Nature-related risks pose significant macroeconomic implications. Failure to account for, mitigate and adapt to those implications can result in significant risk to financial institutions. In this webinar, we will look at how financial institutions account for and evaluate nature-related risk; the financial implications of biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation; and how financial institutions are acting on opportunities to mitigate and adapt to these risks. We will examine the current state of preparedness to address nature-related risks and discuss what else needs to be done to increase momentum in addressing nature, as well as climate, risks.
Speaker Bios
Mirtha Kastrapeli, Managing Director, Global Head of Natural Capital, and Executive Director, ESG Corporate Ratings, Sector Head Consumer, ISS ESG
Mirtha Kastrapeli is managing director and global head of natural capital at ISS ESG. She also leads its consumer sector corporate ratings research. She is an accomplished sustainable investment leader with a track record in developing cutting-edge research in the environmental, social and governance (ESG) investment space. She is also a Senior Fellow at Columbia University’s Center on Sustainable Investment (CCSI).
Most recently, Mirtha was the founder and CEO of Beyond Alpha LLC, a specialised research and consulting firm dedicated to helping investors design and implement sustainable investment strategies. She published a study with Beyond Alpha titled ‘We Need To Talk: Why It’s Time for Institutional Investors to Embrace SDG-Aligned Investing’, which was selected as one the top 10 ESG papers by Investment & Pensions Europe in 2021. Before that, Mirtha spent 12 years at State Street in various roles, including global head of State Street’s Center for Applied Research.
Nathalie Thong, ESG Manager, AXA XL UK and Lloyd’s
Nathalie joined AXA XL (the property and casualty insurance and specialty risk division of AXA) just over two and a half years ago, bringing valuable experience from her previous role as a sustainability consultant. In her current position, she focuses on developing sustainable innovation products, managing ESG growth initiatives and educating AXA XL colleagues on important ESG topics for clients. Before joining the insurance industry, Nathalie worked as a sustainability consultant, helping corporate leaders develop sustainability strategies and facilitating innovation workshops across various sectors. Her academic background includes a degree in environment and development, highlighting her dedication to addressing environmental and socioeconomic challenges.
Steven King, Senior Vice President – Business Development, Resource Management Service
Steven is responsible for developing and supporting the firm’s business development initiatives. He has worked in global timberland for more than two decades and has broad experience of developing timberland investment strategies, acquiring timberland and managing portfolios. Prior to joining RMS, Steven was managing director of global strategy at Campbell Global, and prior to that he held positions at RMS, Rayonier, James W. Sewall Company and Jaakko Pöyry Consulting. Steven received his master of science degree in forest resources from the University of Georgia and a bachelor of science degree in forest resources and conservation from the University of Florida.
Tom Mason, Associate Director – Corporate Biodiversity, Nature Positive
Tom Mason is Nature Positive’s corporate biodiversity lead. He heads up engagements with corporations and investors in the assessment of nature-related impacts, risks and opportunities in their global value chains and portfolios, as well as developing biodiversity and risk management strategies. Tom has over ten years of experience crosscutting the finance sector and diverse supply chain sectors in Asia, Europe and North America, working in biodiversity, sustainability and business strategy.
