Our monthly round-up of news, ideas and initiatives related to transforming the UK financial system for people and planet, compiled by the Lab’s CEO, Jesse Griffiths.
Inequality begets instability
The growth of the shadow banking system (private equity, hedge funds etc) poses risks to financial stability. Here’s how private equity involvement in the insurance sector is increasing risks.
There’s a new report on the social, environmental and health impacts of inequality. Is it time to dismantle the global system that lets the rich hide their wealth?
Here’s what a strong anti-corruption agenda looks like for the new government – and what the legislative priorities should be.
Why not explore the Violation Tracker website which lets you search for companies that have been fined or penalised for wrongdoing, or sign up to its new newsletter.
Did you know that two thirds of banks’ fossil fuel financing is made through tax havens?
Investment, investment, investment
The Bank of England is wasting public money boosting bank profits while its commitment to tackling the climate crisis has weakened.
Excluding publicly-owned banks from fiscal rules could ‘free up’ £15 billion of spending.
The median average UK pension pot is just £14,500, while increasing mandatory pension contributions from 8% to 12% of earnings could boost final pots by over £200,000.
There’s a new Invest in Britain campaign to push for higher public investment. Meanwhile, investment treaties are undermining the global energy transition.
Can the new government make the finance sector the engine of prosperity?
Fossil fuels and the just transition
In 2024, $4.3 trillion of investments were held in fossil fuel assets – according to a newly updated and explorable database.
Yet, some of the world’s largest private infrastructure investors lack even the most basic climate safeguards, and regulators are overlooking nature-related risks to the financial system.
Here’s why ESG will not deliver the change we need.
And a useful tracker of how big banks’ net zero commitments stack up.
Meanwhile China extends its green loans scheme – offering cheaper loans for green investment.
And also…
What comes after neoliberalism?
1.3 million people in the UK work at coops – great new report on the state of the ‘democratic economy’.
And finally…
The prizes and pitfalls of creating a ‘killer stat’.
How electricity was brought to the mountains of Pakistan – an inspiring (long) story of community power-building.