ESG in a Volatile World: Profit, Purpose or Politics?

Register today ›

About | Agenda | Speakers | SDG Hive | Sponsors | Register

Now in its seventh year, Ethical Finance Global 2022 is the premier Edinburgh summit driving finance for positive change.

After being held virtually in 2020 and 2021, our flagship summit returns as an in-person event in 2022, taking place in Edinburgh on Tuesday 6 September, hosted by NatWest Group at their Edinburgh Gogarburn HQ.

We will hear from experts on sustainable and responsible finance around the world on the theme of “ESG in a Volatile World – Profit, Purpose or Politics?”

Alongside the summit the SDG Hive, a series of workshops, power roundtables and hackathons, will be held with industry experts and global leaders on the Monday 5th and Wednesday 7th September 2022 at the RBS Business School on the Gogarburn campus (see further below).

  • In-person summit
  • Senior representatives from across finance
  • Open, frank discussion
  • Ample networking opportunities
  • Evening reception at Edinburgh Castle
Register ›

Agenda

As well as looking at macroeconomic issues impacting global markets, we will have specific sessions on topics including:

  • The growing impact of conflict and geopolitics in ESG
  • Core global challenges in financing climate adaptation and mitigation
  • The role of finance in protecting and restoring nature and biodiversity
  • The emergence of the S in ESG as a core priority
  • The role of financial leaders in defining organisational purpose
  • Financing the SDGs

Click on the agenda cover for further details:

Our Agenda

As well as looking at macroeconomic issues impacting global markets, we will have specific sessions on topics including:

  • The growing impact of conflict and geopolitics in ESG
  • Core global challenges in financing climate adaptation and mitigation
  • The role of finance in protecting and restoring nature and biodiversity
  • The emergence of the S in ESG as a core priority
  • The role of financial leaders in defining organisational purpose
  • Financing the SDGs

To view the agenda, navigate using the tabs below or click here to download a PDF version.

Registration/Networking

9:00-9:30

Welcome and Opening Keynotes

Session 1

Welcome

Omar Shaikh, Managing Director, Global Ethical Finance Initiative
Judith Cruickshank, Regional MD Business Banking, NatWest Group

Session 2

Keynote

Anshula Kant, MD, World Bank
Dame Susan Rice, Chair, Banking Standards Board

Omar Shaikh

Director & Co-founder, Global Ethical Finance Initiative

Omar is the Managing Director of the Global Ethical Finance Initiative

Judith Cruickshank

Regional Managing Director, Scotland & North of England at Royal Bank of Scotland and NatWest

Judith has worked with NatWest for 14 years in a variety of roles, focused on customer solutions for both Retail and Commercial customers.

Anshula Kant

Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer, World Bank Group

Anshula is responsible for financial and risk management reporting to the President. She has more than 35 years experience in banking

Dame Susan Rice

Chair, Global Steering Group

Dame Susan Rice is the Chair of the UK's Banking Standards Board and the GEFI Global Steering Group.

S in ESG

Session 3

Fireside discussion: Geopolitical risk and ethical finance

» Moderator

Dame Susan Rice, Chair, Banking Standards Board

» Speakers

Saker Nusseibeh, CEO, Federated Hermes Investment

Dame Susan Rice

Chair, Financial Services Culture Board and GEFI Global Steering Group

Dame Susan Rice is the Chair of the Financial Services Culture Board and Chairs the GEFI Global Steering Group

Saker Nusseibeh CBE

Chief Executive, Federated Hermes Limited

Saker is Chief Executive of Federated Hermes Limited and is also a member of the Federated Hermes, Inc. Executive team.

Session 4

» Keynote

Lord Mayor Vincent Keaveny, Lord Mayor of the City of London

» Moderator

Allan Watt, Senior Advisor, GEFI

» Speakers

Usha Rao-Monari, Under Secretary General and Associate Administrator, UNDP
Thom Kenrick, Head of Social Strategy and Impact, NatWest Group
Azman Mokhtar, Chairman, Lembaga Tabung Haji Malaysia

Alderman Vincent Keaveny

Lord Mayor of the City of London

Vincent advises arrangers, originators & rating agencies on structured finance, securitisation and derivatives transactions in UK & Europe

Allan Watt

Senior Advisor

Allan Watt is a Director at GEFI with wide experience in public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK and oversea

Usha Rao-Monari

Under Secretary General and Associate Administrator, UNDP

Usha has over 30 years of investment experience and has held several senior positions, particularly in the infrastructure area.

