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Non-financial reporting: from comply and complain to explore and explain
In the past months, there has been quite some noise about corporate reporting. There’s nothing unusual about that, as many companies publish their annual report in the first months of the calendar year. But this year, there seems to be more discussion about non-financial (or sustainability) reporting. Part of this is caused by the new…
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Driving positive change for a better retirement future
Meet Jacqueline van Koert, who used to be the Change and Corporate Responsibility Manager at Zwitserleven. This Dutch pension insurance company is part of VIVAT, one of the largest insurance companies in the Netherlands. I met Jacqueline at the Dutch Investment Fair. Shortly after, Zwitserleven was recognized as the pension insurer with most responsible investment policy…
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Translation as the key to integration
Meet Anette Andersson, Fund Manager & ESG Investment Specialist at SEB Investment Management, one of the largest asset managers in Scandinavia. When I met Anette at a responsible investment event in 2012, I was intrigued by the story of how she – and SEB – got started with responsible investment. I was glad to reconnect…
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Why investors are joining consumers and NGOs on tax evasion
When defining what sustainability and corporate social responsibility are really all about, tax should be part of the discussion. Increasingly, various stakeholders view corporate tax responsibility (CTR) as part of corporate social responsibility (CSR). In recent years, media coverage of companies’ tax policy and tax avoidance schemes has resulted in dented reputations, even consumer boycotts. Mainstream…
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Inspiring change in the investment world
Meet Els Ankum-Griffioen, Senior Manager Business Development & Investor Relations at Triodos Investment Management, the investment arm of Triodos Bank, one of the front-runners in sustainable finance. I visited Els at Triodos to hear her thoughts on the vital roles of education, investors and good governance to create a more sustainable future. A state of mind…
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Bursting bubbles to drive human understanding
Meet Marjella Alma, CEO of the inspiring tech startup eRevalue, which offers a tailored process for integrating Environmental Social and Governance (ESG) factors into business strategy. What is your vision of a sustainable future? A world without so much emphasis on the material, on beauty and on individuals. I’d like to see society de-materialize, de-beautify and…
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The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of Sustainable Investment in the Netherlands
“The fish rots from the head down” was the closing remark by a panelist at one of the events I joined on sustainable investment this week. He was referring to the crucial role of corporate leaders in creating culture that is both good for the company and the world. Perhaps it is time to change…
