The research investigates the disagreement in Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) ratings between rating providers. Three factors are identified: measurement divergence, scope divergence and weight divergence. The paper argues for a standardisation of ESG indicators and measurement procedures to reduce the discrepancy in ESG ratings.

The Inter-agency Task Force on Financing for Development (IATF) supports the implementation of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. IATF annually reports on the global implementation of financing for development outcomes and advises on its progress and gaps, and provides recommendations.

The Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) has written this paper to equip senior management within financial institutions to integrate nature-related risks into financial decisions. The paper details why action needs to be taken and the steps to accelerate the integration of nature into finance.

A brief look at the policies and actions stakeholders can do to confront and prevent violent conflict in high-risk areas. Actions are laid out for businesses, governments, the United Nations, investment community, and civil society. Multi-stakeholder initiatives to support building and investing in peace are presented.

The "Financing for Sustainable Development" reports explores global financing challenges and opportunities to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This benchmark report assesses current financial landscapes, identifies financing gaps, and provides actionable recommendations to mobilize resources and reform international financial frameworks, emphasising sustainable and inclusive development.

This study examines the positive relationship between ESG (environmental, social, and governance factors) and corporate financial performance, through examining over 2000 empirical studies; a strong business case is also seen across regions and asset classes. Findings show an expected alpha when embracing ESG in investment strategies.

This report examines the gender gap in the private equity and venture capital industry, specifically in emerging markets. The correlation between gender balance and fund performance is explored. This report puts forward key actions to improve gender balance and examines the benefits of its improvement in leadership teams.

RockCreek is a global investment firm known for their innovation and focus on sustainability. With $15 billion in assets, they invest in a diverse portfolio of entrepreneurs, companies and investors. They focus on climate and sustainable opportunities across multi-asset class solutions.

This report examines the increase in adoption of gender-smart investing within the private equity industry by general partners (GPs) and limited partners (LPs). Lessons from over 160 fund managers have been utilised in this step-by-step guide to choosing gender-smart investment strategies, and putting policies into practice within firms and portfolios.

British International Investment is the UK’s development finance institution and impact investor focused on solving development challenges. Their investments in green infrastructure, technology and other sectors, help create more sustainable and inclusive economies in Africa, Asia and the Caribbean, enabling people to build better lives for themselves and their communities.

The 'Project SAGE' series are benchmark reports released by the Wharton Social Impact Initiative, tracks venture capital, private equity, and private debt investments with a gender lens. The project's goal was to provide a “point in time” capture of the expanding gender lens investing opportunities globally.

The practice of greenwashing is a key regulatory concern in the UK, EU and globally. Greenwashing involves making misleading statements about sustainable products. This report examines how greenwashing occurs and the regulatory initiatives that have emerged to combat this. The report provides five steps firms can take to prevent greenwashing.

This report describes how a market for mainstream investments that contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), could be created with enough liquidity, scale, and diversification, to attract a range of investors. It inspires and guides companies, governments, and cities, to benefit from better funding while implementing the Paris Goals.

Small and growing businesses (SGBs) have significant and positive impact on emerging and frontier markets. This report proposes a new segmentation framework to help service providers, enterprises, donors, limited partners (LPs) and field-building organisations understand and navigate the complex landscape of SGB investment in frontier and emerging markets.

The Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN) seeks to expand private sector contribution and collaboration in biodiversity conservation by developing this guide to assist their understanding of biodiversity and role of private capital in sustainability. This guide aims to assist the private sector in developing finance solutions for biodiversity conservation and finance.

A climate transition plan is a time-bound plan that outlines how a company will align its business model with its decarbonisation goals. The report focuses on expectations for a climate transition plan, including interim and long-term emissions reductions, and strategies and actions to meet these targets.