Sustainable And Responsible Investment Research Articles

Sustainable and responsible investment (SRI) Sukuk: lessons from Khazanah’s Sukuk Ihsan

Purpose SRI Sukuk, with its outcome-based emphasis, aims to align the Islamic finance industry with its original ideals and address criticisms related to form over substance. In Malaysia, while the pioneering Sukuk Ihsan was a “social” sukuk, recent SRI Sukuk issuances have predominantly been “green” or “sustainable” sukuk. This paper aims to evaluate the Malaysian SRI Sukuk market, identifying factors favouring “green” sukuk. It also examines whether structural issues in Sukuk Ihsan deterred subsequent issuers from “social” sukuk. The emergence of SRI Sukuk responds to sustainable development goals and the shift towards a low-carbon economy. Sukuk Ihsan, as the first Shariah-compliant pay-for-success structure, poses complexity and risk management challenges to meet performance criteria. Design/methodology/approach The study used a qualitative method in the form of a critical review of literature, interview sessions with experts and stakeholders who are familiar with SRI Sukuk and Sukuk Ihsan and a case study analysis of Sukuk Ihsan. Findings The popularity of “green” sukuk reflects the growing global environmental consciousness. The main factors driving the popularity of “green” sukuk are the maturity of the market and the existence of a strong supporting infrastructure for “green” issuances while the positive profiling benefits and availability of incentives for “green” issuances also contribute to a lesser extent. The recommendations include the promotion of “social” sukuk by regulators through a focus on establishing a similar supporting infrastructure for “social” sukuk as there are for SRI and standard Sukuk. In addition, issuers of “social” sukuk may want to reconsider the inclusion of key performance indicators (“KPI”) into the structure of future “social” sukuk issuances. Research limitations/implications Although all respondents considered Sukuk Ihsan to be a success, some potential areas of improvement were also noted. These include the structuring of future “social” sukuk issuances with a bigger discount to compensate for the additional risk being assumed by the investor; the need to be more careful in the KPI selection process; and one respondent even went so far as to suggest the possibility of totally removing the step-down feature of Sukuk Ihsan. Practical implications Industry implications of Sukuk Ihsan study include findings that require balancing disclosure and economics by providing additional disclosure requirements for SRI Sukuk that may pose risks without corresponding benefits for issuers. KPI selection and investor confidence should also be properly identified, as KPIs are essential for the pay-for-success model to work successfully. For sukuk holders, findings indicate that any approval for waivers during issuance can impact investor confidence negatively. Investor literacy and impact understanding should also be improved for social Sukuk success. Investors should understand the different risk exposures and evolving impact requirements vital for sustainable growth. Social implications The findings provide significant implications for social impact Sukuk issuance. They include providing a substantial case study for future social impact issuances, based on the pioneering impact of Sukuk Ihsan. Furthermore, Sukuk Ihsan’s unqualified success validates the feasibility of socially responsible sukuk. Despite its early introduction, both tranches being fully subscribed reflects robust investor interest. Stakeholders were also proud of their involvement in such an initiative, viewing it as a significant achievement in creating societal impact. Originality/value Although there have been several prior studies done on Sukuk Ihsan, the focus of those studies was on its structure and the novelty of its “step down” returns structure where investors would receive lower returns if certain key performance indicators (“KPIs”) are met by Yayasan AMIR in the execution of its Trust School Programme. Bearing in mind that the first Sukuk Ihsan has a June 2022 maturity date, and the results of its KPIs were announced in December 2021, to the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the only documented case study that comprehensively reviews Sukuk Ihsan and identifies lessons learned and/or opportunities for improvement for the benefit of potential SRI Sukuk issuers in the future.

