Sustainability in finance: Idealism or imperative?

About this event

Is sustainability still just a buzzword in finance, or has it become a defining force shaping companies and investors’ returns? Sustainability in Finance: Idealism or Imperative? brings together experienced investment professionals to explore how ESG is influencing real‑world decision‑making - and what investors should genuinely take seriously amid the noise.

Our panel features three successful women with over 60 years of combined experience in sustainable finance. Drawing on their careers and the real conversations they are having today with clients and professional networks, they will share practical insight into how sustainability is viewed, challenged, and applied in investment practice.

This event goes beyond high‑level rhetoric to examine how environmental, social, and governance considerations are being integrated into companies and portfolios today. Through candid discussion, speakers will address the perceived stigma surrounding sustainable investing, its growing popularity, and how professionals can distinguish meaningful signals from marketing‑driven narratives.

This event is free for members and non-members, do bring along a friend or colleague who would benefit from this or wants to find out more about WIBF.

Agenda

Arrival from 5:30pm welcome refreshments & networking

6,00pm: Panel to begin including Q&A

6:45pm: Networking

7.30pm: Close

Our panel

Chartered Financial Planner, Ovation Finance Ltd Clémence Chatelin

Clémence's journey into financial planning began in 2017 and as a result of her clear passion for sustainability and a drive to make finance a force for good, she quickly became a leading voice in the industry and picked up several awards along the way. Clémence holds a Bachelor’s in International Management (China) from SOAS and a Master’s in Finance & Investments from Bristol University. Outside of work, Clémence continues to give back to her community. She’s a Director at the St Mary Redcliffe Church Lands Charity in Bristol. Clémence is also the Founder and Presenter at Goodstock, a community dedicated to championing sustainability in financial planning.

Deputy Head of Rathbones Greenbank Nicola Day

Nicola is a senior investment director and Deputy Head of Greenbank, with over twenty years of experience managing bespoke portfolios for private clients, charities, and pensions. Nicola holds a BSc (Hons) in Economics, an MSc in Corporate Governance and Ethics, and an MSc in Climate Change and Development. Nicola brings extensive expertise in sustainable finance, reflected in her attendance at multiple COP events.

Senior Investment Director, Rathbones Greenbank Laura Hobbs

Laura is a senior investment director at Rathbones Greenbank, with 15 years experience in financial services, with over a decade working with not for profit clients. Laura previously held positions at Brunel Pension Partnership where she was a Responsible Investment Manager for £40bn of public and private assets, and at CCLA, where she was Deputy Head of Ethical and Responsible Investment. Laura also sits on the investment committee of the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) as an independent sustainable investment advisor.

Investment Manager, Rathbones Greenbank Lucy Lepore - Moderator

Lucy is an investment manager at Rathbones Greenbank, where she began her career in 2020. Lucy specialises in managing ethical portfolios on behalf of private clients and trusts. Lucy is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Charterholder and a holder of the CISI Level 4 Investment Advice Diploma.