Advice for Navigating the Shifting Landscape of ESG Investments

In APAC, ESG in finance was the topic on everyone’s mind since 2020, but the trend is starting to turn in a different direction. It’s still predicted that returns will increase in the long run, but with a focus on political agendas such as fighting against climate change and striving for social responsibility, it’s hard to translate it into driving the best returns for investors. People are now less willing to put their investment returns at risk and are rethinking ESG investments. If that’s the case, is ESG investment still worth it?

We hear from Emma Pringle, Head of ESG at Maple-Brown Abbott. With experiences across the finance industry such as 14 years in BT, including 3 years as Head of Customer Governance and Sustainability, and 3 years as Senior Project Manager at Toyota Financial Services, Emma’s responsible for the development and implementation of Maple-Brown Abbott’s ESG strategy, policies, and governance.

With a focus on overseeing the integration of ESG risks and opportunities in decision-making, Emma speaks about,

• How ESG can be used as a risk mitigation tool, integrating non-financial components into investments.
• Australia’s change in sustainable finance that will contribute to market development, achieving Australia’s commitment to become Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
• Australia’s legislation that needs to be aligned with specified benchmarks, making it a challenge for climate-lined industries.
• Emerging markets’ lack of viable investments and viable technology presents opportunities and other walkarounds to achieve sustainable development goals.

Catch the full interview to discover how you can balance the intricacies of sustainable development and financial goals together.