Program ⇽ RIAA Conference Australia 2024 | Responsible Investment Association Australasia on Glue Up

This is a past event. Registration is closed. View other Responsible Investment Association Australasia events.

Wednesday, May 1, 2024 08:00 to 17:00

08:00 - 08:30

Registration open

08:30 - 08:45

Welcome to Country

Welcome to Country - Uncle Allen Madden from Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council

08:45 - 09:05

Conference Opening Address
Ross Piper

Ross Piper
Chief Executive Superannuation at Chief Executive Superannuation at Australian Ethical & Chair of the Responsible Investment Association Australasia

09:05 - 09:20

Geopolitical risks • Keynote: Professor the Hon Gareth Evans AC KC

Professor the Hon Gareth Evans AC KC
Australian National University, former Australian Foreign Minister & President Emeritus International Crisis Group

09:20 - 10:00

Navigating geopolitics: Responsible investors' risk in an uncertain world
Professor the Hon Gareth Evans AC KC•Estelle Parker•Joachim Klement•Kim Randle

Russia's invasion of Ukraine in early 2022 caught many investors by surprise as they sought to understand the human rights and political risks posed by the invasion. Other conflicts and political developments around the world continue to pose similar challenges and many remain on the back foot. What frameworks are available to think about political risk? And what are the data gaps? This session will explore the geopolitical risks facing Australia, the links between geostrategic risks, supply chains, food security and human rights, how these risks are relevant to responsible investors, and how investors can navigate these risks in an uncertain world.

Professor the Hon Gareth Evans AC KC
Australian National University, former Australian Foreign Minister & President Emeritus International Crisis Group
Estelle Parker
Co-CEO of Responsible Investment Association Australasia
Joachim Klement
Head Strategy, Accounting and Sustainability at Liberum and author of 'Geoeconomics: The Interplay between Geopolitics, Economics, and Investments'
Kim Randle
CEO and Co-Founder of Fair Supply

10:05 - 10:45

Stewardship and active corporate engagement • Keynote: Deanne Stewart, CEO of Aware Super
Deanne Stewart•Dean Hegarty

Discover valuable insights from Deanne Stewart, CEO of Aware Super - the third-largest super fund in Australia, managing $150 billion for over 1 million members. Explore Stewart's experiences and lessons learned as Aware Super actively engages with companies, leveraging shareholder responsibility to drive positive change within its investments, particularly in areas such as climate action, digitisation and the integration of AI. Uncover real-life examples of successful corporate engagement and the intricacies involved in effectively communicating these achievements to members and stakeholders.

Deanne Stewart
Chief Executive Officer at Aware Super
Dean Hegarty
Co-CEO of RIAA

10:45 - 11:20

Morning tea

11:20 - 12:00

Private equity, fixed income, real assets... What's the best way of investing in the climate transition?
Xuan Sheng Ou Yong•Helena Fung•Kristy Graham•Erika Rodriguez

Experts will discuss advantages and challenges of the various ways to reduce emissions and invest in the transition, from private equity to index investments to fixed income.

Xuan Sheng Ou Yong
Sustainable Fixed Income Lead, APAC at BNP Paribas Asset Management
Helena Fung
Head of Sustainable Finance and Investment, Asia Pacific at London Stock Exchange Group
Kristy Graham
Chief Executive Officer at Australian Sustainable Finance Institute
Erika Rodriguez
Head of Sustainable Investing APAC at KKR

12:00 - 12:30

New track unveiled: Sustainability Classifications Initiative launch
Estelle Parker•Dean Hegarty•Hamish Chamberlayne•Guneet Rana

RIAA's Certification Symbol is a mark of quality: it indicates that a product is true-to-label, underpinned by reliable fit-for-purpose investment processes and supported by above-market disclosures. Join us for the launch of our new Sustainability Classifications, an extension of the Certification Program. Hear first-hand what the 'Responsible', 'Sustainable' and 'Sustainable Plus' classifications mean, and how they serve as a roadmap for sustainable investment criteria in the fast evolving world of asset management.

