Building Momentum: Successfully Positioning Islamic ESG and Sustainable Finance and Investment in the UK (Session Three)

How do policymakers balance the fulfillment of energy demands with the achievement of the principal goals of COP26? Why is a united regulatory response to climate risk so important for the financial services industry, and how do we evaluate initiatives that encourage investors to channel capital and resources into sustainable economic activity, climate transition and social responsibility? How do we address the implications of various taxonomies, frameworks and standards, and identify what can now be labeled green investments? How can potential green bond and Sukuk issuers effectively connect issuances to internal sustainability frameworks, and what is the likelihood of a UK sovereign green Sukuk? With ESG and sustainability continuing to grow in Islamic capital markets issuance, when will we see the measurement of impact? Are sufficient issuers engaging with independent, third parties to measure green, sustainable and social credentials? Can we further exploit the convergence of sustainable finance and Islamic finance, and develop suites of investment products that satisfy both criteria?

Moderator:

Hari Bhambra, Global Head of Compliance Solutions, Apex Group

Panelists:

Craig Reeves, Director and Founder, Prestige Funds

Abou Jallow, Senior Advisor to the CEO, International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation

Michael Rainey, Partner, King & Spalding

Sohail Ali, Partner, DLA Piper

Zalina Shamsudin, Head of International Programmes, Climate Bonds Initiative