Podcasts about with esg

How are ESG considerations transforming real estate investing? Join Michelle Martin as she explores the growing impact of sustainability on property investments. With ESG-linked loans dominating global lending and investors seeing stronger yields, the shift is undeniable. Keith Ong, co-founder and CEO of RealVantage, unpacks the numbers, risks, and opportunities in ESG-driven real estate. How do green-certified buildings translate to financial gains? Discover how sustainability is shaping property markets and the strategies to capitalize on this evolution. Hosted by Michelle Martin.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New freely available international guidance is being launched today at COP29 by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) to better enable organizations to navigate the complex Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) landscape, comply with disclosure requirements, and accurately measure, report, and communicate their activities. With ESG regulations reportedly having risen 155% globally in the last decade, including the EU's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), the UK's Modern Slavery Act, and the ISSB's IFRS S1 and S2 disclosure requirements, the ISO ESG Implementation Principles aim to enhance understanding, providing actionable guidance to enable more consistent reporting applicable to organizations of all sizes and sectors, from small businesses to multinational corporations including ESG consultants, academia, research institutions, and NGOs. The principles are designed to support effective and transparent sustainability practices through a standardized structure that provides organizations with all the information needed to achieve their ESG ambitions, regardless of where they are on their journey. The document facilitates the integration of ESG principles into organizational culture, enabling a more effective system for performance and reporting. By addressing environmental impacts such as carbon footprinting and waste management, social considerations like diversity and human rights, and governance practices, organizations can apply a truly holistic approach. This encourages a balanced, sustainable growth strategy, helping to accelerate progress toward a more sustainable world. Developed through a collaborative cohort of national standards bodies including the British Standards Institution (BSI), the Standards Council of Canada (SCC), and the Brazilian Association of Technical Standards (ABNT), these principles incorporate input from over 1,900 industry experts across 128 countries. They provide a high-level structure to help organizations integrate existing ESG requirements, establish measurable Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), and assess their maturity in ESG practices. The publication comes in the wake of enhanced scrutiny around ESG performance, and concern being voiced that ESG disclosures globally have suffered from being inconsistent and vary widely across jurisdictions, company sizes, and sectors. As a result, the landscape of disclosures can make it difficult for organizations to navigate diverse frameworks, resulting in reporting inconsistencies and hindering comparability across sectors. The ISO ESG Implementation Principles are designed to: Support management of ESG performance Bolster measurement and reporting under existing disclosure frameworks to enable consistency, comparability, and reliability of ESG reporting and practices globally Facilitate interoperability by aligning with existing reporting standards, creating a harmonized approach to ESG compliance across borders. Promote global consistency, enabling clear communication of sustainability efforts worldwide. Sergio Mujica, Secretary-General, of ISO, said, "ISO's ESG implementation principles will foster a lasting culture of ESG that will bring real value to organizations, governments, investors, and consumers. These guidelines will help accelerate the adoption of sustainable business practices, which benefits diverse communities and the environment." "Importantly, these guidelines can be used by all organizations in all sectors and could particularly benefit SMEs and organizations in developing countries. We are proud of this initiative, and to be launching it today during COP29." "This is an important opportunity not to be missed by organizations worldwide - to engage key stakeholders, and particularly those responsible for existing and evolving voluntary and regulatory frameworks for ESG reporting and disclosure." Susan Taylor Martin, Chief Executive, of BSI, said, "As world leaders gather at COP29, there...

With ESG and sustainability roles in high demand, many professionals are eyeing a career change into this impactful sector.In this episode, host Rose Mary Petrass speaks with Belinda White, who successfully transitioned from a communications background into the world of responsible investing and ESG.She now works company-side at Telix Pharmaceuticals as Director of Investor Relations and ESG.Belinda shares valuable advice on leveraging transferable skills, effective networking, common misconceptions, and facilitating better stakeholder relationships between investors and companies.Whether you're considering a career change or simply want to understand the ESG landscape better, this episode is packed with insights.

