Conference Programmes

There has been a surge in demand for green assets, driven by environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations. Almost every bank seeks to invest in sustainable projects, leading to a decrease in scarcity value. Despite this demand, there is still no significant pricing advantage for green financing. The reason lies in the investor landscape—while there are dedicated ESG investors, their numbers remain insufficient to significantly impact pricing dynamics. Looking ahead, as we approach 2030, pricing constraints are likely to tighten further, affecting various project types. This keynote panel will discuss the supply-demand imbalance, and how or if mechanisms are needed to overcome it. 

Bart White, Managing Director, EMEA Head of Energy Structured Finance, Grupo Santander
 

Institutions face mounting pressure to set sustainability targets, particularly around how lenders manage financed emissions portfolios. These targets directly influence appetite to participate in certain sectors, such as less carbon-intensive investments versus being heavily involved in the high-emissions energy projects. Lenders are becoming more selective, but has the bar been set too low for what qualifies as green finance? Should requirements be raised, or could regulatory measures stimulate greater demand? And are there creative ways to bring private sector funding into the picture, such as no capital gains tax on decarbonisation investments or R&D tax credits?

Transition finance sets out to provide transparency around how finance is mobilised to reduce emissions. Banks and financial systems are focused on risk return, but the finance community wants to show that it is taking accountability of scope 3 emissions through financed emissions pathways. There is also recognition that financing just pure plays is not enough and needs to go beyond clean energy, meaning more needs to be done around transition finance and how capital is mobilised. Here, we discuss the changing role of transition finance in decarbonisation. 

Rawan Oueidat, Director, Corporate Ratings, S&P Global Ratings 
 

Lina Osman, MD and Head - Sustainable Finance, Standard Chartered Bank UAE 
 

Sarya Kudsi, Sustainable Banking, Crédit Agricole
 

The different regulators in the UAE have come together to set out guidelines for sustainability reporting. Relevant for transparency, investors want an independent ESG stamp of approval. Banks must make sure an investment really is sustainable if that is what a client is expecting. Are ESG ratings fit for purpose, or a still evolving area that requires work. Can those using ESG ratings as part of their decision making rely on the ratings they read?

The new round of country Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) are expected to be submitted by early 2025, under the Paris Climate Agreement. This latest round of NDCs will outline an individual country’s targets and the climate actions they intend to take through to 2035. What likely impact will these have on the finance community and the green instruments that are offered? How will it alter expectations and reporting mechanisms placed on the institutions taking or issuing different forms of green finance?

ClimateTech plays a pivotal role in our transition to a sustainable future. However, funding this critical sector remains a challenge. Many of the technologies needed for climate adaptation and mitigation, including AI-driven solutions, are either yet to be invented or lack sufficient financing to scale. What is required to bridge this gap - more flexible or innovative financing, regional cooperation, improved regulatory frameworks or more? 

Jana Elkova, Strategy & Entrepreneurship Expert, Ministry of Economy, UAE
 

Dr Miray Zaki, Managing Director - Head of Sustainability Investments, Gulf Capital 
 

Oliver Phillips, Regional Head of Sustainable Finance, Barclays Bank CIB 
 

Lucy Chow, Partner, Asian Impact Leaders Network
 

The GCC has an absence of dedicated impact financing mechanisms, lagging countries such as the UK, USA and South Korea. Fragmented initiatives exist, but to truly scale impact investing, government support is crucial to attract capital. This talk explores what needs to be in place, and looks at notable examples of impact financing that are available in the GCC and beyond, highlighting the benefits they bring.

The mobilisation of capital in the Global South has many hurdles and challenges to overcome. Despite pledges, the Global North still sucks up most capital, and funds dedicated to the Global South can be slow to develop. Understanding the role of different components, such as grants, philanthropy and commercial investments, is crucial. What must the financial community do to reduces levels of frustration around the slow deployment of funds, how do they avoid accusations of greenwashing, and what regulatory changes would help this underserved market? 

Jean Morcos, Senior Investment Officer and Regional Sustainable and Climate Finance Lead, Infrastructure Department, International Finance Corporation 
 

Tammer Qaddumi, General Partner, VentureSouq Management