Who We Are

Capital Concept is an independent ESG and Corporate Governance consulting firm that supports corporations around the world in the development and implementation of sustainable business practices. 

For more than 20 years of experience, the firm has been at the forefront of ESG research, advocacy, consulting, and innovation in an ever-evolving corporate landscape. Capital Concept has been supporting companies across all industries in integrating ESG considerations into their policies, practices, and strategies. Capital Concept has been assisting in ESG risk and compliance oversight, meeting investor requirements, achieving corporate sustainability objectives, and driving a significant impact by guiding the enhancement of sustainability performance across the company and its value chain.

OUR PURPOSE

Triggering an Inflection Point in Corporate Behavior

Since 2005, Capital Concept has been adopting a collaborative and inclusive approach by working alongside regulators, civil society, academia, international organizations and DFIs in an effort to trigger an inflection point in corporate behavior.

As a purpose-led company, Capital Concept recognizes the vital role of businesses in finding solutions to the world’s most pressing human centered problems, such as climate change and inequality. We believe that a new approach to business is required, one that prioritizes environmental and social impact, alongside financial success.

Beyond collaboration, Capital Concept utilizes an iterative problem-solving approach that triggers innovation. This approach ensures we adapt and evolve to meet the changing needs of our clients and the wider business community. 

By adopting ESG standards, companies become more resilient to shocks all while ensuring prosperous future.

OUR ASPIRATIONS

Promoting the adoption of international ESG standards and best practices by corporations and investors, fostering principles of good governance, integrity, and accountability.

Facilitating the exchange of knowledge among corporations and investors regarding the advantages of sustainable investment practices, including enhanced risk-adjusted returns, positive social and environmental impacts, and stakeholder protection.

Encouraging the incorporation of ESG due diligence as an integral part of responsible investing, coupled with providing ESG reporting to investors.

Advocating for the understanding of risks and opportunities associated with impact investing, contributing to the creation of positive social and environmental impact.

Providing actionable recommendations to enhance corporations’ ESG practices, pushing beyond compliance requirements and fostering a culture of sustainability.

OUR JOURNEY

Building on years of corporate governance research and advocacy in collaboration with local and international organization like CIPE, OECD, Transparency International Lebanon, amongst others, led to the foundation of Capital Concept to provide guidance on corporate governance to companies and regulators.

2006

Capital Concept played a key role in the establishment of Hawkama, a Dubai-based institute for corporate governance in the Middle East

2007 - 2012

Capital Concept advised prominent companies in the Middle East, including Al Qudra Holding PJSC, National Bank of Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, National Marine Dredging Company, Brand Owners’ Protection Group, amongst many others.

2013 - 2017

Capital Concept launched the Shareholder-Rights initiative to promote good governance practices, control environments, disclosure, transparency, and investor rights in MENA Capital Markets-listed companies. The company's recommendations supported regulators in policymaking and have successfully influenced significant regulations, such as those pertaining to investor relations, women's participation on boards, succession planning, and the disclosure of board and management remuneration.

2018 - 2021

As part of the Shareholder-Rights initiative, Capital Concept launched the ESG methodologies that were developed in collaboration with the United Nations Lebanon, UNIDO, ILO, FAO, UNDP and WHO, as well as IFC and EBRD. The methodologies are anchored in the UN’s Business and Human Rights Guiding Principles and were acclaimed during the Geneva UNBHR congress in November 2018 for their unique approach to investor protection.

2022 - 2023

Capital Concept launched the ESG Stewardship Program in partnership with USAID, providing consulting services to 100 flagship companies and financial institutions across the region. The firm developed ESG Programs, conducted Audits, offered Certifications, and facilitated access to finance for a total of USD 1.1 Billion in the region. Notably, this initiative contributed significantly to the increase in enterprise value (EV) of the 100 companies, witnessing a substantial rise from USD 27B to USD 33B, with an average premium of 20%.