Thom Kenrick

Head of Social Strategy & Impact, NatWest Group

Thom is Head of Social Strategy and Impact at NatWest Group.  Thom’s team lead the bank’s approach to social issues and the UN SDGs

Tan Sri Azman Mokhtar

Chairman, Lembaga Tabung Haji Malaysia

Azman was previously the Managing Director for Khazanah Nasional Berhad, Malaysia's strategic investment fund for over 14 years

Break and Networking

Climate

Session 5

Keynote

The Rt. Hon. Alok Sharma MP, COP26 President
Michael Matheson MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport, Scottish Government

The Rt Hon Alok Sharma MP

COP26 President, UK Government

Alok was appointed full-time President for COP 26 in 2021. He has over 16 years of experience in banking before his career in politics.

Michael Matheson MSP

MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport, Scottish Government

Michael was appointed Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport in May 2021.

Session 6

Data and Frameworks Presentation

» Speakers

Datuk Zainal Izlan Zainal Abidin, Chairman, Capital Markets Malaysia

Datuk Zainal Izlan Zainal Abidin

Chairman, Capital Markets Malaysia

Session 7

Question time panel: Achieving net zero panel

» Moderator

David Pitt-Watson, Fellow at Cambridge Judge Business School

» Speakers

Chris Hayward, Policy Chairman, City of London
Eva Cairns, Head of Sustainability Insights and Climate Strategy, abrdn
James Wilde, Chief Sustainability Officer, Phoenix Group

David Pitt-Watson

David Pitt-Watson

Investor & Visiting Fellow, Cambridge University

David is a leading thinker & practitioner in responsible investment, and a former Chair of UNEP FI.

Chris Hayward

Chairman of the Policy Committee - City of London Corporation

Chris is a leading local government politician and commercial property investment specialist.

Eva Cairns

Head of Sustainability Insights & Climate Strategy, abrdn

Eva is responsible for leading abrdn’s strategy for sustainability insights, climate change and the firm’s approach to net zero

James Wilde

Chief Sustainability Officer, Phoenix Group

James has over 18 years’ experience in climate change and sustainability.

Lunch & Networking

Nature

Session 8

Bank of England’s initial response to nature risks

» Presenter

Sarah Breeden, Executive Director of Financial Stability, Bank of England

Sarah Breeden

Executive Director for Financial Stability Strategy, Bank of England

Sarah is member of the FPC Committee and leads the Bank of England’s work on climate change, domestically and internationally.

Session 9

Fireside discussion: Is nature finance feasible?

» Moderator

Romie Goedicke, Project and Technical Manager, UNEP FI

» Speakers

Sarah Breeden, Executive Director of Financial Stability, Bank of England
Kathy Benini, MD, IHS Markit

Romie Goedicke

Project & Technical Manager Nature, UNEP FI

Romie is an experienced senior program manager, with a demonstrated history in sustainable finance.

Sarah Breeden

Executive Director for Financial Stability Strategy, Bank of England

Sarah is member of the FPC Committee and leads the Bank of England’s work on climate change, domestically and internationally.

Kathy Benini

Managing Director and Global Head of Environmental Products, IHS Markit

Kathy joined in 2009 and has been responsible for the development and growth of IHS Markit’s environmental businesses.

Alessandra Mongiardino

Director of Financial and Strategic Risks, NatWest Group

Alessandra Mongiardino is the Director of Financial & Strategic Risk at NatWest Group and a member of Risk ExCo.

