Mehul M. Thakker
Investment Advisor, Progressive Asset Management-FWG
SRI-Building a Global Standard with the United Nations Global Compact and Principles for Responsible Investment

The modern global financial crisis which began last year has called into question the benefits of unfettered free market capitalism, and has given the business and investor community additional reasons to seek out new standards of regulation and new definitions of success that will be sustainable. As people engage in the global exchange of labor, capital, goods, and culture, it is more important than ever to consider the common needs and priorities of not only businesses, but the civil societies in which we operate. Can global standards of responsible investment truly be adopted by the business and investor community? What should those standards emphasize and who/what should they protect and benefit? The United Nations has taken the lead in defining a new paradigm for global business and investors, with a focus on human rights, labor, the environment, and anti-corruption. Progressive Asset Management, Inc. along with other private sector companies, has reshaped it's 20+ year old SRI guidelines to adhere to the UN Global Compact and Principles for Responsible Investment.

Mehul M. Thakker is an Investment Advisor with Progressive Asset Management-FWG (PAM-FWG), focusing on socially responsible investing (SRI) and community development. Founded in 1987, PAM is the nation’s first full service broker dealer to specialize in SRI. Mr. Thakker began his investment career with UBS PaineWebber in 2001 and has been an Investment Advisor with PAM-FWG since 2003.

As an Advisor with PAM-FWG, Mr. Thakker advises individuals, businesses, and non-profit organizations on how to develop investment policies and portfolios that are consistent with their social and environmental goals, while adhering to fiduciary responsibilities.

Mr. Thakker has broad experience in the areas of domestic/international investing, and community development, and is active in the movement for shareholder rights and corporate social responsibility. In addition, he has served on the boards of several non-profits, including as Finance Director of the Network of Indian Professionals-SFBA, and Youth Together, Inc., an Oakland, CA based youth empowerment and education organization. 

In 2006, Mr. Thakker was a contributing author to the book, California Under Corporate Rule, and was the Green Party candidate for Treasurer of the State of California. He received his B.S. with honors in Business Management from the University of Texas at Dallas in 1999 and currently resides in Oakland, CA.