🌿 How are ESG fund managers using sustainability to make better investment decisions?

❓ Question: As ESG investing faces increasing scrutiny and evolving reporting requirements, how do professional fund managers integrate sustainability considerations into investment decisions without sacrificing returns?

✅ Answer: According to Mans Carlsson, head of ESG and co-portfolio manager at Australian fund manager Ausbil Investment Management, ESG integration is fundamentally about making better-informed investment decisions. Rather than focusing on ideology, Carlsson argues that ESG research helps investors identify risks, assess management quality, evaluate stakeholder relationships and uncover long-term opportunities that traditional financial analysis may overlook. Through proprietary ESG research, company engagement and on-the-ground investigation, investors can better understand which companies are managing risks effectively and which may face future reputational, regulatory or operational challenges.

🌟 One of Carlsson's key messages is that ESG investing does not necessarily require investors to sacrifice returns. He challenges the long-standing perception that excluding companies on sustainability grounds automatically reduces performance, arguing that ESG analysis helps investors avoid poorly managed companies while identifying businesses that are improving governance, risk management and stakeholder relationships. In his view, these factors can contribute to stronger valuations over time.

🌟 Ausbil's investment process combines traditional financial research with proprietary ESG analysis. The firm's ESG team continuously assesses ASX 200 companies and works closely with portfolio managers and analysts. Engagement with companies is a core part of the process, with more than 200 ESG-related company meetings conducted annually. These engagements are often used to encourage companies to adopt best-practice approaches to issues such as climate change, responsible sourcing, corporate governance and workforce management.

🌟 Direct engagement and field research remain critical despite advances in artificial intelligence. Carlsson argues that while AI can assist with data collection and summarisation, ESG analysis involves qualitative judgement that cannot easily be automated. Understanding how seriously a company manages risks, responds to challenges and implements policies still requires human expertise, experience and direct interaction with management teams and stakeholders.

🌟 Supply chain transparency is becoming an increasingly important area of ESG analysis. Carlsson described how technology now allows companies to trace the origins of commodities and products with greater accuracy. Businesses that invest in supply chain visibility can reduce the risk of reputational damage, particularly as regulators, investors and consumers pay closer attention to issues such as modern slavery and responsible sourcing.

🌟 ESG analysis can identify risks before they become widely known. Carlsson shared an example of avoiding an investment in a high-profile company after proprietary research uncovered allegations of worker underpayment. Once the issue became public, the company's share price fell significantly. He argues that this demonstrates the value of conducting independent research rather than relying solely on company disclosures.

🌟 Sustainability reporting requirements are improving the quality of information available to investors, particularly around climate risk. Carlsson highlighted climate-related disclosure frameworks such as the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) as useful because they encourage companies to examine future risks and opportunities rather than simply reporting historical emissions data. He believes forward-looking climate assessments provide a more complete picture of potential investment risks.

🚩 One challenge is that ESG data alone does not provide investment answers. Carlsson cautions against overreliance on datasets and reporting frameworks, arguing that the value lies in interpreting the data and understanding how it affects a company's future prospects. Investors still need analytical judgement to separate meaningful signals from noise.

🚩 The transition to a lower-emissions economy is proving more complicated than many anticipated. Carlsson noted that rising energy demand, slower-than-expected commercialisation of some decarbonisation technologies and increasing demand from AI-powered data centres are creating challenges for the energy transition. He argues the discussion is increasingly shifting from "energy transition" to "energy addition" because overall energy demand continues to grow.

⚠️ Modern slavery and supply chain risks are likely to face greater regulatory scrutiny in coming years. Carlsson points to emerging international regulations, particularly in Europe, that could impose stricter due diligence requirements and restrictions on goods linked to forced labour. Companies that fail to understand and monitor their supply chains may face operational, legal and reputational risks.

⚠️ Reputational damage can emerge rapidly when supply chain issues become public. Carlsson believes advances in traceability technology mean companies will face increasing expectations to verify where materials and products originate. Organisations that fail to invest in transparency could find themselves exposed as external scrutiny intensifies.

🌟 Looking ahead, Carlsson expects ESG investing to become more focused on financial materiality. Rather than broad ideological debates, he believes the future of responsible investing will centre on identifying sustainability issues that have direct implications for company performance, risk management and long-term shareholder value. For active managers, this means maintaining a disciplined focus on material ESG factors that influence investment outcomes.

💡 Why it matters:

As sustainability disclosure requirements expand and ESG investing continues to evolve, investors face growing pressure to separate meaningful sustainability risks from superficial reporting. Carlsson's approach highlights a broader shift taking place across the investment industry: ESG is increasingly being treated as a tool for risk management and company analysis rather than a standalone investment philosophy. Issues such as supply chain transparency, climate resilience, workforce management and corporate governance are becoming material financial considerations that can influence company valuations and long-term performance. For investors, understanding these factors may prove increasingly important as regulations tighten, stakeholder expectations rise and new technologies expose risks that were previously difficult to detect.