Podcast: Renewable Energy and Sustainable Bank Stock Buys include articles “The Top 3 Renewable Energy Stocks Targeting 50% Upside by 2028” and “Top 10: Sustainable Banks” from sustainabilitymag.com, and more.   By Ron Robins, MBA Transcript & Links, Episode 132, June 14, 2024 Hello, Ron Robins here. So, welcome to this podcast episode 132 titled “Renewable Energy and Sustainable Bank Stock Buys.” It's presented by Investing for the Soul. Investingforthesoul.com is your site for vital global ethical and sustainable investing mentoring, news, commentary, information, and resources. Now, remember that you can find a full transcript, and links to content – including stock symbols and bonus material – on this episode's podcast page located at investingforthesoul.com/podcasts. Also, a reminder. I do not evaluate any of the stocks or funds mentioned in these podcasts, nor do I receive any compensation from anyone covered in these podcasts. Furthermore, I will reveal to you any personal investments I have in the investments mentioned herein. Additionally, quotes about individual companies are brief. Please go to this podcast's webpage for links to the actual articles for more company and stock information. Also, some companies might be covered more than once and there are also 2 article links below that time didn't allow me to review them here. ------------------------------------------------------------- The Top 3 Renewable Energy Stocks Targeting 50% Upside by 2028 As we approach the summer holiday period the number of suitable articles for this podcast usually declines. And that's what's beginning to happen now. However, there are still some great articles worth covering for you. I'm going to start with this one titled The Top 3 Renewable Energy Stocks Targeting 50% Upside by 2028. It's by Terel Miles and found on msn.com. Here's some of what Mr. Miles says about his picks. “1. First Solar (NASDAQ:FSLR) The company has skyrocketed more than 60% year to date, and it is just getting started. First Solar's expertise spans the entire solar value chain, from module manufacturing to project development and energy services. Moreover, artificial intelligence is set to boost demand for solar and energy storage solutions in data centers. In Q1 FY24, revenue increased 45% year-over-year (YOY) to $794 million. Earnings per share (EPS) skyrocketed 456% YOY to $2.20 per share, with gross margins up sequentially. As the company ramps up manufacturing capacity in 2024, First Solar stock should certainly be kept on your radar. 2. NextEra Energy (NYSE:NEE) As the world's largest producer of wind and solar energy, NextEra is at the forefront of the clean energy transition.  NextEra Energy's focus on innovation coupled with its strong financial performance, position it as a reliable investment choice… In the 2023 fiscal year…. revenue swelled 34% YOY to $28.11 billion, with EPS up 71% to $3.60 per share. They delivered extremely impressive results, amid inflation and higher interest rates. Its backlog also remains robust, as the company's subsidiaries, FPL & NextEra Energy Resources, deliver best in class services… Management has forecast 10% dividend growth through 2026. This makes NextEra Energy's stock one of the best renewable energy stocks to buy now. 3. ON Semiconductor (NASDAQ:ON) is a global leader in power management and sensing solutions, playing a critical role in the advancement of renewable energy technologies. The company's products are essential components in various renewable energy applications, from solar inverters, to electric vehicles and energy storage systems.  ON Semiconductor is having a tough year in 2024. It is still up against the slump in the EV market, as well as the broader slowdown in renewable energy projects. However, this is only temporary, and they have an exciting long term growth trajectory ahead. ON Semi's powerful silicon carbide (SiC) platform appeals to a wide variety of industries. This includes automation, industrial, healthcare, and aerospace. ON Semi is laying the foundation for accelerated growth over the next decade.” End quotes. ------------------------------------------------------------- These Alternative Energy Stocks Are Poised for Takeoff Continuing on this renewable energy theme is this second article titled These Alternative Energy Stocks Are Poised for Takeoff. It's by Michael Lebowitz. It appeared on investing.com and offers his assessments of companies engaged in many aspects of the alternative energy sector. Here are some quotes from him. “1. Battery Diversification May Be Critical Global X Lithium & Battery Tech ETF (NYSE:LIT) is far and away the largest (of this sector's etfs), with nearly $1.5 billion AUM. While it invests in companies with new battery technology, it also ‘invests in the full lithium cycle, from mining and refining the metal, through battery production.' Its top three holdings are lithium producers. Amplify Lithium & Battery Technology ETF (NYSE:BATT) is the second largest ETF with a mere $89 million in AUM. Like Global X Lithium & Battery Tech ETF, they invest in lithium producers like BHP (BHP) and Albemarle (NYSE:ALB). If you want to make investments in individual companies, Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) (battery technologies), LG Chem (051910.KS) and Samsung SDI (006400.KS) are well-positioned in the industry. 2. Lithium Miners Assuming lithium remains a crucial component in electricity storage batteries, its miners should do well, especially given the recent decline in lithium prices and the related stocks. Albemarle (ALB) is the world's top lithium producer and the largest producer by market cap. It is the only lithium producer of size based in the US. Like the rest of the alternative energy sector, its stock has traded poorly recently. However, with a forward P/E of 16, there is value if its revenues continue upward at their recent pace. We caution you that lithium deposits are being actively explored. Assuming success, the lithium supply may limit the price appreciation of lithium. 3. Utility and Grid Operators Utilities will generate more power, thus increasing their revenue. However, they must invest significant capital to modernize, expand, and reduce greenhouse emissions. (Here are some companies the author comments on.) Dominion Energy (NYSE:D) in Virginia and Entergy (NYSE:ETR) in Texas are the two utility companies that may be the biggest beneficiaries of the growth of AI data centers. Both stocks have relatively low forward P/E's of approximately 14 and dividend yields of 4.25% for Dominion Energy and 5.50% for Entergy. It will be crucial to follow their margins to see how effectively they offset the expansion costs with rising revenue. Constellation Energy (CEG) and NextEra Energy (NYSE:NEE) are also worth tracking as they invest heavily in renewable energy infrastructure and will benefit from increased demand. We would add Duke (DUK) and Southern Company (NYSE:SO) to the list of companies to follow. 4. Technology and AI Firms Companies specializing in AI software for energy efficiency and management will find opportunities in this evolving landscape. Some of the more prominent names in this sector include IBM (NYSE:IBM), Google (NASDAQ:GOOGL), Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT), Oracle (NYSE:ORCL), and GE Vernova (NYSE:GEV). 5. Physical Plant Expansion Companies that supply utility plants with generators, transformers, circuit breakers, and switchboards, among many other parts, will undoubtedly benefit from power grid expansion. (These include.) GE Vernova, Eaton (NYSE:ETN), Quanta Services (NYSE:PWR), Emerson Electric (NYSE:EMR), and Siemens (ENR.DE). 6. Water/Cooling The average data center uses 300,000 gallons of water a day to cool its equipment. That is the equivalent of the water used by 100,000 homes. Therefore, companies that can develop cheap cooling solutions for data centers will be in high demand. (Companies so engaged include.) Vertiv Holdings (NYSE:VRT)… a leader in this segment. Its shares have risen tenfold since it went public in 2019 and now trades at a P/E of 100. It's a high-risk, high-reward stock, not for the faint of heart. 7. Infrastructure ETFs There are many other businesses set to profit from the coming infrastructure boom. Those looking for a diversified investment approach in the power grid may want to explore thematic ETFs. For example, the First Trust Clean Edge Smart Grid Infrastructure Fund (GRID) holds 103 positions. Beyond diversification and portfolio manager expertise, the fund can buy stocks in foreign markets, which many US investors do not have access to or are uncomfortable with. iShares U.S. Infrastructure ETF (IFRA) is a similar fund with a different basket of stocks and approach toward investing in the industry. The bottom line is we are confident the expansion and modernization of the power grid will be highly profitable for some companies… Diversification will prove to be essential for investors.” End quotes. ------------------------------------------------------------- MTB Named A Top Socially Responsible Dividend Stock Now many of you also like dividend-paying stocks, so I'm including this recent article on a socially responsible bank stock. It's titled MTB Named A Top Socially Responsible Dividend Stock by Just2Trade and found at j2t.com. Here are some brief quotes from the article. “M & T Bank Corp (Symbol: MTB) has been named a Top Socially Responsible Dividend Stock by Dividend Channel, signifying a stock with above-average ‘DividendRank' statistics including a strong 3.7% yield, as well as being recognized by prominent asset managers as being a socially responsible investment… According to the ETF Finder at ETF Channel, M & T Bank Corp is a member of the iShares USA ESG Select ETF (SUSA), making up 0.10% of the underlying holdings of the fund, which owns $4,322,259 worth of MTB shares. The annualized dividend paid by M & T Bank Corp is $5.4/share.” ------------------------------------------------------------- Top 10: Sustainable Banks On the subject of banks, I thought to share this article with you as I know many of you are interested in banking with a bank or banks that prioritize social responsibility, ESG, and sustainability issues. The article is titled Top 10: Sustainable Banks. It's by Charlie King and seen at sustainabilitymag.com. Now some brief quotes by Mr. King on his picks. “10. Nykredit Headquarters: Copenhagen, Denmark Founded in 1851 and based in Copenhagen, Nykredit is a customer-owned bank and Denmark's biggest lender with 35% market share. With ESG at the heart of its operations… Nykredit has made a special commitment to offer financial solutions in urban and rural districts alike at all times.  On the environmental side, Nykredit was the first Danish systemically important financial institution (SIFI) to join the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), and announced tighter restrictions on financing gas and oil companies in 2023.  9. UOB (U11.SI) Headquarters: Singapore “It is our responsibility to build a sustainable future for generations to come,” says Wee Ee Cheong, CEO. 8. SpareBank 1 (B4M1.F) Headquarters: Oslo, Norway A collection of Norwegian banks, SpareBank 1 prides itself on its strong local ties. The alliance is built on the foundation of being local, committed and responsible social actors. “Climate change is increasingly affecting our world and making our future uncertain,” says Benedicte, CEO. 7. Banco Pichincha (BVL:BPICHC1) Headquarters: Quito, Ecuador South American company Banco Pichincha not only serves six countries in Latin America, but also works to preserve the country's heritage and promote art and culture. 6. The City Bank Limited (DSE:CITYBANK) Headquarters: Dhaka, Bangladesh Founded in 1983, City Bank serves more than 1.7 million customers. Governance and compliance is at the heart of City Bank's sustainability strategy, as it works to reduce risk for itself and its stakeholders.  In 2022, City Bank joined the UN's Net-Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA) and has since been recognised for its sustainability by Bangladesh Bank, German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ) and Global Finance for its sustainability. 5. TSKB (XIST: TSKB.E) Headquarters: Istanbul, Turkey Investment banking specialist Turkiye Sinai Kalkinma Bankasi (TSKB), or Turkey Industrial Development Bank, uses a sustainable banking model to provide a qualified contribution to climate and environmentally friendly investments, equal opportunities in employment and inclusive economic growth.  4. Amalgamated Bank (AMAL) Headquarters: New York, US Self-defined as ‘the bank for change-makers', Amalgamated Bank is committed to environmental and social responsibility and uses its funds to support sustainable organisations, progressive causes and social responsibility.  3. Triodos Bank It prides itself on publishing details of every organisation it finances on its website, so customers can see how their money is delivering positive change for people and the planet.  In 2023, its €23.2bn (US$25.2bn) in assets were used to create social, environmental and cultural value in a transparent and sustainable way. 2. ProCredit Holding (ETR: PCZ) Headquarters: Frankfurt, Germany ProCredit Holding is part of ProCredit, an international group of development-oriented commercial banks dedicated to its ethical corporate mission. Aiming to drive forward the creation of transparent, inclusive financial sectors in developing countries and transition economies, ProCredit supports SMEs and has a strong focus on human ethics. 1. Vancity Headquarters: Vancouver, Canada Founded in 1946, Vancity is a Canadian financial co-operative that uses financial tools to stimulate social and environmental progress. Having achieved carbon neutrality in 2008, a first for a North American-based financial institution, it is now working towards net zero by 2040 – a slight sooner than many others.” End quotes. ------------------------------------------------------------- Honorable Mentions that time didn't allow me to cover here Title: Biodiversity Funds: Top Biodiversity Funds to Consider on sustainabletreasure.com. By sustainabletreasure. From Canada Title: Seven U.S. renewable energy stocks well-positioned to benefit from future rate cuts on theglobeandmail.com. Requires login though does show stock symbols of 3 of the 7 companies. By Christine Elegado. ------------------------------------------------------------- Ending Comment Well, these are my top news stories with their stock and fund tips -- for this podcast titled: “Renewable Energy and Sustainable Bank Stock Buys.” Now please click the like and subscribe buttons on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or wherever you download or listen to this podcast. That helps bring these podcasts to others like you. And please click the share buttons to share this podcast with your friends and family. Let's promote ethical and sustainable investing as a force for hope and prosperity in these deeply troubled times! Contact me if you have any questions. Thank you for listening. I'll talk to you next on June 28th. Bye for now.   © 2024 Ron Robins, Investing for the Soul

ESG – short for Environmental, Social and Governance – is a set of standards measuring a business's impact on society, and the environment, and how transparent and accountable it is. With ESG as an important component for business growth, Graham helps you to understand what ESG is, where your business can adopt its principles and approaches, and how it can benefit your organisation.Duration: 26 min 02 secWebsite: www.theexecutivemindset.co.ukEmail: theexecutivemindset@sagegreen.comFollow us:LinkedIn: @TheExecutive MindsetFacebook: @ExecutiveMindsetCoachingTwitter: @TheExecMindSee our website for privacy policy theexecutivemindset.co.uk/privacy-policy

Investing in African Mining Indaba is a staple in the mining industry's calendar. This year over 6,500 attendees came together to discuss and explore the latest trends and developments in Africa's mineral industry. With ESG, digitization, diversity, transparency, decarbonisation and technology being high on the agenda , one thing was clear throughout: the time for African mining is now.   Join Shawn Duthie and other experts from our Johannesburg, Paris, and Americas office as they discuss the key themes from this year's Mining Indaba, how these key themes may transpire at the 2023 Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC), specific countries to watch, and what risks and opportunities companies can expect to face in the year ahead. 

Investing in African Mining Indaba is a staple in the mining industry's calendar. This year over 6,500 attendees came together to discuss and explore the latest trends and developments in Africa's mineral industry. With ESG, digitization, diversity, transparency, decarbonisation and technology being high on the agenda , one thing was clear throughout: the time for African mining is now.   Join Shawn Duthie and other experts from our Johannesburg, Paris, and Americas office as they discuss the key themes from this year's Mining Indaba, how these key themes may transpire at the 2023 Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC), specific countries to watch, and what risks and opportunities companies can expect to face in the year ahead. 

