A FORCE FOR GOOD: How Enlightened Finance Can Restore Faith in Capitalism

After the economic crisis, of 2008, the social contract between the financial industry and society at large was badly broker--perhaps, it seemed, irrevocably. Since then, banks have paid billions in fines and settlements and Congress has passed new laws to prevent such a crisis from happening again. Yet a deeper rapprochement is needed. John Taft has gathered some of the greatest financial minds of our time to explore how the industry can harness the same creative energy that invented things like credit default swaps and channel it toward the public good instead. A collaborative effort from twenty of the most respected industry leaders, A Force for Good addresses topics such as creating a stable retirement system; investment strategies that will protect the environment and reward responsible corporate behavior; and a renewed culture of ethics, integrity, and client focus. These kinds of perspectives offer a blueprint for a new kind of capitalism--Enlightened Finance--that will secure the future of everyone. Contributors include: John C. Bogle and Mary Schapiro on rebuilding investor trust Charles D. Ellis on restoring ethical standards Sheila C. Bair on regulatory reform Judd Gregg on long-term fiscal imbalances Robert J. Shiller on the democratization of finance John G. Taft is CEO of RBC Wealth Management-U.S, one of the largest full-service investment, advisory and wealth management firms in the United States. John is a former chairman of the Securities Industry and Financial Markets Association (SIFMA), a current member of the CFA Institute's Future of Finance Advisory Council, and has served a wide range of not-for-profit and public service organizations. Prior to his finance career, John was assistant to the mayor of St. Paul, Minnesota, and a journalist. He is a direct descendant of U.S. President William Howard Taft and Senator Robert A. Taft. His website is