Library | ESG issues

Law, Regulation & Compliance

The evolving legal and regulatory landscape financial organisations regarding Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations comprises both voluntary frameworks and mandatory regulations. Voluntary initiatives, such as the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD), provide guidelines for companies to disclose climate-related financial risks and opportunities. In contrast, mandatory regulations like the European Union’s Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR) require financial market participants to disclose how they integrate ESG factors into their investment decisions.

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Clean Energy Council's clean energy Australia reports

Clean Energy Council
The series provides an annual overview of Australia's renewable energy sector. This benchmark series covers industry trends, policy developments, and technology profiles across various energy sources such as solar, wind, hydro, and battery storage. It offers insights into state and federal targets, investment trends, and employment impacts within the clean energy landscape.
Benchmark/series

Transparency in supply chains etc: A practical guide

UK Government
This report provides updated guidance on compliance with the Modern Slavery Act 2015. It outlines requirements for businesses to produce annual statements detailing steps to prevent modern slavery in their operations and supply chains. The guide includes advice on statement structure, approval, publication, and responses to modern slavery incidents.
Research
13 December 2024

UK Government

Government Organisations & Departments
The UK official government website, Gov.uk, provides comprehensive information and services. It includes guidance on policies, public services, and regulations, making it a valuable resource for residents, businesses, and visitors. Access key information on taxes, benefits, health, and travel efficiently through this user-friendly platform.
Organisation
1 research item

Investors, ESG and human rights

United Nations (UN)
This report by the UN Working Group examines how investors use ESG and sustainability approaches globally, highlighting the need for regulatory standards and integration of human rights. It provides key findings and recommendations for states, investors, and other stakeholders to align practices with the UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.
Research
26 June 2024

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

An introduction to responsible investment: Human rights for asset owners

Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI)
This guide by PRI summarises human rights relevance for asset owners, offering strategies for policy, governance, stewardship, and disclosure. It includes case studies, international standards, and practical resources to promote human rights in the financial system.
Research
8 January 2024

Key performance indicators of responsible corporate tax conduct – and their green and red flags

Fair Tax Foundation
The report outlines key performance indicators (KPIs) for responsible corporate tax conduct, highlighting green and red flags. Key aspects include transparent financial statements, robust tax commitments, public Country-by-Country disclosures, disclosure of uncertain tax positions, and consistent corporate cash taxes paid over five years. It aims to guide investors in assessing tax conduct.
Research
22 February 2024

Making things (that don’t exist) count: A study of Scope 4 emissions accounting claims

This report investigates the implications of 'Scope 4' emissions accounting claims, which refers to greenhouse gas emission reductions or removals due to a decision or action. This study suggests that extant Scope 4 assessments do not fit the established framework for scope-based emissions accounting, and calls for cautious claims of this nature and the need for more research.
Research
28 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

The global slavery index 2023

Walk Free
This report reveals that 50 million people live in modern slavery. It highlights the G20's $468 billion worth of high-risk imports and identifies North Korea, Eritrea, and Mauritania as having the highest prevalence. Australia, the Netherlands, and the UK have the strongest government responses.
Benchmark/series
20 November 2023

Good practice toolkit: Strengthening modern slavery responses

Australian Human Rights Institute
This toolkit provides guidance on improving business practices under Australia's Modern Slavery Act. It emphasises effective stakeholder and supplier engagement, human rights due diligence, and the use of digital technologies. The toolkit includes practical examples and recommendations for businesses, governments, and civil society to better combat modern slavery.
Research
6 July 2023

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

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
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