Theories of Sustainable Finance (2024)

Managing Global Transitions, March 2022

21 PagesPosted: 15 Apr 2022Last revised: 10 Mar 2023

Date Written: March 1, 2022

Abstract

This paper formulates new theories of sustainable finance. The need for new theories of sustainable finance arises from the need to establish a set of propositions that can help us understand the behaviour and actions of economic agents towards sustainable finance. Six theories of sustainable finance were formulated, namely, the priority theory of sustainable finance, the resource theory of sustainable finance, the peer emulation theory of sustainable finance, the life span theory of sustainable finance, the positive signalling theory of sustainable finance, and the system disruption theory of sustainable finance. These theories offer believable explanations for the behaviour and actions of economic agents towards sustainable finance. Academics, policy makers, economists, researchers and students will find these theories very useful in their work in sustainable finance.

Keywords: Sustainable finance, theories of sustainable finance, priority theory, resource theory, peer emulation theory, life span theory, positive signalling theory, system disruption theory, economic agents, green bonds, green finance

JEL Classification: Q01, 21, G28

Suggested Citation:Suggested Citation

Ozili, Peterson K, Theories of Sustainable Finance (March 1, 2022). Managing Global Transitions, March 2022, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=4055371

Peterson K Ozili (Contact Author)

Central Bank of Nigeria ( email )

Abuja
Abuja, 09
Nigeria

Theories of Sustainable Finance (2024)

FAQs

Theories of Sustainable Finance? ›

Six theories of sustainable finance were formulated, namely, the priority theory of sustainable finance, the resource theory of sustainable finance, the peer emulation theory of sustainable finance, the life span theory of sustainable finance, the positive signalling theory of sustainable finance, and the system ...

What are some sustainability theories? ›

They are the theory of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in 1953, the stakeholder theory in 1984, the corporate sustainability theory (1987), and the green economy theory. ... ... However, with increasing complexity and post-war social change, social responsibility of corporations starts to be highlighted.

What are the five pillars of sustainable finance? ›

Pillar 1: Definition: Use of proceeds. Pillar 2: Selection: Process for project evaluation. Pillar 3: Traceability: Management of proceeds. Pillar 4: Transparency: Monitoring and reporting.

What are the key concepts of sustainable finance? ›

Sustainable finance is underpinned by several core concepts, each playing a crucial role in guiding financial flows towards more sustainable outcomes. These concepts include ESG integration, impact investing, green financing, and social responsibility.

What are the sustainable finance methods? ›

Sustainable finance covers a range of different practices

It integrates ESG criteria into the investment and management processes. Responsible investment encourages companies and management companies to take extra-financial criteria into account.

What is the ESG theory of sustainability? ›

Environmental, social, and governance (ESG), is a set of aspects, including environmental issues, social issues and corporate governance that can be considered in investing. Investing with ESG considerations is sometimes referred to as responsible investing or, in more proactive cases, impact investing.

What are the four pillars of sustainability theory? ›

Sustainability is broken into four distinct areas, known as the four pillars of sustainability: Human, Social, Economic, and Environmental Sustainability.

What is sustainable finance framework? ›

A sustainable finance framework aims to align financial decision-making with the principles of sustainable development. The framework outlines how a company uses environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors in its financing, refinancing, and investment processes.

What is the difference between ESG and sustainable finance? ›

ESG finance, also known as sustainable finance, is a broad term that encompasses a range of financial products and services that take environmental, social, and corporate governance factors into account when making investment decisions.

What is ESG financing framework? ›

What are ESG frameworks? ESG reporting frameworks are used by companies for the disclosure of data covering business operations and opportunities and risks that are related to the environmental, social and governance (ESG) aspects of the business.

What is the new sustainable finance strategy? ›

The renewed sustainable finance strategy was adopted on 6 July 2021. It aims to support the financing of the transition to a sustainable economy by proposing action in four areas: transition finance, inclusiveness, resilience and contribution of the financial system and global ambition.

What is a sustainable financial model? ›

Key components of sustainable. Sustainable financial. A sustainable financial model is one that can be maintained over time without depleting resources or adversely affecting the environment.

What is the sustainable growth model of finance? ›

The PRAT model, also known as the sustainable growth rate (SGR) model, is used to describe the optimal rate of growth a company can achieve without borrowing more debt or using equity. The PRAT model aims to help companies boost their sales and revenues without increasing their financial leverage.

What is the biggest challenge in sustainable finance? ›

Data Collection and Management. The first major challenge is data collection and management. Banks and financial institutions (FIs) must be able to collect, analyze, and report on various clients' data points to demonstrate compliance with the standards.

What is the difference between green finance and sustainable finance? ›

Sustainable finance is an evolution of green finance, as it takes into consideration environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues and risks, with the aim of increasing long-term investments in sustainable economic activities and projects.

What are the instruments of sustainable finance? ›

The two main financial instruments in sustainable finance are equity and debt. In the early stages of a project, equity financing is the main investment method used, and investors receive an ownership interest (stocks or shares) in the project in return for the amount of capital they invest.

What are the ethical theories of sustainability? ›

Ethics in sustainability aims to restructure how most humans consider nature, even though it can be difficult to change preconceived notions and deeply-rooted mindsets. Currently, some view nature as separate from human life, existing solely for human benefits.

What are the three 3 perspectives of sustainability? ›

The 3 pillars of sustainability: environmental, social and economic.

What are the three models of sustainability? ›

Sustainable development is based on three fundamental pillars: social, economic and environmental. The Brundtland report, which sustainable development is gets its name from – delineated the development of human resources in form of extreme poverty reduction, global gender equity, and wealth redistribution.

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