ICI Global Conference on Sustainable Investing: The APAC Journey

Preliminary Program

Program is subject to change. Times are shown in HKT.

9:00–9:05 a.m.

Introduction and Welcoming Remarks

ALEXA LAM
CEO, Asia-Pacific
ICI Global

9:05–9:25 a.m.             

Keynote Address: The Next Phase of Hong Kong’s ESG Journey and the Role of Hong Kong as an International Financial Center

Climate change has topped the global political and regulatory agenda in 2021. Governments and regulators are taking action to combat climate risk and encourage behaviors that would lead to better environment sustainability. In Hong Kong, where the financial sector is an important part of its economy, the regulators have been quick to act. The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), in its role as the territory’s central bank, actively promotes the growth of green and sustainable finance. In his keynote address, Eddie Yue, chief executive of the HKMA, will share his vision for developing Hong Kong into Asia’s green and sustainable finance hub, including the pivotal role of Hong Kong in the global capital market and the economic development of APAC.   

EDDIE YUE
Chief Executive
Hong Kong Monetary Authority

9:25–10:35 a.m.         

ESG in the Spotlight: Transforming the Asset Management Industry 

Policymakers and regulators across Asia are moving rapidly in the journey to a more sustainable economy. Against the backdrop of the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) and public-sector initiatives to meet the objectives of the Paris Agreement, private finance is playing an increasingly important role in funding the transition to a net zero emission economy. Investors are driving demand for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) strategies, which has been propelling sharp growth in the use of ESG approaches, including the incorporation of climate transition factors into investment decisions. The asset management industry has stepped up to the challenge, evolving to match pace with demand and shifting ESG investing from the early stages into mainstream investing in order to support an orderly transition to a low-carbon economy. In China and Japan, Asia’s major markets, how do policymakers use regulatory tools to drive sustainable outcomes? On the investment side, how do asset managers overcome challenges in sustainable investing against the lack of reliable data and differing reporting frameworks across different regions? How are investors and regulators rising to the challenges of a changing landscape of ESG practices and products?

Hear from a panel of seasoned regulators and senior industry leaders on the key policy initiatives in Asia to promote sustainable finance, major trends and opportunities in ESG investing, and how policymakers and market professionals could work together for a pragmatic approach.

ERIC J. PAN, Moderator
President and CEO
Investment Company Institute

TOMOKO AMAYA
Vice Minister for International Affairs
Financial Services Agency, Japan

CAROL W. GEREMIA 
President
MFS Investment Management

JUN MA
Cochair, G20 Sustainable Finance Working Group
Founder and President, Beijing Institute of Finance and Sustainability
Chairman, Green Finance Committee of China Society for Finance and Banking

JENNIFER L. C. WU
Global Head of Sustainable Investing
J.P. Morgan Asset Management

10:35–10:55 a.m.       

Regulatory Developments in the Global and Regional ESG Space  

COP26 represents a crucial moment in the fight against climate change. As more and more jurisdictions commit to net zero targets, regulators in the major markets are pushing ahead with concrete initiatives under the umbrella heading of sustainable finance. Optimism for the future and momentum from post-pandemic recovery fueled international collaboration at COP26. Ashley Alder, chief executive officer of the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) of Hong Kong and chair of the Board of the International Organization of Securities Commission (IOSCO), will share his vision for a global framework for climate change regulation, and how Hong Kong could play a global leadership role in shaping regulatory policies and standards for green and sustainable finance.

ASHLEY ALDER
Chief Executive Officer
Securities and Futures Commission, Hong Kong

10:55–11:00 a.m.       

Closing Remarks

ALEXA LAM
CEO, Asia-Pacific
ICI Global