🎙️ Sources:

Mans Carlsson, Head of ESG and Co-Portfolio Manager, Ausbil Investment Management

Michelle Baltazar, host, The Greener Way

⏱️ Timestamps: 00:00 – Why supply chain transparency is becoming critical

00:19 – Introduction to Ausbil and ESG investing

01:14 – Ausbil's investment approach and ESG capability

02:31 – Proprietary ESG research and company engagement

03:20 – ESG field trips and responsible sourcing insights

04:01 – Encouraging companies to adopt best practice

04:44 – Can AI replace ESG research?

06:04 – The biggest myths about ESG investing

07:00 – How ESG factors influence company value

08:07 – Sustainability reporting and climate disclosure

09:15 – Climate risk versus emissions reporting

10:05 – Examples of ESG leaders and laggards

11:09 – Supply chain traceability and modern slavery

12:28 – Decarbonisation, AI and energy demand growth

14:21 – The future of ESG investing

15:21 – Why financial materiality matters

15:45 – Modern slavery regulation and supply chain due diligence

16:14 – The broader benefits of supply chain scrutiny

16:37 – Final reflections on ESG and responsible investing

🌿 We record on Gadigal Land and pay our respects to the traditional custodians of country and elders past and present.

🌿 How can Australia catch up to the frontrunners in the green steel race?

❓ Question: As global demand shifts towards low-carbon industries and clean supply chains, does Australia have a realistic opportunity to move beyond exporting raw materials and become a leader in green steel manufacturing?

✅ Answer: According to Tim Buckley, founder and director of Climate Energy Finance, Australia has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform its economy by decarbonising the steel supply chain and building domestic green steel manufacturing. While Australia is already the world's largest exporter of iron ore, it captures very little value from processing it. Buckley argues that with the right policy settings, investment frameworks and industrial strategy, Australia can create jobs, strengthen regional economies, reduce emissions and become a major supplier of low-emissions steel in a decarbonising world.

🌟 One of the report's central themes is that Australia needs to move beyond its traditional "dig and ship" economic model. While unprocessed iron ore remains one of Australia's most valuable exports, Buckley argues that future competitive advantage will come from adding value domestically and supplying trading partners with the low-carbon products they will increasingly require. Decarbonising steelmaking represents one of the largest industrial opportunities globally, and Australia is uniquely positioned due to its iron ore resources and renewable energy potential.

🌟 Buckley believes the global transition away from fossil fuels is inevitable. The real question is whether Australia benefits from that transition or becomes one of its casualties. As one of the world's largest exporters of fossil fuels, Australia faces significant economic risks if it fails to diversify. Green steel manufacturing offers a pathway to protect export revenues while positioning the country for future growth.

🌟 Rather than immediately pursuing large-scale export ambitions, Buckley argues Australia should begin by developing domestic low-emissions steel production using electric arc furnaces. These facilities use scrap steel and renewable electricity instead of coal-intensive blast furnaces, significantly reducing emissions while creating local manufacturing capacity. He sees electric arc furnaces as a practical starting point that allows Australia to learn, build expertise and establish supply chains before scaling further.

🌟 Regional Australia could be one of the biggest beneficiaries of this transformation. Proposed electric arc furnace projects in Western Australia, Queensland and South Australia could create construction jobs, ongoing manufacturing employment and opportunities for associated industries such as recycling and renewable energy generation. Buckley argues that successful energy transition policies must provide replacement industries for coal-dependent communities rather than leaving workers behind.

🌟 Green steel is also about national resilience and supply chain security. Buckley notes growing concerns across Western economies about overreliance on offshore manufacturing. Developing domestic processing capability would not only create economic opportunities but also strengthen Australia's strategic position by reducing dependence on imported industrial products.

🚩 One major challenge is the scale of investment required. Climate Energy Finance estimates Australia will need hundreds of billions of dollars of capital to transform its economy. Buckley argues that private capital is available, but governments must provide policy certainty and strategic investment mechanisms that help crowd in private-sector funding and lower project risks.

🚩 Another challenge involves workforce transition. Communities built around coal mining, coal-fired power generation and other legacy industries face uncertainty as Australia decarbonises. Buckley stresses that political and community support for climate action depends on creating visible pathways into new industries and ensuring future jobs are located in existing regional centres wherever possible.

⚠️ Policy settings will play a critical role in determining whether Australia succeeds. Buckley highlights the need for government-backed investment vehicles, stronger carbon pricing signals through mechanisms such as the safeguard mechanism, and clear industrial policies that incentivise low-emissions manufacturing. Without these frameworks, Australia risks missing the opportunity despite its natural advantages.

⚠️ Greenwashing is another emerging risk. Buckley argues that as demand grows for low-emissions products, robust verification systems will become increasingly important. Consumers and investors need confidence that products labelled as green steel genuinely meet high environmental standards. This will require independently verified taxonomies and credible reporting frameworks to distinguish genuinely low-emissions steel from marketing claims.

