About | Mentor | Michael Corcoran
Michael Corcoran
A firm believer in life long learning, I aim to use my experience in the financial services sector, along with my ongoing studies, to contribute to society. I have a great interest in ESG principles, responsible investing (particularly impact investing) and social issues – especially anything addressing social or financial inequality. I’m also a keen scholar of most sports, and still manage to partake (slowly) in touch footy, swimming, cycling, tennis and yoga.
PROFILE
My career to date in the superannuation industry (mainly the “profit for members” sector) has involved working closely in service and strategy delivery with a wide range of stakeholders. These range from superannuation fund members and employers through to boards of directors, senior executives, service providers and regulators. Areas of most interest include investments, marketing and communications, ethics and governance.
The community sector is also of enormous interest to me, particularly the aged care and disability services sectors. I’m most interested in finding ways that the world of finance can be used to sustain social and community services. I serve on the boards of two not for profit organisations.
Currently studies are in Social Impact through the Centre for Social Impact and UNSW. Other recent studies have included Business (Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies – QUT) and Communication (Public Relations and Professional Communications – UQ). I have individual membership of the Responsible Investment Association of Australasia (RIAA) and the Australian Institute of Company Directors. Earlier studies have been in business, government and economics.
RECENTLY REVIEWED BY MICHAEL CORCORAN
Conceptualizing the circular economy: An analysis of 114 definitions
The aim of this paper is to create transparency regarding the current understandings of the circular economy concept. The findings indicate that the circular economy is most frequently depicted as a combination of reduce, reuse and recycle activities. Concerningly, many definitions overlook that circular economy necessitates a systemic shift.
A legal framework for impact: Sustainability impact in investor decision-making
The report examines whether laws within eleven diverse jurisdictions support institutional investors in pursuing sustainability outcomes, while at the same time earning a financial return. It discusses options available to policymakers for legal reform in order to facilitate investing for sustainability impact.
The promise of fintech: financial inclusion in the post COVID-19 era
This report uses quantitative and qualitative research to further our understanding of developments in digital financial inclusion driven by fintech, and their macroeconomic effects. It also details the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and discusses the future of fintech’s impacts on financial inclusion.
Climate transparency report 2021: Comparing G20 climate action towards net zero
The Climate transparency report 2021 summarises the climate actions of G20 countries using the latest emissions data. It covers 100 indicators on decarbonisation, climate policies, finance, and vulnerability to the impacts of climate change. Providing country ratings, it identifies leaders and laggards in transition to a net zero-emission economy.
Climate Transparency
Climate Transparency is a global partnership that aims to encourage climate action in the G20 countries through enhanced transparency. They produce an annual report which provides a comprehensive summary of G20 countries’ climate action and their transition to a net-zero emissions economy.
Investing in a just transition in the UK: How investors can integrate social impact and place-based financing into climate strategies
The Investing in a Just Transition initiative sets out how investors can act with social and environmental responsibility in the transition to a zero-carbon, resilient economy. It provides stakeholders with a sense of what a ‘just’ transition looks like, and suggests practical actions to achieve such a transition.
Financial Standard
Financial Standard is a media organisation focusing on providing trade news, investment analysis and education for finance industry professionals in Australia. They explore issues affecting various actors and professionals in the investment industry.
Final report: Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures
This report contains the final recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures. It includes information on climate-related risks and opportunities, scenario analysis, and guidance to support organisations from all sectors to make climate-related financial disclosures consistent with these recommendations.
TCFD good practice handbook
This Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) handbook provides examples of good practice climate-related financial disclosures across the four core TCFD elements of governance, strategy, risk management, metrics and targets from corporates across the G20.
Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB)
The Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) connects businesses and investors on the financial impacts of sustainability. An independent non-profit, SASB develops reporting standards that enable businesses around the world to identify, manage and communicate financially-material, sustainability information to investors.
Impact investing: An emerging opportunity to add broader value?
Large asset owners such as superannuation fund trustees have a responsibility not only to their member beneficiaries, but also to society at large. Investment decisions should manage both financial returns and societal impact. This report discusses opportunities and challenges faced by superannuation fund trustees in approaching impact investing.
Bloomberg L.P.
Bloomberg L.P is a privately held financial, software, data, and media company headquartered in Manhattan, New York City. Founded in 1981, its growth into a globally recognised icon can be attributed to the success of its data analytics and information-delivery service, Bloomberg Terminal.
Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures
The Financial Stability Board (FSB) established the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures to develop recommendations for more effective disclosures. The recommendations aim to promote more informed investment, credit and insurance underwriting decisions to enable stakeholders to better understand carbon-related assets and the financial system’s exposures to climate-related risks.
Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment
The Grantham Institute on Climate Change and the Environment produces research and training on climate change. Formed in 2008 by the London School of Economics and Political Science, the Institute unites global experts to address environmental challenges.
The Climate Group
The Climate Group is an international non-profit organisation working to accelerate climate action. They work with leading businesses, states and regions, aiming to deliver a world of net zero greenhouse gas emissions and greater prosperity for all.
Climate Disclosure Standards Board (CDSB)
The Climate Disclosure Standards Board (CDSB) is an international consortium of business and environmental NGOs. It is committed to advancing and aligning the global mainstream corporate reporting model to equate natural capital with financial capital.
RECENTLY PUBLISHED BY MICHAEL CORCORAN
Ceres
Ceres is a sustainability nonprofit organisation working with the most influential investors and companies to build leadership and drive solutions throughout the economy. Through powerful networks and advocacy, Ceres tackles the world’s biggest sustainability challenges, including climate change, water scarcity and pollution, and inequitable workplaces.
FTSE Russell
FTSE Russell is a global provider of benchmarks, analytics and data solutions with multi-asset capabilities. It is a wholly owned subsidiary of London Stock Exchange Group, and is a unit of its Information Services Division.
The COVID-19 Corporate Response Tracker: How America’s largest employers are treating stakeholders amid the coronavirus crisis
The 2020 novel coronavirus pandemic and impending recession have created an opportunity for corporate leaders to put stakeholder capitalism into practice. JUST Capital has created a tracker to assess America’s largest employers’ response in supporting their workers, customers and communities. They have also developed principles to guide corporate America during the crisis.
JUST Capital
JUST Capital is an independent American non-profit that measures and ranks companies on issues such as fair pay, equal treatment of workers, contribution to strong communities, and commitment to a healthy planet. It tracks and engages with corporations on how they perform on issues that are important to the public.
Climate change: Awareness to action
Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) has highlighted the financial risks of climate change facing financial services organisations, saying that they are material, foreseeable and actionable now. APRA’s survey of 38 entities summarises the activities that those entities are adopting to mitigate financial risks. This information paper provides APRA's insights into responses to their survey.
Australian Prudential Regulation Authority
Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) is an independent statutory authority established by the Australian Government. It supervises institutions across banking, insurance and superannuation and promotes financial system stability in Australia.
