Seeking Virtue in Finance
Contributing to Society in a Conflicted Industry

By learning from inspiring individuals in the industry, finance professionals can pursue viable careers while benefiting society and upholding humanistic values.

JC de Swaan (Author)

9781108473132, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 17 September 2020

246 pages
23.5 x 16 x 1.8 cm, 0.48 kg

'A valuable primer … (this book) provides a balanced analysis with multiple examples that make the case for the importance of finance while criticising its many failings.' Andrew Jack, Financial Times

Since the Global Financial Crisis, a surge of interest in the use of finance as a tool to address social and economic problems suggests the potential for a generational shift in how the finance industry operates and is perceived. J. C. de Swaan seeks to channel the forces of well-intentioned finance professionals to improve finance from within and help restore its focus on serving society. Drawing from inspiring individuals in the field, de Swaan proposes a framework for pursuing a viable career in finance while benefiting society and upholding humanistic values. In doing so, he challenges traditional concepts of success in the industry. This will also engage readers outside of finance who are concerned about the industry's impact on society.

Introduction
1. Customer Mandate: Serving Customers' Interest Faithfully
2. Social Wealth Creation: Contributing to Society Beyond the Customer Mandate
3. Humanistic Leadership Within the Organization: Treating Colleagues with Dignity, Empowering Them, and Fostering a Responsible Culture
4. Engaged Citizenship: Contributing Expertise, Time, and Wealth to the Common Good
Conclusion

Subject Areas: Financial services law & regulation [LNPF], Corporate governance [KJR], Business ethics & social responsibility [KJG], Finance [KFF], Economic & financial crises & disasters [KCX], Ethics & moral philosophy [HPQ]