Finance and the Good Society

Finance and the Good Society

Author: Robert J. Shiller

Publisher: Princeton University Press

Published: 2013-04-21

Total Pages: 312

ISBN-13: 140084617X

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Nobel Prize-winning economist explains why we need to reclaim finance for the common good The reputation of the financial industry could hardly be worse than it is today in the painful aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis. New York Times best-selling economist Robert Shiller is no apologist for the sins of finance—he is probably the only person to have predicted both the stock market bubble of 2000 and the real estate bubble that led up to the subprime mortgage meltdown. But in this important and timely book, Shiller argues that, rather than condemning finance, we need to reclaim it for the common good. He makes a powerful case for recognizing that finance, far from being a parasite on society, is one of the most powerful tools we have for solving our common problems and increasing the general well-being. We need more financial innovation—not less—and finance should play a larger role in helping society achieve its goals. Challenging the public and its leaders to rethink finance and its role in society, Shiller argues that finance should be defined not merely as the manipulation of money or the management of risk but as the stewardship of society's assets. He explains how people in financial careers—from CEO, investment manager, and banker to insurer, lawyer, and regulator—can and do manage, protect, and increase these assets. He describes how finance has historically contributed to the good of society through inventions such as insurance, mortgages, savings accounts, and pensions, and argues that we need to envision new ways to rechannel financial creativity to benefit society as a whole. Ultimately, Shiller shows how society can once again harness the power of finance for the greater good.


Book Synopsis Finance and the Good Society by : Robert J. Shiller

Download or read book Finance and the Good Society written by Robert J. Shiller and published by Princeton University Press. This book was released on 2013-04-21 with total page 312 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Nobel Prize-winning economist explains why we need to reclaim finance for the common good The reputation of the financial industry could hardly be worse than it is today in the painful aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis. New York Times best-selling economist Robert Shiller is no apologist for the sins of finance—he is probably the only person to have predicted both the stock market bubble of 2000 and the real estate bubble that led up to the subprime mortgage meltdown. But in this important and timely book, Shiller argues that, rather than condemning finance, we need to reclaim it for the common good. He makes a powerful case for recognizing that finance, far from being a parasite on society, is one of the most powerful tools we have for solving our common problems and increasing the general well-being. We need more financial innovation—not less—and finance should play a larger role in helping society achieve its goals. Challenging the public and its leaders to rethink finance and its role in society, Shiller argues that finance should be defined not merely as the manipulation of money or the management of risk but as the stewardship of society's assets. He explains how people in financial careers—from CEO, investment manager, and banker to insurer, lawyer, and regulator—can and do manage, protect, and increase these assets. He describes how finance has historically contributed to the good of society through inventions such as insurance, mortgages, savings accounts, and pensions, and argues that we need to envision new ways to rechannel financial creativity to benefit society as a whole. Ultimately, Shiller shows how society can once again harness the power of finance for the greater good.


Lords of Finance

Lords of Finance

Author: Liaquat Ahamed

Publisher: Penguin

Published: 2009

Total Pages: 584

ISBN-13: 9781594201820

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Argues that the stock market crash of 1929 and subsequent Depression occurred as a result of poor decisions on the part of four central bankers who jointly attempted to reconstruct international finance by reinstating the gold standard.


Book Synopsis Lords of Finance by : Liaquat Ahamed

Download or read book Lords of Finance written by Liaquat Ahamed and published by Penguin. This book was released on 2009 with total page 584 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Argues that the stock market crash of 1929 and subsequent Depression occurred as a result of poor decisions on the part of four central bankers who jointly attempted to reconstruct international finance by reinstating the gold standard.


Financial Intelligence, Revised Edition

Financial Intelligence, Revised Edition

Author: Karen Berman

Publisher: Harvard Business Review Press

Published: 2013-02-19

Total Pages: 304

ISBN-13: 1422144119

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Explains what business numbers mean and why they matter, and addresses issues that have become more important in recent years, including questions about the financial crisis and accounting literacy.


Book Synopsis Financial Intelligence, Revised Edition by : Karen Berman

Download or read book Financial Intelligence, Revised Edition written by Karen Berman and published by Harvard Business Review Press. This book was released on 2013-02-19 with total page 304 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Explains what business numbers mean and why they matter, and addresses issues that have become more important in recent years, including questions about the financial crisis and accounting literacy.


