All articles by daniel flatt
daniel flatt
From EVs to rhinos: Let’s welcome finance innovation
Since the near collapse of the global banking system in the late 2000s, governments have sought to temper capitalism’s worst excesses. This shouldn’t change, but as we seek solutions to solving climate change, we must nurture the sector’s more creative instincts: no more so than in the area of trade finance.
Ukraine war: Time for asset owners to nail colours to the mast
Happy to publicise their commitment to responsible investment and sustainability, will more asset owners come off the fence on Russia and make transparent their ethical leanings? If we are to take them seriously about ESG, then the answer is a resounding yes.
Capital Monitor’s most read stories of 2021
We take a look back at the ten most popular ESG and sustainability stories of the year among our readers.
Why capitalism should have listened to the King of Bhutan
The idea of incorporating gross national happiness into mainstream economic thought has long been a subject reserved for debating societies and ‘lefty’ thinkers. As politicians are cornered into taking immediate action on climate change, capitalism is in for a big surprise.
More attacks on ESG ratings as sceptics sharpen knives
The spotlight is on publishers of ESG ratings with a recent damning critique coming from a prominent academic claiming their model should be ripped up. But laying the blame solely on rating agencies gives asset owners a free pass they don’t deserve.
Why devouring your dad is a good thing. A takedown of MPT.
In their new book, Moving Beyond Modern Portfolio Theory – Investing That Matters, Jon Lukomnik and James Hawley deliver a devastating blow to adherents of MPT. The two deftly articulate why it is not fit for purpose to tackle the challenges we face today.
The risk and rewards hidden within the new generation of ESG funds
The development of new ways to apply sustainable capital is truly exciting, but investors must pay close attention to how new fund offerings are created and the ESG data on which they are predicated.
The positive emergence of ESG-linked derivatives
Building trust in the nascent ESG-linked derivatives market is vital. But the hunt for liquidity could affect the impact of the new products. This will be a long-standing tension that needs to be monitored closely.
Proliferating ESG indices pose dilemma for investors
The proliferation of ESG indices and the funds launched off the back of them is great business, but the ESG ratings underpinning them are under intense scrutiny.
The shoots of China’s green bond market
China’s policy lead on green finance is impressive, but investor anxiety about state control over the debt markets means its development may be suppressed.