Unhedged The ethics of investing for dictators
Aug 29, 2024
Toby Nangle, a former asset manager and current journalist at the FT, delves into the murky ethics of investing for authoritarian regimes. He shares his journey from finance to journalism after grappling with moral dilemmas surrounding human rights abuses in sovereign wealth funds. The conversation highlights the tension between profit and personal values, stressing the need for ethical engagement in investment practices. Nangle also reflects on the political implications of these investments, like how they can serve dual economic and political goals.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Catalyst for Change
- Toby Nangle felt uncomfortable managing money for authoritarian regimes engaging in heinous acts.
- A friend's story about a Saudi teen facing execution for attending a pro-democracy rally was a turning point.
Complicity in Client Actions
- Managing money for certain clients increases their agency, which can be used for good or evil.
- Nangle's work made him feel complicit in clients' actions, prompting his career change.
Ethical Boundaries
- Individuals and companies should establish ethical boundaries in their professional lives.
- While personal lines may vary, it's important to have them.