Economy
Nominations open for FT/IFC Sustainable Finance Awards 2013
Some of the world’s leading sustainability-minded financial institutions will be honoured by The Financial Times (FT) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) on June 13, when the 8th annual FT/IFC Sustainable Finance Awards take place.
Financiers, investors and business leaders will flock to the InterContinental London Park Lane Hotel to recognise companies that have demonstrated leadership in environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues in the past 12 months.
The awards, which were launched in 2006, also highlight those firms that are working on practical solutions to some of the world’s most serious challenges in sustainability.
The evening event will be preceded by the Sustainable Finance Conference – which is attended by some of the global financial services industry’s biggest names.
“The world faces not only persistent economic uncertainty but also unparalleled resource constraints that are putting pressure on social systems across both developed and emerging markets”, said Martin Dickson, FT managing editor in the US and co-chair of the event judging panel.
“This situation makes sustainable investment, and these awards, ever more relevant.”
The FT/IFC Sustainable Finance Awards 2013 will reward businesses across the following five categories:
Sustainable Bank of the Year
This award considers banks that have implemented sustainability practices – meaning they have balanced the needs of society and the environment with financial growth.
A Global Sustainable Bank of the Year award is open to institutions with assets in excess of $500 billion that earn at least 20% of their revenue outside their native country.
Regional awards for Africa/Middle East, Asia/Pacific, Europe and the Americas are also up for grabs.
Sustainable Investor of the Year
Given to businesses that have pioneered methods of sustainable investment. The winning asset owner or manager will have sought to positively affect communities, livelihoods and the environment through their investments.
Sustainable Investment of the Year
The winner in this category will have helped finance the development of an innovative product or service that engages or tackles one of the core societal or environmental challenges, such as climate change, biodiversity loss or health issues.
Technology in Sustainable Finance
This award is open to banks, hedge funds, real sector companies and insurers that have used information technology and communication for financial services to address the wellbeing and basic needs of the 4 billion people that are living on less than $2 a day.
Achievement in Inclusive Business
Introduced for 2013, this category will highlight revolutionary initiatives where financial companies have included people at the base of the pyramid into their value chain as suppliers, distributors, retailers or customers.
The deadline for nominations is April 1. Visit www.ft-live.com/sustainablefinance for details on how to enter and/or nominate.
Further reading:
Financial Times and IFC honour sustainable investment
Why sustainable investment? Because there is no plan(et) B
‘We need investment that prioritises long-term wellbeing for people and planet’
Responsible investment terms: what is sustainable investment?