Financials reporting - mixed results. All much worse than a year ago.The HOPE trade is looking for a kindlier and gentler Fed. China has an interesting update on their population. Yield Curve inversion is real - pay attention. PLUS we are now on Spotify and Amazon Music/Podcasts! Click HERE for Show Notes and Links DHUnplugged is now streaming live - with listener chat. Click on link on the right sidebar. Love the Show? Then how about a Donation? Follow John C. Dvorak on Twitter Follow Andrew Horowitz on Twitter Warm Up - Market in Rally Mode - Climate Change at Davos, ESG defended (should be defunded) - China releases population studies - Mega Million > $1.35 Billion (ONE WINNER!) - Biden classified docs - wow,  unforced error there. Market Update - Quick Check - January 2023 - SP500 +4.2%, TLT +7.22%, QQQ +7%, EEM 9%, BTC +28%, FXI +13.5%, GLD +5% - USD Basket 2023 Down 1%, 3 Months - 9% - Bank earnings - mixed, watching for margins and outlook for remainder - Bond yields pricing in easier Fed - 10Y @ 3.5% - EU hints on slowing rate hikes - maybe only 0.25% at next meeting. Deflation Talk ? Commodity Prices Housing Deflation? Housing Prices (CS20) AH Tweet:  - If you were wondering - not just a flash in the pan occurrence. Yield curve clearly and definitively inverted. Will discuss tomorrow night on DHUnplugged Podcast. Inversion Speaking of the USD - Morgan Stanley cut its 2023 year-end forecast for the dollar index to 98, and expects the greenback's weakness to be more pronounced against the euro this year as worries about the severity of an economic downturn start to ease. - They previously saw the index , which weighs the U.S. currency against a basket of six major rivals, ending 2023 at 104. - Global growth is showing signs of buoyancy, macro and inflation uncertainty are waning and the USD is rapidly losing its carry advantage USD Weakness? Change in Central Bank Policy? Bond Vigilantes attack - Yields on Japan's benchmark 10-year government bonds breached the central bank's new ceiling on Friday in the market's most direct challenge yet to decades of uber-easy monetary policy. - A wall of selling catapulted 10-year Japanese government bond yields 4 basis points higher to 0.54%, the highest since mid-2015 and above a recently widened band of -0.5% to +0.5% set by the BOJ in a shock decision just a few weeks ago. - No more negative yields - anywhere in the world ----- This is where it gets interesting - The stress was evident across the yield curve and defied the BOJ's announcement on Friday of a fresh round of emergency buying worth around 1.4 trillion yen ($10.84 billion), when it already holds 80% to 90% of some bond lines. --- BOJ owns more than 50% of all bonds issued from Japan (Eating your own arm because you are hungry) Europe Off The Hook for Deep Recession? - Europe experienced its second-warmest year on record in 2022, European Union scientists said on Tuesday, as climate change unleashed record-breaking weather extremes that slashed crop yields, dried up rivers and led to thousands of deaths. - This was big concern due to Nat Gas Pricing and Oil (Russia related) - - Now said that Europe may not enter recession.... ---- In other words, they have no idea as early in the Winter and anything can happen - but betting warm conditions continue? Back to Davos - Climate activists protested in Davos on Sunday against the role of big oil firms at this week's World Economic Forum (WEF), saying they were hijacking the climate debate. (In other words, they are disagreeing with Climate activists and they don't like that) - And here who is saying this: "We are demanding concrete and real climate action," said Nicolas Siegrist, the 26-year old organiser of the protest who also heads the Young Socialists party in Switzerland. - With ESG crapola under scrutiny - there is an opening here

Opportunity knocks: the dazzling global prospects for Islamic sustainable finance and investment.Important considerations in the development of efficacious Islamic sustainable investment products.Understanding the structure and benefits of transition, sustainable and sustainability-linked investment products.Managing important sustainable investment regulatory, reporting and disclosure requirements for issuers and investors.Fit for purpose: measuring the long-term benefit of green and sustainable financial investments and avoiding the issue of greenwashing.Stress-testing credit and investment portfolios for climate risk, and the role of regulators.With ESG and sustainability continuing to grow in Islamic capital market issuance, when will we see the measurement of impact?Are sufficient issuers engaging with independent, third parties to measure green, sustainable and social credentials?Are tax environments in the GCC less conducive toward green issuances?

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 into sustainable economic activity, and guide government and quasi-government resource allocation towards climate transition and social responsibility? How do we address the implications of various taxonomies, frameworks and standards, and identify what can now be labelled green investments? How can potential green bond and Sukuk issuers successfully connect issues to internal sustainability frameworks? With ESG and sustainability continuing to grow in the 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? Finally, can we further capitalize on the collaboration between sustainable finance and Islamic finance, and develop suites of investment products that satisfy both criteria?

What represents innovation in the Indonesian Sukuk market: pioneering structures, sourcing underliers, and the transition from ESG to Impact? What options do hybrid or combination Sukuk offer local issuers, particularly in asset heavy industries such as oil and gas, and aviation? How do Tier-1 and Tier-2 Sukuk offer financial institutions a flexible, efficient and user-friendly way of satisfying regulatory capital requirements, and what do perpetual Sukuk structures offer such issuers? How has innovation been incorporated into project and infrastructure finance, particularly regarding concession agreements, cash contributions and investor protection? With ESG and sustainability continuing to grow in the 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? With the demise of LIBOR, is SOFR a good alternative for the local Islamic Capital Market? We seek the views of an expert panel.

What represents innovation in the contemporary Sukuk market: pioneering structures, sourcing underliers, and the transition from ESG to Impact? What options do hybrid or combination Sukuk offer issuers, particularly in asset heavy industries such as oil and gas, and aviation, and why have such structures been so successful in the Gulf? How do Tier-1 and Tier-2 Sukuk offer financial institutions a flexible, efficient and user-friendly way of satisfying regulatory capital requirements, and what do perpetual Sukuk structures offer such issuers? How has innovation been incorporated into project and infrastructure finance, particularly regarding concession agreements, cash contributions and investor protection? With ESG and sustainability continuing to grow in the 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? With the demise of LIBOR, is SOFR a good alternative for the Islamic Capital Market? We seek the views of an expert panel.

ESG and sustainability continue to dominate issuer funding strategies. What is a realistic assessment of the instruments and routes on offer to Shariah compliant green issuers, from green bonds and Sukuk, to transition instruments, to sustainable and sustainability linked products? What are key strategic considerations for green bonds and Sukuk issuers: proceeds; process for project evaluation; management of proceeds; reporting; and external review. Why are these metrics so important to issuers and investors alike? With ESG and sustainability influence continuing to grow in the Islamic capital markets issuance, when will we see the enhanced measurement of impact? Do enough issuers engage independent third parties to measure and assess claims of sustainable, green and social credentials, and how can this be increased? How do we fund clean energy, sustainable activities and important concepts such as food security through an effective, liquid Islamic capital market?

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 GroupPanelists:Craig Reeves, Director and Founder, Prestige FundsAbou Jallow, Senior Advisor to the CEO, International Islamic Trade Finance CorporationMichael Rainey, Partner, King & SpaldingSohail Ali, Partner, DLA PiperZalina Shamsudin, Head of International Programmes, Climate Bonds Initiative

What represents innovation in the contemporary Islamic capital market: pioneering structures, sourcing underliers or the transition from ESG to impact? What options do hybrid or combination Sukuk offer issuers, particularly in asset-heavy industries, and why have such structures been so successful in the Gulf? How do Tier 1 and Tier 2 Sukuk offer financial institutions a flexible, efficient and user-friendly way of satisfying regulatory capital requirements, and what do perpetual Sukuk structures offer such issuers? What does the Bank of England Alternative Liquidity Facility offer financial institutions in terms of meeting regulatory requirements under Basel III prudential rules? What did the second sovereign Sukuk mean for Islamic finance in the UK, how was the deal structured and why was it successful? How has innovation been incorporated into Islamic project and infrastructure finance, particularly regarding concession agreements, cash contributions and investor protection? With ESG and sustainability continuing to grow in Islamic capital markets issuance, when will we see the measurement of impact? With the demise of LIBOR, is SOFR a good alternative for the Islamic capital market? We seek the views of an expert panel.Moderator:Dr Natalie Schoon, CEO, Redmoney ConsultingPanelists:Ahsan Ali, Managing Director and Head, Islamic Origination, Standard Chartered SaadiqNitish Bhojnagarwala, Vice-President – Senior Credit Officer, Financial Institutions Group, Moody's Investors ServiceSafdar Alam, CEO, Maydan CapitalShrey Kohli, Head of Debt Capital Markets and Product Origination, London Stock Exchange

IFN Africa Dialogue 2022•With ESG now driving financial innovation on the continent, what role will the symbiosis between Islamic finance and sustainable finance continue to play?•How can financial institutions facilitate the development of financing and investment products that satisfy both green and Islamic credentials?•With Sovereign Sukuk playing a leading role in African Islamic capital raising, what are the prospects for Islamic capital markets in Africa the coming year?•What are investors seeking from Sukuk issuers in terms of innovation, structure, pricing and ratings, and what of other funding mechanisms such as syndicated lending and private placement?•What is the evolution of Shariah compliant collective investment products available to investors, pension-holders and savers in Africa?•With Africa as a favored existing investment destination, what are we seeing in the areas of Shariah compliant private equity and real estate investment, and are there further opportunities on the continent?•With technology creating innovative Shariah compliant digital financial offerings what roles are being played by the new financial technology companies, as well as incumbent financial institutions?•What products and business activities are still ripe for digital transformation in Africa and what of important activities such as microfinance?•How will important ideas such as equity crowdfunding and peer-to-peer lending transform early and later stage Shariah compliant corporate funding, and what steps should regulators take to drive this exciting sector?Moderator:Abdulkader Thomas, Director, SHAPE Knowledge ServicesPanelists:Akeem Oyewale, CEO, Marble CapitalDr Hassan Suleiman, Head of Economic Research and Policy Management, Securities and Exchange Commission, Nigeria

With ESG top of mind for many companies, we're continuing our podcast series looking at how the current and future reporting landscape may impact individual industries. This week, guest host Casey Herman, PwC's US ESG leader, was joined by PwC specialists Scott Thompson and Mark Roslin to discuss the current state of climate and ESG reporting in the aviation industry and the related challenges.In this episode, our guests discuss:1:45 - Technologies on the horizon that have the potential to impact the aviation industry's greenhouse gas emissions profile8:35 - Incentives for sustainable aviation fuel in the Inflation Reduction Act16:42 - Challenges of reporting under the SEC climate disclosure proposal for the aviation industry26:46 - Navigating social and governance considerations in the aviation industryListen to our previous podcast that provides insights into the ESG disclosures that matter to investors. Also refer to the text or audio version of our In the loop, The SEC wants me to disclose what?Scott Thompson is PwC's Global Aerospace & Defense Leader, leading a team of 1,700 professionals delivering audit, tax, and advisory services to the world's top aerospace and defense companies. Scott is a widely recognized expert in the industry, with his commentaries frequently featured in industry publications and other media outlets. Scott also hosts the annual Aerospace & Defense Finance Executive Roundtable.Mark Rosling is a director in PwC's Trust Solutions ESG practice. Mark works with clients to establish the controls, processes, and structures needed for accurate ESG reporting, in addition to helping companies integrate ESG into their corporate reporting.Casey Herman is PwC's US ESG Leader. Casey has over 35 years of experience leading and working on the audits of many significant, complex clients and is a member of the Edison Electric Institute's Wall Street Advisory Group, the Electric Power Research Institutes Advisory Council, and the NYU Stern Business School Center for Sustainable Business Advisory Council.Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to us_podcast@pwc.com.