Developing Islamic-sustainable and responsible investment (i-SRI) criteria based on the environmental, social and governance (ESG) concept

Purpose The practices of sustainable and responsible investment (SRI) among Islamic financial institutions (IFIs) nowadays still rely on the existing environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria. However, based on observation, some of the existing criteria listed by the reports of certain authorities and organizations do not seem to be aligned with Shariah principles. Therefore, this study aims to investigate those criteria to help develop Islamic-SRI (i-SRI) criteria based on the ESG concept. Design/methodology/approach This study adopted the qualitative method via content analysis of documents and interviews with experts. Findings Based on the analysis, a set of i-SRI criteria is developed based on the ESG concept, of which 33 elements are environmental, 50 elements are social and 26 elements are governance issues. Overall, this study finds that there is no obvious contradiction with the Islamic philosophy in the existing ESG criteria, with the exception of four criteria, i.e. promoting human rights, freedom of expression, freedom of censorship and freedom of association under social criteria. These four existing criteria are not aligned with Islamic teaching and not appropriate with Islamic ESG criteria. Practical implications The creation of Islamic ESG criteria can assist relevant authorities to improve the current ESG criteria and to embed an Islamic perspective within it. Originality/value This study developed a set of i-SRI criteria, which may be suitable as a source of reference to relevant parties.

Integration of Advanced Sri Practices Into the European Asset Management Industry: A Survey of Drivers

Sustainable and responsible investment (SRI) has experienced impressive growth in the last two decades. However, the adoption of advanced SRI strategies that go beyond the mere exclusion of companies or asset classes has not kept pace with this expansion, a critical development regarding its potential impact on sustainability. For this reason, this study aims to identify the main drivers for the adoption of advanced sustainable and responsible investment practices by asset management companies to know why and which companies better advance the strengthening of SRI in the European financial market considering an original combination of different SRI drivers. To investigate which factors seem to be more decisive in adopting more sophisticated SRI practices, we first conducted a survey among fund management companies that manage and/or distribute investment funds in Europe. Second, we used logistic and multivariate regressions as analytical tools for testing the hypotheses. Results show that societal pressures and a formal corporate social responsibility policy are the main drivers for adopting advanced SRI practices by asset management companies.

SOCIAL SUKUK FOR SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT –REVIEW OF SUKUK PRIHATIN, IHSAN SUKUK (MALAYSIA) AND CASH WAQF LINKED SUKUK (INDONESIA)

Social sukuk are instruments aimed at providing assistance and relief to societies and communities affected by difficulties. For example Sukuk Prihatin was issued with the objective of easing the burden of those affected by Covid-19 Pandemic, Ihsan Sukuk was the first programme approved under the Securities Commission Malaysia Sustainable and Responsible Investment (SRI) Sukuk Framework while the Cash Waqf Linked Sukuk (CWLS) was issued to use waqf funds for building amenities for the community and for other social benefits. The objective of social sukuk is unlike conventional sukuk, where return on investment is the main priority. In a social sukuk the main objective is to enable under-privileged segments of the society to benefit from the funds provided through the issuance of the sukuk. The objective of this research is to explore and understand social sukuk through case studies by examining issues associated with structure and issuance of social sukuk and provide recommendations for future social sukuk issuances. The methodology used in this research is non-doctrinal and document analysis. Secondary sources were reviewed to answer the research objective. This paper examines three case studies, namely the Sukuk Prihatin and Ihsan Sukuk issued in Malaysia and the CWLS in Indonesia. The objectives of these sukuk and their outcomes were examined and compared. Recommendations on future social sukuk structure and issuance are made accordingly.

How competitive is SRI in developing financial markets: The case of Central and Eastern Europe

This study investigates the competitiveness of sustainable and responsible investment (SRI) in Central and Eastern European (CEE) financial markets. Specifically, we examined whether a statistically significant measurable difference in the return and volatility between an SRI index and two conventional benchmark indices in the CEE region exists. To test whether the market volatility may affect the results, we applied a Markov regime-switching model to examine the performance in high and low volatility environments. We also used the Fama-French three-factor model to analyse the potential sources of outperformance and verify the initial analysis results. The analysis covered an eleven-year period (January 2011–December 2021) and was based on monthly returns of indices available on the Vienna Stock Exchange: CECE SRI, CECE Composite and CECE MID. Our findings showed that the SRI phenomenon in developing financial markets of the CEE countries followed performance patterns similar to ones in developed financial markets. Sustainable and responsible investment is competitive with conventional investment in the CEE region. However, the differences in returns between the SRI index and conventional benchmarks were statistically insignificant. Although a statistically significant difference in volatility between the SRI index and the large-cap CECE Composite index was reported, we did not find any evidence of exposure to the SRI factor regarding the analysed returns of the CECE SRI index. Our analysis of SRI returns pointed to the statistical significance of the common risk factors, such as the market and the size, which is similar to the analysed conventional benchmarks, with alpha not being statistically significant.