Break & Networking

Leadership & Purpose

Session 10

Fireside discussion: Defining purpose

» Panellists

Simon Thompson, CEO, Chartered Banker Institute
Dr Sarah Ivory, Director, Centre for Business, Climate Change, and Sustainability, University of Edinburgh
Will Goodhart, CEO, CFA UK

Simon Thompson

Chief Executive, Chartered Banker Institute

Simon was appointed in 2007 after working for ACCA and IFAC. Under his leadership, CBI is the largest professional body of bankers in the UK

Dr Sarah Ivory

Director, University of Edinburgh Business School’s Centre for Business, Climate Change and Sustainability

Dr Sarah Ivory is the Director of the University of Edinburgh Business School’s Centre for Business, Climate Change and Sustainability

Will Goodhart

Chief Executive Officer, CFA Society of the UK

Will leads the Society's advocacy and engagement work and authored its 2016 report on the 'Value of the Investment Profession'.

Session 11

Keynotes

Julia Hoggett, CEO, London Stock Exchange Group

Julia Hoggett

CEO, London Stock Exchange

Julia Hoggett has been CEO of London Stock Exchange since 2020, having previously worked at the Financial Conduct Authority

Travel & Networking

18:00-20:00

Edinburgh Castle Reception, The Great Hall

Registration & networking

Welcome & opening keynote

Welcome from the hosts and organisers, and high-profile opening keynotes.

Omar Shaikh

Director & Co-founder, Global Ethical Finance Initiative

Omar is the Managing Director of the Global Ethical Finance Initiative

Judith Cruickshank

Regional Managing Director, Scotland & North of England at Royal Bank of Scotland and NatWest

Judith has worked with NatWest for 14 years in a variety of roles, focused on customer solutions for both Retail and Commercial customers.

Anshula Kant

Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer, World Bank Group

Anshula is responsible for financial and risk management reporting to the President. She has more than 35 years experience in banking

Dame Susan Rice

Chair, Global Steering Group

Dame Susan Rice is the Chair of the UK's Banking Standards Board and the GEFI Global Steering Group.

Geopolitical risk and ethical finance

Fireside discussion on how the finance sector respond to ongoing conflicts and lessons learned from the recent war in Ukraine.

Dame Susan Rice

Chair, Financial Services Culture Board and GEFI Global Steering Group

Dame Susan Rice is the Chair of the Financial Services Culture Board and Chairs the GEFI Global Steering Group

Saker Nusseibeh CBE

Chief Executive, Federated Hermes Limited

Saker is Chief Executive of Federated Hermes Limited and is also a member of the Federated Hermes, Inc. Executive team.

Practically integrating different views

Panel discussion with audience questions and participation on social finance: the ‘S’ in ESG.

Alderman Vincent Keaveny

Lord Mayor of the City of London

Vincent advises arrangers, originators & rating agencies on structured finance, securitisation and derivatives transactions in UK & Europe

Allan Watt

Senior Advisor

Allan Watt is a Director at GEFI with wide experience in public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK and oversea

Usha Rao-Monari

Under Secretary General and Associate Administrator, UNDP

Usha has over 30 years of investment experience and has held several senior positions, particularly in the infrastructure area.

Thom Kenrick

Head of Social Strategy & Impact, NatWest Group

Thom is Head of Social Strategy and Impact at NatWest Group.  Thom’s team lead the bank’s approach to social issues and the UN SDGs

Tan Sri Azman Mokhtar

Chairman, Lembaga Tabung Haji Malaysia

Azman was previously the Managing Director for Khazanah Nasional Berhad, Malaysia's strategic investment fund for over 14 years

Break & networking

Climate keynote

A keynote presentation on the transition to net zero, climate challenges and to progress post COP26.

The Rt Hon Alok Sharma MP

COP26 President, UK Government

Alok was appointed full-time President for COP 26 in 2021. He has over 16 years of experience in banking before his career in politics.

Michael Matheson MSP

MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport, Scottish Government

Michael was appointed Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport in May 2021.

Achieving net zero

Panel discussion involving regulator and international perspectives with audience questions and participation on achieving net zero.

David Pitt-Watson

David Pitt-Watson

Investor & Visiting Fellow, Cambridge University

David is a leading thinker & practitioner in responsible investment, and a former Chair of UNEP FI.

Chris Hayward

Chairman of the Policy Committee - City of London Corporation

Chris is a leading local government politician and commercial property investment specialist.

Eva Cairns

Head of Sustainability Insights & Climate Strategy, abrdn

Eva is responsible for leading abrdn’s strategy for sustainability insights, climate change and the firm’s approach to net zero

James Wilde

Chief Sustainability Officer, Phoenix Group

James has over 18 years’ experience in climate change and sustainability.

