The ‘stuff’ of Markets: an Institutional Analysis of Impact Investing

This paper examines market building and emergence through an institutional lens, focusing on the “impact investing” market. It investigates how institutional ordering and isomorphic pressures develop among diverse actors, using the Australian government’s efforts to construct a national social finance market as an empirical setting. The findings underscore the critical role of materiality—beyond categories and social skills—in shaping shared meaning, collective identities, and boundaries within nascent markets. Materials are shown to be essential for coordinating and structuring fields, and thus markets.

Social Finance as Cultural Evolution, Transmission Bias, and Market Dynamics

This case study from PNAS examines social finance through the lens of cultural evolution, transmission bias, and market dynamics. It explores how social interactions and behavioral economics influence financial decision-making and market outcomes in the context of social finance. The paper likely delves into the evolutionary aspects of financial behaviors and the mechanisms through which cultural norms and biases are transmitted, shaping the landscape of social finance.

The Mythology of the Social Impact Bond. a Critical Assessment From a Concerned Observer

This paper critically assesses the social impact bond (SIB), highlighting its evolution from a risk-transfer mechanism for social program delivery to a scheme where the state increasingly de-risks private investors, particularly in the United Kingdom. It questions the underlying myths of public sector savings, financial innovation, and evidence-based policy often associated with SIBs, providing a concerned observer’s perspective on their actual impact and the transformation of social services under payment-by-results models.

Sustainable Investing : Shaping the Future of Finance

This report examines the growing trend of sustainable investing and its potential to reshape the financial industry. It highlights the exponential growth of assets under management with Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) mandates and discusses challenges like integrating sustainability into passively managed portfolios. The paper projects a near 100% ESG integration in fund management by 2036, driven by increasing client demand and the recognition of climate risk. It also emphasizes the role of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in guiding investment decisions and the need for financial innovation to address global sustainability challenges.

Social Finance

This paper explores the dynamics of social finance, examining its implications for various economic and social phenomena. While the provided abstract mentions “Peer effects, Housing, Investors, Social Connectedness Index,” the article likely delves into how social interactions and networks influence financial decisions and market behavior within the broader context of social finance. It may analyse innovative financial instruments or models that leverage social capital for economic outcomes.

A Theory of Social Impact Bonds

This working paper develops a theoretical framework for Social Impact Bonds (SIBs), defining their outcomes-based financing structure and the incentives for investors, service providers, and governments. Using descriptive statistics, the authors analyse contract design, risk-sharing, and implications for public goods provision. The paper concludes that SIBs represent a real innovation in public finance, expanding the set of implementable projects, particularly when governments are pessimistic about intervention success or averse to unfruitful project costs.

Sustainable Investing -revolutions in Theory and Practice

This edited volume presents a comprehensive overview of sustainable investing as a transformative force in finance. It combines academic research and practitioner insights to examine ESG integration, climate risk, and corporate governance in investment decision-making. The book maps out current trends, challenges, and opportunities across global markets, offering actionable strategies for aligning investments with sustainability goals. It covers topics ranging from green bonds to fiduciary duty and shareholder activism, making a strong case for embedding long-term environmental and social considerations into capital allocation frameworks. It is essential reading for investors, academics, and policymakers.

Social and Economic Development

This book provides an in-depth analysis of social and economic development, offering insights into various approaches and challenges. It explores the role of international organizations, particularly the United Nations, in fostering development. The authors discuss key concepts such as Official Development Assistance (ODA), blended finance, and other innovative financing mechanisms, emphasizing their significance in achieving sustainable global progress and addressing pressing societal issues.

The Promise of Impact Investing

This paper explores the promise of impact investing, an emerging field where investments are made with the intention to generate positive, measurable social and environmental impact alongside a financial return. It discusses the growth of this market and the importance of effective measurement practices to assess the true impact of these investments. The authors highlight the potential for impact investing to address pressing social and environmental challenges by harnessing market forces.

Sdg Costing and Financing for Low Income Developing Countries

This report estimates the SDG financing gap for low-income developing countries and proposes a portfolio of financing actions. It emphasizes mobilizing private investments through blended financing, particularly for infrastructure needs, and increasing budget revenues. The paper argues that the world can afford to enable LIDCs to meet their fiscal requirements for the SDGs, stressing the need for a comprehensive deployment of viable financing tools to close the approximately $400 billion annual gap and end extreme poverty.
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