11:25 Addressing compliance with sustainability standards across jurisdictions
• Overview of the key sustainability standards for financial institutions
Interpreting and implementing the new UK SDR regulation
Interoperability of the ISSB and CSRD reporting standards
• Interoperability of the SDR and SFDR labelling requirements
Approaches for ensuring compliance across fund label regimes
Rory Robinson, Head of UK Sustainability, d-fine
Dr Pascal Stock, Manager, d-fine
DATA
12:00 Exploring the challenges in finding quality data and complying with data requirements
Reviewing the need for high-quality data in sustainability tasks
Exploring strategies for acquiring top quality data in preparation for CSDDD
• Assessing the potential of AI and emerging platforms to manage large data sets
Evaluating risks associated with transitioning to automated AI driven methods
Understanding the necessity of improved data quality to measure the impact of sustainable investments
• Discussing the difficulties in ESG data collection and reporting
Ying Poikonen, Executive Director, Head of Modelling Group EMEA, SMBC
12:35 LUNCH BREAK AND NETWORKING
ESG STRATEGY – PANEL DISCUSSION
1:35 Discussing the ongoing challenges with ESG strategy and the impacts of global implications
Identifying the meaning of ESG beyond reporting and highlighting its importance for economic strength
• Analyzing the disconnect between European regulatory approaches and the competitive advantage it grants to non-European countries
Leveraging data providers to help companies with legislative compliance
• Engaging stakeholders effectively when formulating a strategy
• Executing ESG initiatives with rising geopolitical tensions and economic pressures
Addressing the inconsistencies in evolving practises across the world
• Tackling companies setting long term targets with insufficient accountability and a lack of penalties for non-compliance
Addressing social and governance impacts and leveraging CSRD to highlight these
• Assessing how government, corporate and public partnerships are working together
Devising mechanisms and structures to support transition
Michaela Seimen Howat, Sustainability Expert, UBS Business Solutions
AG UK
Daniel Bressler, Director, Climate & ESG Capital Markets, Natwest Sandrine Markham, Global Lead for Sustainable Finance Solutions, Finastra
ESG INVESTMENT STRATEGY
2:20 Exploring Investor Priorities in the 2025 Sustainable Debt Market
• Addressing the views of ESG fixed income investors in Europe, US and Canada
Understanding the drivers impacting investment decisions
Opportunities and challenges of investing in ESG labelled debt
Stefano Vitali, European Head of Sustainable Finance, Royal Bank of Canada
2:55 AFTERNOON REFRESHMENT BREAK AND NETWORKING
SUSTAINABLE LENDING
3:25 Navigating ways the loan book can be made more sustainable
Making the lending book more sustainable when financing high impact sectors
• Encouraging unsustainable sectors to take more green action to avoid negative environmental footprint
Engaging clients to transition to sustainability amidst pressures from stakeholders
• Managing legacy clients in the lending book
• Evaluating strategies to greenify the lending book with a legacy of oil majors
Incentivizing to improve ESG performance
Saad Malik, Sustainability Director, Lloyds Banking Group
CLIENT RELATIONSHIPS
4:00 Assessing the challenges of integrating sustainability into businesses practises
Recognizing the reluctance of businesses to share data for ESG assessments
• Helping clients understand the benefits of sustainability
• Increasing engagement with smaller businesses and highlighting the role in assessing environmental impacts
• Advocating for sustainable practises despite geopolitical challenges
• Acknowledging that ESG is not just a trend but a long-term necessity
Laurent Bassi, Head of Sustainable Finance France, ING
4:35 CHAIR’S CLOSING REMARKS
4:45 END OF SUMMIT
Why should you be attending these sessions?
