Sustainable Finance: Moving beyond the Action Plan

IoD Jersey is excited to announce its first Leaders’ Lunch of the year, ‘Sustainable Finance: Moving beyond the Action Plan’ taking place on March 6, 2025, at The Royal Yacht, from 12:15 to 14:15, kindly sponsored by Appleby.

With the launch of the Jersey Sustainable Action Plan in November 2024, IoD Jersey is delighted to welcome our diverse panel of industry leaders as we delve into an informed and interesting discussion that will inspire industry to take action so that we can collectively drive impactful change.

The plan sets ambitious goals for:

• Identifying and managing Risk and Governance
• Market Incentives
• Enhancing International Engagement for Jersey

All these areas within the framework have been identified as contributing to reducing emissions, fostering innovation, and building a greener economy.

A facilitated panel discussion led by Mariota Smutz, Chair of the Industry subcommittee, will take place followed by an open floor debate where participants can join the discussion.

The panel comprises: Andrew Mitchell – Equilibrium Futures, Michelle Ryan – True Limited, Michael Newton – Altum and Amy King – Paragon Impact/Chair of the IoD Sustainability Sub-Committee

“As an island and one dominated by the financial services industry, embracing and adapting to sustainable development goals is imperative. Sustainability is not just a buzzword it is a means by which we ensure Jersey remains competitive,” said Mariota Smutz, Chair of Industry subcommittee.

“I would encourage business leaders, compliance professionals and regulators to attend this panel debate. Understanding how Jersey’s action plan impacts and enhances sustainable business practices should be on each and every board member’s radar.” added Alex Ruddy, Chair of the IoD.

Why Attend?

• Regulatory Readiness is Crucial: Board members must ensure their organisations are prepared for enhanced environmental crime frameworks, sustainability risk management obligations, and corporate disclosure requirements. Compliance will be key to maintaining market access and reputation.
• Greenwashing Risk Needs Proactive Management: Boards must scrutinise sustainability claims to ensure transparency and credibility. Misleading statements could result in reputational damage and regulatory scrutiny.
• Sustainability can encourage growth: Sustainable finance is not just a compliance exercise; it presents strategic opportunities. Organisations should explore how sustainable investments and ESG-focused products can drive growth and competitive advantage.
• Upskilling is Essential for Future Success: As regulatory and market expectations evolve, businesses must invest in workforce training to develop expertise in sustainable finance.
• Jersey’s Global Positioning Matters: The island’s financial services sector must align with international sustainability standards to remain competitive.