PLSA Local Authority Conference 2023
Join our session on 'Biodiversity and Nature: The why and how of rescuing the planet'
Biodiversity and Nature: The why and how of rescuing the planet
Pensions funds can play an important role in protecting nature and biodiversity. By investing in those listed companies and private projects providing impactful solutions, funds can achieve a dual objective of financial returns and positively contributing to the future of our planet.
Join our session from 12-12:45pm to hear from our speakers and find out how.
Our speakers:
- Stephane Lago, Head of Equity Investment Specialists, AXA Investment Managers
- Jonathan Dean, Head of Impact Private Equity Fund Management, AXA Investment Managers
- Karen Shackleton, Founder and Chair, Pensions for Purpose and Independent Adviser, LGPS
A deeper look:
We all depend on nature and biodiversity. They make life possible, provide health and social benefits and drive our economy. Nature is also critical in tackling the climate crisis. Yet we humans are destroying our planet faster than ever, and ecosystems and the services they provide are under pressure. We must act now to protect biodiversity, reduce the harmful effects of human activity and restore the environment.
The global risks to society, and the scale and urgency of the challenge, are driving commitments and actions from governments, regulators and consumers alike. For savvy investors, this material and pressing need presents opportunities. By investing in those listed companies and private projects providing impactful solutions, schemes can achieve a dual objective of financial returns and positively contributing to the future of our planet. Join us to find out how.
Who should attend?
The must-attend event for anyone involved in the Local Government Pension Scheme covering practical challenges and future opportunities in the ever-evolving landscape of local authority pensions.
Overall conference themes:
- The investment outlook for schemes following recent market turmoil and amid the continued threat of recession
- How the LGPS can ensure operational sustainability when schemes are continually pushed to do more with less
- How schemes can communicate with employers and savers during the cost-of-living crisis
- And what’s next on ESG, pensions dashboards and the levelling up debate.
About our speakers
Stephane Lago, Head of Equity Investment Specialists, AXA Investment Managers
Stephane leads AXA IM’s global team of 13 equity and multi-asset investment specialists. He has been instrumental in the creation of our thematic equity offering, and the development of our listed equity impact strategies which seek both financial returns for clients and to help address the world’s biggest social and environmental challenges. Stephane also has ongoing responsibility for the development of any new thematic and impact investing areas in listed equities.
Stephane joined AXA IM in 2009 as an Investment Specialist focusing on Equity and Multi-Asset strategies.
Stephane holds an MSc in Finance from Queensland University of Technology.
Jonathan Dean, Head of Impact Private Equity Fund Management, AXA Investment Managers
Jonathan is Head of Fund Management at AXA IM Alts across our impact investing and purpose-driven private equity platform, which covers multiple impact themes including Global Health, Financial Inclusion, Climate Innovation and Nature-Based Solutions.
Jonathan launched, and has since been instrumental in, developing the AXA IM Alts impact and private equity strategy and also plays an active role in the Board and governance of several portfolio companies. He is a voting Investment Committee member, and has overseen each of the 70+ transactions executed since the inception of the platform in 2012. This includes leading AXA IM’s first investment into global health in 2013.
Jonathan holds a BSc Hons in Management and Geography and a Diploma in Professional Studies from Loughborough University, where he specialised in Sustainable Development.
Karen Shackleton, Founder and Chair, Pensions for Purpose and Independent Adviser, LGPS
Karen has worked in the finance sector for over 30 years. She provides independent investment advice to the London Boroughs of Islington, Camden, and Hounslow pension funds. In 2017, she set up Pensions for Purpose, a collaborative information-sharing and training platform which aims to raise awareness of responsible, sustainable and impact investment amongst pension funds. She is non-executive Chair of Resonance Ltd, an impact manager investing in real estate social impact opportunities, and Deputy Chair of the Strategic Investment Board for the Ministry of Justice. Karen also sits on the Advisory Council for the Impact Investing Institute.
Investing in Biodiversity
There is an economic and human cost to biodiversity loss which is being addressed through products and services contributing to ecosystem preservation and biodiversity loss mitigation.
Learn moreDisclaimer
This document is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment research or financial analysis relating to transactions in financial instruments as per MIF Directive (2014/65/EU), nor does it constitute on the part of AXA Investment Managers or its affiliated companies an offer to buy or sell any investments, products or services, and should not be considered as solicitation or investment, legal or tax advice, a recommendation for an investment strategy or a personalized recommendation to buy or sell securities.
Due to its simplification, this document is partial and opinions, estimates and forecasts herein are subjective and subject to change without notice. There is no guarantee forecasts made will come to pass. Data, figures, declarations, analysis, predictions and other information in this document is provided based on our state of knowledge at the time of creation of this document. Whilst every care is taken, no representation or warranty (including liability towards third parties), express or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of the information contained herein. Reliance upon information in this material is at the sole discretion of the recipient. This material does not contain sufficient information to support an investment decision.
Risk Warning
The value of investments, and the income from them, can fall as well as rise and investors may not get back the amount originally invested.