In this fourth and final event in the IFoA Alternative Economic Thinking Thought Leadership Series, part of the 2022/2023 Presidential Speaker Series, Professor of Finance at London Business School, Alex Edmans, critically examines the case for purposeful business, using rigorous evidence and real-life examples to show what works – and, importantly, what doesn’t.

Purpose is the corporate buzzword of today, with politicians, the public, and even shareholders calling on businesses to serve wider society. But purpose is also controversial because companies have a responsibility to deliver returns to investors.

Is there a trade-off between purpose and profit, or is it possible for companies to achieve both?