Heroes and Villains of Finance

Heroes and Villains of Finance

Author: Adam Baldwin

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2015-04-17

Total Pages: 216

ISBN-13: 1119039002

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Explore history's titans of finance, and their lasting global impact Heroes and Villains of Finance is a fascinating dive into the history of money as an institution, highlighting the fifty most significant figures that, rightly or wrongly, are responsible for the financial landscape we live in today. From philosophers and bankers to fraudsters and academics, this book provides a striking introduction to the most remarkable characters in the history of finance. Their impact reaches far beyond the financial system itself, and has helped shape the course of human history. The economic systems of today would look very differently if it weren't for these innovators, thought leaders, storytellers, and rebels, and this captivating examination takes you inside their stories to understand their thinking, their background, their perspective, and their inspiration. People both inside and outside the world of finance are perpetually curious about the larger-than-life characters who built, shaped, and continue to populate the industry. Their actions, both positive and negative, are responsible for what we understand as finance today. This book provides a glimpse into the events and motivations that contributed to the industry's evolution. Learn how the Knights Templar became the first banking institution Examine the Rothschild family's pioneering use of financial instruments in order to safeguard their wealth from distrusting European monarchs Study the origins and evolution of the Ponzi scheme Realise how Reaganomics still affects the U.S. economy today The finance industry is always in the public eye, and it's one of the few places where the actions of a few — or even a single person — can ripple throughout large populations. Heroes and Villains of Finance gives you a closer look at the biggest names that had the biggest impact, for better or worse. "This book is a marvellous introduction to a gallery of fascinating figures from the world of Big Money. The author has chosen a brilliant collection of crooks, entrepreneurs, philosophers, economists and bankers. These highly readable short lives provide an excellent education to any reader who wants to understand the personalities who shaped today's world of investment" —Luke Johnson, Chairman of Risk Capital Partners, former chairman of Pizza Express and Channel 4 Television, Financial Times columnist and author of Start It Up "Heroes and Villains of Finance provides a fascinating and insightful guide to the personalities and developments that have transformed finance and continue to do so. Anyone trying to understand where finance is now, how it got there and where it might go should read this book" —Dr Stephen Davies, Institute of Economic Affairs "An exciting, informative ride through the big ideas and even bigger personalities that have shaped the world of finance." —Sam Bowman, The Adam Smith Institute "This delightful book provides a punchy reminder that, whilst we should rightly celebrate the longevity of the vision of the heroes of finance like Adam Smith, the potential downsides of financial innovation have always been with us which we are inclined to forget" —Professor Mike Wright, Professor of Entrepreneurship at Imperial College London and ranked #1 worldwide for publications in academic entrepreneurship


Book Synopsis Heroes and Villains of Finance by : Adam Baldwin

Download or read book Heroes and Villains of Finance written by Adam Baldwin and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2015-04-17 with total page 216 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Explore history's titans of finance, and their lasting global impact Heroes and Villains of Finance is a fascinating dive into the history of money as an institution, highlighting the fifty most significant figures that, rightly or wrongly, are responsible for the financial landscape we live in today. From philosophers and bankers to fraudsters and academics, this book provides a striking introduction to the most remarkable characters in the history of finance. Their impact reaches far beyond the financial system itself, and has helped shape the course of human history. The economic systems of today would look very differently if it weren't for these innovators, thought leaders, storytellers, and rebels, and this captivating examination takes you inside their stories to understand their thinking, their background, their perspective, and their inspiration. People both inside and outside the world of finance are perpetually curious about the larger-than-life characters who built, shaped, and continue to populate the industry. Their actions, both positive and negative, are responsible for what we understand as finance today. This book provides a glimpse into the events and motivations that contributed to the industry's evolution. Learn how the Knights Templar became the first banking institution Examine the Rothschild family's pioneering use of financial instruments in order to safeguard their wealth from distrusting European monarchs Study the origins and evolution of the Ponzi scheme Realise how Reaganomics still affects the U.S. economy today The finance industry is always in the public eye, and it's one of the few places where the actions of a few — or even a single person — can ripple throughout large populations. Heroes and Villains of Finance gives you a closer look at the biggest names that had the biggest impact, for better or worse. "This book is a marvellous introduction to a gallery of fascinating figures from the world of Big Money. The author has chosen a brilliant collection of crooks, entrepreneurs, philosophers, economists and bankers. These highly readable short lives provide an excellent education to any reader who wants to understand the personalities who shaped today's world of investment" —Luke Johnson, Chairman of Risk Capital Partners, former chairman of Pizza Express and Channel 4 Television, Financial Times columnist and author of Start It Up "Heroes and Villains of Finance provides a fascinating and insightful guide to the personalities and developments that have transformed finance and continue to do so. Anyone trying to understand where finance is now, how it got there and where it might go should read this book" —Dr Stephen Davies, Institute of Economic Affairs "An exciting, informative ride through the big ideas and even bigger personalities that have shaped the world of finance." —Sam Bowman, The Adam Smith Institute "This delightful book provides a punchy reminder that, whilst we should rightly celebrate the longevity of the vision of the heroes of finance like Adam Smith, the potential downsides of financial innovation have always been with us which we are inclined to forget" —Professor Mike Wright, Professor of Entrepreneurship at Imperial College London and ranked #1 worldwide for publications in academic entrepreneurship


