It seems to me that in the last few years the field of economics and finance is getting increasingly mathematical. https://www.aeaweb.org/gradstudents/Mathematical_Preparation.php
https://www.aeaweb.org/gradstudents/Recommended_Mathematical_Training.php
So, unless one is expecting to take a watered down version of econ and finance in grad school, it is becoming difficult to do well in these subjects without advanced math. Perhaps, the reason is that PhDs from Economics departments in schools such as Caltech and MIT are increasingly presenting their ideas using advanced math. So, it is becoming essential for those earning Masters in Business, Finance and Economics to have the ability to read and understand what they are saying.
What I am finding out is that many top programs such as Wharton will grant conditional admission, expecting candidates to take advanced math, finance, accounting and statistics over the summer.
You are right many top programs have no Calc requirement. However, many top programs also claim to not have a minimum GMAT score requirement. However, we all know there are expectations for a certain Quant and Verbal score.