royal London Asset Management

Other
Royal London Asset Management (RLAM) is a UK-based asset manager providing investment solutions across equities, fixed income, multi-asset, property and cash. It integrates environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors into investment decision-making and stewardship activities, offering responsible investment expertise, sustainable investing strategies, market insights and portfolio management services for institutional and intermediary clients worldwide.
Organisation
1 research item

Biodiversity Council

Issue Focused NGOs & Think Tanks
Biodiversity Council is an independent Australian expert group founded by 11 universities to promote evidence-based solutions to biodiversity loss. Through research, policy engagement, public communication and First Nations knowledge, Biodiversity Council provides trusted expertise on nature conservation, environmental policy and biodiversity protection for governments, businesses and communities across Australia.
Organisation
1 research item

Power Shift Africa

Issue Focused NGOs & Think Tanks
Power Shift Africa is a Pan-African climate and energy think tank focused on climate action, renewable energy and sustainable development. Based in Kenya, it provides policy analysis, advocacy and media engagement to amplify African perspectives on climate justice, clean energy transitions and low-carbon development across Africa and international climate policy discussions.
Organisation
5 research items

Migrant Justice Institute (MJI)

Finance / Corporate Focused NGOs & Think Tanks
Migrant Justice Institute (MJI) is an Australian research and advocacy organisation focused on migrant worker rights, labour exploitation and wage theft. It conducts legal and policy research on migration, workplace justice and supply-chain accountability, supporting evidence-based reform and helping organisations address human rights, modern slavery and ESG-related labour risks.
Organisation
1 research item
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