Contemporary Issues in Sustainable Finance

This book sheds light on contemporary challenges in sustainable finance, addressing two key perspectives: measurement and performance, and products and business models. In particular, the volume examines theoretically and empirically the relations between business models and non-financial impact, both environmental and social; as for the social goals, a special focus of the book is dedicated to the gender gap.

1. Introduction. - Section 1. - 2. How to scale impact investments? Evaluating the application of the Synthetic Control Method in impact measurement. - 3. Impact investments measurement: bridging research and practice. - 4. ESG Ratings, scores, and opinions. The state of the art in literature. - Section 2. - 5. Corporate financial performance and ESG performance: which one leads European banks? . - 6. Is performance the key issue in SRI funds? Conclusion and lessons learned from three decades of studies. - 7. The financial side of the Social Impact Bond: the determinants of the returns. - 8. Catastrophe Bonds: A Mitigation Opportunity In Turmoil Period. - Section 3. - 9. Collaboration or Community? The Impact of the Institutional Forces in Promoting Social Crowdfunding. - 10. Financial Inclusion and the Gender Gap across Islamic and non-Islamic Countries.