Episode 6-Greenwashing or Genuine? Decoding ESG, SRI, and Islamic Finance

Over the past decade, the financial world has undergone a notable transformation, marked by the substantial rise of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles and Socially Responsible Investing (SRI). 

This surge has not only reshaped the financial landscape but has also brought integrating ethical considerations into investment strategies to the forefront.

Similarly, within the framework of Islamic finance, Sharia principles guide investment decisions.

However, whilst there are similarities, what are the differences? And how do these forms of finance help Muslim nations meet their climate commitments? And are they having a real impact or are they just labels like green or faith washing?

In our sixth episode, we spoke to Blake Goud, CEO of RFI Foundation. 

RFI’s mission is to enable financial players in OIC markets and Islamic finance to deliver sustainable values through research, training and implementation programs.

In this topic, we discussed topics including:

• The similarities and differences between ESG, SRI and Islamic finance
• The role of ESG-linked sukuk and whether they have a real impact
• Why IFIs are not adopting frameworks like the PRI and PRB
• Assessing whether Cop28 was successful and what climate risks facing OIC countries

Intro theme song-'Tales of the Arabian Nights' composed by StudioKolomna via Pixabay