Lunch & networking

Nature presentation

Presentation on Bank of England’s initial response to nature as a financial risk.

Sarah Breeden

Executive Director for Financial Stability Strategy, Bank of England

Sarah is member of the FPC Committee and leads the Bank of England’s work on climate change, domestically and internationally.

Is nature finance feasible?

A general discussion on how to finance nature protection, and the feasability of nature finance outside of carbon credits.

Romie Goedicke

Project & Technical Manager Nature, UNEP FI

Romie is an experienced senior program manager, with a demonstrated history in sustainable finance.

Sarah Breeden

Executive Director for Financial Stability Strategy, Bank of England

Sarah is member of the FPC Committee and leads the Bank of England’s work on climate change, domestically and internationally.

Kathy Benini

Managing Director and Global Head of Environmental Products, IHS Markit

Kathy joined in 2009 and has been responsible for the development and growth of IHS Markit’s environmental businesses.

Alessandra Mongiardino

Director of Financial and Strategic Risks, NatWest Group

Alessandra Mongiardino is the Director of Financial & Strategic Risk at NatWest Group and a member of Risk ExCo.

Defining purpose

Discussion on the concept of how organisations can effectively define and embed purpose.

Simon Thompson

Chief Executive, Chartered Banker Institute

Simon was appointed in 2007 after working for ACCA and IFAC. Under his leadership, CBI is the largest professional body of bankers in the UK

Dr Sarah Ivory

Director, University of Edinburgh Business School’s Centre for Business, Climate Change and Sustainability

Dr Sarah Ivory is the Director of the University of Edinburgh Business School’s Centre for Business, Climate Change and Sustainability

Will Goodhart

Chief Executive Officer, CFA Society of the UK

Will leads the Society's advocacy and engagement work and authored its 2016 report on the 'Value of the Investment Profession'.

Networking & travel to evening reception

Speakers

Anshula Kant

Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer, World Bank Group

Anshula is responsible for financial and risk management reporting to the President. She has more than 35 years experience in banking

The Rt Hon Alok Sharma MP

COP26 President, UK Government

Alok was appointed full-time President for COP 26 in 2021. He has over 16 years of experience in banking before his career in politics.

Saker Nusseibeh CBE

Chief Executive, Federated Hermes Limited

Saker is Chief Executive of Federated Hermes Limited and is also a member of the Federated Hermes, Inc. Executive team.

Usha Rao-Monari

Under Secretary General and Associate Administrator, UNDP

Usha has over 30 years of investment experience and has held several senior positions, particularly in the infrastructure area.

Sarah Breeden

Executive Director for Financial Stability Strategy, Bank of England

Sarah is member of the FPC Committee and leads the Bank of England’s work on climate change, domestically and internationally.

Kathy Benini

Managing Director and Global Head of Environmental Products, IHS Markit

Kathy joined in 2009 and has been responsible for the development and growth of IHS Markit’s environmental businesses.

Thom Kenrick

Head of Social Strategy & Impact, NatWest Group

Thom is Head of Social Strategy and Impact at NatWest Group.  Thom’s team lead the bank’s approach to social issues and the UN SDGs

Simon Thompson

Chief Executive, Chartered Banker Institute

Simon was appointed in 2007 after working for ACCA and IFAC. Under his leadership, CBI is the largest professional body of bankers in the UK

David Pitt-Watson

David Pitt-Watson

Investor & Visiting Fellow, Cambridge University

David is a leading thinker & practitioner in responsible investment, and a former Chair of UNEP FI.

Michael Matheson MSP

MSP, Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport, Scottish Government

Michael was appointed Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport in May 2021.

Eva Cairns

Head of Sustainability Insights & Climate Strategy, abrdn

Eva is responsible for leading abrdn’s strategy for sustainability insights, climate change and the firm’s approach to net zero

Dame Susan Rice

Chair, Financial Services Culture Board and GEFI Global Steering Group

Dame Susan Rice is the Chair of the Financial Services Culture Board and Chairs the GEFI Global Steering Group

Omar Shaikh

Director & Co-founder, Global Ethical Finance Initiative

Omar is the Managing Director of the Global Ethical Finance Initiative

Chris Hayward

Chairman of the Policy Committee - City of London Corporation

Chris is a leading local government politician and commercial property investment specialist.