The Use of Sustainable Financial Instruments in Relation to the Social Impact Investment: ESG Policies, Capital Markets’ Approach and Investors’ Protection: An Innovative Perspective for a Global Surveillance Authority

Social Impact Investment (SII) refers to the provision of finance to organizations addressing social needs. It is intended to achieve both a social impact as well as garner financial returns. Thus, SII may be understood as a business case for what was previously considered mostly philanthropic activities. In the case of SRI (Sustainable and Responsible Investment), investors decide in which company to invest on the basis of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) criteria. They consider a company's performance with respect to its effects on nature, its relationships with employees, clients and society, and the transparency of its governance. Where possible, companies should provide quantitative, comparable and forward-looking performance metrics to facilitate ESG integration. It is recommended that companies should use credible indicators which are included in internationally recognised reporting frameworks like GRI, SASB, IIRC, TCFD, CDP or UNGC. Companies should disclose their methodology and provide explanations to support quantitative indicators (ESG metrics), establishing the link between ESG and financial performance. The investor perspective is in important issue, which should be taken under consideration by European and local supervising authorities, under the provisions of the Market Abuse Directive and the MiFID, especially after the introduction and use of ESG and sustainable financial instruments, in both, Banking and Capital Markets. Therefore, SII can be a very useful tool for achieving EU Social Policy objectives. EU efforts (DG EMPL/FISMA) can be targeted at four specific aims that concern impact measurement: 1) promotion of the standardisation of impact measurement through the further development of the taxonomy regulations to include social objectives or the creation of standardised guidelines or the further development of ESG metrics; 2) capacity building in the area of impact measurement; 3) increasing the availability of the data needed; and 4) the promotion of additional and more specialized sustainable financial instruments linked to the Banking Sector and Capital Markets, which in turn will leverage more the total investment amount derived from the InvestEU tool and offer to all stakeholders more flexibility. Therefore, the global liquidity will be increased, and a strong economic turmoil could be avoided under the surveillance of a theoretically established Global Surveillance Authority. The use of sustainable financial instruments by a P.E.S. (social enterprise) under a public-private partnership (PPPs) is also feasible and socially rewarding.

SRI AND ENERGY TRANSFORMATION ON THE WAY TO SUSTAINABLE COMPETITIVENESS

Russian war against Ukraine turns to challenge for the whole world. The full scope of consequences is difficult to assess now, but some of them have been already clear. As a result, the world economy is under exposures of inflation, disruptions on GDP growth, food and energy crises and further supply-chain pressures. Energy prices volatility adds uncertainty to the whole system of socio-economic relations. Energy turns to weapon against the world stability. The paper concentrates on the idea that current situation in the energy sector calls for a prompt reaction on challenges, including war consequences. That, in turn, requires sustainable and responsible investment (SRI) and financial innovations for immediately energy transformation, which is an essential element for sustainable competitiveness of countries. It is also crucial not to lose a track for net zero emissions by 2050. Such investment which combines financial goals with ecological, social and governance issues are covered by umbrella term “sustainable investment”. Sustainable investment became a strong trend on global financial market, which is popular with institutional and private investors. Investment in renewable energy is a part of SRI and countries’ sustainable competitiveness depends on the SRI volumes. The research is aimed at studying interconnection between SRI and energy transformation on the way to sustainable competitiveness. The processes on the global energy market are investigated and main weak points which are sources of risks for the world economy are defined. Three significant energy-related weak points turned into risks for the world are highlighted: the level of dependency from imported gas (for European countries dependency from Russian gas in particular); energy prices volatility; energy structure (nonrenewable vs renewable). It is generalized governmental approaches in the sphere of energy transformation driven by a combination of energy security concerns and climate ambitions. The paper contains an assumption about correlation between SRI and countries’ sustainable competitiveness. This hypothesis is confirmed using correlation analysis (biserial correlation) for five countries (Germany, the USA, Canada, Australia and Japan). Strong relationship between these variables is shown. This allows to make conclusions that increasing of SRI volumes in general and clean energy projects in particular, are predominant conditions for the sustainable competitiveness of country, which is oriented to the long-term prospective and based on effective usage of all available sources, including energy, fast transformation of energy systems to the renewable sources.