🌟 Looking ahead, Buckley remains optimistic. He believes Australia has all the ingredients necessary to become a major green steel producer, including renewable energy resources, mineral reserves, skilled workers and growing policy support. The challenge now is moving from discussion to implementation and demonstrating that new industrial projects can be built and scaled successfully.

💡 Why it matters:

The shift to a low-carbon economy is reshaping global trade, investment and industrial strategy. For Australia, green steel represents far more than an emissions-reduction initiative. It could become a cornerstone of future economic growth, regional employment and national competitiveness. As countries seek cleaner supply chains and low-emissions industrial products, Australia faces a strategic choice: continue exporting raw materials with limited value-add or build domestic industries that capture more of the economic value generated from its resources. The success or failure of green steel could become one of the defining economic stories of Australia's energy transition.

🎙️ Sources:

• Tim Buckley, founder and director, Climate Energy Finance

• Michelle Baltazar, host, The Greener Way

⏱️ Timestamps:

00:00 – Australia's opportunity in the global steel transition

00:42 – Introducing Climate Energy Finance and the Arc of Ambition report

01:18 – Climate, energy and finance: the intersection driving change

02:00 – The scale of investment needed for Australia's transition

03:22 – Can Australia mobilise the capital required?

04:02 – Diversifying beyond dependence on overseas manufacturing

05:19 – Key findings from the Arc of Ambition report

06:00 – Why Australia must move beyond exporting raw iron ore

07:17 – Building a domestic green steel industry

08:00 – Electric arc furnaces and low-emissions steel production

09:29 – Regional jobs and a Future Made in Australia

10:17 – Employment opportunities from green steel manufacturing

12:17 – Turning former coal regions into industrial hubs

13:22 – Recycling steel and creating circular economy opportunities

15:45 – What governments and businesses should do next

16:19 – Three reforms needed to accelerate green steel

17:00 – Carbon pricing, safeguards and investment incentives

18:00 – Why verification and green steel taxonomies matter

18:41 – Final reflections on Australia's green steel opportunity

19:12 – Can green steel become a major employer? Yes.

Link: Arc of ambition report

🌿 We record on Gadigal Land and pay our respects to the traditional custodians of country and elders past and present.

🌿 Is greenwashing evolving into a new risk era driven by climate reporting and emissions targets?

❓ Question: As climate disclosure becomes mandatory and regulators crack down on misleading environmental claims, is greenwashing becoming less about marketing spin and more about governance, reporting and accountability?

✅ Answer: According to Dr Mark Siebentritt, executive director at Edge Impact, greenwashing is entering a new phase. What was once largely viewed as an ethical issue is now a regulatory and governance concern, driven by enforcement action and mandatory climate disclosure requirements. Organisations can no longer rely on broad sustainability claims or aspirational net-zero statements. Instead, they must be able to substantiate their claims with evidence, robust data and credible implementation plans.

🌟 One of the most significant changes is the shift from voluntary to mandatory climate reporting. Dr Mark Siebentritt notes that sustainability reporting has become deeply embedded in organisational decision-making, particularly within finance, governance and risk functions. Climate-related risks and their financial implications are increasingly being treated as core business issues rather than standalone sustainability concerns.

🌟 Greenwashing has also moved from being an ethical debate to a regulatory risk. In the past, organisations were primarily challenged by stakeholders questioning environmental claims. Today, companies face potential consequences from regulators if they make claims that cannot be supported by evidence. This shift has elevated greenwashing from a reputational concern to a board-level risk.

🌟 Directors are paying closer attention because of both financial and reputational implications. According to Dr Mark Siebentritt, discussions around potential regulatory action often resonate strongly in boardrooms because directors have fiduciary responsibilities and need confidence that sustainability claims are supported by reliable data and governance processes.

🌟 Mandatory climate disclosure reporting is accelerating this trend. More than 6,000 Australian companies are expected to be affected by reporting requirements that include disclosure of climate-related risks and financial impacts, with assurance and auditing requirements increasing over time. Dr Mark Siebentritt describes the changes as among the most significant developments in financial reporting in recent years.

🚩 One challenge is the compressed timeframe facing organisations. While businesses may previously have developed gradual sustainability roadmaps, climate disclosure requirements and greenwashing regulations are now converging. Companies are under pressure to strengthen governance, reporting systems and evidence frameworks much sooner than many originally anticipated.

🚩 Another challenge relates to artificial intelligence. While AI can help organisations process large and complex datasets, identify patterns and improve reporting efficiency, Dr Mark Siebentritt warns that businesses cannot rely on technology alone. Climate risks remain real-world challenges that require informed judgement, credible analysis and high-quality information. AI-generated outputs that lack accuracy or real-world validation could create significant governance risks.