BIODIVERSITY & NATURE
Addressing nature and biodiversity risks and the possibilities for market participants to turn these into something investable
• To understand the need to measure and mitigate for biodiversity impacts
• Review pressures on nature and biodiversity following COP16
• Identify and invest in biodiversity opportunities
ESG RESISTANCE
Advancing ESG with a decline in discussions and global disconnect
• Address the pushback against ESG initiatives
• Potential impact of US elections
• Explore the decline of ESG topics
CSDDD
Navigating the shifting regulatory environment and whether CSDDD will facilitate more sustainable investments
• Prepare to set net-zero targets
• Recognise complexities caused by lack of harmonization among regulatory standards
• Integrate CCDDD into current frameworks
TRANSITION FINANCE
Reviewing the current transition risk landscape and potential implications for the future
• Develop clear definitions and commitments in transition finance
• Review the challenges of financing transitioning industries
• Engage clients on sustainability and create a customized transition plan
ESG STRATEGY
Discussing the ongoing challenges with ESG strategy and the impacts of global implications
• Highlighting the importance of ESG for economic strength
• Address the inconsistencies in evolving practises across the world
• Leverage data providers to help companies with legislative compliance
DATA
Exploring the challenges in finding quality data and complying with data requirements
• Explore strategies for acquiring top quality data in sustainability tasks
• Evaluate risks associated with transitioning to AI methods
• Discuss difficulties in ESG data collection and reporting
REPORTING
Tackling the ongoing challenges of sustainability reporting
• Prepare for upcoming CSRD reports
• Adress the challenges of sourcing reliable data
• Recognize the challenges of reporting scope 3 emissions
SUSTAINABLE LENDING
Navigating ways the loan book can be made more sustainable
• Manage legacy clients in the lending book
• Make the lending book more sustainable when financing high impact sectors
• Incentivize to improve ESG performance
Sponsorship & Partnerships
Thought leadership
Advance your expertise, knowledge, and experience with a presentation, a panelist, or a roundtable discussion. Why not enhance that with an article published in Connect Magazine and CeFPro® Connect?
Lead generation
Meet with key decision makers and senior professionals at CeFPro® events, roundtables, or at an invite-only dinner.
Branding and awareness
Want to advance your organization and/or your products or offerings? What better way than at a live in-person event where you will meet leading decision-makers, or online through CeFPro®’s market intelligence reports, Connect Magazine, or Connect member’s hub.
Networking
Whether over coffee, lunch, drinks reception, or dinner, expand your network connections in person.
Knowledge Partner
Positioning in the industry
Whether you are the industry leader or a start-up, CeFPro® has opportunities to maintain, advance, or promote your standing among the risk community.
Targeted and one-on-one meetings
General promotion is no replacement for connecting with key decision-makers and C-suite professionals, whether at an event, a closed-door forum, a networking reception, or a VIP dinner.
Reach business buyers
Outside of marketing and promotion, CeFPro®’s extensive range of offerings can provide clients with opportunities to reach key decision-makers and buyers.
Would your organization like to partner with us on this event?
To discuss how we can deliver your thought-leadership at the event, help you generate leads, and provide you with unique networking and branding opportunities, please contact sales@cefpro.com or call us on (+1) 888 6777007 | +44 (0)207 164 6582 for more information.
Associate sponsors
Past sponsors
2025 Speaker Line-up
Marili Anderson MD- Head of Compliance UK Rabobank
Daniel Bressler Director, Climate & ESG Capital Markets Natwest
Kanika Goyal Climate Risk Officer Natwest
Hilkka Komulainen Global Head of Sustainability and Impact Quinbrook Infrastructure Partners
Thomas Moran Head of Biodiversity Products GIST Impact
Rory Robinson Head of UK Sustainability d-fine
Harshvardhan Varadarajan Director, Global ESG Climate Risk & Energy Transition Standard Charted Bank
Mikko Venermo Senior Manager, Environment and Social Policy & Risk IFC
Marion Aubert Co-founder - Head of WeeFin UK WeeFin
Saad Malik Sustainability Director Lloyds Banking Group
Jarek Olszowka MD, Head of Sustainable finance Nomura
Michaela Seimen Howat Sustainability Expert UBS Business Solutions AG UK
Evgeny Tyurin Head of ESG Finance Deutsche Bank
Manuel Vicente VP Commercial Climate X
Stefano Vitali European Head of Sustainable Finance Royal Bank of Canada
Panagiota Batziou Associate, Green, Social and Impact Bonds Goldman Sachs Asset Management
Isobel Edwards Global Head of Green, Social and Impact Bond Research Goldman Sachs Asset Management
Ross Keeling Origination Director, Sustainable Finance Europe HSBC
Sandrine Markham Global Lead for Sustainable Finance Solutions Finastra
Daiane Pivas Global Sustainability Expert ING Bank
Yaroslav Sovgyra Head of ESG Risk Lloyds Banking Group
Matteo Squilloni Head of Climate Transition, Equity Investments European Investment Fund
To view speaker biographies scan the QR code or click here
Convince your Boss
#1 What Your Boss Will Say: “What’s included within the ticket price?”
