Library | ESG issues

Shareholders & Voting

Shareholders have the right to vote on corporate decisions, including board appointments, mergers, disclosures, and ESG policies. Active ownership through voting and engagement is a key mechanism for aligning corporate actions with investor interests and long-term value creation.

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Shareholder primacy: The main barrier to sustainable companies

This report analyses the role of company law in achieving sustainable development, focusing on the dominance of shareholder primacy and its impact on corporate decision-making. It evaluates barriers to integrating sustainability, and provides possible ways forward. An essential comparative analysis for academics and professionals interested in promoting sustainable business practices.
Research
25 September 2015

Is regulation enough? A review of UK master trusts' ESG policies

ShareAction
This report explores the approach to climate change risk by UK's largest master trusts. It examines 16 master trusts' ESG policies and practices, focusing on the work of the trustees and their engagement with investee companies on ESG practices and risk management. The report draws attention to some positive developments, showing that some schemes have incorporated ESG and/or climate change factors into their asset allocation strategy.
Research
19 December 2019

The third, systems stage of corporate governance: Why institutional investors need to move beyond modern portfolio theory

The authors of this paper argue that institutional investors need to move beyond Modern Portfolio Theory (MPT), and consider a wider risk management strategy. The paper outlines the potential failings of MPT and suggests ways for institutional investors to better align with the needs of society and the economy.
Research
1 February 2018

The implications of behavioural science for effective climate policy

Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations
This report explores the implications of behavioural science for effective climate policy and focuses on eight main sectors, such as diet change, adaptation and aviation, with recommendations for further empirical research. The report underscores the importance of understanding human behaviour and how insights can be used in climate policy development for effective implementation.
Research
11 September 2023

Catalysing bank climate action: Lessons from the inside

Climate Safe Lending Network
This report shares insights from the Climate Safe Lending Fellowship, a programme for banking professionals committed to accelerating the decarbonisation of their institutions. The report offers practical approaches and tools used by climate intrapreneurs to help their banks transition toward climate-safe banking.
Research
28 June 2022

Who owns a company?

This speech examines the evolution of corporate governance, focusing on the shift towards shareholder primacy. It discusses the incentive problems this model creates, such as short-termism and excessive risk-taking, and their economic consequences. The speech concludes by exploring potential policy responses to mitigate these issues.
Research
29 July 2015

The dangers of buybacks: Mitigating common pitfalls

Focusing Capital on the Long Term Global
This report explores the rising trend of share buybacks, analysing their benefits and pitfalls. It offers practical tools, guidelines, and measures to mitigate the risks, improve transparency, and ensure buybacks match long-term company strategies.
Research
5 October 2020

Disrupting privilege as power and control: Re-imagining business and the appreciation of Indigenous stewardship in management education curricula

This report explores privilege's systemic connection to mainstream management education and proposes how engaging with Indigenous stewardship can tackle this. Using a case study of stewardship's implementation in a Master of Commerce program, educators can contribute to literature on re-imagining business and create better future business leaders.
Research
2 June 2022

A roadmap for Australian investors: How to invest to achieve gender equity, racial equity, diversity and inclusion

Impact Investing Australia
This a guide to help investors achieve gender equity, racial equity, diversity, and inclusion. This report presents qualitative and quantitative analyses from surveys of key Australian impact investing actors, virtual interviews with identified key informants, and a focused narrative literature review of contemporary global gender lens investing practice.
Research
27 March 2022

Decarbonising cement: The role of institutional investors

ShareAction
This report outlines why cement production is carbon-intensive and provides pathways for decarbonisation. A 60% reduction in emissions by 2050 is required to limit temperature increases to 1.75°C. Institutional investors need to engage with cement companies and cut off funding for carbon-intensive infrastructure to mitigate climate-related risks.
Research
8 October 2019

Understanding and aligning with beneficiaries’ sustainability preferences

Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI)
This report explores how engaging with beneficiaries can improve investments' environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance. It outlines a four-step process for investment professionals to understand and align with beneficiaries' sustainability preferences, ultimately strengthening a fund's performance and maintaining social license.
Research
16 April 2021

Women decision makers: How can more capital reach women decision makers in emerging markets?

Value For Women
This report explores the barriers preventing women fund managers from receiving capital, particularly local, diverse women. The report outlines recommendations and tools for investors to better support women decision makers.
Research
26 July 2023

Investor climate action plans (ICAPs): Guidance on using the expectations ladder

The Investor Agenda
This report provides guidance to investors on using the ICAPs Expectations Ladder to disclose their climate action plans. It covers investment, corporate engagement, policy advocacy, investor disclosure, and governance with specific recommendations. The report includes a glossary of terms and maps existing disclosures to the Ladder's expectations.
Research
7 July 2022

Guiding principles for responsible investment stewardship in Aotearoa New Zealand

Stewardship Code Aotearoa New Zealand
The Stewardship Code is a voluntary guideline crafted by New Zealand industry experts, aiding financial market participants in responsible investment stewardship. Comprising nine principles, it supplements regulatory mandates, allowing voluntary adoption and reporting on a 'comply or explain' basis.
Research
15 May 2023

The future of investor engagement: A call for systematic stewardship to address systemic climate risk

United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI)
This report provides a call to action for investors to engage in systematic stewardship to address systemic climate risk. It explores limitations of corporate engagement and presents alternative opportunities for engagement such as sector and value chain engagement, policy engagement, and asset manager engagement.
Research
5 May 2023

Full disclosure: Improving corporate reporting on climate risk

Investor Group on Climate Change
This report summarises how investors utilize corporate reporting to manage climate-related financial risks, identify opportunities, and set strategies for transitioning to net-zero emissions. The report contains investors' expectations from climate reports, insights on scenario analysis, and recommendations for improving corporate disclosure on climate risks.
Research
19 August 2020
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