Corporate Responsibility in the Financial Sector

There are a growing number of New Zealand companies that have a business purpose beyond profit maximisation. Corporate social responsibility and stakeholder interests are part of business practices, along with mission statements to make companies a force for good. However, these concepts are far less common in the New Zealand financial sector. Consideration of social and environmental issues are now mainstream for investment providers, but largely as a means to manage financial risk rather than as an opportunity to make a positive difference. This seminar will examine the reasons and constraints, such as the limitations imposed by fiduciary duty, with examples of financial enterprises that have built their values into their business purpose. Mindful Money’s CEO, Barry Coates  moderated a panel discussion with:Qiulae Wong, Aotearoa NZ manager for B-Lab AANZ Nick Stewart, CEO of Stewart Group, a financial advisory firm with B-Corps certificationJules Riley, Senior Growth Manager for Investment Funds at Medical Assurance Society (MAS)A huge thanks to our sponsors:Gold Sponsors: Alphinity, Medical Assurance Society, Mercer, NZGIFSilver Sponsors: Chapman Trip, Booster, Harbour, Trustees Executors