Guardians of Finance

Guardians of Finance

Author: James R. Barth

Publisher: MIT Press

Published: 2014-08-29

Total Pages: 295

ISBN-13: 0262526840

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How the unaccountable, unmonitorable, and unchecked actions of regulators precipitated the global financial crisis; and how to reform the system. The recent financial crisis was an accident, a “perfect storm” fueled by an unforeseeable confluence of events that unfortunately combined to bring down the global financial systems. Or at least this is the story told and retold by a chorus of luminaries that includes Timothy Geithner, Henry Paulson, Robert Rubin, Ben Bernanke, and Alan Greenspan. In Guardians of Finance, economists James Barth, Gerard Caprio, and Ross Levine argue that the financial meltdown of 2007 to 2009 was no accident; it was negligent homicide. They show that senior regulatory officials around the world knew or should have known that their policies were destabilizing the global financial system and yet chose not to act until the crisis had fully emerged. Barth, Caprio, and Levine propose a reform to counter this systemic failure: the establishment of a “Sentinel” to provide an informed, expert, and independent assessment of financial regulation. Its sole power would be to demand information and to evaluate it from the perspective of the public—rather than that of the financial industry, the regulators, or politicians.


Book Synopsis Guardians of Finance by : James R. Barth

Download or read book Guardians of Finance written by James R. Barth and published by MIT Press. This book was released on 2014-08-29 with total page 295 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: How the unaccountable, unmonitorable, and unchecked actions of regulators precipitated the global financial crisis; and how to reform the system. The recent financial crisis was an accident, a “perfect storm” fueled by an unforeseeable confluence of events that unfortunately combined to bring down the global financial systems. Or at least this is the story told and retold by a chorus of luminaries that includes Timothy Geithner, Henry Paulson, Robert Rubin, Ben Bernanke, and Alan Greenspan. In Guardians of Finance, economists James Barth, Gerard Caprio, and Ross Levine argue that the financial meltdown of 2007 to 2009 was no accident; it was negligent homicide. They show that senior regulatory officials around the world knew or should have known that their policies were destabilizing the global financial system and yet chose not to act until the crisis had fully emerged. Barth, Caprio, and Levine propose a reform to counter this systemic failure: the establishment of a “Sentinel” to provide an informed, expert, and independent assessment of financial regulation. Its sole power would be to demand information and to evaluate it from the perspective of the public—rather than that of the financial industry, the regulators, or politicians.


Case Problems in Finance

Case Problems in Finance

Author: W. Carl Kester

Publisher: McGraw-Hill Education

Published: 2005

Total Pages: 806

ISBN-13: 9780071239271

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Case Problems in Finance is a Harvard case course presenting real business situations that pose debatable alternative courses of action. The cases contain problems that can be narrowed but not always settled by the usual techniques of financial analysis. It will teach students to discover ways of thinking that are productive in handling different types of managerial problems intelligently. The cases are grouped by major topics: financial analysis and forecasting, cost of capital, working capital management, capital budgeting, dividend policy, debt policy, financial execution, and mergers and restructuring.