Alderman Vincent Keaveny

Lord Mayor of the City of London

Vincent advises arrangers, originators & rating agencies on structured finance, securitisation and derivatives transactions in UK & Europe

Julia Hoggett

CEO, London Stock Exchange

Julia Hoggett has been CEO of London Stock Exchange since 2020, having previously worked at the Financial Conduct Authority

Judith Cruickshank

Regional Managing Director, Scotland & North of England at Royal Bank of Scotland and NatWest

Judith has worked with NatWest for 14 years in a variety of roles, focused on customer solutions for both Retail and Commercial customers.

James Wilde

Chief Sustainability Officer, Phoenix Group

James has over 18 years’ experience in climate change and sustainability.

Romie Goedicke

Project & Technical Manager Nature, UNEP FI

Romie is an experienced senior program manager, with a demonstrated history in sustainable finance.

Will Goodhart

Chief Executive Officer, CFA Society of the UK

Will leads the Society's advocacy and engagement work and authored its 2016 report on the 'Value of the Investment Profession'.

Alessandra Mongiardino

Director of Financial and Strategic Risks, NatWest Group

Alessandra Mongiardino is the Director of Financial & Strategic Risk at NatWest Group and a member of Risk ExCo.

Tan Sri Azman Mokhtar

Chairman, Lembaga Tabung Haji Malaysia

Azman was previously the Managing Director for Khazanah Nasional Berhad, Malaysia's strategic investment fund for over 14 years

Dr Sarah Ivory

Director, University of Edinburgh Business School’s Centre for Business, Climate Change and Sustainability

Dr Sarah Ivory is the Director of the University of Edinburgh Business School’s Centre for Business, Climate Change and Sustainability

Stephen Hibbert

Global Lead Energy Transition - Sector Coverage, ING

Stephen is a specialist in Energy and Climate Finance, with 35 years of international banking experience, based in the USA, Asia and Europe.

Allan Watt

Senior Advisor

Allan Watt is a Director at GEFI with wide experience in public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK and oversea

Zainal Izlan Zainal Abidin

Chairman, Capital Markets Malaysia

Datuk Zainal Izlan has over 30 years' experience in the financial services industry

Kaisie Rayner

Founder and Director, A Future Worth Living

Kaisie helps financial institutions understand sustainability & their role in the transition to a low carbon economy

Ivan McKee MSP

Minister for Business, Trade, Tourism and Enterprise, Scottish Government

Ivan was appointed Minister for Business, Trade, Tourism and Enterprise in May 2021

Amy Clarke

Co-Founder & CIO, Tribe Impact Capital

Amy is Co Founder & Chief Impact Officer of Tribe, an award winning wealth management firm and B Corps

Timothy Letter

Managing Director, Miller Investment Management

Timothy is a lifelong financial professional and enjoys partnering with clients to set, monitor, and achieve their diverse objectives

Bill McCall

Principal, McCall and Partners

Bill is an experienced international Company Director, Investor & Advisor, has worked with & for a range of private equity organisations

Tariq Shaikh

President RJ Fleming ME

Christof Kutscher

Chief Executive Officer, Climate Asset Management

Christof brings 31 years of experience in the asset management industry.

Dr Bandar Hajjar

Former President, IsDB Group

Dr Bandar drove the IsDB towards significant reform, making the organisation more globally facing.

Lauren Smart

Chief Commercial Officer, S&P Global Sustainable1

Lauren is a senior leader and global expert in sustainable finance

Dr Hayat Sindi

Founder & CEO of the Institute for Quality

Dr. Hayat Sindi is one of the world’s leading biotechnologists and a global champion of science and technology.

Hetal Patel

Head of Climate Investment Risk, Phoenix Group

Hetal had a rich background in institutional investments.

Kate McGrath

ESG Analyst - Fixed Income, abdrn

Kate has worked for abrdn within ESG for 4 years, and as a fixed income specialist for 2 years

Mr. Muhammad Aurangzeb

President & CEO HBL

Mr. Muhammad Aurangzeb joined HBL on April 30, 2018 as the President & CEO.