Critical success factors of implementing sustainable and responsible investment (SRI) Sukuk for economic recovery from COVID-19 pandemic

PurposeThere are three objectives of this paper. First, the study investigates the critical success factors critical success factors (CSFs) of implementing sustainable and responsible investment (SRI) Sukuk in Malaysia as perceived by stakeholders. Second, the study examines the differences between the developers and the investors in relation to the importance of the CSFs. Third, the study attempts to categorise the CSFs.Design/methodology/approachUsing a questionnaire survey, 260 completed and useable responses were received representing a 42.54% response rate. In examining the importance of CSFs, the descriptive statistical tests of mean, standard deviation and mean score ranking were used. Independent t-tests were conducted to investigate the differences in the perceptions of the importance of CSFs between the developer and the investor groups. In categorising the CSFs, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was undertaken.FindingsOverall, the top five most important CSFs as perceived by respondents are as follows: (1) good governance framework, (2) fulfil ethical standards, (3) transparent procurement process, (4) well-defined scope and (5) viable feasibility study. On the other hand, the five factors that are ranked last are as follows: (1) defined stakeholder roles, (2) stable macro-economic conditions, (3) existing social programmes, (4) guarantor and (5) political will. The study also found that there is a significant statistical difference in how the developers and investors scored the CSFs. Moreover, there are three main categories of the CSFs that are effective feasibility study, financial and technical considerations and political willingness and agreeability.Originality/valueThe findings highlight the critical factors to consider when implementing SRI Sukuk. This can also serve as a reference and guideline for countries considering SRI Sukuk issuances for economic recovery stimulus post-coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Green Accounting and Green Intellectual Capital Practices: Study of The Influence of Indirect Financial Firm on Firm Value

This study aims to develop and analyze the effect of green intellectual capital, green accounting and financial performance on firm value (price book value/PBV proxy), develop and analyze the effect of green intellectual capital and green accounting on firm value (price book value/PBVproxy) mediated by the financial performance of the Indonesian Biodiversity Sustainable and Responsible Investment (SRI) Index (KEHATI) for the 2015-2020 period. Novelty in this study developed by the concept of green intellectual capital and green accounting to reduce greenhouse emisions and pollution to increase firm value. The sample used is 75 samples from 14 stocks with purposes sampling method. Data collection is obtained through an annual report published on the IDX’s official website, that is www.idx.co.id and a sustainability report. The results showed that green intellectual capital (green human capital/GHC and green relational capital/GRC) had no significant effect on firm value (PBV proxy), green intellectual capital (GHC, and GRC) had a significant positive effect on financial performance (ROA proxy), financial performance (ROA proxy) has a negative affect on firm value (PBV proxy) and financial performance (ROA) is able to mediate green intellectual capital on firm value (PBV proxy).

An empirical comparison of sustainable and responsible investment ṣukūk, social impact bonds and conventional bonds

PurposeThe objectives of this paper are two-fold: first, to empirically compare and contrast the salient features of three financial instruments (FIs), namely sustainable and responsible investment (SRI) ṣukūk, social impact bonds (SIBs) and conventional bonds (CBs) and second, to examine the differences between the perceptions of the investors and the developers on the features of the three FIs.Design/methodology/approachUsing a questionnaire survey, 251 completed and useable responses were received, representing a 42.54% response rate. In examining the differences and similarities in the characteristics of the three FIs, the inferential statistical of frequency and percentage were used. Wilcoxon and Mann–Whitney tests were conducted to investigate the differences in the salient features of the three FIs and the differences between the investors and developers' perceptions on the salient features of SRI ṣukūk, SIBs and CBs, respectively.FindingsThe results reveal that stakeholders view SRI ṣukūk, SIBs and CBs to be statistically significantly different from each other. This shows that stakeholders do not view SRI ṣukūk as “old wine in a new Sharīʿah-compliant bottle” but instead considered different from SIBs and CBs. Furthermore, stakeholders also differentiate between SIBs and CBs.Originality/valueThe paper provides empirical evidence that Islamic finance (IF) instrument, represented by SRI ṣukūk, is viewed as different instruments to conventional tools, represented by SIBs and CBs. First, it debunks the notion that IF is viewed as similar to its conventional counterpart. Second, SIBs are seen as different from CBs, illustrating the distinct categorisation of impact investing instruments. As such, third, the development of SRI ṣukūk and SIBs can provide diversification to portfolios as it is a unique instrument in the social finance and financial market.

