In June 2020, Finextra Research organized the inaugural Sustainable Finance Live, an engaging virtual workshop that brought together industry leaders to explore how financial services and technology firms can contribute to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030.
Challenging the misconception that implementing trustworthy Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) measures is not profitable, this collaborative event focused specifically on the investment and asset management subsector. Utilizing a "lean back, lean in, and learn" approach, participants engaged in fruitful discussions regarding the unique challenges and opportunities within the field.
The results of the workshop included a comprehensive mind map, collaborative brainstorming on a whiteboard, and three detailed Wardley Maps. These outputs have been documented in a Visual Record report, which emphasizes vital areas such as large-scale renewable energy storage, the importance of relationships and stewardship, and the intricacies of data and reporting.
The sessions clarified what investors need to effectively track and securitize, as well as what asset managers require to construct portfolios appealing to institutional investors. By delving into the practical challenges faced in investment and asset management, discussions centered on data access and reporting, with experts offering guidance on integrating sustainable finance practices.
The interactive forum welcomed diverse talents from technology, business, and finance sectors. While initially taking a broad approach to ESG finance reporting, it quickly became clear that specific use cases were essential.
With a top-down orientation, the workshops aimed to elucidate the following sustainability components:
- Identifying the investment gap in innovative technologies and models
- Acquiring information via third-party suppliers to enhance risk management
- Implementing incentivization schemes to foster improved sustainability practices
- Understanding technology’s role in validating ESG initiatives
For a comprehensive overview of the discussions and findings, including insights into renewable energy storage, relationship management, and data reporting, click here to download the full report.