With ESG top of mind for many companies, we're continuing our podcast series looking at how the current and future reporting landscape may impact individual industries. This week, guest host Casey Herman, PwC's US ESG leader, was joined by PwC partners Brittany Schmidt and David Challen to discuss the current state of climate and ESG reporting in the banking and capital markets industry, the related challenges, and how to best prepare to address them.In this episode, our guests discuss:1:37 - Why the banking and capital markets industry has been at the forefront of voluntary ESG reporting6:41 - Industry themes in responses to the SEC's climate proposal14:37 - Key requirements of the SEC's proposal and difficulties financial services companies may face addressing them20:39 - How financial services companies are thinking about the proposed scope 3 disclosure requirements29:39 - Forward-looking disclosure requirements and how to prepare for the proposal's implementation35:51 - Final thoughts on the proposed disclosure requirementsListen to our previous podcast that provides insights into the ESG disclosures that matter to investors. Also refer to the text or audio version of our In the loop, The SEC wants me to disclose what?Brittany Schmidt is a partner in PwC's financial services consulting practice with over 15 years of experience helping banks and other financial services clients navigate the rapid pace of change in the regulatory and business landscape. Brittany is a firm-designated ESG champion for the financial services sector.David Challen is a partner in PwC's banking and capital markets Trust Solutions practice with over 15 years of industry experience. He has worked with clients ranging from large, multinational banking institutions to broker-dealers and asset management advisors and funds. David is a firm-designated ESG champion for the financial services sector.Casey Herman is PwC's US ESG Leader. Casey has over 35 years of experience leading and working on the audits of many significant, complex clients and is a member of the Edison Electric Institute's Wall Street Advisory Group, the Electric Power Research Institutes Advisory Council, and the NYU Stern Business School Center for Sustainable Business Advisory Council.Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to us_podcast@pwc.com.

With ESG top of mind for many companies, we're continuing our podcast series looking at how the current and future reporting landscape may impact individual industries. This week, guest host Casey Herman, PwC's US ESG leader, was joined by PwC partners Jennifer Kosar and Erica Chase to discuss the current state of climate and ESG reporting in the insurance industry and the associated challenges.In this episode, our guests discuss:1:51 - The current state of climate and ESG reporting in the insurance industry and areas of focus11:35 - Challenges and concerns insurers are thinking about as they work through ESG reporting17:34 - Planning to comply with the proposed reporting requirements while protecting proprietary information23:55 - The impact of the proposed footnote disclosures on the industry and how companies are planning for the requirements31:15 - Navigating the overlapping layers of state, federal, and international reporting requirements37:41 - What industry leaders are doing now to address the new ESG reporting requirements, and what's to comeListen to our previous podcast that provides insights into the ESG disclosures that matter to investors. Also refer to the text or audio version of our In the loop, The SEC wants me to disclose what?Jennifer Kosar is a partner in PwC's Digital Assurance and Transparency practice, helping clients in the financial services industry through the design and execution of governance, risk management, audit, and compliance programs throughout their organization. Recently, Jenn has focused on providing support to her clients on the risks and opportunities that ESG creates for the financial services industry.Erica Chace is a partner in PwC's Trust Solutions practice, specializing in providing assurance services to insurance companies. Erica supports PwC's Sustainability Services group, which involves helping clients develop their ESG strategy and assess relevant reporting requirements.Casey Herman is PwC's US ESG Leader. Casey has over 35 years of experience leading and working on the audits of many significant, complex clients and is a member of the Edison Electric Institute's Wall Street Advisory Group, the Electric Power Research Institutes Advisory Council, and the NYU Stern Business School Center for Sustainable Business Advisory Council.Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to us_podcast@pwc.com.

With ESG top of mind for many companies, we're continuing our new podcast series looking at how the current and future reporting landscape may impact individual industries. This week, guest host Casey Herman, PwC's US ESG leader, was joined by Rich Goode and Robert Moline from PwC's ESG practice to discuss the strategy and reporting challenges that technology companies face.In this episode, our guests discuss:2:20 - The current state of ESG reporting in the technology industry7:16 - An overview of the SEC's climate proposal requirements that will impact technology companies16:49 - Effective data collection for meeting the disclosure requirements26:55 - Observations from the industry's response letters to the SEC's climate proposal30:09 - The challenges technology companies may face in meeting the proposed emissions disclosure requirements39:41 - Advice and recommendations for technology companies to proactively ready their reporting processesListen to our previous podcast that provides insights into the ESG disclosures that matter to investors. Also refer to the text or audio version of our In the loop, The SEC wants me to disclose what?Robert Moline is a PwC Partner in our technology, media and telecommunications consulting group. Robert focuses on the transformation of global technology industry clients with a focus on sustainability and climate driven change.Rich Goode is a principal in PwC's ESG practice where he assists clients in the technology, media, and telecommunications sectors navigate key environmental, social, and governance issues. Leveraging 30 years of experience, Rich also currently serves as an Adjunct Lecturer at Harvard University.Casey Herman is PwC's US ESG Leader. Casey has over 35 years of experience leading and working on the audits of many significant, complex clients and is a member of the Edison Electric Institute's Wall Street Advisory Group, the Electric Power Research Institutes Advisory Council, and the NYU Stern Business School Center for Sustainable Business Advisory Council.Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to us_podcast@pwc.com. 

With ESG top of mind for many companies, we're continuing our new podcast series looking at how the current and future reporting landscape may impact individual industries. This week, guest host Casey Herman, PwC's US ESG leader, was joined by Dan Sullivan and Randy Hoff, specialists in PwC's Financial Markets & Real Estate practice, to discuss the strategy and reporting challenges and opportunities for real estate companies. In addition, any company that owns or rents space for its business would benefit from it.In this episode, our guests discuss:2:19 - Current areas of focus in financing real estate ESG initiatives10:22 - Why the real estate industry is motivated to invest in the “E” of ESG18:46 - Trends in the real estate industry's comment letters on the SEC's climate proposal23:52 - Industry themes in ESG reporting goals29:42 - Availability of new sustainability-focused financing instruments33:31 - Advice for real estate businesses working through ESG challengesWant to learn more about developments in ESG? Register for our upcoming Q3 2022 Quarterly ESG webcast, and listen to our previous podcast that provides insights into the ESG disclosures that matter to investors. Also refer to the text or audio version of our In the loop, The SEC wants me to disclose what?Dan Sullivan is PwC's Financial Markets & Real Estate leader. Dan has 18 years experience assisting clients with capital markets challenges driven by owning, originating, and investing in complex financial products and real estate. He helps clients navigate rapidly changing ESG demands to create innovative product and market strategies that lead the way in sustainability finance. Randy Hoff is a Principal in PwC's Financial Markets & Real Estate team with over 20 years experience.  He provides a wide range of innovative and tech-forward ESG solutions to Commercial and Industrial occupiers and investors.  Randy helps clients achieve Net Zero and other emissions reduction goals through technology, advanced analytics and engineering.Casey Herman is PwC's US ESG Leader. Casey has over 35 years of experience leading and working on the audits of many significant, complex clients and is a member of the Edison Electric Institute's Wall Street Advisory Group, the Electric Power Research Institutes Advisory Council, and the NYU Stern Business School Center for Sustainable Business Advisory Council.Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to us_podcast@pwc.com.

With ESG top of mind for many companies, we're starting a new podcast series looking at how the current and future reporting landscape may impact individual industries. This week, guest host Casey Herman was joined by Julie Bogas and John DeRose, partners in PwC's ESG practice, to discuss the reporting and strategy-related challenges and opportunities that exist for companies that operate in retail and other consumer-facing businesses.In this episode, you will hear them discuss:3:40 - An overview of why SEC's climate disclosure proposal matters to companies that do business directly with consumers11:19 - The current state of voluntary ESG reporting in the industry14:55 - The biggest challenges consumer-focused companies are facing as they prepare for the expected new SEC rules22:08 - Difficulties shared by companies in gathering and reporting emissions data33:42 - Common physical and transition risks seen in the industry and how companies are managing them40:23 - Typical ESG goals and targets set by companies in the industry, along with the outlook for achieving themWant to learn more about developments in ESG? Register for our upcoming Q3 2022 Quarterly ESG webcast, and listen to our previous podcast that provides insights into the ESG disclosures that matter to investors. Also refer to the text or audio version of our In the loop, The SEC wants me to disclose what?Julie Bogas is a partner in PwC's ESG Consulting Solutions practice with more than 21 years of experience helping clients in a variety of industries undertake ambitious programs to successfully transform their sustainability, finance, IT, and risk and compliance capabilities. For 11 years she has been helping clients build ESG and sustainability capabilities, including ESG strategy, value chain impact assessment, goal setting, training, disclosure and reporting, and data governance and technology.John DeRose is a partner in PwC's ESG Trust Solutions practice with more than 20 years of reporting, assurance, compliance, and risk management experience serving large multinational organizations. He works with companies across all industries, including technology, telecommunications, manufacturing, apparel and footwear, and banking.Casey Herman is PwC's US ESG Leader. Casey has over 35 years of experience leading and working on the audits of many significant, complex clients and is a member of the Edison Electric Institute's Wall Street Advisory Group, the Electric Power Research Institutes Advisory Council, and the NYU Stern Business School Center for Sustainable Business Advisory Council.Transcripts available upon request for individuals who may need a disability-related accommodation. Please send requests to us_podcast@pwc.com.

With ESG and sustainable investments projected to increase at a rapid pace in the future, many businesses around the world are pressed to get into ESG or be left behind. One such sector is the insurance sector where more companies are adopting ESG principles into their funds and also company frameworks. But is that growth reflected here in Malaysia and how will the insurance players adapt to the growing global demand for green money? Catherine Raju of Sun Life Malaysia explains. Brought to you by Sun Life Malaysia. Your lifetime insurance and takaful partner.