The COVID-19 Pandemic Impact on Corporate Dividend Policy of Sustainable and Responsible Investment in Indonesia: Static and Dynamic Panel Data Model Comparison

This research investigates the impact of crisis due to the COVID-19 pandemic on the dividend policy of green index companies in Indonesia, namely the Sustainable and Responsible Investment (SRI) by Biodiversity (KEHATI) Foundation, or SRI-KEHATI indexed companies. The purposive sampling technique was used to collect data from companies listed from 2014 to 2020, using static and dynamic panel data models. From the several panel data models tested, the static panel data regression with random effects model (REM) and fixed effect model (FEM) uses the least square dummy variable-robust standard error (LSDV-RSE) technique are the best econometric models feasible. The system generalized method of moments (SYS-GMM) is used as a suitable econometric model with a robustness test used to determine static panel data regression. It is reported that SRI-KEHATI indexed companies tend to distribute dividends positively during this crisis, and is also statistically proven robust. This gives a positive signal to the capital market concerning the sluggish trading activity. The market reaction test, using two-approaches, showed that this business did not provide a positive reaction to the capital market, which turned out to be pessimistic. Furthermore, profitability and financial leverage have a robust effect, while dividends from the previous year affect dividend policy on the static panel data model, and firm size affect dividend policy on SYS-GMM. Predictors that proved influential with a direction not in line with the hypothesis were investment opportunities on REM and SYS-GMM, and firm age on SYS-GMM. The parameter estimation that passes the model specification test is feasible, whiles the biased and inconsistency of parameter estimation due to the alleged correlation between ui,t and PYDi,t failed to occur in static panel data regression. The endogeneity issue was resolved by dynamic panel data regression with the strongest corrective effect. This research can be used as a reference for investors to obtain optimal returns on green index companies in the country. An optimal dividend policy can increase the value of the SRI-KEHATI indexed companies; therefore, it can contribute optimally to sustainability and responsibility for social and environmental aspects.

Green Accounting, Financial Performance toward Firm Value

This study aims to determine the significance of the effect of green accounting, financial performance on firm value (price book value proxy) on the Indonesian Biodiversity Sustainable and Responsible Investment (SRI) Index Company (KEHATI) for the 2015-2020 period. The number of samples in this study was 79 samples with the purpose of sampling method. Data collection is carried out through financial reports published on the official IDX website, at www.idx.co.id and sustainability reporting. The data analysis model used is multiple linear regression with the least squares equation. The results of this study indicate that Green Accounting has no effect on Firm Value, ROA has a significant negative effect on Firm Value. The determination test of these variables on PBV in this study was 15.6% while the remaining 84.4% was influenced by other variables that are not to be examined in this company.

Editorial: The future research of the ESG rating

The proliferation of sustainable and responsible investment (SRI) has led investors to favor socially responsible companies (Galbreath, 2013; Avetisyan & Hockerts, 2017). This has contributed to the growing importance of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) ratings, and ESG rating agencies have established themselves as a primary source of information for businesses, financial markets and academia (Diez-Cañamero, Bishara, Otegi-Olaso, Minguez, & Fernández, 2020).

