In January 2025, we published our latest Impact Lens research report, ‘Integrating nature and biodiversity into investment: an asset owner perspective’. The report revealed insights into how asset owners worldwide are progressing in incorporating and reporting on nature-related issues. Notably, 67% of those interviewed were already incorporating integrating nature and biodiversity into their sustainability strategies, and 22% were actively working to do this, with many expecting to finalise these efforts within the 12 months. What lessons can we draw from these interviews?
In this roundtable Pensions for Purpose will discuss some of the findings:
First Sentier MUFG Sustainable Investment Institute will comment on the nature and biodiversity research findings and draw conclusions based on their own experience. We will then turn to a number of selected asset owners, who participated in the research to discuss how they are addressing biodiversity and TNFD reporting. Drawing attention to obstacles they have overcome, and outlining strategies they are using, or implementing, to overcome the problems.
We will end with a roundtable discussion and sharing of views.
Who is this event open to?
This event is open to asset owners such as pension fund trustees and in-house executives, independent investment advisers, professional trustees, professional bodies, government representatives and consultants.
Sponsor
Speakers
Joanne Lee, Responsible Investment Specialist, First Sentier Investors
Joanne Lee is a sustainable finance expert with over 14 years of experience in environmental finance. As a Responsible Investment (RI) Specialist at First Sentier Investors (FSI), Joanne works on the strategic development and implementation of the firm’s RI initiatives and is leading FSI’s work on nature and biodiversity. Based in Hong Kong, she develops thematic content related to sustainability, and provides advice and analytical support on this topic for all teams.
Before joining FSI, Joanne was a Sustainable Finance Specialist at WWF, driving the research and advocacy on net-zero portfolio alignment, natural capital and green financial solutions. She also worked on renewable energy financing at the International Renewable Energy Agency in Abu Dhabi and climate consultancies in the US. Joanne is a CFA Charterholder with a master’s degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Pennsylvania.
Sudip Hazra, Director of the First Sentier MUFG Sustainable Investment Institute
Sudip Hazra is Director of the First Sentier MUFG Sustainable Investment Institute, which publishes research on a variety of ESG themes relevant to investors, corporates and the sustainability community. Previously, he was Director of ESG Research at asset manager Invesco and Co-Head of ESG Research at financial services firm Kepler Cheuvreux, in London. He has led teams at the forefront of sustainable investing, covering regulatory changes such as the EU Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR), global engagement practices, ne-zero implementation and broad ESG integration.
His thematic reports have been regularly shortlisted for the City of London Farsight awards and his study ‘Tax me if you can: game over’ previously won the prize for best long-term oriented investment research. At Bloomberg, in London, his team launched ESG functionality on the Bloomberg terminal, globally. Before this, Sudip worked with Arthur Andersen, 3M and Henkel. He has a BA from Oxford University and an MA from QMUL and was a student mentor at these universities.
Katharina Lindmeier, Head of Sustainability Strategy, Nest
Katharina’s role includes leading the pension scheme's approach to managing climate change risks and opportunities within the £44bn portfolio. She joined Nest in 2019 and previously worked at Railpen and Aberdeen Standard Investments. She holds an MA in Philosophy and Economics from the University of Edinburgh, and an MSc in Economics and Policy of Energy and the Environment from UCL. Katharina is also a CFA charterholder.
Lee Backhouse, Senior Responsible Investment Manager, Scottish Widows
Lee is part of the Responsible Investment team at one of the UK’s leading pension providers, Scottish Widows, where he leads the work on managing the approach to nature and biodiversity. He authored Scottish Widows’ report on nature and biodiversity for the pensions industry, co-authored their recent paper examining water-related risks and is an active contributor to several nature-focused industry initiatives, advocating for industry-wide action. With a background in investment risk and compliance, Lee has considerable experience in matters of sustainable finance policy and regulation.
Host
Karen Shackleton, Chair and Founder, Pensions for Purpose
Karen has worked in the finance sector for over 30 years. As well as being Founder of Pensions for Purpose, she is Chair of the Strategic Investment Board for the Ministry of Justice and a Non-executive Director and Chair of the Board of Resonance Ltd, a social impact investment company. She sits on the Advisory Council of the Impact Investing Institute.
Karen also provides independent investment advice to the London Boroughs of Islington, Camden and Hounslow through Apex Group. She was the Chief Executive/Managing Director of AllenbridgeEpic Investment Advisers from 2010 to 2013. Before that, she had 10 years’ experience as a fund manager and director for County NatWest and BZW Investment Management (now BlackRock).
Pensions for Purpose
Pensions for Purpose exists as a bridge between asset managers, pension funds and their professional advisers, to encourage the flow of capital towards impact investment. Our aim is to empower pension funds to seek positive impact opportunities and mitigate negative impact risks.
Our Community allows members to learn from leaders in the impact investment industry. We provide a trusted environment to interact, collaborate and share knowledge. Members engage in a programme of activity to shape their strategy in ESG, sustainable and impact investments.
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