HONORABLE MERCHANTS

THE BILLIONAIRE’S TALE

The concept of "Honorable Merchant" emerged in medieval Europe and remained important until the 19th century. In cities like Hamburg, Milan, and Amsterdam, merchants held not only economic but also social and political responsibilities. Their success depended on ethical conduct, social awareness and community support. However, by the 20th century, industrialization, nation-states and the rise of capital markets overshadowed these ideals. Today, globalization, digitalization and climate change have revived the focus on corporate responsibility. Society now expects businesses to prioritize ethical practices, environmental sustainability and governance. But what about today’s leading entrepreneurs, where do they live up to the legacy of the "Honorable Merchant", demonstrating both economic success and social responsibility?