Ethical Finance and Prosperity: Beyond Environmental, Social and Governance Investing

The relationship between economic activity and socio-environmental impact is a topic of growing importance, leading to the emergence of ethical finance. This book explores how ethical finance works, the innovations it has brought to financial and economic systems, and the links between finance and ethics. It also investigates the goals, constraints, and opportunities of environmental and social considerations in finance and explores innovative experiences in banking and investing. The authors adopt a holistic but critical approach, providing an invaluable reference for academics and researchers.

Format: Hardback
Length: 277 pages
Publication date: 15 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The relationship between economic activity and its impact on the socio-environment has gained increasing attention, leading to the emergence of ethical finance as a prominent field. While ethical finance and sustainable finance are often used interchangeably, it is important to note that they encompass different aspects and have distinct goals. However, the risk of greenwashing remains a significant concern, as some organizations may falsely claim to prioritize environmental and social issues without truly implementing sustainable practices.

Many scholars argue that a paradigm shift is necessary to ensure a future where prosperity can be achieved without relying on continuous growth. One prominent voice in this discussion is Tim Jackson, who advocates for a "prosperity without growth" vision. Ethical finance offers valuable insights and tools that can contribute to this goal.

This book provides a comprehensive explanation of ethical finance, exploring its principles, practices, and innovations within financial and economic systems. It delves into the intricate connections between finance and ethics, extending beyond Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investing. The authors offer a practical approach that is relevant for various financial sectors, ranging from microcredit to impact investing. They investigate the objectives, constraints, and opportunities associated with environmental and social considerations in finance, while also examining innovative experiences in banking and investing.

By adopting a holistic but critical approach, the authors examine the strategic, managerial, organizational, and risk practices of ethical finance. They highlight the importance of ethical decision-making and responsible investing to achieve sustainable outcomes. The book identifies key issues and current challenges faced by ethical finance, both for financial operators and regulators.

To enhance the understanding of ethical finance, several concrete international cases are presented, offering empirical comparisons of practices. This book serves as an invaluable reference for academics and researchers seeking to deepen their knowledge of ethical finance, providing a comprehensive and up-to-date analysis of this rapidly evolving field.

Weight: 710g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032456249