Irina Kurochkina

Portfolio Manager, Aegon Asset Management

Irina Kurochkina, Portfolio Manager, joined Aegon Asset Management in 2019. Irina focuses on the European sovereign portfolios.

Jesús Martínez

Senior Portfolio Manager, Aegon Asset Management

PhD, CFA, Senior Portfolio Manager, joined Aegon Asset Management in 2010.

Umer Suleman

Global Head of Risk, Wahed

10+ Years’ experience and qualified Governance Risk & Compliance professional with a global remit.

Sultan Choudhury OBE

Islamic Banking Executive, Director, Chairman, Advisor & Charity Trustee

Chartered Accountant, Executive Chairman of Waqfinity and former CEO of Islamic Bank of Britain and Al Rayan Bank

Omobolanle Victor-Laniyan

Unit Head – Sustainability, Access Bank

An executive member of the Access Women Network (AWN), Omobolanle is an advocate for youth and women empowerment.

Natalie Jackson

SDG Platform and Research

Natalie is an Executive Manager at GEFI and sits on the Social Growth Fund Board at Social Investment Scotland

Dr. Hurriyah El Islamy

Executive Board, Foreign Investment and International Relations, BPKH

Member, Board of Trustees, RFI Foundation. Islamic Finance and Capital Market Expert with 24 years of experience.

Dr Joanna Macrae OBE

Head, International Nature Finance, DEFRA

Head, International Nature Finance of Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Seynabou Ba

Founder and CEO, ESG Africa

The SDG Hive is a series of workshops, power roundtables and hackathons being held with industry experts and global leaders.

The deep-dive working sessions, co-curated with our partners, are by invitation only, on Monday 5th and Wednesday 7th September at the NatWest Group Business School, Gogurburn Campus, Edinburgh and will include a residential format. Partners include UKIFC, Global Canopy, Taskforce for Green and Sustainable Finance, and the University of Edinburgh amongst others.

Latest details on the themes for each session are noted below. Please contact chris@globalethicalfinance.org if you would like to participate in any of the sessions, or if your organisation would like to host a session.

Global Leaders

Monday 05 September 2022

1500 – 1730

Power round table with senior FS leaders sharing global views on the finance sectors engagement with the SDGs. Discussions on key contemporary ESG related challenges faced by markets with views from ASEAN, Africa, Europe and the US. Leaders will also share insights on challenges related to leadership and culture.

Islamic Finance

Wednesday 07 September 2022

0930 – 1230

UKIFC led gathering to discuss the progress of the Global Islamic Finance & UN SDGs Taskforce. Discussions will include insights on trends in the green and sustainability sukuk arena, global consumer appetite towards SDG linked financial products and the latest developments in Malaysia, GCC and South Asia in Islamic banking.

Finance for Nature

Wednesday 07 September 2022

0930 – 1300

Scottish Government led workshop following on from our Nature sessions hosted at Loch Lomond during COP26. Discussions will focus on finance for nature and biodiversity, TNFD and developing investible propositions at scale.

Register Now for Financing Nature and Biodiversity Workshop

Women Leaders

Wednesday 07 September 2022

1430 – 1600

Inspiring panel of global women leaders sharing their wisdom on successfully navigate diversity challenges

Register for Women Leaders Symposium

Sponsors & partners

Interested in Sponsorship Opportunities?

There are an exciting range of sponsorship opportunities available to work with GEFI throughout the year, including at Ethical Finance Global 2022, Ethical Finance ASEAN and a range of other events and strategic campaigns. We are happy to work with you to tailor sponsorship packages to suit your marketing objectives and budget.

For Sponsorship, Media and Supporter opportunities please contact chris@globalethicalfinance.org.

Register today ›

As an organisation committed to ethical practice in finance, the accessibility of our events is important to us. We are pleased to offer a number of complimentary and discounted places. These are available to: charities, NGOs, students, startups, SMEs and those on low incomes.

If you are interested in attending and believe you quality for a discounted or complimentary ticket, please email events@globalethicalfinance.org outlining your situation, and we would be happy to help.