Book Synopsis Case Problems in Finance by : W. Carl Kester

Download or read book Case Problems in Finance written by W. Carl Kester and published by McGraw-Hill Education. This book was released on 2005 with total page 806 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Case Problems in Finance is a Harvard case course presenting real business situations that pose debatable alternative courses of action. The cases contain problems that can be narrowed but not always settled by the usual techniques of financial analysis. It will teach students to discover ways of thinking that are productive in handling different types of managerial problems intelligently. The cases are grouped by major topics: financial analysis and forecasting, cost of capital, working capital management, capital budgeting, dividend policy, debt policy, financial execution, and mergers and restructuring.


A Pragmatist's Guide to Leveraged Finance

A Pragmatist's Guide to Leveraged Finance

Author: Robert S. Kricheff

Publisher: FT Press

Published: 2012-02-27

Total Pages: 282

ISBN-13: 0132855240

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The high-yield leveraged bond and loan market (“junk bonds”) is now valued at $3+ trillion in North America, €1 trillion in Europe, and another $1 trillion in emerging markets. What’s more, based on the maturity schedules of current debt, it’s poised for massive growth. To successfully issue, evaluate, and invest in high-yield debt, however, financial professionals need credit and bond analysis skills specific to these instruments. Now, for the first time, there’s a complete, practical, and expert tutorial and workbook covering all facets of modern leveraged finance analysis. In A Pragmatist’s Guide to Leveraged Finance, Credit Suisse managing director Bob Kricheff explains why conventional analysis techniques are inadequate for leveraged instruments, clearly defines the unique challenges sellers and buyers face, walks step-by-step through deriving essential data for pricing and decision-making, and demonstrates how to apply it. Using practical examples, sample documents, Excel worksheets, and graphs, Kricheff covers all this, and much more: yields, spreads, and total return; ratio analysis of liquidity and asset value; business trend analysis; modeling and scenarios; potential interest rate impacts; evaluating and potentially escaping leveraged finance covenants; how to assess equity (and why it matters); investing on news and events; early stage credit; and creating accurate credit snapshots. This book is an indispensable resource for all investment and underwriting professionals, money managers, consultants, accountants, advisors, and lawyers working in leveraged finance. In fact, it teaches credit analysis skills that will be valuable in analyzing a wide variety of higher-risk investments, including growth stocks.


Book Synopsis A Pragmatist's Guide to Leveraged Finance by : Robert S. Kricheff

Download or read book A Pragmatist's Guide to Leveraged Finance written by Robert S. Kricheff and published by FT Press. This book was released on 2012-02-27 with total page 282 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The high-yield leveraged bond and loan market (“junk bonds”) is now valued at $3+ trillion in North America, €1 trillion in Europe, and another $1 trillion in emerging markets. What’s more, based on the maturity schedules of current debt, it’s poised for massive growth. To successfully issue, evaluate, and invest in high-yield debt, however, financial professionals need credit and bond analysis skills specific to these instruments. Now, for the first time, there’s a complete, practical, and expert tutorial and workbook covering all facets of modern leveraged finance analysis. In A Pragmatist’s Guide to Leveraged Finance, Credit Suisse managing director Bob Kricheff explains why conventional analysis techniques are inadequate for leveraged instruments, clearly defines the unique challenges sellers and buyers face, walks step-by-step through deriving essential data for pricing and decision-making, and demonstrates how to apply it. Using practical examples, sample documents, Excel worksheets, and graphs, Kricheff covers all this, and much more: yields, spreads, and total return; ratio analysis of liquidity and asset value; business trend analysis; modeling and scenarios; potential interest rate impacts; evaluating and potentially escaping leveraged finance covenants; how to assess equity (and why it matters); investing on news and events; early stage credit; and creating accurate credit snapshots. This book is an indispensable resource for all investment and underwriting professionals, money managers, consultants, accountants, advisors, and lawyers working in leveraged finance. In fact, it teaches credit analysis skills that will be valuable in analyzing a wide variety of higher-risk investments, including growth stocks.


Just Money

Just Money

Author: Katrin Kaufer

Publisher: MIT Press

Published: 2021-02-02

Total Pages: 189

ISBN-13: 0262542226

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How to use finance as a tool to build a more equitable and sustainable society. Money defines our present and will shape our future. Every investment decision we make adds a chapter to the story of what our world will look like. Although the idea of mission-based finance has been around for decades, there is a gap between organizations' stated intention to "do good" and meaningful impact. Still, some are succeeding. In Just Money, Katrin Kaufer and Lillian Steponaitis take readers on a global tour of financial institutions that use finance as a force for good.


