This report examines the link between shareholder rights and corporate performance in the 1990s. Using a Governance Index across 1,500 firms, it finds that stronger shareholder rights were associated with higher valuations, profits, and growth, while weaker rights correlated with lower performance and abnormal underperformance.

This report examines how investor and manager motivations—driven by either financial value or personal values—shape sustainable finance and ESG practices. It highlights definitional ambiguities, performance debates, and cultural differences, calling for clearer research to distinguish pecuniary risk-return considerations from non-pecuniary preferences in ESG investing.

This paper surveys 509 equity portfolio managers on their treatment of environmental and social factors. Findings show most prioritise financial returns, with limited willingness to sacrifice performance. ES constraints from mandates, policies, and client values strongly influence decisions. Beliefs and constraints outweigh fund labels in shaping sustainable investing practices.

This report by PRI outlines how Fonds de Solidarité FTQ and Ircantec integrate just transition principles into investment strategies. It highlights measures to support decarbonisation, quality jobs, community engagement, sustainable real estate, and shareholder dialogue, linking social considerations with environmental goals in advancing a low-carbon economy.

This report argues that ESG is both essential and ordinary: vital as a driver of long-term value but not unique compared to other intangibles such as culture or innovation. It cautions against over-emphasising ESG metrics, politicisation, and superficial classification, advocating instead a broader focus on overall sustainable value creation.

The Point of No Returns benchmark series assesses the world’s largest asset managers on responsible investment across climate, biodiversity, social issues, governance, and stewardship. Published by ShareAction, the series provides rankings, sector-wide analysis, and examples of practice to guide improvement and accountability.

This article analyses institutional investors’ incentives to internalise negative externalities across their portfolios. It focuses on climate change, showing how large asset managers influence fossil fuel companies to reduce emissions, disclose risks, and limit lobbying, reframing shareholder primacy by prioritising portfolio-wide welfare over firm-level profit maximisation.

This report summarises why firms should maximise shareholder welfare rather than market value, noting that investors often have ethical and social preferences beyond profit. It proposes shareholder voting on corporate policy to better align company decisions with investor welfare, particularly where externalities are inseparable from production.

Singapore Sustainable Finance Association (SSFA) supports Singapore’s emergence as a trusted, vibrant and inclusive sustainable‑finance centre. Established in January 2024 by Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and financial industry stakeholders, SSFA drives collaboration across financial, corporate and academic sectors via workstreams on taxonomy, carbon markets, transition finance, blended finance and natural capital.

Market Forces works to hold financial institutions accountable for funding environmentally harmful projects. Based in Australia, it campaigns for banks, superannuation funds and governments to align investments with climate goals. Market Forces provides research, advocacy tools and transparency on fossil fuel financing to support climate-conscious financial decision-making.

The PRI Resolution Database provides information on shareholder resolutions, management proposals, and votes, aiming to enhance transparency in shareholder advocacy and proxy voting. It includes details on ESG themes, proposal statuses, and allows PRI signatories to pre-declare voting intentions.

PensionDanmark developed a biodiversity strategy targeting its real estate and infrastructure assets to mitigate nature loss. It employs data-led initiatives, stakeholder engagement, and nature-based solutions to protect and restore biodiversity, aligning with EU taxonomy and Science Based Targets for Nature. Implementation includes construction screening, sustainable sourcing, and performance monitoring.

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.

ShareAction’s report introduces a standardised escalation framework for investors to engage with companies on environmental and social issues. It outlines an escalation toolkit and pathway to ensure structured, transparent, and time-bound engagement. The framework aims to enhance investor accountability, drive systemic change, and improve corporate sustainability practices through clear expectations, reporting, and enforcement mechanisms.

The report examines the engagement strategies of ESG funds in Asia, highlighting the unique challenges posed by regulatory constraints, concentrated ownership, and political influences. Using a structured engagement pyramid, the study categorises ESG fund strategies, ranging from investment screening to direct corporate control. Despite obstacles, notable regional features can support ESG initiatives, such as shareholder voting mechanisms and strategic collaborations. The report provides insights into how ESG funds navigate these challenges to influence corporate governance and sustainability outcomes in Asia.

The Shareholder Commons (TSC) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to aligning corporate behaviour with social and environmental sustainability. TSC advocates for systems-first investing to prioritise long-term global health over short-term profits. It provides resources, research, and strategies to help investors protect shared interests and promote sustainable economic practices.