Library | Sustainable Finance Practices

Fixing financial and economic systems

Resources aimed at transforming financial and economic systems to prioritise human well-being, equity, and environmental sustainability. These resources include tools, networks, and guidance on systemic changes such as systems thinking, degrowth, green growth, doughnut economics, decoupling economic growth from environmental degradation, and adhering to limits to growth.

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Natural capital and organizations strategies: An overview of available tools 

World Wide Fund for Nature (World Wildlife Fund – WWF)
This guide outlines a variety of tools and methodologies designed to help companies integrate natural capital considerations into their business decision-making processes. It provides detailed descriptions of different tools, case studies, and practical examples, enabling businesses to assess their environmental impacts, dependencies, and opportunities. The guide aims to promote sustainable business practices by highlighting the importance of valuing natural capital.
Research
18 December 2019

Guidelines for blue finance: Guidance for financing the blue economy, building on the Green Bond Principles and the Green Loan Principles

International Finance Corporation
This guidance document aims to provide a list of eligible use of proceeds to support private investments aligned with the Green Bond Principles and Green Loan Principles and contributing to Goals 6 and 14 of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals — “Ensure availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all,” and “Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.” This document identifies eligible blue project categories to guide IFC’s investments to support the blue economy, in line with the Green Bond Principles and Green Loan Principles.
Research
25 January 2022

Pensions in the age of artificial intelligence

CFA Institute
The report explores how artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) can address challenges in global pension systems. It highlights AI's potential to enhance governance, personalisation, fraud prevention, and investment strategies while emphasising ethical implementation and data privacy considerations to optimise retirement outcomes and ensure system sustainability.
Research
17 December 2024

Financing for regenerative agriculture

Transformational Investing in Food Systems (TIFS)
This report outlines the urgent need to shift from conventional agricultural practices to regenerative agriculture to address the significant negative impacts of current agrifood systems. It provides a detailed analysis of the funding gaps, investment opportunities, and the economic and environmental benefits of transitioning to regenerative practices.
Research
12 June 2024

Harnessing digital finance for sustainability: An integrative review and research agenda

The report reviews the role of digital finance in advancing sustainability goals through bibliometric and thematic analysis of 168 studies. It identifies key themes like financial inclusion, green finance, and fintech, proposing a conceptual framework to align digital innovation with sustainable development, fostering eco-friendly investments, and promoting global financial inclusion.
Research
30 November 2024

Infrastructure tokenization: Does blockchain have a role in the financing of infrastructure?

The World Bank
The report explores the potential of blockchain technology in financing infrastructure projects. It evaluates blockchain's capabilities in enhancing efficiency, transparency, and accessibility in infrastructure tokenisation, while addressing challenges like regulatory constraints, market adoption, and technical barriers. The findings highlight both opportunities and limitations for integrating blockchain into infrastructure financing.
Research
18 April 2023

How business and finance can contribute to a nature positive future now

Business for Nature
This report provides an in-depth exploration of the term "nature positive" and its implications for business and finance. It aims to build a shared understanding and alignment on what nature positive means, offering insights and recommendations to drive meaningful action towards halting and reversing nature loss. This report is particularly valuable for investors as it clarifies the concept of "nature positive" and its relevance to investment strategies. It helps investors understand the risks and opportunities associated with nature loss and provides a framework for integrating nature-positive principles into investment decisions.
Research
17 October 2022

Following the money: Financial services' links to deforestation and forest degradation in Australia

Ernst & Young (EY)
This report examines the financial flows that drive deforestation and environmental degradation in Australia. It tracks investments and funding sources linked to activities that impact the environment, providing transparency and accountability. The report aims to inform stakeholders, including policymakers, investors, and the public, about the financial drivers of environmental harm and promote responsible investment practices.
Research
15 August 2023

Building a capital consortium for nature-positive investments

The report explores strategies to increase private sector investment in nature-positive projects. Using a capital continuum framework, it identifies barriers such as risk perception, funding gaps, and scalability challenges. Recommendations include development finance institution involvement, innovative funding models like DevCos, and strengthening voluntary carbon markets to provide price signals and liquidity.
Research
25 September 2023

Beyond 'business as usual': Biodiversity targets and finance - Managing biodiversity risks across business sectors

United Nations Environment Programme
This report aims to enable a better understanding of the business sectors and financial mechanisms a risk from biodiversity destruction and lay the ground-work for target setting by the finance sector. It also supports investors in understanding the broader economic implications of biodiversity loss, offering insights and recommendations for integrating biodiversity into business and investment strategies.
Research
30 June 2020

Why nature’s future underpins the future of business

This extended article by the Financial Times captures how nature loss is impacting businesses across the globe, comparing and contrasting biodiversity loss with climate change. The challenges and opportunities for businesses presented by the nature crisis are also discussed, with the article closing by reinforcing the business case for responding to nature loss.
Research
30 November 2023

Financing nature: Closing the global biodiversity financing gap

The report examines the economic case for protecting biodiversity, identifies market failures causing biodiversity loss, highlights the biodiversity financing gap, and recommends nine financial and policy mechanisms to close this gap and maintain ecosystem integrity. This report also supports investors in identifying investment opportunities in nature-based solutions by providing comprehensive analyses of financial mechanisms and case studies, encouraging the allocation of capital to biodiversity-friendly projects.
Research
15 September 2020

The financial stability implications of artificial intelligence

Financial Stability Board (FSB)
The report discusses the rapid adoption and integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in the financial sector, driven by advancements in technology and increasing operational efficiency. Key risks include dependencies on third-party providers, market correlations, and cyber vulnerabilities. Generative AI's accessibility could amplify systemic risks, necessitating enhanced regulatory frameworks, vigilant monitoring, and robust governance to ensure financial stability amid evolving AI technologies.
Research
14 November 2024

Green metal statecraft: Forging Australia’s green iron industry

Climate Energy Finance (CEF)
Australia’s "Green Metal Statecraft" outlines a transformative agenda for advancing its green iron industry. The report advocates leveraging renewables-powered iron ore processing, supported by $10-30 billion in strategic public investment. Emphasising economic, environmental, and energy security, the plan aligns national policy with decarbonisation to secure Australia’s leadership in sustainable steelmaking and green exports.
Research
15 November 2024

Artificial intelligence and big holdings data: Opportunities for central banks

This report explores the potential of artificial intelligence and big holdings data for central banks. It highlights how asset demand systems and AI models improve policy decisions, optimise monetary interventions, and address financial risks. Applications include managing contagion, designing climate stress tests, and identifying crowded trades, enhancing economic resilience.
Research
30 October 2024

An investor’s guide to nature and biodiversity risks and impacts

MSCI Inc.
This report offers investors insights into the impact of biodiversity loss on financial markets. It helps them understand the material risks and opportunities associated with biodiversity, guiding better investment decisions.
Research
18 June 2024
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