Library | ESG issues
Social
The social pillar in ESG (environmental, social, and governance) assesses a organisation’s impact on people and society. It covers labour practices, diversity and inclusion, human rights and community engagement. Prioritising social responsibility not only benefits society but also mitigates risks, strengthens reputation, and creates long-term value for businesses and investors.
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Guide for adaptation and resilience finance
The guide outlines strategies for mobilising private capital into climate adaptation projects in emerging markets. It provides investment criteria, eligible activities, and guidance on reducing climate risks. The guide aims to standardise financing processes for resilience across global financial systems.
Blended finance and the gender-energy nexus: A stocktaking report
The report explores how gender-responsive financing can be integrated into the energy sector through blended finance. It highlights market trends, key players, case studies, and challenges in promoting gender equality within climate action. The report underscores the need for technical assistance and innovative financial structures to close gender gaps in the sector, enhancing both climate resilience and economic opportunities for women.
Convergence
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.
Climate Policy Initiative
Climate Policy Initiative (CPI) is a global organisation that focuses on driving policy and financial innovations to address climate change. They provide rigorous analysis and insights on climate finance, supporting effective investment strategies and policy frameworks. CPI aims to foster collaboration among stakeholders to promote sustainable development and climate resilience.
Building sustainable business models in private banks: A pathway to a better future
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.
The finfluencer appeal: Investing in the age of social media
The report titled examines the role of financial influencers ("finfluencers") in shaping investment decisions, especially among Gen-Z investors. It highlights the regulatory challenges posed by finfluencers, explores their content's appeal to younger audiences, and provides recommendations for enhancing financial literacy and regulatory frameworks.
How to address the corporate community engagement gap: The case for a pooled fund for legal and technical support
This report makes the case for a pooled fund to provide independent legal and technical support to communities affected by land-based investments. The fund aims to bridge the gap in corporate-community engagement, reduce social and environmental risks, and improve human rights due diligence by empowering communities to engage on equal footing with businesses.
The investor case for fighting inequality: How inequality harms investors and what investors should do about it
The report argues that socioeconomic inequality poses systemic risks to investment performance. It highlights that addressing inequality aligns with investors' fiduciary duties by reducing financial risks and improving long-term returns. The report provides evidence that inequality impacts corporate performance, supply chains, and macroeconomic stability.
From fragmentation to integration: Embedding social issues in sustainable finance
The report calls for integrating social risks into financial strategies. It emphasises the interconnectedness of social and environmental issues and recommends enhancing research, standards, and tools to address socio-economic inequalities, promoting financial stability and sustainability.
KnowTheChain's benchmark tool
KnowTheChain’s benchmark evaluates corporate efforts to address forced labour in global supply chains. It assesses companies across sectors using indicators such as worker rights, transparency, and risk management. This tool helps finance professionals and investors identify risks and drive improvements in corporate labour practices, promoting ethical and responsible investment decisions.
Are high-interest loans predatory? Theory and evidence from payday lending
This report investigates whether high-interest payday loans are predatory by exploring borrower behaviour and the impact of regulatory measures. Using an experiment with payday loan borrowers, the study finds that while inexperienced borrowers are often overoptimistic about repayment, more experienced ones anticipate future borrowing accurately.
Certifications Red Flags tool
This tool helps finance professionals identify potential risks in investment certifications. It provides a structured framework for assessing the credibility of certifications, enhancing decision-making in responsible investment practices. Users can access key indicators of reliability and transparency in various certifications.
Responsible contracting tool
The Responsible Contracting tool helps finance professionals assess and implement responsible contracting practices. It offers guidance on integrating sustainability into contract management, ensuring alignment with ESG objectives. This resource supports organisations in promoting ethical standards and accountability throughout the procurement process.
Responsible Contracting Project
Responsible Contracting promotes ethical contracting practices through research, resources, and policy advocacy. The organisation supports the adoption of responsible labour standards and practices in the construction industry. By fostering accountability and transparency, it aims to enhance worker rights and improve project outcomes.
Rights CoLab
Rights CoLab focuses on advancing human rights through cross-sector collaboration. The organisation fosters innovation at the intersection of civil society, finance, and technology, driving systemic change. Rights CoLab supports initiatives that empower local organisations and create sustainable impact. Its work spans governance, social enterprise, and civic engagement across global contexts.
Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV)
Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV) is a network of independent banks using finance to deliver sustainable economic, social and environmental development.