With ESG investing growing at a rapid rate around the world, how has the trend been like in Malaysia? Are local companies adopting ESG values and framework fast enough? And how should they benchmark their standards and criteria to an international level? Leslie Yap of Nomura Asset Management Malaysia explains. Brought to you by Sun Life Malaysia. Your lifetime insurance and takaful partner.

HPQ Silicon Resources $HPQ $HPQFF is a Quebec-based company that is developing the high value-added silicon products sought after by battery and electric vehicle manufacturers - but nobody has yet delivered - until now. CEO Bernard Tourillon went on location to show investors a glimpse of one of the most guarded new manufacturing secrets in the world of high purity silicon. THIRD PARTY VALIDATION FROM LEADING GLOBAL COMPANIES If that sounds a lot like what other small companies are saying lately, $HPQ differentiates itself as a leader of the pack thanks to the following: $HPQ has already Received It's First Order for Spherical Nano Silicon Material from Major Automobile Manufacturer $HPQ Signed NDA and Received Request for 4N Silicon Material Samples from a World Leading High-Performance Materials Company $HPQ has already received signed NDAs from at least 2 battery players They also were Issued U.S. Patent For PUREVAP™ Quartz Reduction Reactor Technology SET TO DISRUPT SILICON MANUFACTURING How significant is this development to the global silicon manufacturing market? CEO Tourillon stated: “With the PUREVAP TM GEN3 QRR pilot plant functional, HPQ is ready to disrupt Silicon manufacturing, an industry that still relies on a traditional process developed in 1899 to make silicon.” SILICON PRICES SKY ROCKETING And $HPQ timing couldn't be better as the price for 1 metric ton of Silicon, as of the end of 2021, reached US $10,000 compared to just US $2,500 a year ago. HPQ Silicon announced yesterday that HPQ Silicon PUREVAP™ Quartz Reduction Reactor Pilot Plant Ready to Start CEO Bernard Tourillon commented: “With ESG principles playing an active role in materials sourcing, and recent geopolitical unrest emphasizing the need for stable trade partners and security of supply, the world is more aware of the difficulties in securing the ESG compliant Silicon needed to meet its renewable energy goals. The reality of chronic underinvestment in new technologies combined with the offshoring of Silicon production capacity, has created a massive opportunity for HPQ and its PUREVAP TM QRR patented process. HPQ is the only company to bring to market a new process for making Silicon that is perfectly suited to the new demands and realities of the Silicon market.” Sit back, relax and watch this powerful presentation.

GCMR co-founder Mike Munro joins us as he discusses his predictions for ESG standardization and regulations down the road, his written work, the significance of compliance, and staying open to the possibilities of all components of ESG.  ▶️ The Future of ESG in 2022 with Mike Munro: Key points discussed in the episode: ✔️ Mike Munro lists down his firm's services and core focus: helping people understand what ESG is all about. ✔️ Mike Munro believes 2022 will be a pivotal year for ESG and his articles aim to put ESG at the forefront. ✔️ Through their directives, the SEC and the EU will bring specificity on what needs to be tracked and reported. The FCC is also expected to issue climate-related standards. ✔️ The EU has become the frontrunner in implementing human rights regulations. Switzerland and Germany have passed a law requiring reporting. The US still needs to improve in addressing modern slavery issues. ✔️The SEC shows growing interest in human capital. ✔️Once the IFRS Sustainability Board puts out standards, verification and auditing will follow. ✔️ With ESG, companies can be part of the solution. Bigger names shouldn't receive the brunt of the blame as businesses of all sizes should be accountable. ✔️ ESG can be simplified with its focus: getting data accurately and reporting it in an appropriate way. ✔️ The role of compliance is to assist and advise. It helps companies understand the regulations and risks associated with doing business in certain countries. It also promotes educating teams in organizing and collecting accurate and useful information. ✔️ The environmental component is a pain point among compliance professionals. Mike Munro gives advice on how to be more open to the E in ESG: basic knowledge of issues and strong ties with environmental groups. ✔️ Embrace the true value of ESG to your organization. With the understanding of ESG, do your own research and stay curious. ✔️ ESG will continue to gain more attention in the coming years. With more mandates and the recognition of compliance professionals, the future seems optimistic. Mike Munro is the principal and co-founder of GCMR, an ESG and compliance advisory firm. His previous experience includes being the CCO of Odebrecht Engineering & Construction, a partner at Norton Rose Fullbright, deputy general counsel and CCO of Transocean, and global director of ethics and compliance at Baker Hughes. He is a member of the OECD's Trust in Business Network (TriBuNet) and a member of the Executive Consultation Group for the OECD's work on a multi-stakeholder ESG initiative, the Blue Dot Network. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Do you have a podcast (or do you want to)? Join the only network dedicated to compliance, risk management, and business ethics, the Compliance Podcast Network. For more information, contact Tom Fox at tfox@tfoxlaw.com.

My apologies for all the background noise, but it was recorded live on location at 8th Wonder Brewery in Houston where the event was held.The intersection of crypto, bitcoin, and Web 3.0 with energy markets, both traditional and low-carbon, is a general topic area I am in the process of ramping up on. Toward that end, I attended the Digital Wildcatter's EMPOWER: Energizing Bitcoin conference at Houston's 8th Wonder Brewery on March 30-31. Casual dress, a brewery, a "Beetles" stage, bitcoin mining demonstration projects, and free bottled water helped create an excellent learning environment (for the record, I did not drink any beer during this Houston visit). TakeawaysSignal vs noise. I will use my ESG views as an analogy to bitcoin/crypto. With ESG, I have differentiated between the “virtue signaling” variety that we could all do without and I think causes far more harm than good and “substantive” ESG that is indeed needed. The equivalent for bitcoin/crypto, in my view, are what I believe are called the Bitcoin maximalists that believe the US dollar is doomed and Bitcoin is its inevitable replacement. While I reserve the right to change my mind in the future, I do not share the view that Bitcoin will be an excellent reserve currency replacement for the US dollar. The part of the crypto-verse I do find highly intriguing is the potential for distributed blockchain ledger technology to allow for digital privacy, asset ownership, contracts, decentralization, reduced dependency on Big Tech and Big Banks, and related themes.Future currency? Not so fast. While I agree that fiat currency debasement is a fact of life, I am unaware of hard currency alternatives that lead to better societal outcomes. I also have not heard any Bitcoin maximalist accurately (in my view) describe the Federal Reserve's quantitative easing policies and what it means or doesn't mean for money creation. To that end, I would encourage everyone to listen to Jeff Snider and Emil Kalinowsky on their excellent Eurodollar University podcast (Spotify or Apple Podcasts) for a real education on the Federal Reserve, monetary policy, and the plumbing of our global financial system. The US dollar, like democracy and capitalism, is far from perfect. But it is better than every alternative humankind has come up with thus far.Web 3! Crypto via so-called "proof of work" is the fuel that allows blockchain verification in a "trustless" environment. Proof of work is compute power intensive; hence the link between Web 3 and energy markets. It is early days for Web 3. My initial take is that we are in the "Amazon starts selling books online" stage of it. The long-term upside potential is meaningful for energy markets to the extent proof of work remains the enabling mechanism to secure the blockchain.Methane/gas management. Currently, the relationship between traditional energy companies and bitcoin miners comes via stranded gas arrangements. Or perhaps more accurately, areas where an E&P company wants to grow oil production but there is inadequate natural gas takeaway capacity. Bitcoin miners have struck deals to capture natural gas that would otherwise have been flared/vented (which is terrible, by the way) in order to generate power via a natural gas generator, which is then used to power the massive ASIC computers used to mine bitcoin. The oil company benefits by receiving value for otherwise worthless natural gas, while also benefitting the environment via reduced flaring/venting. A private Bakken E&P and its bitcoin mining partner at the conference indicated the E&P was receiving a price for its gas that was greater than zero but less than the equivalent pipeline gas price.Bitcoin miners want cheap, reliable power. Apparently bitcoin miners are no different than all of the rest of humanity in desiring the least expensive, most reliable power. In some applications, this comes through renewables like solar, wind, and hydro. In other cases, it will come through stranded natural gas. Importantly, bitcoin miners enjoy (seemingly) near complete location flexibility, which could be helpful to monetizing energy resources in remote locations (e.g., Africa, rural/in-land locations).⚡️On a personal note...I would like to acknowledge Josh Crumb of ABAXX Technologies and Max Gagliardi of the TalkEnergy podcast for sparking my interest in this topic, and the team at the Digital Wildcatter's for hosting this unique conference.⚖️ DisclaimerI certify that these are my personal, strongly held views at the time of this post. My views are my own and not attributable to any affiliation, past or present. This is not an investment newsletter and there is no financial advice explicitly or implicitly provided here. My views can and will change in the future as warranted by updated analyses and developments. Some of my comments are made in jest for entertainment purposes; I sincerely mean no offense to anyone that takes issue.Regards,Arjun

Compliance and ethics expert Kristy Grant-Hart joins us as she discusses the importance of the compliance function, how it plays into each aspect of ESG, and how CCOs are the most well-suited to take the first step in corporate ESG efforts. Watch ▶️ Leading Compliance Efforts as CCOs with Kristy Grant-Hart: Key points discussed in the episode: ✔️ Kristy Grant-Hart talks about the current situation at Spark Consulting, a book she co-authored, The Compliance Entrepreneurs Handbook, and its impact. ✔️ Compliance is a driver for reputation enhancement. People not only vote with their dollars but also their employee time. ✔️ Kristy Grant-Hart says the ability to gather people and put programs into a framework is what CCOs must have to lead ESG efforts. The 7 Elements of Effective Compliance Program can guide CCOs in creating an ESG program and its monitoring and implementation. ✔️ California becomes the first state to pass a gender-diversity-centered initiative. The social element of diversity goes deeper into the working conditions in the supply chain, sustainably-sourced products, and low carbon emissions. ✔️ With ESG, companies can be part of the solution. Bigger names shouldn't receive the brunt of the blame as businesses of all sizes should be accountable. ✔️ With the UK Modern Slavery Act, ESG has been placed at the forefront, pressuring companies to disclose the truth in what transpires in their supply chains. ✔️ Having a strong law background, Kristy Grant-Hart and Thomas Fox exchange ideas on the significance of lawyers in ESG endeavors. Learning the new jargon and talking to experts can help ease the hesitation to delve into this playing field. ✔️ CCOs are encouraged to be the frontrunners in compliance as they hold the authority to create a significant impact on a corporate scale. The ability to be relevant is a great opportunity in compliance. Kristy Grant-Hart is a compliance and data privacy thought leader specializing in transforming compliance departments into in-demand business assets. She's been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Financial Times, Compliance Week, Compliance and Ethics Professional Magazine, and many others. She was named a Trust Across America 2019 Top Thought Leader in Trust. She is the CEO of Spark Compliance Consulting, a London, Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago-based consultancy providing pragmatic, pro-business, proportionate compliance ethics solutions. She is the creator of Compliance Competitor, an facilitated online training game built on business simulation software. She's the author of the best-selling book, "How to Be a Wildly Effective Compliance Officer." LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristygranthart/ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Do you have a podcast (or do you want to)? Join the only network dedicated to compliance, risk management, and business ethics, the Compliance Podcast Network. For more information, contact Tom Fox at tfox@tfoxlaw.com.

