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Research

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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Nature investor toolkit: Understanding nature-related risks and opportunities and supporting investors to assess, engage and take action

Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA)
The toolkit helps investors identify, assess, and manage nature-related risks and opportunities in their portfolios. It provides guidance on how to engage with stakeholders, evaluate investment impacts on nature, and explore emerging tools for nature-positive outcomes. The toolkit also highlights strategies to mitigate risks and seize nature-related investment opportunities.
Research
13 September 2024

Predatory fintech and the politics of banking

This report critically examines the rise of predatory fintech lending practices in the US. It highlights how fintech firms exploit regulatory gaps through partnerships with banks, resulting in high-cost loans that disproportionately impact financially vulnerable households. The report also discusses potential regulatory reforms to protect consumers from these harmful practices.
Research
24 May 2021

Predatory trade finance: The impact of bargaining power and financing constraints on the demand and supply of trade credit

The report examines how disparities in bargaining power affect trade credit negotiations in emerging economies. The findings highlight that financially constrained firms often provide trade credit to more powerful counterparts, leading to inefficiencies and negative outcomes for suppliers, challenging the notion that trade credit is beneficial for growth.
Research
28 August 2021

Infrastructure for a climate-resilient future

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)
The report outlines the critical role of climate-resilient infrastructure in addressing the increasing impacts of climate change. It emphasises the need for integrated planning, financing, and the adoption of nature-based solutions to enhance infrastructure resilience. The report also highlights the economic benefits and policy recommendations for building robust infrastructure systems globally, especially in developing countries.
Research
9 April 2024

Aligning corporate value chains to global climate goals

Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi)
This discussion paper explores the importance of scope 3 emissions in corporate climate targets. It discusses challenges in current scope 3 target-setting practices, potential solutions, and strategies for decarbonising value chains. The report aims to enhance corporate climate action, aligning businesses with global climate goals while promoting stakeholder engagement for future standards.
Research
30 July 2024

Financing for sustainability: Asia-Pacific's ESG market opportunities

Westpac
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.

Research
8 May 2024

Turning strategy into reality: ESG implementation challenges in Australia’s finance sector

Action Exchange
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.
Research
20 October 2023

The real effects of supply chain transparency regulation – Evidence from Section 1502 of the Dodd-Frank Act

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.
Research
12 June 2024

The ITSCI laundromat: How a due diligence scheme appears to launder conflict minerals

Global Witness
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.
Research
24 April 2022

Combining AI and domain expertise to assess corporate climate transition disclosures

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.
Research
14 May 2024

Standard for Responsible Mining and Mineral Processing 2.0

Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA)
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.
Research
3 April 2024

IRMA Standard for Responsible Mining IRMA-STD-001

Initiative for Responsible Mining Assurance (IRMA)
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.
Research
27 June 2018

A practical guide for business: Air pollutant emission assessment

Stockholm Environment Institute
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.
Research
13 December 2023

The conflict minerals handbook: Your guide to compliance

Assent
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.
Research
18 July 2023

Evaluating due diligence programs for conflict minerals: A matched analysis of 3T mines in eastern DRC

International Peace Information Service (IPIS)
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.
Research
29 March 2021

Practical guide to minerals due diligence implementation

Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI)
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.
Research
3 February 2022
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