New frontiers in sustainable finance: from digitalisation to resilience and nature
As sustainable finance evolves, investors are expanding their focus beyond decarbonisation to recognise the growing impact of digital infrastructure build-out, alongside rising climate- and nature-related risks.
Adaptation measures and nature loss are becoming increasingly important considerations in asset allocation, risk management and corporate strategy, especially as demand for artificial intelligence, cloud computing and digitalisation drives investment in digital infrastructure. These AI tools and digital innovations have the potential to provide crucial support to sustainable investors, but there are risks to consider as well.
Financial institutions need to take a more deliberate approach to assessing physical risks, valuing natural capital and directing investment towards resilient infrastructure and nature-positive outcomes. Innovative fixed-income instruments, including blue bonds and debt swaps, continue to gain traction, albeit from a small base, and could over time support investment in resilient and more sustainable infrastructure.
Taking place at New York Climate Week, this in-person roundtable examines how investors, asset owners and technology companies are responding to these interconnected challenges. The discussion explores the investment case for sustainable digital infrastructure, the integration of resilience and nature into financial decision-making, and the data, standards and financing structures required to mobilise capital at scale.
In partnership with
Speakers
Elizabeth Aceituno
Senior Director, Private Finance Sector Lead
WWF US
Elizabeth Aceituno
Senior Director, Private Finance Sector Lead
WWF US
Elizabeth Aceituno is senior director and private finance sector lead at WWF US. Prior to this, she was senior expert at WWF’s Global Finance Practice, where she worked to influence the global financial system to better integrate environmental risks, mobilise investment for sustainable development and drive sustainable practices across sectors. Previously, she was director of corporate engagement at The Nature Conservancy.
Marcy Block
Global Head of Ratings & Opinions
Sustainable Fitch
Marcy Block
Global Head of Ratings & Opinions
Sustainable Fitch
Marcy Block is global head of ratings and opinions for Sustainable Fitch. She manages regional leadership covering all sectors across nine global offices. Prior to joining Fitch, Marcy was a vice president at Capital Markets Advisors. She was previously senior vice president and manager in US public finance at Moody’s Investors Service.
Stephen Liberatore
Portfolio Manager, Head of ESG/Impact, Global Fixed Income
Nuveen
Stephen Liberatore
Portfolio Manager, Head of ESG/Impact, Global Fixed Income
Nuveen
Stephen Liberatore is lead portfolio manager of fixed income strategies at Nuveen. He oversees environmental, social and governance criteria and impact investments. He is also a member of the Investment Committee. Previously, he was member of the International Capital Market Association green bond principles initial executive committee and advisory Council.
Oliver Schwank
Chief, Policy Analysis and Development, Financing for Sustainable Development Office
UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs
Oliver Schwank
Chief, Policy Analysis and Development, Financing for Sustainable Development Office
UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs
Moin Syed
Associate Director, Sustainable Investing
OMERS
Moin Syed
Associate Director, Sustainable Investing
OMERS
Moin Syed is associate director of sustainable investing at OMERS. He focuses on integrating climate risk and energy transition considerations into investment decisions. He has extensive experience in environmental, social and governance factors, and energy markets. Prior to this, he held a role at Sustainalytics.
Simone Utermarck
Senior Director, Sustainable Finance
International Capital Market Association
Simone Utermarck
Senior Director, Sustainable Finance
International Capital Market Association
Simone Utermarck is senior director of sustainable finance at International Capital Market Association. She is secretary to the Advisory Council and the Global Sustainable Finance Council at ICMA. Previously, she held various roles at Thomson Reuters, S&P Global Ratings, Bloomberg, PwC, EY and DaimlerChrysler Global Capital Services.
Timings
08:30-09:00 Registration and refreshements
09:00-10:30 Roundtable discussion