HPQ Silicon Resources $HPQ $HPQFF is a Quebec-based company that is developing the high value-added silicon products sought after by battery and electric vehicle manufacturers - but nobody has yet delivered - until now. CEO Bernard Tourillon goes “Beyond the Deck” to provide shareholders a comprehensive company update. Some topics we discuss: THIRD PARTY VALIDATION FROM LEADING GLOBAL COMPANIES If that sounds a lot like what other small companies are saying lately, $HPQ differentiates itself as a leader of the pack thanks to the following: ● $HPQ has already Received It's First Order for Spherical Nano Silicon Material from Major Automobile Manufacturer ● $HPQ Signed NDA and Received Request for 4N Silicon Material Samples from a World Leading High-Performance Materials Company ● $HPQ has already received signed NDAs from at least 2 battery players SILICON PRICES SKY ROCKETING And $HPQ timing couldn't be better as the price for 1 metric ton of Silicon, as of the end of 2021, reached US $10,000 compared to just US $2,500 a year ago. HPQ Silicon became even stronger when it announced that they have been Issued A U.S. Patent For Its PUREVAP™ Quartz Reduction Reactor Technology CEO Bernard Tourillon commented:“ Since 2015, HPQ PUREVAP T M QRR has been at the forefront of disrupting Silicon manufacturing, an industry that still relies on a traditional process to make silicon first develop in 1899. The U.S. patent issuance on our novel new approach to making silicon, combined with the end of Q1 start of the GEN3 PUREVAP TM QRR pilot plant , have culminated at an opportune time, as demand for high purity silicon from the battery and high-performance material companies continues to rise just as bottlenecks, we had foreseen are now occurring in the silicon supply chain. With ESG principles playing an active role in materials sourcing, the world is more aware of the difficulties of securing the ESG compliant Silicon needed to meet its renewable energy goals. The reality of chronic underinvestment in new technologies combined with the offshoring of Silicon production capacity, has created a massive opportunity for HPQ and its PUREVAP TM QRR patented process, as we are the only company to bring to market a new process for making Silicon that is perfectly suited to the new demands and realities of the Silicon market.” Sit back, relax and watch this powerful presentation.

Ben Colton has a fiery passion for ESG sustainability. In this episode, he guides us through companies' responsibility in disclosing data, its financial benefits, and how his stewardship greatly influences businesses to eliminate hindrances in ESG reporting and allow diversity in thought among employees in all positions.  Watch ▶️ Embracing the Opportunity in ESG Stewardship with Ben Colton: https://youtu.be/r0-wSMGWabE. Key points discussed in the episode: ✔️ Ben Colton defines his role as the Global Head of Asset Stewardship Team at State Street Global Advisors (SSGA). Regulatory advocacy, thought leadership, company engagement, and accountability mechanisms - these are the most powerful tools he uses. ✔️ All companies should report according to the TCFD framework. Engage with companies to understand sector specificity and disclosure laggards. ✔️ Ben Colton believes transition investing opens doors for business expansion and opportunities. He also points out polarizing the discussion and shaming companies can be counterintuitive. “Don't ask them when they want to get there but how they want to get there.” ✔️ Ben Colton provides well-documented evidence on the positive impact of SSGA's Fearless Girl campaign. Gender is just one facet of diversity, as his company aims to instill diversity in thought - more underrepresented communities in leadership positions. ✔️ SSGA has published guidance in 2017 on how companies can enhance diversity-related practices. They aim to imprint these methods on business in the United States and other prepared nations.  ✔️ An SSGA article titled “The World Targets Change” says, “Climate strategies are driving economic transitions.” Ben Colton states the SSGA has outlined expectations based on the IIGCC, Climate Action 100+, and high-emitting companies. ✔️ With ESG, companies can be part of the solution. Bigger names shouldn't receive the brunt of the blame as businesses of all sizes should be accountable. ✔️ The proprietary ESG score, created by SSGA, intends to establish credibility in disclosure expectations, engagement priorities, and voting activity. ✔️ Diversity is closely correlated with human capital management and corporate culture. Progressive diversity and inclusion practices promote employee satisfaction. ✔️ Companies that tap into the opinions of employees are willing to listen to diverse perspectives, putting them on equal footing with stakeholders. Ben Colton is the Global Head of the Asset Stewardship Team at State Street Global Advisors (SSGA). His team is responsible for developing and implementing SSGA's global proxy voting policies and guidelines across all investment strategies, and managing SSGA's proxy voting activities and issuer engagement on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues. His team aims to generate a positive impact on financially material ESG issues through voting, engagement, thought leadership, and advocacy. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-colton-20b73521/ ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- Do you have a podcast (or do you want to)? Join the only network dedicated to compliance, risk management, and business ethics, the Compliance Podcast Network. For more information, contact Tom Fox at tfox@tfoxlaw.com.

HPQ Silicon Resources $HPQ $HPQFF is a Quebec-based company that is developing the high value-added silicon products sought after by battery and electric vehicle manufacturers - but nobody has yet delivered - until now. THIRD PARTY VALIDATION FROM LEADING GLOBAL COMPANIES If that sounds a lot like what other small companies are saying lately, $HPQ differentiates itself as a leader of the pack thanks to the following: ● $HPQ has already Received It's First Order for Spherical Nano Silicon Material from Major Automobile Manufacturer ● $HPQ Signed NDA and Received Request for 4N Silicon Material Samples from a World Leading High-Performance Materials Company ● $HPQ has already received signed NDAs from at least 2 battery players SILICON PRICES SKY ROCKETING And $HPQ timing couldn't be better as the price for 1 metric ton of Silicon, as of the end of December, reached US $10,000 compared to just US $2,500 a year ago. Today HPQ Silicon became even strong when it announced that they have been Issued A U.S. Patent For Its PUREVAP™ Quartz Reduction Reactor Technology CEO Bernard Tourillon commented:“ Since 2015, HPQ PUREVAP T M QRR has been at the forefront of disrupting Silicon manufacturing, an industry that still relies on a traditional process to make silicon first develop in 1899. The U.S. patent issuance on our novel new approach to making silicon, combined with the end of Q1 start of the GEN3 PUREVAP TM QRR pilot plant , have culminated at an opportune time, as demand for high purity silicon from the battery and high-performance material companies continues to rise just as bottlenecks, we had foreseen are now occurring in the silicon supply chain. With ESG principles playing an active role in materials sourcing, the world is more aware of the difficulties of securing the ESG compliant Silicon needed to meet its renewable energy goals. The reality of chronic underinvestment in new technologies combined with the offshoring of Silicon production capacity, has created a massive opportunity for HPQ and its PUREVAP TM QRR patented process, as we are the only company to bring to market a new process for making Silicon that is perfectly suited to the new demands and realities of the Silicon market.” Sit back and watch this power interview with HPQ CEO Bernard Tourillon.

Hosted live from the world's largest retail conference and expo, Retail Refined Host Melissa Gonzalez spoke with Chris Georgen, Founder and Chief Architect of Topl, a company that sits at the intersection of sustainability, deep-technology, and innovation.Topl, whose mission is to build trust between consumers and products, is set largely within an industry which has historically lacked that. Georgen remarked on Topl's unique position within the market, particularly in increasing transparency within the fashion industry using Topl blockchain.Using the tools created by and within Topl, the ESG impact of a company can vastly improve. Georgen remarked that, “Topl technology can take fashion supply chains from 18 months to 25 days,” which positively impacts these upward-trending ESG-forward values seen in the market as shorter time to delivery means less waste due to demand fluctuations.Not only this, but Topl blockchain underpins and helps secure data while optimizing performance for different sectors.As the demand in the market, namely pushed by GenZ's habit in “voting more with their wallets” because “different things matter,” moves fashion towards different brand differentiators and new brands focus on equity, inclusion, and sustainability, Topl helps to secure trust between the consumer and the brand.While brand and reputation used to largely underpin market demand, there has been, Georgen remarked, a “reset” caused by the pandemic which means these identifiers are no longer the only consideration in retail spending.Additionally, Georgen emphasized the role Web3 has in the future of retail and sustainability tokenization. Web3 will be able to “cut off the places to hide” for consumers to see the truth behind company supply chains, resources, and materials and “greenwashing” will become much more difficult.With ESG-forward values continuing to dominate retail trends, Topl stands at the intersection for providing trust in engagement between brands and consumers.

