The report examines the integration of ESG factors into mainstream finance in the Asia-Pacific region. It highlights challenges like greenwashing, regulatory uncertainty, and macroeconomic instability. It also outlines opportunities for sustainable finance growth, driven by data integrity, net-zero commitments, and evolving regulatory frameworks.

The report highlights the challenges financial institutions face in embedding Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategies. It covers topics such as governance, skills gaps, data issues, and the critical role of the front office in driving sustainability goals, offering practical steps for overcoming these hurdles.

Section 1502 of the Dodd-Frank Act requires firms to disclose if they source conflict minerals from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The report shows that increased public attention leads to responsible sourcing, which mitigates conflicts in mining regions. Certified smelters play a key role in these efforts.

This report investigates how the International Tin Supply Chain Initiative (ITSCI) allegedly launders conflict minerals from mines in the Democratic Republic of Congo. It highlights serious failings in the traceability system, enabling smuggling, militia involvement, and child labour in the mineral trade. Recommendations include structural reforms and stricter enforcement by governments and companies.

This paper introduces an assessment framework for corporate disclosures on climate transition strategies. It identifies 64 indicators from 28 frameworks, develops a natural language processing (NLP) tool to automate disclosure assessment, and analyses disclosures of carbon-intensive companies. The findings reveal that companies often prioritise reporting targets over concrete implementation actions.

The IRMA Standard for Responsible Mining and Mineral Processing 2.0 (Draft Version) outlines best practices for mining, mineral development, and processing to enhance environmental and social responsibility. It aims to improve industry standards, promote transparency, and support compliance with local and international regulations.

The Standard for Responsible Mining sets out best practices for industrial-scale mining. It focuses on social, environmental, and economic aspects, providing third-party certification for responsible performance. The Standard covers areas such as community engagement, human rights, and environmental management, aiming to promote transparency, improve mining practices, and support positive legacies for communities and ecosystems.

This guide provides businesses with a framework to quantify air pollutant emissions along their value chains. It offers methodologies for assessing emissions from key sources such as electricity, fuel combustion, and transportation, helping businesses reduce pollutants and support better health outcomes and environmental sustainability.

This report outlines best practices for complying with conflict minerals regulations. It covers the definition of conflict minerals, due diligence processes, and the broader impact of responsible sourcing. Key guidelines include using the OECD Due Diligence framework and tools like the Conflict Minerals Reporting Template (CMRT) for supply chain transparency.

This report evaluates the impact of due diligence programs (DDP) on 3T mines (tin, tantalum, and tungsten) in Eastern DRC. It finds reductions in interference by armed forces, increased state presence, but no significant changes in child labour rates. Economic improvements are noted, but DDP does not eliminate all mining-related harms.

This guide provides practical steps for companies to implement due diligence in their mineral supply chains, aligning with OECD, SEC, and EU regulations. It focuses on establishing strong management systems, identifying and mitigating supply chain risks, and ensuring compliance with responsible sourcing standards to prevent human rights abuses and support ethical mineral sourcing practices.

The report evaluates the extent to which five industry programmes align with the OECD Due Diligence Guidance for responsible mineral sourcing. It highlights gaps and improvements in standards and implementation, focusing on due diligence, risk assessment, and audit practices across mineral supply chains.

The report introduces key ecological concepts critical to achieving a nature-positive future. It outlines the financial opportunities and risks involved, emphasising the need for collaboration between ecologists and business professionals to effectively implement nature-positive strategies. The report also highlights the challenges and complexities in aligning ecological goals with financial instruments.

The toolkit provides practical tools to help VCs and investors identify and mitigate gender bias in their investment processes. It equips them with strategies to uncover overlooked opportunities and promote inclusive practices, particularly for women founders in the Asia-Pacific region, ultimately fostering a more diverse and equitable investment landscape.

The report explores the transformative role of AI in the financial sector, focusing on financial intermediation, insurance, asset management, and payments. It highlights both opportunities and challenges, including implications for financial stability and the need for upgraded financial regulation to manage the risks associated with AI's growing influence.

This three-part journal explores the severe impacts of a 3°C temperature rise on climate, biodiversity, agriculture, human survival, and the economy, emphasising the need for urgent climate action and nature-based solutions.