🌟 AI nevertheless presents important opportunities. Used appropriately, it can support the analysis of vast climate datasets, help uncover trends and strengthen reporting processes. However, organisations must ensure the resulting disclosures are based on robust evidence if they are to meet expectations for investment-grade reporting.

⚠️ Looking ahead, Dr Mark Siebentritt believes one of the biggest emerging greenwashing risks involves emissions-reduction targets. Organisations are increasingly required to disclose targets and explain how they intend to achieve them. This means broad declarations about achieving net zero or carbon neutrality are no longer sufficient without supporting evidence and realistic implementation pathways.

⚠️ He describes this as a potential "Greenwashing 2.0" challenge. The future risk may not be false marketing claims but rather targets that lack credible plans, achievable pathways or practical actions. Companies will need to demonstrate not only what they aim to achieve, but also how they will deliver measurable outcomes over time. For multinational organisations in particular, global commitments will need to be translated into credible local strategies and actions.

💡 Why it matters:

The sustainability landscape is rapidly maturing. As climate reporting requirements expand and regulatory scrutiny intensifies, organisations face growing expectations around transparency, evidence and accountability. Sustainability claims are no longer judged solely by what companies say, but increasingly by the quality of their data, governance and execution. The next generation of greenwashing risk may centre on ambitious climate promises that cannot be realistically delivered. For boards, executives and investors, the challenge will be ensuring environmental commitments are supported by credible plans, measurable actions and robust disclosure frameworks.

🎙️ Sources:

Dr Mark Siebentritt, executive director, Edge Impact

Michelle Baltazar, host, The Greener Way

⏱️ Timestamps:

00:00 – Greenwashing meets mandatory climate disclosure

01:24 – How Edge Impact's work has evolved

02:49 – Sustainability moves into finance, governance and risk teams

03:30 – The evolution of greenwashing from ethics to regulation

04:33 – Why boards are paying closer attention

06:16 – The impact of mandatory climate reporting

08:00 – Can AI accelerate climate disclosure reporting?

09:00 – The limits of AI and investment-grade reporting

10:35 – The emerging greenwashing risk nobody is talking about

11:00 – Why emissions targets now require evidence and action plans

12:07 – Greenwashing 2.0: From false claims to false targets

13:01 – Final reflections on regulation and accountability

🌿 We record on Gadigal Land and pay our respects to the traditional custodians of country and elders past and present.

🌿 Can committing just 1% of revenue help businesses drive meaningful environmental impact?

❓ Question: Can a relatively small commitment of 1% of annual revenue create measurable environmental outcomes, strengthen business performance and help companies embed sustainability into their long-term strategy?

✅ Answer: According to Kate Williams, chief executive officer of 1% for the Planet, the answer is yes – provided businesses treat environmental giving as a core operational expense rather than a discretionary donation. The organisation encourages members to commit at least 1% of annual revenue, not profits, to vetted environmental causes every year, regardless of business conditions. This approach is designed to integrate environmental responsibility directly into corporate strategy, planning and financial decision-making.

Founded in 2002, 1% for the Planet connects businesses with environmental partners across four key impact areas: just economies, resilient communities, rights to nature, and conservation and restoration. Member companies can direct their contributions according to their own sustainability priorities, while the organisation verifies and certifies their commitments.

🌟 One of the key insights from the discussion is why the 1% figure has endured for almost 25 years. Williams explains that 1% is both psychologically accessible and financially meaningful. It feels achievable for most organisations, yet when applied to annual revenue rather than profit, it becomes a substantial long-term commitment that can fund significant environmental initiatives.

🌟 The strongest area of support among members is resilient communities, which accounts for roughly 40% of certified contributions. Williams says this reflects growing recognition that environmental issues are fundamentally linked to people and communities. Businesses increasingly want their sustainability efforts to deliver both environmental and social outcomes, particularly as climate impacts become more visible.

🌟 Climate-related causes are receiving increasing attention. Climate adaptation attracted approximately $25 million in certified giving during 2025, representing around 22% of all contributions certified by the organisation. Renewable energy funding also experienced significant year-on-year growth, highlighting the increasing focus companies are placing on climate solutions.

🚩 One challenge is maintaining sustainability commitments during periods of economic pressure. Businesses globally are dealing with cost-of-living pressures, margin compression and uncertain economic conditions. In these environments, environmental spending can be perceived as an additional cost rather than a strategic investment.

🚩 Another challenge is demonstrating commercial value. Williams notes that organisations must be able to link environmental commitments to tangible business outcomes such as customer loyalty, brand differentiation, talent attraction and employee retention. Without a compelling business case, sustainability initiatives may struggle to gain long-term support from leadership teams and stakeholders.

🌟 To address these concerns, 1% for the Planet emphasises flexibility. Companies can contribute through cash donations, products or professional services. For example, a marketing agency may provide pro bono services to a non-profit partner, allowing businesses to maintain commitments even in years when cash budgets are constrained.