While at the world's largest retail conference and expo, Retail Refined Host Melissa Gonzalez spoke with Chris Georgen, Founder and Chief Architect of Topl, a company that sits at the intersection of sustainability, deep-technology, and innovation.Topl, whose mission is to build trust between consumers and products, is set largely within an industry which has historically lacked that. Georgen remarked on Topl's unique position within the market, particularly in increasing transparency within the fashion industry using Topl blockchain.Using the tools created by and within Topl, the ESG impact of a company can vastly improve. Georgen remarked that, “Topl technology can take fashion supply chains from 18 months to 25 days,” which positively impacts these upward-trending ESG-forward values seen in the market as shorter time to delivery means less waste due to demand fluctuations.Not only this, but Topl blockchain underpins and helps secure data while optimizing performance for different sectors.As the demand in the market, namely pushed by GenZ's habit in “voting more with their wallets” because “different things matter,” moves fashion towards different brand differentiators and new brands focus on equity, inclusion, and sustainability, Topl helps to secure trust between the consumer and the brand.While brand and reputation used to largely underpin market demand, there has been, Georgen remarked, a “reset” caused by the pandemic which means these identifiers are no longer the only consideration in retail spending.Additionally, Georgen emphasized the role Web3 has in the future of retail and sustainability tokenization. Web3 will be able to “cut off the places to hide” for consumers to see the truth behind company supply chains, resources, and materials and “greenwashing” will become much more difficult.With ESG-forward values continuing to dominate retail trends, Topl stands at the intersection for providing trust in engagement between brands and consumers.

Welcome to RIMScast. Your host is Justin Smulison, Business Content Manager at RIMS, the Risk and Insurance Management Society.   This week, Justin is joined by Luke Jacobs, the CEO and co-founder of Encamp; a modern platform that simplifies the way you meet your environmental reporting obligations.   With ESG continuing to be a hot topic in risk management, Luke offers his insights and professional experiences as a risk professional, business leader, and board member steeply rooted in ESG. Additionally, he shares his perspective on how risk professionals can use the ESG functions to gain an audience with the board and C-suite, create and retain value based on their contributions, and even enhance their careers.   If you enjoyed this conversation and want to access the full interview, be sure to head on over to the RIMS Path To The Boardroom page for the entire dialogue with Luke Jacobs.   Key Takeaways: [:01] About RIMS' Global Membership. [:13] About today's episode. [:19] Upcoming RIMS current virtual offerings. [1:29] About the upcoming 2022 RIMS RiskTech Forum. [2:07] More about today's episode with Luke Jacobs. [2:46] Justin welcomes Luke to the podcast! [2:59] Luke shares about his background in risk. [4:48] What can risk professionals do to create or retain value for their organizations with regards to the “E” in ESG? [10:59] About the RIMS Mobile App; RIMS Buyers Guide; and RIMS Annual Conference, RISKWORLD 2022. [12:26] If you want to check out this episode's full interview, be sure to visit the RIMS Path To The Boardroom page. [12:44] With COP26 in the rearview of 2021, what are business leaders, board members, and C-suites most tuned into? [14:09] Luke shares how he thinks a risk professional should consider post-COP26 in both the short-term and long-term. [16:46] Justin thanks Luke Jacobs for joining RIMScast and shares some of the links to look out for in this episode's show notes!   Mentioned in this Episode: RIMS Events, Education, and Services: TechRisk/RiskTech | RIMS Virtual Event Jan. 26‒27, 2022 — Register Today! RIMS 2022 RISKWORLD | April 10‒13 in San Francisco! — Register now for advance rate pricing! NEW FOR MEMBERS! RIMS Mobile App RIMS Buyers Guide Sponsored RIMScast Episodes: “A Legacy of Resilience” | Sponsored by J.B. Boda Group “The Golden Era of Insurance” | Sponsored by The Hartford “Insurance Investigation Trends Happening Now” | Sponsored by Travelers “What Could a CRO Do for Your Business?” | Sponsored by Riskonnect “Hard Reality: A Look at Rising Rates in Property & Excess Casualty” | Sponsored by AXA XL “Property Valuation Deep Dive” | Sponsored by TÜV SÜD “Property Loss Control Engineering” | Sponsored by Prudent Insurance Brokers NEW RIMSCAST VIDEO: “Climate Change and Insurance: A Fireside Chat with Dev Bhutani and Deepak Madan” | Sponsored by Prudent Insurance Brokers Ltd. Webinars & Virtual Workshops: Applying and Integrating ERM: Dec 9‒10 — Registration closes Dec 8th RIMS-CRMP Exam Prep with University of Hartford Dec. 14 & 16. — Register by Dec. 13th Dec. 16th, 2021: “Are Business Leaders Fully Prepared for Growing Environmental Risks?” | Sponsored by Beazley More ESG on RIMScast: “A Glimpse of the ‘The Reputation Premium' with Nir Kossovsky” “The Future of ERM with Dr. Andrea Bonime-Blanc” “Joseph W. Mayo on ESG Events and How They Impact the Risk Management Community” “The Current State of the Risk Management Profession's Talent Supply, Future Outlooks, and the Influence of Diversity and Inclusion Programs” “The Tragedy of the Commons with Les Williams” RIMS Publications, Content, and Links: RIMS Membership — Whether you are a new member or need to transition, be a part of the global risk management community! RIMS Virtual Workshops Upcoming RIMS Webinars On-Demand Webinars RIMS Advisory Services — Ask a Peer Risk Management Magazine Risk Management Monitor RIMS Coronavirus Information Center RIMS Risk Leaders Series — New interview with RIMS 2021 Risk Manager of the Year Michael Harrington! RIMS-Certified Risk Management Professional (RIMS-CRMP) RIMS-CRMP Stories — New interview featuring RIMS Treasurer Jennifer Santiago! Spencer Educational Foundation RIMS DEI Council   Want to Learn More? Keep up with the podcast on RIMS.org and listen on iTunes. Have a question or suggestion? Email: Content@rims.org.   Join the Conversation! Follow @RIMSorg on Facebook and Twitter, and LinkedIn.   Follow up with Our Guest: Luke Jacobs' LinkedIn Encamp   Tweetables (For Social Media Use):   “It is really critical to get an executive [in your organization] to understand the areas where you have operations going on that if you do not comply with the applicable environmental regulations … that is likely to get out.” — Luke Jacobs   “Consumers are really beginning to be aware of what companies are doing with their environmental and sustainability initiatives.” — Luke Jacobs   “A focus on net-zero planning is really coming to the forefront [as well as] thinking more broadly about decarbonization of organizations” — Luke Jacobs  

HPQ Silicon Resources $HPQ $HPQFF is a Quebec-based company that is developing high value-added silicon products that are sought after by battery and electric vehicle manufacturers - but nobody has yet delivered - until now. If that sounds a lot like what other small companies are saying lately, $HPQ differentiates itself as a leader of the pack thanks to the following: $HPQ has already Received It's First Order for Spherical Nano Silicon Material from Major Automobile Manufacturer $HPQ has already received signed NDAs from at least 2 battery players $HPQ secured U.S. Patent for Its PUREVAP™ Quartz Reduction Reactor Technology The Company recently announced Receipt of U.S. Patent for Its PUREVAP™ Quartz Reduction Reactor Technology To understand the importance and the implications of this milestone, this excerpt from the press release says it all: The US patent covers the PUREVAP™ QRR innovative process, which permits the one-step transformation of quartz (SiO 2 ) into high purity silicon metal (from 99.5% to 99.99% Si) at reduced costs, energy input, and carbon footprint. This game-changing advantage means that the PUREVAP™ QRR process not only produces a higher purity silicon material than traditional processes, but it does not require the extremely pure feedstock needed by conventional processes. In fact, the process only requires 4.5 MT of raw material to make 1 MT of Silicon, versus the 6 MT required by conventional processes, a 25% reduction which potentially allows a 20% cash cost advantage versus the lowest cost traditional Silicon producer . Furthermore, as part of our ongoing strategy of protecting and strengthening the PUREVAP™ Intellectual Property Portfolio, a second patent application, focusing on a new and novel process was filed in 2019 and is presently advancing through the process. Bernard Tourillon, President and CEO of HPQ commented, “HPQ has been at the forefront of Low-Cost Green Silicon innovation developments since 2015, and getting this U.S. patent approval, combined with the ongoing commissioning of the GEN3 PUREVAP™ QRR pilot plant , has occurred at an opportune time, as demand continues to rise and bottlenecks we had foreseen are now occurring in the silicon supply chain. With ESG principles playing an active role in materials sourcing, the world is more aware of the difficulty of securing the ESG compliant Silicon needed to meet its renewable energy goals. The reality of chronic underinvestment in new technologies combined with the offshoring of Silicon production capacity, has created a massive opportunity for HPQ and its PUREVAP™ QRR patented process, as we are the only company to bring to market a new process to make Silicon that is perfectly suited to the new demands and realities of the Silicon market Watch this great interview with $HPQ CEO Bernard Tourillon.

