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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Engagement and divestment: Shareholders transcend a false binary

Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA)
This briefing explores how institutional investors are moving beyond the binary choice of engagement versus divestment in response to climate-related financial risks. It highlights how divestment complements engagement strategies, enabling investors to maintain credible influence over corporate policies while protecting portfolios from climate risks.
Research
12 September 2024

Building sustainable business models in private banks: A pathway to a better future

World Wide Fund for Nature (World Wildlife Fund – WWF)
This report highlights the SPRING framework, aimed at integrating sustainability within private banking. It presents findings from a pilot study, emphasising the need for private banks to incorporate ESG in operations, improve risk management, foster governance, and engage clients on sustainability preferences. The report also provides actionable recommendations for private banks to drive positive environmental and social impact.
Research
31 May 2023

Nature investor toolkit: Understanding nature-related risks and opportunities and supporting investors to assess, engage and take action

Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA)
The toolkit helps investors identify, assess, and manage nature-related risks and opportunities in their portfolios. It provides guidance on how to engage with stakeholders, evaluate investment impacts on nature, and explore emerging tools for nature-positive outcomes. The toolkit also highlights strategies to mitigate risks and seize nature-related investment opportunities.
Research
13 September 2024

ShareAction's voting matters series

ShareAction
Voting Matters are benchmark-series reports by ShareAction evaluating the proxy voting behaviour of asset managers on environmental and social issues. This report analyses the voting patterns of major asset managers to determine their commitment to responsible investment practices.
Benchmark/series

Do high-ability managers choose ESG projects that create shareholder value? Evidence from employee opinions

Are ESG projects compatible with shareholder value? Managers face a challenge when they decide which ESG projects to select with limited clarity on allowed investments. The paper uses MSCI ESG ratings and Glassdoor employee ratings to demonstrate that high-calibre managers put their resources towards ESG projects and thereby enhance shareholder value.
Research
24 June 2020

Investor toolkit on human rights

Investor Alliance for Human Rights
This toolkit provides practical guidance for institutional investors to assess and address human rights risks within investment activities. With tools, case studies and standard-setting activities, this investor toolkit encourages proactive management of human rights risks.
Research
20 May 2020

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
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