🌟 Williams also highlights the long-term strategic view. She argues that business viability ultimately depends on a healthy environment and functioning communities. Framing sustainability investments through this lens helps organisations move beyond short-term financial pressures and focus on long-term resilience and value creation.

⚠️ Looking ahead, one area of opportunity is the technology sector. Despite technology companies often generating significant revenues and strong margins, Williams says the sector remains underrepresented within the organisation's membership. She sees substantial potential for technology firms to play a larger role in funding environmental initiatives as stakeholder expectations continue to evolve.

⚠️ The organisation is also continuing to invest in its global community of members. Through events, peer networks and ongoing support, businesses can share ideas, refine their giving strategies and learn from others facing similar sustainability challenges. According to Williams, participation is designed to be an evolving journey rather than a one-off commitment.

💡 Why it matters:

As sustainability expectations expand beyond emissions reductions and reporting requirements, businesses are increasingly being asked what direct contribution they are making to environmental and social outcomes. Models such as 1% for the Planet aim to move environmental responsibility from the margins of corporate strategy into core business operations. By linking environmental giving to revenue rather than profits, organisations can create more predictable and accountable funding streams while potentially strengthening customer relationships, employee engagement and long-term business resilience.

🎙️ Sources:

• Kate Williams, chief executive officer, 1% for the Planet

• Michelle Baltazar, host, The Greener Way

⏱️ Timestamps:

00:00 – Why 1% of revenue became the benchmark

01:30 – How 1% for the Planet works

03:10 – The rationale behind revenue-based giving

05:00 – Trends in environmental funding and impact areas

06:00 – Why resilient communities receive the most support

07:00 – Climate adaptation and renewable energy funding growth

09:00 – Maintaining commitments during economic pressure

10:00 – The business case for environmental giving

12:00 – Flexible contribution models and in-kind giving

13:00 – Opportunities in the technology sector

15:20 – How businesses can join 1% for the Planet

16:20 – Community-building and member support

Link: https://www.onepercentfortheplanet.org/

🌿 We record on Gadigal Land and pay our respects to the traditional custodians of country and elders past and present.

🌿 Can carbon recycling turn industrial emissions into profitable products?

❓ Question:

Can captured carbon dioxide be transformed into valuable commercial products, and could this help heavy industries such as cement, steel and mining accelerate their path to net zero while creating new business opportunities?

✅ Answer:

According to Sophia Hamblin Wang, co-founder and chief operating officer of MCi Carbon, carbon dioxide should no longer be viewed as a waste product. Instead, it can become a feedstock for new industrial materials, creating a commercial incentive for companies to capture emissions rather than release them into the atmosphere.

MCi Carbon was founded in 2013 to commercialise a process known as mineral carbonation, which permanently locks CO₂ into mineral products that can be used across industries including cement, plasterboard, refractories, paper and construction materials. The company's vision emerged from research highlighting mineral carbonation as a viable long-term carbon storage solution, but at the time there were few examples of the technology being deployed at scale.

🌟 A major milestone was recently achieved with the opening of what MCi Carbon describes as the world's first fully integrated carbon refinery in Newcastle. The demonstration facility can permanently store approximately 2,500 tonnes of CO₂ each year while producing around 10,000 tonnes of low-carbon materials for industrial use.

🚩 One challenge highlighted in the discussion is the ongoing uncertainty around climate policy frameworks. While governments and corporations have broadly committed to net zero by 2050, many of the regulatory mechanisms needed to support large-scale decarbonisation are still evolving. Carbon markets, emissions trading schemes and standards continue to develop across different jurisdictions, creating uncertainty for climate technology companies seeking to scale globally.

🚩 Another challenge is convincing industrial companies to adopt new technologies at scale. Heavy industries have traditionally faced limited commercially viable options for reducing emissions, particularly in sectors such as steel, cement and chemicals where emissions are difficult to eliminate. Success depends not only on environmental performance, but also on economics, operational integration and customer demand for lower-carbon materials.

🌟 One of MCi Carbon's differentiators is that its business model does not rely solely on carbon credits or emissions trading schemes. The company has designed its technology to generate revenue through the sale of valuable products created from captured CO₂. In some cases, customers are interested purely in removing emissions from their operations, leading to what Sophia describes as "carbon removal as a service".

🌟 The technology is also designed as a "bolt-on" solution that can be installed alongside existing industrial facilities. By locating operations close to major emitters, MCi Carbon can take captured CO₂ and convert it directly into useful materials, lowering barriers to adoption for industrial customers.

⚠️ Looking ahead, Sophia believes the next 18 months could be a pivotal period for industrial decarbonisation technologies. As pressure grows for heavy industries to reduce emissions and more governments establish climate transition frameworks, demand for commercially viable carbon utilisation technologies is expected to increase significantly. The company is also exploring opportunities linked to sustainable finance, including green bonds and infrastructure-style investment models.

