Banking of the Future

Investments can generate positive impacts for society

Experts discuss effectiveness, sustainability and responsibility in international banking

 

The viability of investment and banking business – or in other words the “future – ability” of investment and banking is on the cards. Ongoing discussions about banking regulation, ethics, environmental and social standards, and a decrease in trust reflect these concerns that exist in society about the future viability of banking. At the same time investors and bankers need to deal with new megatrends and risks. Thought leaders from the banking industry, academia and civil society, therefore discuss

on October 8, 2014, starting at 5 pm CET

at Goethe-University / Campus Westend

Casino-Building / Room 1.811

Grüneburgplatz 1, 60323 Frankfurt / Main

about the future of investment and banking as well as the question, what the concepts of sustainability, effectiveness and responsibility can add to the currently predominant model in the world of investment and banking.

Catalyst for this event is the book launch of a new anthology about “Responsible Investment Banking”, published by Springer-International. (German edition “CSR und Investment Banking” published by Springer Gabler). The panel discussions about “banking between crisis and positive impact”, with a number of experts, who also made a contribution to the anthology, will be moderated by the editor Karen Wendt.

They will focus on core issues regarding the future of investment and banking: How can sustainability, effectiveness and responsibility become a main part of the business models and the corporate culture – i.e. the “DNA” – of the investment and finance industry? What quantitative and qualitative indicators – e.g. for the triple bottom line performance – are required and do we need new products? How can banks and investors effectively contribute to the establishment of climate friendly markets? How should globally applicable, common standards – often referred to as Global Administrative Law – look like?

The business models of the financial industry have come under scrutiny not only since the outbreak of the financial crisis. The main question is, whether – at the backdrop of the far-reaching socio-ecological changes of today – return, risk and liquidity can and should remain the only parameters for investments. More and more thought leaders in the financial industry answer this question in the negative. The approaches and models presented in “Responsible Investment Banking” demonstrate, that an integrated view on the economic, social and ecological performance and a focus on positive social and environmental impacts can build the core of business models. Many authors of the book consider this way of thinking as a new “must-have” for the future viability of our society and economy and, thus, for the investment and banking industry itself. When capital providers approach the topic from this angle, the classical triangle of return, risk and liquidity is complemented by a forth dimension – the positive socio-ecological impact of use of funds.

Up to now, this new approach is still developing in the business and it remains to be seen, if the new integrated way of thinking and acting is stronger than the old conventional forces. The fact, that positive impact investment transactions (investments, which proactively and purposely create a positive impact on society and environment) are on the rise, however, provides a good signal to the market. The anthology “Responsible Investment Banking” is addressing those topics and seeks answers to the question how sustainability and responsibility can effectively be used and diffused, established and reinforced within the financial industry. The editor, Karen Wendt, managed to win top experts in their fields, who have continuously been working on the effective implementation of social and environmental responsibility in investment and finance. They are offering both sustainable and realistic models as well as already realized concepts. The panel discussions are intended to present these concepts and solutions to a broader audience and to trigger a permanent dialogue between the worlds of finance, economy, science and society.

The event is free of charge.

Event Note on the Responsible Investmentbanking Website here >

Event Note on the Cluster of Excellence Website here >

Registration here >

Book Trailer here >

Further Information about the book here >

We want to thank our partners – the Goethe-University and the Cluster of Excellence “The Formation of Normative Orders” – and our sponsors – ERM, Hill + Knowlton Strategies and Corporate Passion – for their ongoing support.

Contact:
Karen Wendt
Responsible Investment Banking
info@responsible-investmentbanking.com