The Reviews on Sustainable and Responsible Investment (SRIs) Practices According to Maqasid Shariah and Maslahah Perspectives

The present study aims to explore SRIs practices based on Maqasid Shariah and Maslahah's points of view. A qualitative method via content analysis document was advocated to address the link between all concepts. The analysis revealed that SRIs, Maqasid Shariah and Maslahah share similar aims and goals to promote better environmental practices and social and governance issues. Thus, the paper concludes that the concept of SRIs does not contradict Maqasid Shariah and Maslahah in Islamic perspectives. However, a few criteria in the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) concept that govern the SRIs practices like promoting human rights, freedom of expression, and censorship need further clarification to align with Shariah principles. The paper can enlighten the reader, especially in terms of the capabilities of SRIs practices (which is from West philosophy) to suit Maqasid Shariah and Maslahah in Islamic perspectives.JEL Classification: G2, G4, I13, N2How to Cite:Wahab, M. Z. H., & Naim, A. M. (2021). The Reviews on Sustainable and Responsible Investment (SRIs) Practices According to Maqasid Shariah and Maslahah Perspectives. Etikonomi, 20(2), xx – xx. https://doi.org/10.15408/etk.v20i2.18053.

Profitability and Firm Value: Does Dividend Policy Matter for Indonesian Sustainable and Responsible Investment (SRI)-KEHATI Listed Firms?

This study investigates the potential factors explaining the inconsistent relationship between profitability and firm value. Specifically, it examines whether dividend policy contributes to the profitability–firm value relationship and determines the form of the moderating variables. We use a unique data set from the Indonesian capital market, with sustainable and responsible investment (SRI)-KEHATI-listed firms from 2010 to 2019. Adopting hierarchy moderating analysis, the results show a positive direct relationship between profitability and firm value. Moreover, the profitability–firm value relationship becomes stronger with a higher dividend policy ratio. We complement this with evidence that the dividend policy plays a role as a pure moderator in more sustainable and responsible firms. A sensitivity battery analysis and the endogeneity concern show consistent results as the baseline model, implying that the model is robust to different conditions. Additional tests revealed that the dividend policy is more prominent in low-leverage enterprises, low-intensity advertising firms, and during the financial service authority’s post-dividend policy regulation phase. The implication of our study is that corporate policy and country regulation play a role as a potential competitive strategy to increase shareholder value for SRI-KEHATI-listed firms.

Distributed Ledger Technology Affordances for Financing Sustainable Development

Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) has been heralded as one of the most significant innovations since the internet. This article explores the applicability of DLT to the issue of financing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by approaching the question of what opportunities DLT presents for aligning investments with SDGs-related outcomes within the financial sector through the concept of affordances. Our qualitative research inquiry combining an exhaustive analysis of practitioner literature and interviews with 15 leading sustainable and responsible investment (SRI) practitioners and 14 actors involved in DLT ventures in Sub-Saharan Africa shows that despite discourse around blockchain technology that focuses on generic perceptions of affordances relating to data transparency, actualization of these affordances within the sustainable finance field is contingent upon a number of socio-cognitive and institutional hurdles. As a result, while discourse around blockchain presents a galvanizing vision for innovation within the financial sector, its direct benefits for mobilizing additional contributions towards the SDGs by private sector investors remain ambiguous.

Sustainable and responsible investment portfolio performance analysis in Indonesia Stock Exchange

This study is intended for knowing the Sustainable and Responsible Investment (SRI) stock portfolio performance in the Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX). SRI is a concept where the investor is not only considering financial performance, but also non-financial aspects in the company such as Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG). The main objective of this study is to compare the performance of the SRI portfolio with the performance of comparable portfolios. Is the performance of the SRI portfolio in IDX better than conventional portfolio and Islamic portfolio? To answer this question, the SRI portfolio will be formed from SRI-KEHATI Index (SRI), a conventional portfolio will be formed from the LQ45 index, and the Islamic portfolio will be formed from Jakarta Islamic Index (JII). The performances of those three portfolios will be compared based on alpha value, Sharpe Ratio, Treynor Ratio, and Sortino Ratio. This study result shows that the SRI portfolio performance in IDX is better than the conventional portfolio and Islamic portfolio. That performance occurs because the average of SRI portfolio excess return has positive value during the study period. JEL Classification: F64, G11, G32 DOI : https://doi.org/10.26905/jkdp.v24i3.4338

Sustainable and Responsible Investment: Concept and the Commonalities with Islamic Financial Institutions