Book Synopsis Just Money by : Katrin Kaufer

Download or read book Just Money written by Katrin Kaufer and published by MIT Press. This book was released on 2021-02-02 with total page 189 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: How to use finance as a tool to build a more equitable and sustainable society. Money defines our present and will shape our future. Every investment decision we make adds a chapter to the story of what our world will look like. Although the idea of mission-based finance has been around for decades, there is a gap between organizations' stated intention to "do good" and meaningful impact. Still, some are succeeding. In Just Money, Katrin Kaufer and Lillian Steponaitis take readers on a global tour of financial institutions that use finance as a force for good.


Finance for Nonfinancial Managers, Second Edition (Briefcase Books Series)

Finance for Nonfinancial Managers, Second Edition (Briefcase Books Series)

Author: Gene Siciliano

Publisher: McGraw Hill Professional

Published: 2014-08-29

Total Pages: 256

ISBN-13: 0071824375

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AN INTRODUCTION TO FINANCIAL REPORTS--WITH NEW TACTICS FOR BUDGETING AND PINPOINTING KEY FINANCIAL AREAS Financial decisions impact virtually every area of your company. As a manager, it's up to you to understand how and why. Finance for Nonfinancial Managers helps you understand the information in essential financial reports and then shows you how to use that understanding to make informed, intelligent decisions. It provides a solid working knowledge of: Basic Financial Reports--All about balance sheets, income statements, cash flow statements, and more Cost Accounting--Methods to assess which products or services are most profitable to your firm Operational Planning and Budgeting--Ways to use financial knowledge to strengthen your company Briefcase Books, written specifically for today's busy manager, feature eye-catching icons, checklists, and sidebars to guide managers step-by-step through everyday workplace situations. Look for these innovative design features to help you navigate through each page: Key Terms: Clear defi nitions of key terms and concepts Smart Managing: Tactics and strategies for managing change Tricks of the Trade: Tips for executing the tactics in the book Mistake Proofing: Practical advice for minimizing the possibility of error Caution: Warning signs for when things are about to go wrong For Example: Examples of successful change-management tactics Tools: Specific planning procedures, tactics, and hands-on techniques


Book Synopsis Finance for Nonfinancial Managers, Second Edition (Briefcase Books Series) by : Gene Siciliano

Download or read book Finance for Nonfinancial Managers, Second Edition (Briefcase Books Series) written by Gene Siciliano and published by McGraw Hill Professional. This book was released on 2014-08-29 with total page 256 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: AN INTRODUCTION TO FINANCIAL REPORTS--WITH NEW TACTICS FOR BUDGETING AND PINPOINTING KEY FINANCIAL AREAS Financial decisions impact virtually every area of your company. As a manager, it's up to you to understand how and why. Finance for Nonfinancial Managers helps you understand the information in essential financial reports and then shows you how to use that understanding to make informed, intelligent decisions. It provides a solid working knowledge of: Basic Financial Reports--All about balance sheets, income statements, cash flow statements, and more Cost Accounting--Methods to assess which products or services are most profitable to your firm Operational Planning and Budgeting--Ways to use financial knowledge to strengthen your company Briefcase Books, written specifically for today's busy manager, feature eye-catching icons, checklists, and sidebars to guide managers step-by-step through everyday workplace situations. Look for these innovative design features to help you navigate through each page: Key Terms: Clear defi nitions of key terms and concepts Smart Managing: Tactics and strategies for managing change Tricks of the Trade: Tips for executing the tactics in the book Mistake Proofing: Practical advice for minimizing the possibility of error Caution: Warning signs for when things are about to go wrong For Example: Examples of successful change-management tactics Tools: Specific planning procedures, tactics, and hands-on techniques


Seeking Virtue in Finance

Seeking Virtue in Finance

Author: JC de Swaan

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2020-09-17

Total Pages: 249

ISBN-13: 1108692141

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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.


Book Synopsis Seeking Virtue in Finance by : JC de Swaan

Download or read book Seeking Virtue in Finance written by JC de Swaan and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2020-09-17 with total page 249 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: 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.