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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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Briefing for finance: Biodiversity

Accounting for Sustainability (A4S)
This briefing highlights how businesses' impact nature and the significant economic and environmental consequences of biodiversity loss. It explores the risks of biodiversity loss and opportunities of investing in nature-based solutions, and offers recommendations for finance professionals to mitigate potential negative impacts and embed biodiversity considerations into decision-making processes.
Research
27 May 2022

Do investors respond to mechanical changes in ESG ratings?

This study investigates whether investors react to changes in ESG ratings that are not linked to firms' actual ESG activities. Using the 2015 Refinitiv coverage expansion as a quasi-experimental setting, it finds that mechanical rating increases influence ESG fund selections, especially among resource-constrained active funds, leading to portfolio allocations not truly reflective of firms' ESG performance.
Research
22 May 2024

Exploring the cooperative economy report 2023

World Cooperative Monitor
The 2023 World Cooperative Monitor Report provides rankings of the top 300 global cooperatives by turnover and GDP per capita. It highlights the economic impact and member benefits of cooperatives, offering insights into their performance, sustainability, and contribution to local communities and development goals.
Research
30 January 2024

Mutuals industry review 2023: Challenges for a purposeful future

Klynveld Peat Marwick Goerdeler International (KPMG International)
This report shows that the mutuals industry increased net assets by 4.2% to AUD$11.7 billion, largely driven by increased interest rates and continued loan growth. The report also highlights key insights into the industry's future, including pathways to a sustainable and customer-centric future, managing the cyber threat, closing the gap on sustainability reporting, AI risks and opportunities, and CPS 230 Operational Risk Management.
Research
7 December 2023

Indigenous rights and financial institutions: Free, prior and informed consent, just transition and emerging practice

Shift
This report examines the importance of Indigenous Peoples’ rights in finance, focusing on Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC). It discusses challenges in implementing FPIC, such as differing views on indigeneity, determining adequate FPIC, poor information, and power imbalances. It concludes with the potential for mutually beneficial partnerships.
Research
6 July 2023

Artificial intelligence and human rights investor toolkit

Responsible Investment Association Australasia
This toolkit aims to provide investors with guidance on how to navigate the intersecting terrain of AI and human rights. It covers the various aspects of AI implementation that have potentially significant implications for human rights, and how investors can engage with companies on these issues. Its focus is on emerging risks and opportunities for investors in the context of rapidly evolving technologies and the ethical challenges they pose.
Research
1 May 2024

Biodiversity finance as a technology of power: Discourses of innovation and regulation in an Australian case study

This research paper merges innovation and regulation, commodifying nature through tradeable biodiversity units. This study explores how financialisation shapes conservation policies, highlighting tensions between market-driven solutions and regulatory frameworks, and the complex power dynamics involved in biodiversity finance.
Research
12 March 2024

Climate change 2023 synthesis report

Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
This report summarises findings on the current state of the climate, its impacts and risks, and mitigation and adaptation strategies. The report highlights that human activities have unequivocally caused global warming, leading to adverse effects on nature and people. It emphasises that vulnerable communities are disproportionately affected and that immediate action is crucial to limit further warming and secure a liveable future.
Research
10 August 2023

Global survey of nature risk management at financial firms 2024: A discipline in its infancy

Global Association of Risk Professionals (GARP)
The survey highlights the nascent stage of nature risk management in financial institutions. It covers governance, strategy, risk management, metrics, scenario analysis, and disclosures. The survey reveals low maturity levels but underscores the importance of integrating nature risks into financial practices to enhance resilience and sustainability.
Research
26 March 2024

Investing in stakeholder engagement for improved digital technologies

Business and Human Rights Resource Centre
This report explores the importance of stakeholder engagement for tech sector investors. It shows how engaging with affected stakeholders helps identify, assess, and mitigate human rights risks. It provides recommendations for investors to fund more rights-respecting companies.
Research
23 April 2024

An introduction to responsible investment: Biodiversity for asset owners

Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI)
This introductory guide for asset owners explores the financial risks and opportunities associated with biodiversity loss. It explains the relevance of biodiversity to investment processes and outlines how asset owners can incorporate biodiversity considerations into their responsible investment policies, stewardship practices, and disclosures.
Research
9 April 2024

Human rights and climate change: A guide for institutional investors

Klynveld Peat Marwick Goerdeler International (KPMG International)
This guide examines the relationship between climate change and human rights. It highlights the responsibilities of institutional investors to recognise and act on climate-related human rights risks. It also identifies crucial areas of risk for investors and provides an action plan to support investors to integrate the management of climate-related human rights risks into their existing frameworks.
Research
9 December 2021

The intersection of Responsible AI and ESG: A framework for investors

CSIRO
This report provides actionable insights for investors exploring the integration of Responsible AI (RAI) in their investment decisions. It offers a framework to assess the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) usage by companies. The report includes case studies of globally listed companies and a set of templates to support investors in implementing the framework.
Research
23 April 2024

Anticipatory finance: An introductory guide

United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDDR)
This introductory guide explores anticipatory finance, a funding mechanism released before predicted disasters to reduce humanitarian impact. It explains anticipatory action (AA), details potential finance sources (e.g. donor funds, government budgets, insurance), and presents real-world examples, challenges, and recommendations for implementation.
Research
22 April 2024

The Authenticity Advantage

future.focus
This benchmark report highlights the link between authentic sustainability and improved business outcomes in Australian organisations. The report introduces the Authenticity Index™, measuring commitments, culture, and communication, demonstrating that high-scoring businesses experience better talent acquisition, productivity, retention, innovation, resilience, and profitability.
Research
11 December 2023

Financial crimes and land conversion: Uncovering risk for financial institutions

World Wide Fund for Nature (World Wildlife Fund – WWF)
This report outlines the risks financial institutions face due to land conversion and related financial crimes. It emphasises the convergence of land conversion with crimes like money laundering and corruption, highlighting the need for robust due diligence and risk assessment. It introduces an Environmental Crimes Financial Toolkit to aid institutions in mitigating these risks.
Research
22 April 2024
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