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We summarise credible research and reports on sustainable finance and ESG issues. Our summaries, along with our AI ChatBot saves members time reading large reports, to focus on knowledge building and action.
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RIAA Policy Platform 2025: Harnessing sustainable finance for a thriving Australia
The RIAA Policy Platform 2025 outlines nine policy priorities and two principles to align Australia’s finance system with sustainability goals. It recommends regulatory reforms, improved data, Indigenous inclusion, and stronger accountability to mobilise capital for a net zero, nature-positive economy that supports long-term economic resilience and societal wellbeing.
Find it, fix it, prevent it: Modern slavery report 2024
CCLA’s 2024 report outlines investor-led efforts to address modern slavery through corporate engagement, policy advocacy, and improved data. Key sectors include construction and agriculture. Progress was made via benchmarking and collaborative initiatives, though disclosure and remedy remain limited. EU legislation and stakeholder coordination are driving further momentum.
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.
Rewiring finance – a new approach to financing a sustainable economy
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.
Artificial intelligence in financial services
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.
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.
Human rights in global value chains investor toolkit
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.
Impact economies tractions and trends: Insights from 34 GSG National Partners
This report presents insights from 34 national ecosystems advancing impact investing. It highlights trends in policy, capital mobilisation, and transparency, showing governments and institutions integrating social and environmental outcomes into investment strategies. It tracks growth in green finance, outcome-based funding, and investment readiness across emerging and developed economies.
The board playbook: Winning strategies for long-term value creation
This report outlines strategies for corporate boards to foster long-term value creation. It highlights the need for tailored governance, alignment between boards and management, and adaptive practices across geographies. Practical toolkits support board effectiveness through strategic focus, risk management, and director development.
The state of 'S' reporting in ESG: Locating opportunities for unlocking corporate social impact
This report analyses how ASX100 and leading private companies disclose social topics in ESG reporting. It identifies gaps in external impact measurement and highlights opportunities to standardise disclosures. Most reporting focuses on internal workforce issues, with less emphasis on value chain impacts and community engagement.
Australian Sustainable Finance Capability Framework: Updated pilot version
The updated Australian Sustainable Finance Capability Framework outlines key competencies for roles in sustainable finance across Australia. It integrates First Nations perspectives, focuses on social and environmental sustainability, and guides skill development in areas such as strategy, risk management, and reporting to support sector-wide capability uplift.
Nature-related financial disclosures: Frequently asked questions
This FAQ guide explains key concepts in nature-related financial disclosures, including biodiversity, dependencies, impacts, and the TNFD framework. It outlines disclosure requirements, materiality, governance responsibilities, and greenwashing risks, offering practical insights for businesses preparing for future regulatory expectations and aligning with international sustainability standards.
Carbon accounting FAQs - August 2023
This FAQ guide by CA ANZ outlines key carbon accounting concepts, including emissions measurement, net zero versus carbon neutral, carbon markets, and related financial and ethical considerations. It supports finance professionals with evolving standards, regulatory requirements, and practical guidance for managing climate-related data and assurance services using science-based methodologies.
Navigating the Australian climate-related financial disclosure landscape
This guide outlines Australia’s new climate-related financial disclosure requirements commencing in 2025. It defines reporting thresholds, timelines, and compliance pathways for entities based on size and emissions reporting status, and details implementation steps aligned with AASB and IFRS standards for climate and sustainability reporting.
Critical mineral series: Sustainability considerations for investors in copper mining
This report examines copper’s role in the energy transition, highlighting growing demand, environmental and human rights risks, and evolving global regulations. It evaluates mining companies’ sustainability performance using biodiversity, governance, and modern slavery metrics, offering insights for responsible investment aligned with international standards and long-term ESG considerations.
The root cause of nature loss: Forests, why they matter, and how to assess deforestation risk in investment portfolios through nature-related data
This report outlines how deforestation, particularly in tropical forests, is a key driver of biodiversity loss and climate change. It presents the risks to institutional investors—physical, transition, and systemic—and offers a framework to assess deforestation exposure in portfolios using nature-related data and metrics across sectors and geographies..