Estelle Parker
Co-CEO of Responsible Investment Association Australasia
Dean Hegarty
Co-CEO of RIAA
Hamish Chamberlayne
Head of Global Sustainable Equities at Janus Henderson
Guneet Rana
Head of Responsible Investment at Colonial First State

12:30 - 13:30

Lunch

13:30 - 13:45

TechRights Nexus • Introductory Remarks: Julie Inman Grant, eSafety Commissioner at Australian Government

Julie Inman Grant
eSafety Commissioner at Australian Government

13:45 - 14:20

TechRights Nexus: The intersection of Digital Tech, including AI and Human Rights: RIAA's Human Rights Working Group
Julie Inman Grant•Mark Lyster•Jessica Cairns•Amy Krizanovic

Explore the expansive nexus between Digital Technology, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Human Rights. Notwithstanding the potential advantages of AI, there are growing concerns about the negative impacts of poorly designed and/or the improper use of AI on basic human rights. Exploring strategies to assess financial risks, evaluate human rights impact, and champion public policy and regulatory change. Join us for the unveiling of the eagerly awaited Artificial Intelligence and Human Rights toolkit, providing essential resources to navigate this critical intersection.

Julie Inman Grant
eSafety Commissioner at Australian Government
Mark Lyster
Director of Lyster & Associates / Edge Impact
Jessica Cairns
Head of ESG and Sustainability at Alphinity Investment Management
Amy Krizanovic
Head of ESG at Magellan Asset Management

14:25 - 14:55

Revving up First Nations Cultural Heritage Protection • Keynote: Rachel Perkins
Rachel Perkins•Estelle Parker

The destruction of Juukan Gorge in 2020 on the traditional lands of the Puutu Kunti Kurrama and Pinikura (Binigura) peoples marked a turning point in the broader awareness of the value and importance of Country and cultural heritage, not only First Nations Peoples but for all Australians. Unfortunately, the destruction of precious cultural heritage against the wishes of the Traditional Owners occurs on a daily basis. As investors became more aware that the destruction of First Nations’ cultural heritage poses a legal, reputational and operational risk, RIAA came together with the First Nations Heritage Protection Alliance and UN Global Compact Network to produce comprehensive guides to help the private sector do its part to protect cultural heritage in Australia. Hear from one of Australia’s most significant storytellers about the importance of cultural heritage to First Nations peoples, and what investors can do to ensure its protection.

Rachel Perkins
Writer, Director, Producer, founder of Blackfella Films and Co-Chair of Yes23
Estelle Parker
Co-CEO of Responsible Investment Association Australasia

14:55 - 15:25

Afternoon tea

15:25 - 16:05

Paving the way for First Nations Investment Markets: Insights from RIAA's First Nations Peoples' Rights Working Group
Caleb Adams•Brian Wyborn•Will Leak•Amanda Young

The Indigenous economy has been largely left out of financing and investment opportunities in the development of the Australian economy. First Nations peoples are absent from opportunities of wealth creation, and many communities lack necessary infrastructure and services such as education, economic development and health. The session will provide initial insights on the opportunities for First Nations Investment Markets with key findings from industry consultations by RIAA's First Nations Peoples' Rights Working Group, as the race to close the gap continues.

Caleb Adams
Associate Director, ESG & Sustainable Investment of E&P Financial Group
Brian Wyborn
Managing Partner at First Australians Capital
Will Leak
Senior Sustainable Investment Analyst at Mercer
Amanda Young
Executive Director of Pollination

16:10 - 16:50

Modern slavery risk and reporting: Where to from here?
Kuldeep Yadav•Dr James Cockayne•Måns Carlsson OAM•Vanessa Zimmerman

Despite claims of zero tolerance, modern slavery persists globally, raising concerns even as reporting mechanisms proliferate. Join us in exploring the next steps in combating modern slavery risks. Delve into anticipated policy changes, both in Australia and worldwide, with a spotlight on the introduction of Australia's new Anti-Slavery Commissioner. Gain valuable insights into how investors and companies can proactively identify and navigate the complex terrain of modern slavery risks.

