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The positive impact from sustainable finance, stewardship, and engagement

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Unleashing the potential of Islamic Finance: Global perspectives on achieving the SDGs with Islamic finance tools and concepts

International Federation of Accountants (IFAC)
This report summarises discussions from a roundtable on Islamic finance’s potential to advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It explores the alignment of Islamic finance principles with the SDGs, highlighting the need for regulatory clarity, technical capacity building, and incentives to strengthen Islamic finance markets.
Research
7 June 2024

Investors, environmental, social and governance approaches and human rights - Report of the Working Group on the issue of human rights and transnational corporations and other business enterprises

Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights
The report clarifies the responsibilities of investors regarding human rights under the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights. It highlights how investors can align their environmental, social, and governance (ESG) approaches with these responsibilities, emphasising the integration of human rights considerations in ESG criteria to support sustainable and ethical investment practices.
Research
2 May 2024

How corporate climate change mitigation actions affect the cost of capital

This study explores how corporate climate change mitigation actions influence the cost of capital for Japanese firms from 2017-2021. It finds that higher carbon intensity increases the cost of equity, debt, and overall capital. Climate-related disclosures lower the cost of equity and overall capital, despite raising debt costs.
Research
20 May 2024

Can investors curb greenwashing?

This report analyses the phenomenon of greenwashing in companies due to investors' pro-environmental preferences and their penalties for exposing past environmental controversies. The study presents the optimal communication, abatement policies, and greenwashing strategies of corporations, highlighting how investment decisions can clamp down on this practice. Policymakers can make use of these tools to reduce greenwashing and promote environment-friendly policies.
Research
11 March 2024

Tackling child labor: A guide for financial institutions

Shift
This guide offers banks and financial institutions a framework to address child labour within their clients' operations and value chains. It emphasises enhancing due diligence, improving client engagement, and participating in multi-stakeholder initiatives to mitigate child labour risks.
Research
16 April 2024

Investor guidance on responsible contracting

Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility (ICCR)
This investor guidance examines the role of contracts in human rights and environmental due diligence (HREDD). It provides investors with tools to engage with companies on responsible contracting practices, aligning with international standards and evolving legislation.
Research
16 March 2024

Investing in nature: Opportunities for institutional investors

Green Finance Institute
This guide aims to assist institutional investors in navigating the evolving landscape of nature-based finance. It offers practical insights into various investment opportunities, showcasing case studies that exemplify best practices and innovative approaches in nature investments.
Research
22 May 2024

FAST connection diagnostic and risk mapping

Finance Against Slavery and Trafficking (FAST)
The FAST Initiative's Risk Mapping tool aids finance professionals in identifying and mitigating risks related to forced labour and human trafficking in supply chains. It offers practical guidance and resources to enhance due diligence and promote responsible investment practices.
Online tool/database

Refugee-related investments: Myth or reality?

The World Bank
This report examines the current state of refugee-related investment, a subset of impact investing focused on companies benefiting forcibly displaced people. It discusses the need for sustainable solutions for refugees' economic inclusion, the challenges faced by this nascent field, and recommendations for governments, development partners, and private sector actors to accelerate refugees' social and economic inclusion while benefiting host countries.
Research
27 September 2023

BCCM's national mutual economy reports

Business Council of Co-operatives and Mutuals (BCCM)
This annual report provides comprehensive analysis of the economic and social contributions of Australia's co-operatives and mutual enterprises (CMEs). It highlights the financial performance of the top 100 CMEs, discusses their impact on both national and international economies, and includes case studies.
Benchmark/series
17 June 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

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

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

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

Great expectations: Is engagement living up to its promise?

PGIM
This report examines whether engagement activities deliver impactful sustainability outcomes, comparing systemic and company-specific engagement. It encourages investors to align engagement goals with investment views, distinguishes escalation mechanisms for equity and debt investors, and emphasises financial materiality for achievable, value-enhancing outcomes. Investors are reminded of their fiduciary responsibility to clients and stakeholders.
Research
20 March 2024
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