In this episode of Seismic Sessions, host Gemma Livermore and co-host Rachael Rowe talk with Valentina Kristensen of OakNorth and Sharon Wilson of Schroders about the growing importance of ESG in financial services. They discuss ESG’s evolution into a business priority, the challenges of avoiding greenwashing, and the impact of regulations. Practical advice is shared on embedding ESG authentically into operations, building stakeholder trust, and navigating complex compliance landscapes.

Key takeaways

Tremors: Once sidelined by short-term profit goals, ESG has gained prominence due to rising awareness of climate change, social justice, and corporate governance. While early challenges stemmed from inconsistent reporting standards, recent progress has brought clearer frameworks. Despite advancements, firms still face hurdles like greenwashing and maintaining transparency.

Epicentre: To integrate ESG authentically, firms must prioritize transparency and honesty, especially in the early stages. Clear, consistent communication helps build trust and navigate the evolving ESG landscape effectively.

Aftershocks: Future success hinges on adaptability as regulations and expectations shift. Firms must empower climate-aware teams, meet rising demand for detailed reporting, and leverage AI to scale ESG efforts, ensuring transparency and credibility.

Jump into the conversation

00:03:05 - The Historical Rise of ESG

00:09:12 - Greenwashing as a Key Challenge

00:12:30 - Regulation Driving ESG Adoption

00:16:40 - Lack of Standardisation in ESG Reporting

00:20:20 - Transparent Communication

00:25:18 - Increasing Client Demand for ESG Data

00:28:40 - AI and ESG Reporting

00:32:10 - Building "Climate-Confident" Teams

00:37:15 - Future Outlook for ESG