Kuldeep Yadav
Head of ESG & Climate Research, Australia and New Zealand at MSCI
Dr James Cockayne
NSW Anti-slavery Commissioner
Måns Carlsson OAM
Head of ESG at Ausbil Investment Management
Vanessa Zimmerman
CEO of Pillar Two

16:50 - 17:00

Conference Day 1 wrap up
Arti Prasad

Arti Prasad
Partner, Sustainable Investments at Mercer & RIAA Board Member

Thursday, May 2, 2024 08:00 to 17:35

08:00 - 08:50

Registration open

08:50 - 09:00

Welcome back from RIAA
Dean Hegarty

Dean Hegarty
Co-CEO of RIAA

09:00 - 09:10

Greenwashing: A view from the regulator • Keynote: Joe Longo

Joe Longo
Chair of Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC)

09:10 - 09:50

Learnings from the fight against greenwashing to date
Joe Longo•Maya Beyhan•Caroline Ramscar•Farren Williams

Hear from the Chair of the Australian Securities & Investment Commission about ASIC's greenwashing regulations and priorities. With increasing regulatory scrutiny of responsible investment claims made by financial product and a race forward on product labelling, how do you stay out of the sights of regulators? How can investors comply? What should our sector do to raise the bar for responsible and values-based investors in substantiating their responsible investment claims? What are the big challenges and learnings we see through Certification, product issuers and index providers?

Joe Longo
Chair of Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC)
Maya Beyhan
Senior Director, ESG Specialist, Index Investment Strategy of S&P Dow Jones Indices
Caroline Ramscar
ESG Investment Specialist & Vice President of T. Rowe Price
Farren Williams
Adviser & Partner at KODA CAPITAL PTY LTD

09:55 - 10:35

DE&I: The case for Disability, Equity and Inclusion
Chris Newton•Christina Ryan•Hilary Thorpe•Katie Wyatt

The diversity debate has been led by gender equity, but there is more to 'Diversity, Equity & Inclusion'. Global studies show that people with disability stay in jobs longer, make fewer workers' compensation claims and are even proven better managers. But they are employed at a rate 30% lower than the general population, and make up a negligible percentage of corporate boards. Inclusion of people with disability in corporate strategy and product design presents opportunities to target 20% of the global population. So, why is incorporating disability into DE&I considerations so difficult? Join the discussion to learn more about what leading investors are doing to lead the charge in this next Diversity, Equity & Inclusion frontier.

Chris Newton
Founder of Stakeholder Capital
Christina Ryan
CEO of Disability Leadership Institute
Hilary Thorpe
Head of Legal - Corporate at AGL
Katie Wyatt
Head of Culture and Inclusion at Coles Group

10:35 - 11:10

Morning tea

11:10 - 11:50

Navigating the evolving nature of sustainability strategies within corporates
Alison Taylor•Kate Dundas

Corporate engagement and shareholder action are now the most significant responsible investment approach used by investment managers in Australia, together with ESG integration. But some companies report finding this challenging. Dr Associate Professor Alison Taylor, internationally renowned for her work on the role of corporate sustainability professionals and author of Higher Ground - How business can do the right thing in a turbulent world, will discuss how corporates are navigating investor interest in sustainability issues, and the challenges this increased focus poses for companies on the receiving end of this engagement, as well as the evolving role of the sustainability professional globally.

Alison Taylor
Clinical Associate Professor at New York University Stern School of Business
Kate Dundas
Executive Director of UN Global Compact Network Australia

11:55 - 12:45

Net zero energy speedway: Fact or fiction?
Fiona Wild•Zoe Whitton•Joachim Klement•Vanessa (Fernandes) Sullivan

As the race to net zero accelerates and the Australian Government develops sector transition pathways, experts are debating how the sector can decarbonise without causing major disruption to energy supplies. How can the energy sector accelerate decarbonisation to support Australia's Paris Agreement comittments? To what extent can existing technologies be relied upon? What should the role of gas be in the transition? How can long-term investors support the transition? And what opportunities exist as the transition to a low-carbon economy accelerates? Join the high-speed discussion where experts will explore the challenges and opportunities in decarbonising the sector.