“For the price of my ticket, not only will I gain full access to both days of CeFPro’s Sustainable Finance Europe Summit, I will also receive breakfast, lunch, and refreshments throughout, and a complimentary drinks reception at the end of day-1.
The learning opportunities don’t stop there as once the event has ended I will receive exclusive access to post-event materials and resources, and a portal log in to CeFPro Connect, my new personalized gateway to the latest risk intelligence and insights.”
#2
What Your Boss Will Say: “Will you learn anything of value that we can integrate into our strategy?”
“The agenda for the event has been carefully curated through an extensive research project involving speaking to more than 25 sustainable finance and ESG experts from prestigious financial institutions. As a result, the agenda is a direct reflection of the top-of-mind challenges and opportunities that senior practitioners are integrating into their own strategies.
These sessions will offer me practical insights and the latest advancements into sustainable finance through collaborative action that I will then be able to directly apply to enhance and innovate our own operation. The knowledge I gain will help our department refine our approach, identify new opportunities, and address emerging challenges in the industry.”
#3 What Your Boss Will Say: “What specific benefits will attending this event bring to our team?”
“There is the opportunity to turn this event into a team building and development exercise with sessions on current critical matters such as: Transition Finance, CSDDD, Biodiversity & Nature, ESG Strategy and many more. As such there are group discounts available which make it easier for us to get the team together, deep dive into these critical subject matters, and discuss what we have learnt and how we can apply this in between breaks.
If it’s just me attending, I will still receive access to the post-event materials and resources to consolidate the knowledge gained which I can then share with the team when I return. I can also refer the team to CeFPro Connect where they can make a free account and benefit from all the additional resources on offer.
During the event, whether I attend with colleagues or by myself there will be over 8 hours of networking opportunities with industry leaders to discuss our sector and obtain their knowledge for our own gain and application.”
#4 What Your Boss Will Say: “What will we do with you out of the office for 2 days?”
“The venue will have WIFI so I will be able to bring my laptop with me if necessary. There are also many breaks throughout the day for lunch and refreshments so I will have many opportunities to step out and support the team if needed.
The benefits and resources that not just me, but our department will gain from at least one of us taking advantage of the excellent opportunity to better understand our industry will be a valuable use of my time for greater good. By attending, the extended learning opportunities that I will be exposed to beyond the event will continue making this a worthwhile investment of my time.”
#5 What Your Boss Will Say: “How will you share the knowledge and insights gained with the rest of the team?”
“I will be able to take notes throughout the sessions so that I can share key takeaways and points of reflection that we should consider. If you like, I could even do a presentation or report on the findings and my recommendations to share everything I have learnt.
There’s also the post-event materials and resources which will include copies of the presentations, behind-the-scenes deep-dive interviews with the speakers, and related articles and videos that support what I have learnt which I can share with the team also.”
For further help in convincing your boss to let you attend, Scan the QR code or click here for access.
Venue & Location
Enjoy a premium experience with your colleagues at the Sky Garden Restaurant designed with lush indoor gardens, this open-air terrace and restaurant are ideal for unwinding after a day of meetings.
Situated near Tower Hill allow yourself some downtime and visit the Tower of London the home of the royal diamonds & jewels.
1 America Square 17 Crosswall, London, EN3N 2LS
Take your team on a short trip down to the Tate Modern art gallery with international works on display and panoramic river views.
Nearby Hotels
Experience a open air Shakespeare play in the exact oak & thatch replica of the original Elizabethan theatre.
Booking a hotel near 1 America Square ensure London for CeFPro’s Sustainable Finance Europe Summit ensures you are in the heart of London and able to experience the full 2 day event and everything that London has to offer.
• Leonardo Royal Hotel London City
• Apex City of London Hotel
• Four Season Hotel London at Tower Bridge
• Double Tree by Hilton London
Registration
Launch Rate
December 13
Early Bird Rate
January 17
Standard Rate
After January 17
*For those representing a financial institution/government body
Group Rates
Seize the opportunity, bring the team to advance their professional development and knowledge with our group booking promotion.