💡 Why it matters:

Heavy industries account for a significant share of global greenhouse gas emissions, yet they remain among the hardest sectors to decarbonise. Technologies that can transform captured carbon into commercially valuable products offer a potentially powerful alternative to treating emissions solely as a compliance or waste-management problem. If successful, carbon recycling could help industries reduce emissions, unlock new revenue streams and accelerate progress towards net zero while creating entirely new markets for low-carbon materials.

🎙️ Sources:

• Sophia Hamblin Wang, co-founder and chief operating officer, MCi Carbon

• Michelle Baltazar, host, The Greener Way podcast

⏱️ Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to carbon recycling and industrial decarbonisation

01:30 – Why MCi Carbon was founded

04:15 – Building a carbon refinery in Australia

07:10 – Global investors and strategic partners

10:15 – Europe and Japan expansion plans

11:45 – Regulatory uncertainty and net-zero frameworks

13:00 – Carbon removal as a service explained

14:10 – Opportunities in steel, cement and heavy industry

15:15 – Future growth, green bonds and scaling commercial plants

16:00 – Why the next 18 months will be critical

🌿 We record on Gadigal Land and pay our respects to the traditional custodians of country and elders past and present.

🤖 Can good AI governance help companies become long-term winners?

❓ Question:

How are Australian company boards approaching artificial intelligence, and can strong AI governance help companies create long-term value while managing emerging risks?

✅ Answer:

Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming an investment issue rather than simply a technology issue. According to Sue Lyn Stubbs, associate director in sustainable investing at Fidelity International, investors are increasingly assessing not only whether companies are adopting AI, but how effectively boards are governing its implementation.

To better understand the state of AI governance in Australia, Fidelity engaged with 31 ASX-listed companies across sectors including financials, healthcare, technology and real estate. The research focused on five areas: strategy and value creation, board oversight and skills, risk and controls, governance and ethical AI, and workforce impacts.

One of the key findings was that many companies remain in the early stages of AI adoption. Fidelity's assessment framework, based on Microsoft's AI maturity model, required an additional category "Stage Zero" to classify companies that were not yet actively implementing AI. Most organisations currently sit between experimentation, pilot programs and early operational use.

🚩 One of the key governance red flags was a disconnect between executives and boards. In some cases, CEOs described ambitious AI strategies and extensive use cases, while boards appeared significantly more conservative in their understanding of AI opportunities. This mismatch raised questions about strategic alignment and whether AI investments were being directed effectively across the organisation.

🚩 Another concern was the absence of clearly defined "no-go" areas for AI. While many boards acknowledged potential risks, few could clearly articulate where AI should not be used, particularly in sensitive areas such as workforce surveillance or customer decision-making that could create biased outcomes. As AI becomes more embedded across organisations, investors are likely to expect stronger guardrails and clearer accountability.

🌟 Despite these challenges, the research highlighted several examples of emerging best practice. Leading companies are investing in AI talent, building internal capability, expanding workforce training and, in some cases, incorporating AI-related measures into employee incentive programs. Some companies are also engaging directly with regulators and policymakers on the future development of AI governance frameworks.

From an investment perspective, Stubbs believes strong AI governance could become an important indicator of long-term success. Drawing comparisons with previous technology disruptions, she argues that companies that can adapt their business models, embrace change and govern emerging technologies effectively may be better positioned to create sustainable shareholder value.

⚠️ The report also challenges the common assumption that "human in the loop" oversight is enough to manage AI risks. While human review remains important, there is a growing risk that employees become overly reliant on AI-generated outputs. Boards may eventually need additional layers of monitoring and control to manage potential errors, compliance issues and unintended consequences. Meanwhile, the growing use of unauthorised AI tools by employees, sometimes referred to as "shadow AI", presents another governance challenge for organisations seeking to protect intellectual property and manage operational risk.

Ultimately, the research suggests that investors should view AI governance as more than a compliance exercise. A board's ability to oversee AI effectively may provide valuable insights into whether a company can adapt, compete and thrive in a rapidly changing business environment.

💡 Why it matters:

Artificial intelligence is reshaping industries, workforces and business models at an unprecedented pace. While much of the public discussion focuses on productivity gains and innovation, investors are increasingly concerned with governance, accountability and risk management. Companies that can successfully balance AI opportunity with strong oversight may be better positioned to create long-term value, while those that fail to establish appropriate guardrails risk operational, reputational and strategic setbacks.

🎙️ Sources:

• Sue Lyn Stubbs, associate director, sustainable investing, Fidelity International

• Michelle Baltazar, executive director of media, FS Sustainability

⏱️ Timestamps:

00:00 – Why AI governance matters for investors

02:05 – Researching AI adoption across 31 ASX companies

04:59 – Understanding AI maturity and Stage Zero

07:33 – Red flags and governance gaps

11:39 – Examples of emerging best practice

15:25 – Linking AI governance to long-term value creation

17:51 – Why "human in the loop" may not be enough

19:50 – The risks of shadow AI

21:25 – What boards should focus on next

Link: Insights from Fidelity International’s 2025 Australian AGM season AI governance survey

🌿 We record on Gadigal Land and we pay our respects to the traditional custodians of country and elders past and present.