In this episode, we have a returning guest who first appeared on the podcast back in June 2019 (episode 30). Daniel Major is the CEO of GoviEX Uranium, a mineral resource company focused on the exploration and development of its African uranium properties in Niger namely Madaoela, its mine permitted Mutanga Project in Zambia, and its exploration Falea Project in Mali.   Daniel is a Camborne School of Mines mine engineering graduate and has been at the helm of GoviEx for the past 9 years, developing the company into a position to become a Uranium producer in 2025. He is here today to give us an update on the company and about the uranium market in general.   KEY TAKEAWAYS   GoviEx has 3 projects in 3 different mining jurisdictions. Falea in Mali is a fascinating polymetallic project, which has a lot of potential. Madaoela in Niger is their keystone project, and it is already fully permitted. Niger started producing uranium in 1971. Power is not an issue in the area GoviEx is operating and the potential for solar is extremely good. The African Trade Group is developing several rail, road and shipping infrastructure projects which will greatly enhance Niger´s transport network. The infill drilling programme for Mutanga has gone well the operation remains a straightforward one. At Falea they have drilled below the uranium deposits, which the previous owner did not do. Deeper drilling has revealed copper, gold, and silver. GoviEx is very focused on ESG but does not take a one-size fits all approach. In Niger, the community has asked GoviEX to focus on education. It is very much a win-win for everyone. Marrying education with the nomadic lifestyle in Niger is one of the challenges they are working to overcome. In other areas, water, strengthening the food supply chain and clinics have been the priority.     BEST MOMENTS ‘(In Niger) the government is currently developing a programme of infrastructure upgrades. ´ ‘We are going to drill down into deeper targets and figure out if this is the source of the uranium.' ‘With ESG you need to recognise that each community is different. Do not take a rubber stamp and try to apply it to everyone.'   EPISODE RESOURCES Website: https://goviex.com/ Contact form: https://goviex.com/contact/contact-us/ Email: info@goviex.com Email: daniel@goviex.com DDM podcast Episode 30: https://omny.fm/shows/dig-deep-the-mining-podcast/uranium-the-future-with-daniel-major   VALUABLE RESOURCES mailto:rob@mining-international.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/ http://www.mining-international.org https://twitter.com/MiningConsult https://www.facebook.com/MiningInternational.org https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC69dGPS29lmakv-D7LWJg_Q?guided_help_flow=3     ABOUT THE HOST Rob Tyson is the Founder and Director of Mining International Ltd, a leading global recruitment and headhunting consultancy based in the UK specialising in all areas of mining across the globe from first world to third world countries from Africa, Europe, Middle East, Asia, and Australia. We source, headhunt, and discover new and top talent through a targeted approach and search methodology and have a proven track record in sourcing and positioning exceptional candidates into our clients' organisations in any mining discipline or level. Mining International provides a transparent, informative, and trusted consultancy service to our candidates and clients to help them develop their careers and business goals and objectives in this ever-changing marketplace. CONTACT METHOD rob@mining-international.org https://www.linkedin.com/in/rob-tyson-3a26a68/   Podcast Description   Rob Tyson is an established recruiter in the mining and quarrying sector and decided to produce the “Dig Deep” The Mining Podcast to provide valuable and informative content around the mining industry. He has a passion and desire to promote the industry and the podcast aims to offer the mining community an insight into people's experiences and careers covering any mining discipline, giving the listeners helpful advice and guidance on industry topics. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As women garner more control of their life in business, it is time to seriously consider starting your own business. With ESG requirements becoming mandatory, you are needed in the business world. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

With ESG concerns at the forefront, and debate on the future of bunker fuels, we ask our 'oracle' at Integr8 fuels, Anton Shamray, for his thoughts on the future direction of this vital market. Disclaimer: freightinvestorservices.com/castaway-disclaimer/

Interview with Chris Gueits and Jon Hermida, Co-Founders of RisOn, Inc. Join us for a special conversation with Co-Founders of RisOn, Chris Gueits and Jon Hermida. RisOn's mission is to bring the power of precision personal development into anyone's hands leveraging emerging technologies. Chris and Jon describe is as “an online gym for mental and emotional well-being.” Listen as they share their story on how RisOn came to be along with how they are currently helping business teams build personal tools that ultimately lead towards more whole and happy lives. With ESG as an important topic in the legal industry today, this is one episode you won't want to miss. Click here to learn more about RisOn, Inc.

Intro.(1:40) - Start of interview.(2:08) - Chris's "origin story": he grew up in East Greenwich, Rhode Island, but has spent most of his adult life in NY or outside of DC. He started out as a derivatives trader right out of college. Then he went to law school. After law school, he joined White & Case and later Sullivan & Cromwell to focus on M&A transactions. In the late 1990s (during the "dot com" era), he joined Bear Sterns as an investment banker in the tech group.(7:40) - On his move to join ISS in a newly created role as director of M&A research, in the midst of the HP-Compaq merger. "I think I was hired originally as a CYA sort of process." "But I happened to arrive at the onset of what I think was the beginning of the modern age of hedge fund activism in 2004 (Bill Ackman had just formed Pershing Square, Nelson Peltz started Trian, Jeff Smith with Starboard Value, etc.). It was perfect timing and fortuitous."(10:54) -  On how ISS makes its voting recommendations on contested M&A and activist campaigns, and how the first thing he did at ISS was to create a framework to deal with contested M&A situations and proxy fights for board seats. The framework is still being used today by the ISS Special Situations Team. Institutional investors needed this guidance.(15:53) - On how he grew the ISS Special Situations Team over time, with people experienced on public companies. Very different team than those of say-on-pay proposals or other more junior analysts. "The way I thought about it was the moment I pressed the button of recommendation, if I had all my retirement money on that one specific stock, how would I vote after I had the inside look."(20:34) - On the importance of the ISS vote: "Depending on the make-up of the share register, between 20-30% of the share register is going to be at least influenced by the ISS vote, in particular if Glass Lewis has the same recommendation."(21:52) - On his transition from ISS to Credit Suisse ("after 7 proxy seasons at ISS"). He joined CS to start a dedicated contested situations team on the corporate advisory side: "Today almost every bank has a dedicated team but back then it was only Goldman Sachs." "Banks do not represent activists, the market has dictated that. If you cross that Rubicon, the competition will use that against you. I personally think that is shortsighted, it may change over time. Just like banks did not represent hostile bidders in M&A, until they did."(27:19) - On his current role at Jefferies. "It's a growing platform seeking to capture market share for public company M&A." We have a team of 5 people dedicated solely on hostile M&A, contested "friendly" M&A transactions and activism defense.(30:00) - His take on the current proxy season, including Engine No.1's successful proxy fight with Exxon Mobil: "I've seen a lot of events that were deemed landmark, and Exxon could indeed be deemed a landmark situation. I know Charlie Penner (from his time at Jana Partners) and I knew that Engine No.1 wouldn't wage a proxy fight based on [Jana's 3Vs template], where one of those Vs is having the necessary votes...In addition, Exxon Mobil had been considered a pariah at least since the mid-2000s,  due to its refusal to engage with major investors and proxy advisors. These factors plus a period of under-performance by Exxon meant that Engine No.1 picked the right target [and they ran a very good campaign]."(34:33) - But for Chris, the hard part for Engine No.1 is what's next: now that they have 3 board members at Exxon Mobil, will they deliver on their promises? Chris is reminded of the case when he supported Nelson Peltz at Heinz (at the time a landmark proxy fight on a board election contest). Jeff Smith gave an interview about the Engine No.1 proxy fight and he brought up the Darden case, the first time an activist had succeeded in replacing an entire board of a Fortune 500 company (and they performed fairly well thereafter). "Let's see what we will be saying three years from now about the Exxon proxy fight, will Exxon change and if they do, will the results be good and driven by Engine No.1?"(37:00) - On the rise of global M&A and PE. "There hasn't been a ton of messy M&A, but we are starting to see more." On companies going private: "it's an inventory problem, more and more companies are leaving the public markets." In the UK, there is a national angst over the raiding of their companies (it's easy to take-over companies in the UK).(39:59) - On public vs private markets. "The private market is growing much faster than the public markets." On dual-class stock. On the different cultures in Silicon Valley and Wall St: "it depends on your story, if there is a story of value creation and people believe in the management and the board, they may sacrifice their own rights [to get a piece of the action]. The problems will arise as the company matures and under-performs with those structures [such as with dual class shares], but then you can always get rid of them later." The question he asks of his capital market colleagues: "Do people love this company? Is it oversubscribed? To what level? To some degree you don't have to give public investors anything. Money talks." Just like with shareholder activism: "It's where people have lost money, or money has been 'dead money' is when they start to get anxious and agitated about the people running the company." "Share price performance is the best defense, it's the first thing that I have in the book for boards of directors." "But almost every company at some point,  even the great companies, will have something hit them and that's when they are vulnerable. If they can fix it quickly then they're out, but if it sits there for 2-3 years [in the case of Exxon it was multiple years], then they become vulnerable."(45:56) - On the positive and negative sides the SPAC trend: "The real reckoning will only be known in 2023 when a huge number of these SPACs will have to deliver on their acquisitions." "The future of this market will depend upon will there be more success stories than failures and how they will be covered in the media and other outlets. The jury is still out."(49:41) - On the sustainability and ESG trend: "I don't know if it will maintain its current level of importance." "[It reminds me] of the overcrowded trade from back in my day as a derivative trader in the dot com mania peak. With ESG it seems like the same thing: the buzz over the last few years has created a tremendous flow into ESG focused funds. But there is a difference between saying that ESG creates outperformance or if it mitigates risk (the latter almost everyone agrees)." "What's interesting to me is that there are already three hedge funds that are focused on ESG strategies: Engine No.1, Impactive Capital (founded by Lauren Taylor Wolfe) and Inclusive Capital Partners (Jeff Ubben)." "There are also more companies supporting shareholder proposals (instead of opposing them)." "After the Exxon proxy fight, directors realize that they may be taken out by sub 1% shareholders."(57:48) - The book that has greatly influenced his life:For Whom the Bell Tolls (1940), by Ernest Hemingway. "It mostly taught me about the economy of language, and the power of simple, stark, declarative sentences in the active voice."(58:56) - His mentor: his father.(59:52) - His favorite quotes: a mish mash of 'carpe diem', 'we're not promised tomorrow', 'live in the moment', don't stress over the past or obsess over the future', [they are all kinda the same thing] "but I try to wake up  every day and live that way, not only in the difficult times."(1:00:41) - An unusual or absurd habit that he loves: he's still a die-hard metal head. In college he had radio show and his moniker was "Dr Metal"!(1:01:37): The living person he most admires:  "To me it's the group of people that sacrifice for a greater good, whether it's the military, first responders, and particularly (most recently) essential workers, healthcare workers and others that let others live their lives (often under duress). To me that's inspiring."Christopher Young is the Global Head of Contested Situations at Jefferies, an investment banking firm headquartered in New York, with offices in over 30 cities around the world. Chris is an expert advisor to public company directors and senior management teams with respect to contested situations, including hostile M&A bids and responses, contested "friendly" M&A transactions and shareholder activism, including proxy contests for Board seats.If you like this show, please consider subscribing, leaving a review or sharing this podcast on social media. __ You can follow Evan on social media at:Twitter @evanepsteinLinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/epsteinevan/ Substack https://evanepstein.substack.com/Music/Soundtrack (found via Free Music Archive): Seeing The Future by Dexter Britain is licensed under a Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License