50% OFF:
Purchase two tickets and receive the third registrant at 50% off the prevailing rate
Free Pass:
Don’t stop there, as the more people you register, the better the savings. With every four tickets bought, the fifth is on us, completely free!
Bringing your team not only enhances the overall experience, but also fosters significant team building among colleagues while allowing you to save on your registration.
What’s Included
Access to 10+ sessions
Networking: 3+ hours
Lunch + Refreshments
Networking cocktail reception
PPT slides/decks
Podcasts with industry experts
Videos and interviews from the event
Connect Magazine complimentary
CeFPro Connect membership
Community network and engagement
Market intelligence reports access
To register your place at the best rate possible, click here, or scan the QR code.
Topic Related Insights
Navigating the Complexities of Sustainable Investing and Evolving Regulations
How has the regulatory landscape on sustainable investing evolved for asset managers, and what concepts have been introduced?
Over the past few years, a suite of sustainability regulations including naming rules have come into play, significantly impacting asset managers on sustainable investing.
The first major regulation was the EU’s Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR), which was introduced in 2021. This regulation requires financial product providers, amongst others, to publish disclosures related to the integration of sustainability risks, consideration of adverse sustainability impacts, and sustainable investment objectives. Beyond these disclosures, the SFDR introduced new definitions, such as the concept of a “Sustainable Investment.” This is defined as an investment with good governance that does no significant harm and contributes to an Environmental and/or Social Objective. Interestingly, while each of these components is supported by guidance, they are not precisely defined in the regulation, leaving the final interpretation of what constitutes a sustainable investment to the financial market participants.
The FCA is introducing the UK’s Sustainability Disclosure Requirements (SDR) in 2024. Unlike the SFDR, the SDR does not refer to the concept of “Sustainable Investment.” Instead, it mandates that investments selected in the fund that choose to apply a Sustainable investment label must be chosen according to a “robust, evidence-based standard of sustainability.” While examples are provided, the “minimum bar” for this standard is not defined, again leaving it to the financial market participants to interpret and engage with the regulator.
Additionally, the US SEC, the UK FCA, and the ESMA have also established rules for financial market participants to ensure a fund’s name is consistent with its investment focus. These rules also introduce room for interpretation. For example, under ESMA, funds with transitionrelated terms in their names should ensure that investments are on a “clear and measurable path to environmental transition
How can asset managers address the challenge of interpreting the regulations? To continue reading click here, or scan the QR code.
Topic Related Insights
Understanding Transition Finance - A Comprehensive Overview
C.Robin Castelli, Partner, Head of Transition Finance Investing, Orange Ridge Capital
Transition finance is an evolving field that encompasses a broad range of financial activities aimed at facilitating the global shift from a carbon-intensive economy to a net-zero or carbon-negative future.
This transition mirrors historical economic shifts, such as the transition from steam and coal during the first Industrial Revolution to oil and vehicles during the second. However, the current transition is more complex, requiring a multifaceted approach that integrates various financial sectors, including investment, financing, insurance, and other financial products and services.
Transition finance goes beyond traditional impact investing and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) frameworks. It’s about adaptation and mitigation, moving from a “brown” economy to a “green” one.
“It’s what needs to happen for the world to go from the current state to this new target state that we’ve never been to before,” said Robin Castelli, partner and Head of Transitions Finance Investments at Orange Ridge Capital, highlighting the unprecedented nature of this economic shift.
One of the most compelling aspects of transition finance is the sheer scale of the opportunity it presents. According to U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, the scope of opportunities in transition finance could reach or exceed $3 trillion annually from now until 2050. This presents a generational opportunity across numerous sectors, with potential profitability in approximately 80 different areas of investment.
The Impact of Climate Risk on Transition Finance
The increasing focus on climate risk has significantly influenced the nature of transition finance. Historically, climate considerations have been a component of ESG, particularly the “E” (Environmental) aspect.
To continue reading click here, or scan the QR code.
However, the approach to climate risk within ESG has often been overly simplified, reducing complex issues to single metrics like emissions or implied temperature ranges.
This reductionist approach has led to the creation of algorithmically traded investment vehicles, which, while useful, fail to capture the full spectrum of risks and opportunities associated with climate change.
Great minds think alike, but brilliant minds think differently.
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