Can responsible investors justify defence exposure?

Question:

Can investors responsibly invest in defence companies while managing ESG risks, and where should they draw the line?

Answer:

Defence investing has become increasingly relevant as global conflict and government spending rise, but it remains complex for ESG-focused investors. According to Jess Cairns, head of responsible investment at Alphinity, the key is not blanket avoidance but having a clear, practical framework that balances responsible investing with investment opportunity.

Most investors already apply strict exclusions to controversial weapons (such as nuclear or banned weapons), often at a zero-revenue threshold. However, beyond that, there is significant variation across the industry, especially when it comes to conventional weapons and indirect exposure.

A major challenge is “dual-use” companies. Many industrial and technology firms produce components that can be used in both civilian and military applications, making it difficult to clearly classify exposure. Cairns notes that even small, generic components can end up in weapons systems, making traditional dual-use vs single-use distinctions unreliable in practice.

Instead, Alphinity’s approach is to:

• Apply a hard exclusion to companies directly manufacturing weapons.

• Allow some indirect exposure (e.g. components or services), but with strict limits.

• Use enhanced due diligence to assess how products are used, who they are sold to, and whether there are risks linked to conflict zones or human rights issues.

This due diligence includes analysing end markets, government contracts, sanctions compliance, and any controversies linked to misuse. For example, a company with a small portion of revenue tied indirectly to defence (around 5% in one case discussed) may still be investable if risks are well understood and managed.

However, the hardest decisions arise when companies are linked to active conflicts. Even minimal revenue exposure can create significant ethical and reputational concerns. In some cases, companies have limited control over how their products are ultimately used, forcing investors to weigh financial materiality against potential human rights implications.

Ultimately, responsible defence investing is about clarity and consistency, not perfection. Investors can participate in the sector, but only if they set clear boundaries, apply rigorous analysis, and remain accountable to stakeholders.

Why it matters:

Defence is no longer a niche or easily excluded sector, it’s becoming a meaningful driver of returns in global markets. At the same time, it carries significant ESG risks, particularly around human rights and conflict exposure. Investors who fail to define their approach may either miss opportunities or take unintended risks. A clear framework helps balance performance with responsibility and builds trust with clients and stakeholders.

Sources:

• Jess Cairns, head of responsible investment, Alphinity

• Michelle Baltazar, executive director of media, FS Sustainability

Timestamps:

00:00 – Why defence investing is back on the agenda

01:19 – How investors began reassessing the sector

02:45 – Mapping exposure and company disclosures

04:50 – Why dual-use classifications break down

07:14 – Building a practical investment framework

11:44 – Balancing risk and return

14:34 – Real-world ethical dilemmas and case studies

18:30 – Key insights from the responsible investment report

We record on Gadigal Land and we pay our respects to the traditional custodians of country and elders past and present.

https://www.fssustainability.com.au/

Portfolio poison: How ignoring modern slavery risks your returns

Question:

Why does modern slavery persist despite Australia’s Modern Slavery Act, and what practical steps can investors and fund managers take to drive real change beyond compliance?

Answer:

Modern slavery remains a global issue, with an estimated 50 million people affected. Australia’s Modern Slavery Act has increased awareness but hasn’t yet reduced incidents. According to Måns Carlsson, OAM, head of ESG at Ausbil Active Sustainable Equity, the key is moving beyond a “compliance mindset” to genuine leadership. This means harmonising laws internationally, adopting human rights due diligence (not just reporting), and using investor influence for practical engagement with companies.

Investors can’t guarantee portfolios are free from modern slavery risk, but they can:

• Incentivise suppliers to meet responsible sourcing standards, focusing on deeper supply chain tiers (not just tier one).

• Use tools like worker voice technology for real-time feedback, rather than relying solely on annual audits.

• Collaborate with other investors and advocate for stronger, harmonised laws (e.g., import bans on goods made with forced labour).

• Support companies to improve, rewarding progress rather than demanding perfection.

The real power lies in ongoing, practical engagement and policy advocacy, not just risk assessments or box-ticking.

Why it matters:

Modern slavery is not just a legal or ethical issue—it’s a material risk for companies and investors. Reputational damage (as seen with Boohoo in the UK) can hit share prices hard and fast. As global regulation tightens, companies that fail to act may find their goods blocked from key markets. For investors, supporting companies to improve standards helps reduce risk, avoid negative surprises, and contribute to positive change.