This paper aims to highlight the Sustainable and Responsible Investment (SRI) concept, similarities, and opportunities with Islamic financial institutions (IFIs), especially in Malaysia's perspectives. This paper is conceptual., thus the methodology used in this paper is qualitative, focusing on document analysis method by analyzing previous literature, books, reports, official website, and articles. Based on the analysis, SRIs and IFIs share the same fundamental aim, which is to utilize the funds with high morals and ethics. Besides, the analysis also indicates that SRIs and IFIs have shown significant growth over the last two decades and became the most rapidly growing sectors. In the context of the opportunities, both concepts can become a new value proposition and product innovation in order to capture the future preferences of investors and customers. The IFIs and SRIs are capable of bridging the gap both entities considering their fundamental mutual aim, which is to utilize the funds through high morals and ethics.JEL Classification: E22, G20How to Cite:Wahab, M. Z. H., & Naim, A. M. (2020). Sustainable and Responsible Investment:Concept and the Commonalities with Islamic Financial Institutions. Etikonomi: Jurnal Ekonomi, 19(1), 141 – 154. https://doi.org/10.15408/etk.v19i1.13772.

An exploratory study on Musharakah SRI Sukuk for the development of Waqf properties/assets in Malaysia

PurposeThis study aims to explore a sustainable and responsible investment (SRI) sukuk model based on Musharakah that could be implemented to develop waqf properties and assets under the SRI sukuk framework in Malaysia. This includes proposing and designing a potential SRI sukuk model and seeking the opinion of subject-matter experts and industry practitioners on the model, its attractiveness to investors and its feasibility to implement in Malaysia.Design/methodology/approachThe study adopts desk research and semi-structured interview as its methodology. A desk research is where a detailed critical review and analysis of past literature from reports, journals, framework, books and practices are undertaken. To establish a SRI sukuk model, the paper also studies the cases of the first SRI sukuk issued in Malaysia and other waqf-related sukuks that have been structured for the development of waqf property/asset in the past. Following that, the opinion of subject-matter experts and industry practitioners on the proposed SRI sukuk model is sought in a semi-structured interview.FindingsBased on the interviewees’ response, the study proposes the most feasible SRI sukuk model that could be implemented in the Malaysian context for the development of waqf properties/assets, which is a Musharakah-based sukuk model. The model will be elaborated based on the purpose of development, functionality, choice of Shari’ah contract, obligor and return mechanism.Research limitations/implicationsThis paper is exploratory in nature. While it explores the structural point of view only, future research could analyse and identify the legal, regulatory, financial and Shari’ah aspects of the proposed model. Further empirical studies can be done to provide more comprehensive idea and knowledge regarding the subject matter.Practical implicationsThe study serves great benefit to the government, waqf administrators, regulators, policymakers, foundations, corporations and interested investors to explore SRI sukuk as one of the feasible financial instruments to develop waqf in Malaysia.Originality/valueThis study proposes the use of an innovative financial instrument called SRI sukuk and structures a feasible SRI sukuk model to help realise the true roles of waqf as not only a religious tool but also one of the instruments for human, economic and social developments.

Millennials’ Awareness and Approach to Social Responsibility and Investment—Case Study of the Czech Republic

We live in a new era with contradictory views on society, industries, and the whole world. Raising consumerism is compensated by raising the responsibility of the new generation, the so-called Millennials. The paper deals with the awareness of Millennials of corporate social responsibility (CSR), and their attitude to sustainable and responsible investment (SRI). The research is focused specifically on students of economically oriented higher education institutions (HEI), studying in the Czech Republic. For the purpose of general awareness of the term CSR, a sample of 1073 HEI students from different institutions was analyzed and evaluated. For the evaluation of their attitude to SRI, 213 respondents from Mendel University in Brno were interviewed. The research brought surprising results—bachelor’s degree students have a better awareness of the term than master’s degree students. This surprising fact can be explained by the fact that CSR courses have been incorporated into studies in recent years. Another important finding from the second research is that 57% of respondents are willing to sacrifice part of their return in the case of an investment in socially responsible instruments. This fact can be used for the design of an investment strategy offered by investment institutions.