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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Regenerative development and design

The report explores the necessity and principles of regenerative development, aiming to create thriving living systems that evolve toward greater health and vitality. It emphasises aligning human actions with natural systems, integrating ancient wisdom with modern science, and fostering holistic, co-creative partnerships between people and the planet for sustainable and thriving futures.
Research
13 June 2024

A new economy: Exploring the root causes of the polycrisis and the principles to unlock a sustainable future

Ernst & Young (EY)
The report examines the systemic flaws of the current economic model, highlighting ecological, social, and geoeconomic crises. It proposes transitioning to a regenerative economy based on principles of sufficiency, circularity, systems thinking, equity, and redefining value to achieve sustainable and equitable growth.
Research
31 May 2024

ASIC’s Indigenous Financial Services Framework: Driving change to support First Nations peoples to achieve and experience positive financial outcomes

Australian Securities and Investments Commission
This framework supports First Nations peoples in achieving positive financial outcomes. Developed through extensive consultations, the Framework includes guiding principles, key learnings, and engagement strategies with stakeholders. It aims to improve financial access and wellbeing for First Nations communities through culturally appropriate and inclusive practices, fostering collaboration across sectors.
Research
9 February 2023

Unleashing the potential of Islamic Finance: Global perspectives on achieving the SDGs with Islamic finance tools and concepts

International Federation of Accountants (IFAC)
This report summarises discussions from a roundtable on Islamic finance’s potential to advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It explores the alignment of Islamic finance principles with the SDGs, highlighting the need for regulatory clarity, technical capacity building, and incentives to strengthen Islamic finance markets.
Research
7 June 2024

How corporate climate change mitigation actions affect the cost of capital

This study explores how corporate climate change mitigation actions influence the cost of capital for Japanese firms from 2017-2021. It finds that higher carbon intensity increases the cost of equity, debt, and overall capital. Climate-related disclosures lower the cost of equity and overall capital, despite raising debt costs.
Research
20 May 2024

Key performance indicators of responsible corporate tax conduct – and their green and red flags

Fair Tax Foundation
The report outlines key performance indicators (KPIs) for responsible corporate tax conduct, highlighting green and red flags. Key aspects include transparent financial statements, robust tax commitments, public Country-by-Country disclosures, disclosure of uncertain tax positions, and consistent corporate cash taxes paid over five years. It aims to guide investors in assessing tax conduct.
Research
22 February 2024

Making things (that don’t exist) count: A study of Scope 4 emissions accounting claims

This report investigates the implications of 'Scope 4' emissions accounting claims, which refers to greenhouse gas emission reductions or removals due to a decision or action. This study suggests that extant Scope 4 assessments do not fit the established framework for scope-based emissions accounting, and calls for cautious claims of this nature and the need for more research.
Research
28 March 2024

Capital for kilowatts: The (non)-inflationary impacts of the green transition

Centre for Policy Development (CPD)
The report examines Australia's need for significant investment in renewable energy infrastructure. It argues that despite high costs, the green transition's inflationary effects will be minimal and manageable, contributing to long-term macroeconomic stability and a more sustainable future.
Research
29 February 2024

Tackling child labor: A guide for financial institutions

Shift
This guide offers banks and financial institutions a framework to address child labour within their clients' operations and value chains. It emphasises enhancing due diligence, improving client engagement, and participating in multi-stakeholder initiatives to mitigate child labour risks.
Research
16 April 2024

System-level investing: Case studies of investors leading the way

The Investment Integrated Project (TIIP)
This report from The Investment Integration Project (TIIP) summarises findings from five case studies of leading system-level investors. It begins by explaining the concept of system-level investing, describes how investors adopt this approach, and introduces five early adopters. It also discusses implications for future investment practices and processes.
Research
2 April 2024

Outsized impact: How investment can address the systemic risk of LGBTQIA+ inequality?

Colorful Capital
This report examines the systemic inequity faced by the LGBTQIA+ community in the US, highlighting its significant economic consequences. It provides evidence of the positive link between LGBTQIA+ inclusion and financial performance, and outlines a framework for investors to advance LGBTQIA+ equity through system-level investing.
Research
4 June 2024

Indigenous rights and financial institutions: Free, prior and informed consent, just transition and emerging practice

Shift
This report examines the importance of Indigenous Peoples’ rights in finance, focusing on Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC). It discusses challenges in implementing FPIC, such as differing views on indigeneity, determining adequate FPIC, poor information, and power imbalances. It concludes with the potential for mutually beneficial partnerships.
Research
6 July 2023

Artificial intelligence and human rights investor toolkit

Responsible Investment Association Australasia
This toolkit aims to provide investors with guidance on how to navigate the intersecting terrain of AI and human rights. It covers the various aspects of AI implementation that have potentially significant implications for human rights, and how investors can engage with companies on these issues. Its focus is on emerging risks and opportunities for investors in the context of rapidly evolving technologies and the ethical challenges they pose.
Research
1 May 2024

Anticipatory finance: An introductory guide

United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDDR)
This introductory guide explores anticipatory finance, a funding mechanism released before predicted disasters to reduce humanitarian impact. It explains anticipatory action (AA), details potential finance sources (e.g. donor funds, government budgets, insurance), and presents real-world examples, challenges, and recommendations for implementation.
Research
22 April 2024

Financial crimes and land conversion: Uncovering risk for financial institutions

World Wide Fund for Nature (World Wildlife Fund – WWF)
This report outlines the risks financial institutions face due to land conversion and related financial crimes. It emphasises the convergence of land conversion with crimes like money laundering and corruption, highlighting the need for robust due diligence and risk assessment. It introduces an Environmental Crimes Financial Toolkit to aid institutions in mitigating these risks.
Research
22 April 2024

Is CSRD working for financial institutions? A look into how CSRD is being rolled out across the financial sector

Nordic Sustainability
The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), an ambitious EU regulation, demands increased transparency from financial institutions (FIs). Challenges include lack of sector-specific guidance and data collection difficulties. Despite the focus on reporting, FIs must use CSRD strategically to align financing with sustainability goals and ensure long-term compliance.
Research
16 April 2024
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