This paper analyses sustainability-linked bonds (SLBs), which tie bond coupons to sustainability performance targets. They find issuing an SLB yields an average premium of -9 basis points on the yield at issue compared to a conventional bond, and the savings for an issuer exceed the maximum penalty for failure to meet the target.

This report explores how philanthropic funds can be leveraged to tackle financial and non-financial barriers in affordable housing. Desk research, case studies, and financial modelling have been used to highlight the role philanthropy can play in bridging the gap for various affordable housing models.

The report defines impact-linked finance and proposes a roadmap to accelerate and scale it. It summarises constraints to its implementation and provides examples of solutions.

This report presents the findings of research into the sustainable investing capabilities of private banks, including governance, sustainability risk, and client interactions. The report notes progress among leading banks but highlights the need for continuing education for client advisors and improved ESG and impact reporting and monitoring capabilities.

This report delves into climate justice amid anthropogenic climate change, advocating for a pilot Global Climate Impact Fund (GCIF). The fund aims to distribute the financial responsibility for the climate change transition based on attribution and contribution studies, employing standardised criteria. The report emphasises prioritising long-term resilience and sustainable development pathways.

IFM Investors is a global investment manager, stewarding funds on behalf of like-minded investors worldwide. Explore our diverse investment strategies across infrastructure, debt investments, listed equities, and private markets.

This paper explores practical research issues associated with accidents in machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) systems, due to incorrect objectives, scalability, or choice of behaviour. The authors present five research problems in the field, suggesting ways to mitigate risks in modern machine learning systems.

The adoption of AI has more than doubled, with a peak of 58% in past years. The report highlights the importance of best practices and investing in AI as it is shown to bring financial returns. However, the majority of organisations are not mitigating risks associated with AI despite increasing use.

AI offers great positive impacts and risks. This report helps to understand the risks associated with developing and using AI tech. Scoping exercise identifies opportunities and threats across sectors. Six core ESG considerations including trust and security, data privacy, and sentience are evaluated for potential impact.

This briefing highlights the potential human rights impact of technological advancements and the responsibility of institutional investors to mitigate these risks. Based on the UN Guiding Principles, investors should implement human rights policies, assess risks and divest from companies with inadequate human rights practices.

The Dutch Pension Funds Agreement on Responsible Investment outlines the policies and procedures needed for pension funds to prevent, mitigate, and remediate against negative social and environmental consequences of investments. The agreement promotes long-term shareholder engagement and encourages due diligence in outsourcing, reporting, and transparency.

This paper provides guidelines for asset managers to strengthen their interim net zero targets, help promote transparency, effective emissions reduction and promote responsible finance within a modern world faced with an ever-increasing problem of climate change and inequality.

This research explores the impact of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors on investment returns, focusing on ESG Tilt and ESG Momentum strategies. The study reveals that both strategies outperformed the global benchmark, providing empirical evidence that ESG factors can enhance portfolio performance.

How can businesses thrive while still respecting planetary boundaries and meeting the essential needs of all people? This report provides a framework for businesses to transition to sustainable models by addressing unsustainable characteristics and adopting regenerative and distributive practices. The report highlights examples of businesses implementing these strategies and provides a Sustainable Business Model Canvas for businesses and investors to assess alignment with a sustainable economy.

This report advocates for the application of mainstream economics to evaluate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues for long-term financial and social returns. It identifies how conventional thinking around ten key ESG issues can be overturned when applying mainstream economics principles to provide better ESG insights.

The Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) has written this paper to equip senior management within financial institutions to integrate nature-related risks into financial decisions. The paper details why action needs to be taken and the steps to accelerate the integration of nature into finance.