Sources:

• Måns Carlsson, head of ESG, Ausbil Active Sustainable Equity

• Michelle Baltazar, executive director of media, FS Sustainability

• RIAA Human Rights Working Group toolkits

Timestamps:

00:00 – Why modern slavery persists; need for global collaboration

02:01 – Investor relevance: reputational risk, earnings sustainability

05:51 – Harmonisation, human rights due diligence, import bans

08:40 – Practical steps: engagement, worker voice tools, supplier incentives

13:19 – Responsible purchasing and unintended consequences

16:40 – Monitoring deeper supply chain tiers

18:32 – Accountability and ongoing engagement

20:54 – ESG, risk management, and performance

We record on Gadigal Land and we pay our respects to the traditional custodians of country and elders past and present.

https://www.fssustainability.com.au/

Is Your Portfolio Missing Out? The Green Bond Boom Explained

Question:

How have green bonds evolved, what risks and opportunities do they present for investors, and what are the biggest misconceptions about this asset class?

Answer:

Green bonds have grown into a US $2 trillion global market, with Europe leading but APAC and emerging markets catching up. According to Johann Ple, senior portfolio manager at BNP Paribas Asset Management, green bonds now offer broad sector diversification and transparency, making them a credible alternative to conventional bonds. Risks are similar to traditional bonds (interest rates, credit spreads), but greenwashing and sector concentration require careful due diligence. Misconceptions about lower returns (“greenium”) are fading, and green bonds are increasingly viable for all investors, not just those focused on sustainability. Australian super funds and institutional investors can now build custom strategies, aligning portfolios with net zero ambitions without sacrificing performance.

Why it matters:

For investors, green bonds represent a way to combine positive environmental impact with competitive returns and transparency. The asset class is mature enough for custom strategies, with over 800 issuers and broad sector representation. Understanding the risks and debunking myths is crucial for informed allocation, especially as demand grows in Australia and globally.

Sources:

• Johann Ple, senior portfolio manager, BNP Paribas Asset Management

• Michelle Baltazar, executive director of media, FS Sustainability

• Responsible Investing Association Australia

• EU Green Bond Standards, APAC market data

Timestamps:

00:00 US as a missed opportunity for green bonds

02:07 Market size: $2 trillion, Europe dominates, APAC and emerging markets rising

03:50 Sector diversification: utilities, banks, real estate, transport, telecom

06:54 Risks: conventional bond risks, greenwashing, sector concentration

09:00 Greenwashing: issuer and project due diligence

11:25 Australia’s role: investor and issuer, custom strategies for super funds

13:03 Misconceptions: returns, “greenium”, ESG backlash

16:54 Growth drivers: APAC, emerging markets, not just Europe

We record on Gadigal land and pay our respects to the traditional custodians of country and elders past and present.

https://www.fssustainability.com.au/

A conversation with Josh Gilbert, head of geospatial strategy, ISS STOXX Sustainability, on how geospatial intelligence is reshaping climate and nature risk analysis for investors.

Data overload or data goldmine? Investors race to decode nature’s signals

Question:

How can geospatial tools help investors move from climate risk mapping to nature risk management, and what does this mean for investment decisions?

Answer:

Geospatial data, like satellite imagery and sensor data, has moved from being a reporting tool to a strategic asset for investors. According to Josh Gilbert, head of geospatial strategy, ISS STOXX Sustainability, the challenge is no longer data starvation but “data digestion”: translating abundant, complex environmental data into clear, actionable financial insights. Sectors with tangible assets (like mining, real estate, and infrastructure) are most directly impacted, but as supply chains and nature risks become more visible, all asset classes are affected. The investors who learn to integrate geospatial and nature data into their decision-making will gain a competitive edge.

Why it matters:

For investors, this shift means that understanding climate and nature risks is no longer optional or just a compliance exercise. The ability to interpret and act on geospatial data will increasingly drive portfolio resilience, risk management, and even alpha generation. Those who treat nature and climate data as core investment signals, not just pretty dashboards, will be better positioned in a volatile, changing world.

Sources:

• Josh Gilbert, head of geospatial strategy, ISS Stoxx Sustainability

• Michelle Baltazar, executive director of media, FS Sustainability

• European Space Agency, SustGlobal, Responsible Investing Association Australia

• Industry frameworks: TCFD, IFRS, SASB

Timestamps:

00:00 Data digestion vs data starvation

01:15 Guest background: from economics to geospatial strategy

03:22 Why investors struggle with climate and nature risk

04:59 How geospatial data moves from reporting to real investment insight

06:22 Sectors most impacted by climate and nature risk

08:44 Misconceptions: dashboards vs actionable metrics

10:53 Nature risk management: real-world examples

12:32 The next decade: AI, numeric models, and financial integration

15:32 Competitive edge for early adopters

16:56 Final thoughts and wrap-up

We record on Gadigal land and we pay our respects to the traditional custodians of country and elders past and present.

https://www.fssustainability.com.au/

*Both FS Sustainability and ISS STOXX Sustainability are owned by ISS STOXX.