Fiona Wild
Group Climate and Sustainability Officer at BHP
Zoe Whitton
Head of Strategy and Impact at Pollination
Joachim Klement
Head Strategy, Accounting and Sustainability at Liberum and author of 'Geoeconomics: The Interplay between Geopolitics, Economics, and Investments'
Vanessa (Fernandes) Sullivan
Non-Executive Director of AGL

12:45 - 13:25

Lunch

13:25 - 14:05

What's in a name? Navigating responsible investment product labelling
Shalini Samuel•Pablo Berrutti•Tom King•Emma Pringle

Assertions have been made that the term 'ESG' is used to misrepresent the extent of the positive environmental and social impact of certain investments. Increased scrutiny globally of ESG funds, and suggestions that ESG investing is "woke" has prompted some of the world's biggest asset managers to close ESG-labelled funds. But has this stopped investors from scrutinising ESG risks? Does this affect investment strategies? What about terms like "Sustainable", "Impact" and "Green"? What's in a name? Join us as we delve into the intricacies of responsible investment product labelling and the implications behind these terms.

Shalini Samuel
Head of Certification at RIAA
Pablo Berrutti
Senior Investment Specialist at Stewart Investors
Tom King
Chief Investment Officer at Nanuk Asset Management
Emma Pringle
Head of ESG and Portfolio Manager at Maple-Brown Abbott

14:05 - 14:45

What is 'Nature Positive' anyway? RIAA's Nature Working Group
Tony Goldner•Claire Molinari•Kristina Hermanson•Stan Lui

There is much talk about ‘nature-positive’, ‘nature-related’ and ‘biodiversity risks and opportunities' in the finance space. But what do all these terms really mean? Join our panel of experts who work at the heart of these issues as they delve into nature-related risks and opportunities, the race towards ‘nature positive’ and the questions you need to ask when making investment decisions.

Tony Goldner
Executive Director of Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures
Claire Molinari
Head of ESG at CareSuper and Co-Chair of RIAA's Nature Working Group
Kristina Hermanson
Head of APAC and Africa at Nuveen Natural Capital
Stan Lui
Owner/Director of Five Cubed Environmental Indigenous Consultants

14:45 - 15:15

Afternoon tea

15:15 - 15:50

Meeting member needs in a world of choice • Keynote: Peter Chun
Peter Chun•Estelle Parker

Peter Chun, CEO of UniSuper, one of Australia’s largest super funds will share his thoughts about the importance of giving super fund members choices that align with their values. He will discuss the labelling of ESG themed products in the context of greenwashing and the challenge of helping members investing in these products understand what it is that they are investing in.

Peter Chun
Chief Executive Officer at UniSuper
Estelle Parker
Co-CEO of Responsible Investment Association Australasia

15:50 - 16:20

Workplace culture: A race to productivity, retention and bottom line
Elizabeth Broderick AO•Ross Piper

Investors increasingly understand that a healthy workplace culture positively impact productivity, employee retention and the bottom line. Hear from Elizabeth Broderick AO, Australia's former Sex Discrimination Commissioner and UN Human Rights Special Rapporteur, on what the challenges are, what leading practice looks like, and what investors can do to shape a workforce free from harassment and bullying.

Elizabeth Broderick AO
Former UN Special Rapporteur at UN Human Rights Council and former Australian Sex Discrimination Commissioner
Ross Piper
Chief Executive Superannuation at Chief Executive Superannuation at Australian Ethical & Chair of the Responsible Investment Association Australasia

16:20 - 16:35

Conference Closing Address
Liza McDonald

Liza McDonald
Head of Responsible Investment at Aware Super & RIAA Board Member

16:35 - 17:35

Drinks in the foyer

Wednesday, May 1, 2024 10:00 to 16:10

10:05 - 10:45

Understanding nature for Financial Advisers
Sarah Bekessy•Tim King•Luke Price•Timothy Fleming

Addressing nature and biodersity loss is fast becoming the issue which all investors need to embrace. What is investing for nature and how are the product providers addressing it in their portfolios? With practical examples from fund manager portfolios and resource takeaways, this session will ensure advisers develop a deeper understanding of risks and opportunities to start exploring with clients.

Sarah Bekessy
Sustainability and Biodiversity Adviser at ELM Responsible Investments
Tim King
CIO at Melior Investment Management
Luke Price
Head of Research at Ethical Investment Advisers
Timothy Fleming
Director | Asset Management | Oceania of IWC Group

10:45 - 11:20

Morning tea

11:20 - 12:00

A marathon, not a sprint: Looking past near term challenges
Dugald Higgins•Greg Liddell•Rachel Alembakis

After years of strong performance for responsible investment, returns were challenged recently. What were the key factors impacting responsible investment funds in recent times and how did clients reacted? Was their resolve tested? We look at the need for clients to consider their long-term financial plans and not be motivated by short term volatility along with exploring what opportunities lay ahead for ESG.

