Distinguished Lecture Series in ESG

Speaker: Professor Wei Jiang, Asa Griggs Candler Professor of Finance at Emory University’s Goizueta Business School
Abstract: There have been a lot of discussions of new governance issues arising from technology and big data. Most of the discussions focus on governance of data and technology such as privacy data monopoly and algorithmic biases etc. This lecture instead focuses on how big data and technology will reshape the premise and infrastructure of the governance of our corporations. The current “board centric” corporate governance system builds on three pillars: Management-directed information dissemination proxy-based shareholder preference aggregation and centralized decision to execution. We will evaluate how technology has fundamentally changed each of the three pillars and how corporate governance will evolve in the new era.

Speakers: Professor Manju Puri, J. B. Fuqua Professor of Finance at Fuqua School of Business at Duke University
                      Mr. Aalishaan Zaidi, Global Head of Personal Banking for Consumer, Private & Business Banking at Standard Chartered
Abstract: In this lecture, Professor Manju Puri will discuss the development of FinTech lending, especially how technologies and digital footprints can be used to improve lender’s risk management practice. Her research shows that utilizing technologies and digital footprints can enhance the predictive power for borrower creditworthiness and lower default rates. Based on these observations, she will then talk about the potential of using financial technologies and digital footprints to increase financial inclusion for borrowers who previously lack access to credit, especially for those in emerging markets.

Speaker: Professor Caroline Flammer, Professor of International and Public Affairs at Columbia University
Abstract: In this seminar, Professor Caroline Flammer will discuss recent trends in the broader business environment and new practices in corporate governance, which include the i) linking of compensation to long-term financial performance, and ii) linking of compensation to ESG performance. Overall, the key insights of her research are that corporate short-termism is hampering business success — i.e. absent incentives, executives tend to underinvest in long-term projects, hurting companies, investors, society, and the natural environment — and that the environmental (E) and social (S) factors of ESG are an integral part of corporate governance (G).