In 2025, responsible investing in Europe stands at a crossroads—challenged by geopolitical disruption, regulatory flux, and strategic redefinitions of ESG. Yet, it also stands to chart a new path: one grounded in resilience, credibility, and innovative stewardship amid shifting global priorities.

Part 2 of a fascinating report by UN PRI: By transparently breaking down and distilling carbon performance drivers through attribution analysis, we gain actionable insights while maintaining robust accountability for our net-zero commitments.

While political debates and regulatory complexities create challenges, they are also spurring innovation and demanding a higher level of rigor and transparency from the financial sector.

As regulations tighten and demand for sustainable solutions grows, innovative cooling methods are poised to transform how we keep our homes, businesses, and data centers cool, paving the way for a truly sustainable and resilient future.

This newsletter aims to distill these key updates, offering you a concise yet comprehensive overview to inform your forward-looking strategies.

18th - 25th July 2025

III can always be relied upon to present seemingly complex issues with clarity and expediency, as they do here, on the topic of the upcoming Pension Schemes Bill which offers a unique opportunity to provide legal clarity to trustees through two key changes:

‘It is not just if we can build smarter AI, but how we ensure it's built and used wisely to serve, rather than undermine, the long-term stability and fairness of our financial systems.’' argues Noel Laureate Geoffrey Hinton

The European Union continues to lead the global charge in sustainable finance regulation, but 2025 has brought both clarifications and new complexities.

#RAOtheAmericas25 is a premier international gathering of leading LP’s, GP’s & Advisors who are focused on responsible investing across international markets. It offers asset managers, investment advisors, pension fund owners and regulators from across Europe an exclusive opportunity to collaborate, exchange ideas and access inspiring insights from experienced industry leaders.

Greenhushing in the investment community refers to the deliberate practice of downplaying, underreporting, or completely staying silent about environmental, social, and governance (ESG) initiatives, efforts, and targets.

HOT!! HOT!! HOT!! - more than just the weather! At a time of geopolitical uncertainty,, it was great to meet leaders who see Risk Management, Investing in DEI, Sustainability & Climate Change as strategic opportunities best suited to collaborative partnerships. But who will step up to the plate?

Rarely more salient or timely. Thank you for sharing Friday Five Giles Gibbons: Recalibrate, recharge, revitalise - just what we needed..

When the sun is shining and the wind is blowing, electricity is both green and cheap. But this isn’t always the case. As a result, the emissions intensity of electricity can vary quite considerably through time and location (you can see the live tracking for the UK here)

Giles Gibbons

The relentless pursuit of diversification across strategies, geographies, and asset classes has significantly amplified operational complexity within private markets firms. While beneficial for risk management and return potential, this diversification directly contributes to increased operational intensity:

DE&I has emerged as a distinct and financially material risk for allocators. While often viewed through an ethical or moral lens, the financial community increasingly recognises the tangible benefits of DEI and the significant risks associated with its absence.

Always thought provoking, Giles Gibbons Friday 5 will shake, rattle and roll your grey cells (those words will probably make more sense once you read the article). Proposals calling for transparency, ethical guardrails, and board-level accountability are gaining traction, even as broader ESG enthusiasm slows.

Geopolitical Risk: The New Horizon for Finance Jamie Dimon's public statements and the CfG's mandate clearly articulate that geopolitical risk now stands as an equally, if not more, potent force in shaping financial outcomes.

Image by Alex Shuper

The enduring legacy of tariffs is a tangible increase in the cost of living, underscoring that in a highly interconnected global economy, the price of protectionism is ultimately paid by the consumer.

Photo: Markus Winkler

While challenges persist, the innovation, collaboration, and leadership demonstrated by investors are creating a powerful momentum towards a more sustainable and equitable world.

Giles Gibbons writes about the intersection between Loo rolls, the King & emissions. No, not THOSE sort of emissions!