Library | ESG issues

Purpose & Mission

An organisation’s purpose defines its core reason for existence, guiding its strategies and operations. In the finance industry, aligning corporate purpose with sustainable practices involves developing innovative financial products, engaging in policy advocacy, and directing capital toward sustainable investments. This alignment fosters long-term value creation and supports the transition to a sustainable economy.

Refine
Resource type
Sustainable Finance Practices
ESG issues
SDGs
SASB Sustainability Sector
Finance relevance
Asset Class
Location
TAG
55 results
REFINE
SHOW: 16

The purpose of investor stewardship

This paper critically examines investor stewardship, shifting from traditional shareholder-focused governance towards "enlightened stewardship." It advocates balancing fiduciary duties with broader societal and environmental considerations. Analysing the evolution of the UK Stewardship Code, it highlights a systemic shift to integrate sustainability and stakeholder concerns alongside financial returns for long-term value creation.
Research
23 January 2025

Between impact and returns: Private investors and the sustainable development goals

Wealthy private investors increasingly align their portfolios with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), seeking both measurable impact and financial returns. Investors favour SDGs linked to higher expected profits, leading to underinvestment in less profitable goals. Findings are based on portfolio data, surveys, and interviews with 60 high-net-worth individuals.
Research
11 April 2022

Australian Impact Investments (Aii)

Commercial Research Providers
Australian Impact Investments (Aii) is a specialist asset consulting firm dedicated to mobilising capital for positive social and environmental impact alongside financial returns. Established in 2014, Aii collaborates with charitable trusts, foundations, family offices, wealth advisors, and institutions, offering bespoke impact strategies, rigorous investment analysis, and comprehensive portfolio management. With a focus on responsible investing, Aii assists clients at every stage of their impact journey.
Organisation

Business for Nature

Finance / Corporate Focused NGOs & Think Tanks
Business for Nature is a global coalition uniting over 100 business and conservation organisations, along with forward-thinking companies. It promotes credible corporate action and advocates for ambitious governmental policies to establish a nature-positive economy by 2030.
Organisation
3 research items

Go, teams: When teams get healthier, the whole organization benefits

McKinsey & Company
Effective teams drive organisational success, yet myths like prioritising top talent and heroic leadership hinder progress. This article highlights evidence-based team behaviours—trust, communication, innovation, and decision-making—as critical to long-term performance, offering strategies to enhance team health, collaboration, and alignment across organisational contexts.
Research
31 October 2024

Towards a new economic paradigm 2.0: Innovating to integrate decision-making across nature, people, society and the economy

Capitals Coalition (CapsCo)
The report explores systems-level innovations for integrating nature, people, society, and economy in decision-making. Through the Capitals Protocol, Governance Framework, and Integrated Decision-Making Requirements, it advocates for a shift beyond financial metrics, promoting holistic value assessments to foster sustainable business practices and societal well-being.
Research
2 July 2024

Which discount rate for sustainability?

This report explores the appropriate discount rate for sustainability investments, advocating for a lower social discount rate for natural and social capital compared to financial capital. By applying this lower rate, companies could be incentivised to prioritise long-term investments in sustainability, ultimately supporting a balanced financial, social, and environmental value approach.
Research
18 September 2024

Global partnerships case study: Measuring and managing financial inclusion outcomes

Consultative Group to Assist the Poor (CGAP)
This case study explores how Global Partnerships adopts outcomes-focused impact measurement and management (IMM) practices. It highlights the importance of tracking both development and intermediate outcomes in financial inclusion to ensure investments genuinely benefit underserved populations and achieve measurable social impact while mitigating potential risks.
Research
19 October 2024

How to do corporate impact investing

Impact Europe
This report outlines how corporate impact investing bridges business goals with positive social and environmental impact. It presents various corporate approaches, explores synergies with internal teams, and identifies strategic benefits, including scaling innovation, aligning with corporate purpose, and accessing new markets. Practical steps guide companies in structuring, engaging stakeholders, and initiating investments for maximum impact.
Research
6 June 2024

Impact Europe

Finance / Corporate Focused NGOs & Think Tanks
Impact Europe connects practitioners, policymakers, and researchers with insights and resources to drive positive social change across Europe. Through evidence-based reports, case studies, and tools, Impact Europe empowers communities to build and share innovative, impactful solutions. This platform facilitates collaboration and best practices for sustainable and social development.
Organisation
1 research item

FINSIA

Finance Industry Groups
FINSIA (Financial Services Institute of Australasia) promotes professional standards and development in the financial services sector. It offers resources, training, and networking opportunities for finance professionals. FINSIA advocates for ethical practices and supports members in navigating the evolving landscape of financial services, ensuring they remain competitive and informed.
Organisation

COBA's customer owned banking impact reports

Klynveld Peat Marwick Goerdeler International (KPMG International)
This series offers concise, structured overviews of the impact of customer-owned banks in Australia. It highlights their role in promoting competition, supporting communities, and advancing sustainability, focusing on their economic, social, and environmental contributions.
Benchmark/series
15 October 2024

Enhancing impact performance in agriculture through non-financial support and sustainable practices

Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN)
This report examines the relationship between sustainable agricultural practices and non-financial support in impact investments, highlighting how such support can enhance performance. Findings reveal that non-financial support improves outcomes for smallholder farmers, especially women, by increasing service provision and adoption of sustainable farming, contributing to resilience and profitability.
Research
13 December 2023

Convergence

Finance / Corporate Focused NGOs & Think Tanks
Convergence is a global network dedicated to blended finance solutions, promoting sustainable development by bringing together public and private sector investors. It provides market intelligence, research, and data-driven insights to help fund impactful projects worldwide. Key resources include reports, tools, and case studies focused on scaling innovative finance.
Organisation
1 research item

Spotlight on nature: Case studies for business transformation towards a nature-positive future

World Economic Forum
This report highlights six case studies of businesses transforming towards a nature-positive future. It showcases their efforts to address nature-related risks and opportunities, focusing on areas such as sustainable forestry, circular resource use, soil health, sustainable seafood, biodiversity, and freshwater management.
Research
23 September 2024

Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV)

Finance Industry Groups
Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV) is a network of independent banks using finance to deliver sustainable economic, social and environmental development.
Organisation
PREV
1 of 4
NEXT