Dugald Higgins
Head of Responsible Investment & Sustainability at Zenith Investment Partners
Greg Liddell
Director – Responsible Investments of Betashares
Rachel Alembakis
Stewardship Manager at U Ethical

12:00 - 12:35

Ethics in ethical advice? Financial Adviser hurdles
Dr Michelle Cull FCPA•Nathan Fradley•Maja Garaca Djurdjevic•Dr Katherine Hunt

Dive deeper into ethical barriers that advisers may encounter when providing responsible investment advice. This session will equip advisers with essential tools navigate ethical turns and skilfully engage in conversations with clients over non-financial issues which may challenge their morals.

Dr Michelle Cull FCPA
Associate Professor in Accounting & Financial Planning in the School of Business at Western Sydney University
Nathan Fradley
Director of Ethos ESG
Maja Garaca Djurdjevic
Managing editor, wealth management at Momentum Media
Dr Katherine Hunt
Managing Director of Ardentura Consulting

12:35 - 13:30

Lunch

13:30 - 14:10

We need to talk about offsets
Nishtha Aggarwal•John Connor•Dr Megan Evans•Duncan Paterson

Investors, companies and governments around the world are racing to develop climate transition plans. Carbon offsets are used as a way of achieving emissions reductions. But they have also been criticised for slowing the move away from fossil fuels, acting as an excuse for major emitters to continue to pollute, and lacking in integrity and real climate or environmental outcomes. What should be the role of offsets in transition planning? Do they really help in addressing the climate crisis? And are they really being used as a last resort?

Nishtha Aggarwal
Financed Emissions Analyst at Climate Energy Finance
John Connor
Chief Executive Officer at Carbon Market Institute
Dr Megan Evans
Senior Lecturer at University of New South Wales, Canberra
Duncan Paterson
Director of Investor Practice at IGCC

14:15 - 14:55

Yeah but what about…? Navigting obstacles in the ESG marathon
Alexandra Brown•Josh Edmunds•James O'Reilly•Kathryn Fitch-Daniels

Not a subject matter expert on genetically modified organics or the future of carbon capture and storage? We get it, there is a lot to cover in responsible investment. Join us in this session as we explore where advisers go to find reliable information about ESG issues to further your knowledge and how you can navigate objections and counter-information in responsible investment client conversations?

Alexandra Brown
Founder and CEO of Ethical Invest Group
Josh Edmunds
Manager of Member Services at Responsible Investment Association Australasia
James O'Reilly
Financial Advisor at Northeast Wealth
Kathryn Fitch-Daniels
Certified Responsible Investment Adviser at Ethinvest

14:55 - 15:25

Afternoon tea

15:25 - 16:05

Mandatory climate reporting • Lessons from Aotearoa New Zealand
Justin Williams•Helen Skinner•Michele Embling FCA•Nicola Swan•Frances Sweetman

New Zealand’s mandatory climate related disclosure regime is in force and NZ’s major banks, fund managers, insurers and listed issuers are all in full swing preparing their first mandatory reports against NZ’s mandatory standard.
Ahead of the commencement of mandatory climate reporting obligations in Australia for large corporations and financial institutions, hear insights and lessons learned from NZ, including:
• Practical tips for climate reporting entities for project planning
• Common pitfalls when preparing a “first” mandatory disclosure
• Answers to FAQs from boards and executive teams
• Relevance of international standards (e.g. ISSB)
• Benefits of sector-specific scenario analysis
• How to manage legal risk from disclosures

Justin Williams
Managing Director of Australian Accounting Standards Board
Helen Skinner
Head of Responsible Investment at ANZ New Zealand Investment Limited
Michele Embling FCA
Chair at The External Reporting Board
Nicola Swan
Partner at Chapman Tripp
Frances Sweetman
Head of Sustainable Investment at Milford Asset Management

Thursday, May 2, 2024 08:00 to 14:10

09:05 - 09:50

Woke Capitalism and the ESG Backlash: A view from the front line
Estelle Parker•Maria Lettini

The past two years have seen ESG come under attack in the US from both the left and the right. What does this mean for US and global investors? How are they responding? Join the discussion on how investors are strategically responding and navigating the twists and turns of woke capitalism in the race for sustainable finance.

