Bitely

21st Century Investing

William Burckart and Steven D. Lydenberg

We’ve explored how system-level investors can adapt traditional strategies, such as portfolio construction and investment belief statements, to drive systemic change. These tools help align investments with broader values, as seen in examples like CalPERS’ commitment to sustainability. Bonds, particularly innovations like green and COVID bonds, also play a critical role in funding systemic improvements. However, the rise of sustainable investing demands careful scrutiny of financial managers’ intentions and track records. System-level investing challenges the profit-driven mindset of traditional investors by prioritizing long-term societal and environmental resilience. To enact meaningful change, investors must collaborate, focus on actionable goals, and use strategies like standards setting, exemplified by Reverend Leon Sullivan’s anti-apartheid efforts. By applying criteria such as consensus, relevance, and effectiveness, investors can target systemic issues where their actions can have the greatest impact.

10 min

6 Bite

Insight

What's it about?

System-level investing challenges traditional approaches by prioritizing long-term systemic impact over short-term gains. This book explores how investors can leverage tools like portfolio construction, investment belief statements, and innovative financial instruments, such as green and COVID bonds, to address pressing global challenges. Through real-world examples, including the transformative Sullivan Principles, it demonstrates how collective action and strategic investment can strengthen critical social, environmental, and financial systems. By focusing on consensus, relevance, and effectiveness, readers will discover actionable strategies to drive meaningful change in an interconnected world.

Book summary

William Burckart is COO and president of The Investment Integration Project (TIIP), a consulting services firm that advises organizations on systemic risks and opportunities. He coedited New Frontiers of Philanthropy, and his work has appeared in the Guardian and Forbes, among other publications.

To read rest of the book, you can download Bitely

All Bites

6 Bites

Rethinking Investing: Building Systems for Equity

Investing with Purpose: Tackling Systemic Challenges

Harnessing Bonds to Drive Systemic Change

Transforming Investments: Strategies for Systemic Impact

Driving Systemic Change Through Investor Action

Evaluating Financial Managers for Genuine Impact

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