Finance, Society and Sustainability by Nick Silver
The financial system is vital to our prosperity; much of modern life would be impossible without it. However, since its inception, insiders' privileged position has made the system prone to abuse, often resulting in financial scandals, crises and asset bubbles. This book investigates the extent to which the finance sector is fulfilling a useful social function, and to what extent its activities are actually counter-productive or damaging to the economy. This book argues that in recent years, the financial system as a whole has evolved in such a way that non-productive activities now dwarf its useful social purpose. These activities are subsidised, protected and supported by the tax-payer, whilst legislation and regulation - attempts to control the industry - actually direct the sector towards these non-productive activities. This is a dangerous situation, as it misallocates society's capital, is the source of instability and inequality, and diverts resources from useful activities to itself. Finance and Sustainability highlights the theoretical functions of the finance sector in comparison to what it achieves in reality, combining financial theory and knowledge of industry practice to investigate where lending and investment are directed and how risks are managed. The author explores the developmental path of the global economy, to argue that it is inherently un-productive and unsustainable. This book proposes practical suggestions for practitioners and regulators which, if implemented, could bring about a more efficient, successful and useful financial sector.“This is another of the growing breed of books devoted to matters financial that is actually worth reading. I would urge my readers to add it to their reading list soon.” (Brian Bollen's Blog, brianbollen.com, September, 2017)
Nick Silver is an actuary and economist whose expertise includes pensions and insurance, risk management and sustainable finance, in particular working in developing economies. He is managing director of Callund Consulting Limited which for 40 years has advised governments on pensions, social protection and developing capital markets. Nick is a founder and director of Climate Bonds, which works with governments and investors to develop the green bond market. He has advised the UN, UK and EU on the carbon markets, climate finance in developing countries and managing risk from climate change. Nick is also a founder and director of Radix, the think tank of the radical centre. Nick is a visiting fellow at the London School of Economics and Cass Business School, UK, and lectures at Trinity College Dublin, Ireland, and City University, London, UK. Nick is a freeman of the City of London and was recently a member of council of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries. Nick has authored a number of papers and articles and has been widely quoted in the national media on topics related to sustainable finance, pensions and government debt.
| SKU | Unavailable |
| ISBN 13 | 9781137560605 |
| ISBN 10 | 1137560606 |
| Title | Finance, Society and Sustainability |
| Author | Nick Silver |
| Condition | Unavailable |
| Binding Type | Hardback |
| Publisher | Palgrave Macmillan |
| Year published | 2017-09-01 |
| Number of pages | 304 |
| Cover note | Book picture is for illustrative purposes only, actual binding, cover or edition may vary. |
| Note | Unavailable |