A grounded, forward-looking discussion for investors navigating climate strategy in uncertain conditions. And if flexibility is key within Financial Markets, Marian D’Auria was an excellent example as took on the Moderating reins at the last minute.

Mandy Kirby challenged the panel on critical themes and emerging responsibilities for asset owners. The discussion underscored why addressing social risks and opportunities is essential for long-term value creation — and how investors can help ensure that the transition to a sustainable economy is equitable, inclusive, and people-centred.

Through real-world examples, this panel highlighted what effective escalation looks like, how collaboration can amplify impact, and why systemic stewardship is becoming a defining responsibility for long-term investors. Insightful, practical, and forward-leaning, the discussion offered a clear roadmap for active ownership in a rapidly evolving landscape.

A standout RAOEurope25 discussion exploring what Impact Investing really means and featuring Arun Kelshiker, Mike Weston, Frances Deakin, Ioannis Ioannou and quick on his feet, Cliff Prior, a last minute replacement who delivered outstanding insights.

Protecting Biodiversity, Tackling Deforestation & Restoring Ecosystems
MODERATOR: JANE WADIA - Head of Sustainability, Core Products & Clients, AXA IM Core
PANEL: CLARA BARBY, Senior Partner, Just Climate MENKA BAJAJ, Sustainability Strategist, Bank of America DAVID CRAIG, Co-chair, Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures
ELI KREIGER, Investment Analyst, Lansdowne Partners

Why nature risk is financially material now:

• Supply-chain and regulatory shocks (e.g., deforestation import rules, water stress) moving from CSR to P&L and cost of capital.

• Translate “nature risk” into cash-flow drivers: yield, input costs, insurance premia, license to operate.

Our Tech Transition & Responsible AI panel—now available on video.
Featuring senior decision-makers shaping policy, capital allocation, and market standards.
They unpack governance, model risk, data lineage, and the guardrails investors should demand.

If you tune your allocation, stewardship and due-diligence playbooks to this week’s signals, you’ll be better placed to turn Europe’s policy momentum into risk-adjusted returns—and tangible climate outcomes.

Photo: Mathieu Stern

Why Real Asset Investors Need Geospatial Intelligence 

“A new generation of geospatially enabled tools can integrate climate model outputs, satellite data, and other datasets into a coherent analytical whole, bringing climate science directly into the language of finance.”

Geopolitical uncertainty is now a defining context for European investors. For impact strategies, the message isn’t to wait for calmer seas—it’s to build vessels fit for rough water.

The opportunity isn’t just to hedge biodiversity and climate risk, but to own the transition to a nature-positive global economy.

At RAOEurope25, held in association with Bank of America, global leaders from finance, policy, and sustainability came together to tackle the defining issues of our time — climate, technology, resilience, and social equity. And what a day of insights & connections it was!

The day in pictures - RAOEurope25, in Association with Bank of America and sponsors ISS STOXX

For responsible investors, uncertainty is not a deterrent—it’s a defining feature of the transition. Those who stay the course, combining rigour with adaptability, will help build the next generation of financial systems—more resilient, transparent, and aligned with planetary boundaries.

Before leaping into tech transition or AI, investors must understand the structural, operational, governance, and reputational risks.

The real leverage lies in active ownership: structured engagement, escalation, coalition-building, and capital consequence.

👉 RAOEurope25 is where that future is being shaped. If you think finance doesn’t need to change, this event isn’t for you. But if you’re ready to lead, challenge, and act — book your ticket today https://raoglobal.org/europe25-tickets

It’s funny, sobering, and a reminder that sustainability starts with the small things (and sometimes, the slimy ones). And no, I wasn’t referring to politicians….or was I?

👉 Join us on 21 October in London — because in a fragmented, volatile world, conversations and collaborations are the only real currency of resilience.

In association with Bank of America

“When we talk about solving some the world’s deepest problems such as extreme poverty, disease or inequality, we often imagine solutions that are complex, systemic, and innovative. But sometimes, the most transformative answers are startlingly simple.” Giles Gibbons