Atul K. Shah Inclusive and Sustainable Finance

Instead of being a means to an end, finance has become an end in itself and a master of economic actions and priorities. The role of ethics, culture and faith has been diminished by neoliberalism over the last forty years, such that we are living through a profound moral crisis, rising inequality and plutocracy. This practice is destroying the social and trust capital that already exists and is in need of replenishing. This pioneering book draws upon diverse wisdom traditions and their current living business practices to show that not only is another world possible, but it is actually hiding in plain sight. The author argues that our obsession with technocratic economic science has disabled us from exposing the organic and culturally diverse practices of finance. The climate and inequality crises demand new institutional and cultural solutions to transform behaviour and heal the planet. Through real-life examples and case studies, this book illustrates and develops a new organic theory of finance which can be taught and shared all over the world, helping society to prepare for a sustainable and inclusive future. It provides valuable empowerment to experts and professionals from different cultures and traditions to write about their own finance practices and in turn encourage their students and communities to embrace sustainability ideals. There is a global audience for this book, given its multicultural outlook and the diversity of narratives and case studies, from entrepreneurs to MBA students and leaders in accounting and finance. It also has huge relevance for policymakers and educators keen on embracing sustainable finance in their curriculum.