Estelle Parker
Co-CEO of Responsible Investment Association Australasia
Maria Lettini
Chief Executive Officer at US Sustainable Investment Forum

09:55 - 10:35

Driving change: Best practices in investor and civil society partnerships
Amy D'Eugenio•Vas Kolesnikoff•Desiree Lucchese•Kelly O'Shanassy

Civil society organisations play a vital role in raising awareness, advocating for change, and holding companies to account. Collaborating with civil society, scientists and NGOs can help investors gain insights, access expertise, and align investment strategies with societal needs and expectations. But how much collaboration is too much? What are the risks? What are some examples of successful collaborations? And how can investors be sure they are in the right partnerships?

Amy D'Eugenio
Sustainability director, Responsibility Office of Federated Hermes
Vas Kolesnikoff
Head of Australia & New Zealand Research at ISS
Desiree Lucchese
Honorary Associate - Finance Department at UTS Business School
Kelly O'Shanassy
Chief Executive Officer at Australian Conservation Foundation

10:35 - 11:10

Morning Tea

11:10 - 11:50

Institutional impact: How super funds are navigating the dual objectives of profit and purpose
John Treadgold•Carmen Leung•Ros McKay•Simba Marekera

Impact investing has proved it can deliver the dual purpose of risk-adjusted returns while also having a positive impact on people and planet. Institutional strategies are available that offer a competitive track-record, and a high integrity impact report. Despite this, many Australian super funds still struggle to find a place for 'impact investments' in their portfolios. In this session we will explore the challenges and opportunities facing asset allocators in engaging with impact. We’ll discuss their journeys through testing impact hypothesis, managing assets in-house, as well as addressing client demands. We will host a mix of voices, from both super funds, and the investment managers that serve them.

John Treadgold
Impact Investment Consultant at Wearth.co
Carmen Leung
Head of Product Strategy and Pendal Development at Perpetual Group
Ros McKay
Head of Responsible Investment at CBus Super
Simba Marekera
Deputy Chief Investment Officer ‑ Head of Private Assets at Brightlight Group

11:55 - 12:35

Peace investment pit stop: Strategies for investors
Fiona Reynolds•Jessica Rowe•Daniel Hyslop•Kate Turner•João Boavida

In a world marked by ongoing conflicts, investors are starting to take a more systemic approach, recognising that responding to and preventing conflict helps minimise their legal, operational and investment risks. Discover the emerging category of Peace Finance, which intentionally seeks to improve conditions for peace. Taking a holistic approach, this session will examine not only how investors can manage human rights impacts and legal implications before, during and after conflicts arise, but also how they can more proactively contribute towards peacebuilding including positive action.

Fiona Reynolds
Chair of the Finance for Peace Steering Committee
Jessica Rowe
Working Groups Manager at Responsible Investment Association Australasia
Daniel Hyslop
Head of Research and Senior Peacebuilding Advisor at Interpeace
Kate Turner
Global Head of Responsible Investment at First Sentier Investors
João Boavida
Founder & Executive Director of CEPAD

12:35 - 13:25

Lunch

13:25 - 14:05

Corporate lobbying and investor stewardship: When priorities collide
Dean Hegarty•Andrew Cox•Naomi Hogan•Daniela Jaramillo

In Canberra, lobbyists outnumber politicians three to one. Corporate lobbying can help draw attention to issues and provide a private sector viewpoint and data on policy responses. However, lobbyists’ activities have also been criticised for being driven by short term or narrow company objectives and may undermine investor stewardship efforts in areas such as phasing out fossil fuels or Net Zero commitments. Join the discussion on the challenges faced by investors in understanding companies’ lobbying activities, the risks for investors, and how these can be addressed. Will more regulation help fix these issues or just create more red tape for companies seeking to advocate in their own best interests?

