The Sustainability Story

Simone Ruiz-Vergote, Head of Sustainable Finance Policy Research at MSCI, joins host Nicole Gehrig, Director of Global Industry Standards at CFA Institute, to discuss the European Commission's proposed reforms to the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR 2.0). They examine the move toward clearer sustainability product categories, expectations around data and substantiation, and how asset managers can prepare for the next phase of sustainable finance regulation. The conversation also explores global interoperability, the role of transition and impact strategies, and what success could look like for SFDR 2.0 in improving transparency, comparability, and investor confidence. Listen now to gain practical insights into one of the most significant regulatory developments shaping sustainable finance in Europe and beyond.

Guest host Tiffany Tivasuradej, Inclusion Research Associate, speaks with Dr. Sajia Ferdous of Queen's Business School about her research on aging, workplace inclusion, and the convergence of human longevity with AI-driven work. They discuss algorithmic ageism, multigenerational workplaces, and why investment firms must rethink human capital strategies for longer, more digitally integrated careers. Join us for a forward-looking conversation on maintaining a sustainable workforce in an age of technological acceleration.

Emma Harvey Smith, Managing Director of Partnerships at Green Finance Institute, joins host Paul Moody, Managing Director of Global Partnerships and Client Solutions at CFA Institute, to discuss how finance can drive the transition to a net zero and nature-positive economy. From leading the UK's first green mortgage initiative to scaling impact across nine countries, Emma shares insights on the Green Finance Institute's mission, the importance of collaboration between public and private sectors, and the emerging opportunities in nature-based finance. She also offers valuable advice for professionals eager to enter the sustainability and finance space. Listen now to explore how finance is shaping a more resilient, sustainable world.

Bill Green, managing partner at Climate Adaptive Infrastructure, joins host Deborah Kidd, CFA, director, Global Industry Standards at CFA Institute, to discuss how climate change is reshaping risks and opportunities in critical infrastructure. He explains why infrastructure assets are uniquely exposed to what he calls the "triple threat" of physical, regulatory, and political risks—and why investing in climate-resilient infrastructure can be a pathway to more profitable infrastructure investing. From innovative models like "water-as-a-service" to shifting data center demand closer to renewable energy sources, Bill shares his insights into the future of infrastructure investing.

How do climate events, transition risks, and insurance costs shape the future of commercial mortgage-backed securities? Daniel Warcholak, CFA, Head of Capital Markets at Basis Investment Group, joins host, Nicole Gehrig, Director, Global Industry Standards at CFA institute, to share his perspective on how extreme weather events, sustainability transitions, and green incentives like LEED certification and C-PACE financing are reshaping investment strategies. Drawing on more than 25 years of experience in securitized real estate debt, Daniel highlights the financial implications of climate risks and the opportunities emerging for investors. Listen now to gain insights into how sustainability considerations are transforming real estate debt and capital markets.

In this episode, Paul Moody interviews Clare Brook, a veteran of 24 years in sustainable finance who now leads Blue Marine Foundation. In their conversation Clare reflects on her journey from managing ESG funds and co-founding an investment firm to running an NGO dedicated to protecting the blue planet. Clare and Paul dive into innovative ways finance can accelerate marine conservation. They discuss cutting-edge mechanisms like blue bonds and debt-for-nature swaps that can funnel significant funding to ocean protection in countries that need it most . Clare also introduces the idea of biodiversity credits, a new tool for valuing restored ecosystems and attracting investment into projects from seagrass meadows to coral reefs . She explains how blending public, private, and philanthropic capital can help scale these solutions, even as she acknowledges the challenges of aligning investor expectations with conservation realities. Finally, Clare leaves listeners with an urgent yet hopeful call to action: finance professionals have a pivotal opportunity to drive meaningful impact in this space. Whether it's backing transformative marine projects or simply using their influence to raise awareness.

Livio Stracca, Phd joins host Deborah Kidd, CFA, to introduce the innovative NGFS Short-Term Climate Scenarios. This groundbreaking tool is the first publicly available global resource designed to assess climate-related macroeconomic and sector risks over a five-year horizon for specific regions and industries. The scenarios demonstrate how extreme weather, policy shifts, and transition shocks could impact GDP, inflation, default probabilities, and financial stability within a time frame aligned with the decision-making process of central banks and financial institutions.

Nicole Gehrig speaks with Tamara Close, CFA, Senior Director of ESG Advisory for the Petra Funds Group, about the ongoing evolution of sustainable finance and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) practices within the institutional investment landscape. Tamara reflects on her career path, including her time at PSP Investments, and shares key insights into the shifting perceptions and integration of ESG issues into mainstream investment strategies. The discussion covers how institutional investors have evolved and increased in sophistication when it comes to their ESG practices. It looks as well at the regional disparities in adoption, the distinct roles of public versus private markets, and the growing expectations placed on asset managers by institutional investors. Nicole and Tamara also examine the increasing demand for transparency, high-quality data, and measurable outcomes, from institutional investors emphasizing the maturation of considering ESG issues from a values-driven approach to a financially material integrated investment framework. Key Takeaways: • Institutional investors have progressed from values-based investing to fully integrating ESG issues into risk management frameworks, aiming to create real world impact through their investments. • Public markets are increasingly seen as a risk management play for institutional investors focusing on ESG issues, whereas private markets present more opportunities to deliver measurable impact. • Transparency and evidence-based results are essential requirements for credible ESG strategies. • There are key questions institutional investors can use to help assess a fund manager's ESG integration maturity. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:40 Tamara's Sustainability Story 05:08 How Institutional Investors Treat ESG Issues: Evolution and Trends 11:04 Regional Differences in ESG Practices and Regulations 15:13 Public vs. Private Markets: ESG Approaches 20:27 Expectations from Institutional Investors 23:30 Key Questions for Asset Managers on Integrating ESG Issues 27:41 Future of ESG Practices in Investment Strategies

Dr. Steve Waygood, Chief Sustainable Finance Advisor at Aviva Investors, shares insights from his 25-year journey in sustainable finance. He discusses the evolution from ethical investing to system-level stewardship, the under-pricing of climate risks in financial models, and the vital role of public policy in aligning markets with sustainability goals. Packed with real-world examples and forward-thinking advice, this episode is ideal listening for anyone interested in the future of finance and its role in tackling global challenges.

Mark Campanale, founder of the Carbon Tracker Initiative, talks with Paul Moody, Managing Director of Global Partnerships and Client Solutions at CFA Institute, about the growing risks tied to fossil fuel investments. Mark explains the concept of the carbon bubble—the gap between the carbon in global reserves and what the climate can safely absorb—and what it means for investors, regulators, and financial markets. We explore stranded assets, shifting energy economics, and why renewables and EVs are rapidly changing the game. Packed with insights on climate risk, valuation, and policy, this is a must-listen for anyone navigating the transition to a low-carbon economy.