Dean Hegarty
Co-CEO of RIAA
Andrew Cox
President at Australian Professional Government Relations Association
Naomi Hogan
Company Strategy Lead at Australasian Centre for Corporate Responsibility (ACCR)
Daniela Jaramillo
Head of Sustainable Investing – Australia at Fidelity International

Wednesday, May 1, 2024 08:00 to 16:05

10:05 - 10:45

Workshop: Getting started • Responsible Investment 101
Alexandra Brown•Josh Edmunds

If you are new to responsible or ethical advice, this is the session for you. Cut through the industry jargon to understand the fundamentals of delivering responsible investment advice that considers your clients environmental, social and governance preferences. With key takeaways and next steps, this session will gear up new advisers for their responsible investment journey and deepen their relationship with clients.

Alexandra Brown
Founder and CEO of Ethical Invest Group
Josh Edmunds
Manager of Member Services at Responsible Investment Association Australasia

10:45 - 11:20

Morning Tea

11:20 - 12:40

Workshop: ‘Indigenous First, Impact First’
Benson Saulo•Erin Levey

This workshop will explore meaningful ways for investors to better enable Indigenous communities, entrepreneurs and enterprises to drive economic self-determination and sustainable impact. Using a framework developed by Indigenous-led investment advisory NGO, First Australians Capital, the workshop will explore best-practice approach to shift capital and enable Indigenous-led intermediaries to deliver social, economic and environmental outcome.

Benson Saulo
Managing Partner at First Australians Capital
Erin Levey
Associate Director, Impact of First Australians Capital

12:40 - 13:30

Lunch

13:30 - 14:55

Workshop: Navigating the Australian policy landscape
Gordon Noble•Nayanisha Samarakoon

Sustainable finance is facing an unprecedented level of legal, policy and regulatory change in 2024. Understanding how to navigate the layers of government to communicate your views will build your capacity to communicate effectively with government stakeholders as well as with your organisation’s decision-makers.

Aimed at those who contribute to policy submissions and government engagement, this workshop will equip you with the understanding of the different tiers of government, the policy making process and the benefits to industry in engaging with this process. We will examine what effective consultation and submission writing looks like, as well as upcoming policy priorities in sustainable finance for 2024.

Gordon Noble
Research Director of UTS Institute for Sustainable Futures
Nayanisha Samarakoon
Head of Policy & Advocacy at RIAA

14:55 - 15:25

Afternoon tea

15:25 - 16:05

Sustainability Classifications for Financial Advisers • Racing towards client value
Shalini Samuel•Dave Rae

Explore the difference between certifications and classification while accelerating your knowledge to effectively communicate sustainability to your clients. Discover how their preferences align with accessible products and demystify the concepts of Responsible, Sustainable, and Sustainable Plus. This session offers valuable insights for advisers, providing a practical tool to differentiate between funds, irrespective of the research provider. Explore the accessibility and significance of Sustainability Classifications, addressing pertinent questions: Is 'Sustainable Plus' a better fit for your clients? Delve into the nuances of exclusions versus inclusions, stewardship, and other critical areas, evolving your ability to answer client queries effectively.

Shalini Samuel
Head of Certification at RIAA
Dave Rae
Impact Investor | Certified Responsible Investment® Adviser at Ethinvest Pty Ltd

Thursday, May 2, 2024 08:00 to 13:25

11:10 - 12:30

Workshop: Understanding systemic risk and how to fuel your portfolio for the long haul
Renee Grogan•Rachel Halpern•Professor Shelley Marshall•Pablo Berrutti

In a world facing challenges like catastrophic climate change, increasing inequality and human rights abuses, investors are racing to take a holistic approach to portfolio construction and stewardship. This interactive workshop explores how investors can identify and address systemic risks, to invest in a way that promotes the stability of the macro system on which markets rely. Join us to explore practical strategies for integrating systemic risk considerations into your investment approach.

Renee Grogan
Stewardship Lead at Jana Investment Advisors
Rachel Halpern
Head of Sustainability at Jana Investment Advisors
Professor Shelley Marshall
Vice Chancellor’s Principal Research Fellow at RMIT Business and Human Rights Centre
Pablo Berrutti
Senior Investment Specialist at Stewart Investors

12:30 - 13:25

Lunch