Asian Banking & Finance Summit to feature sustainable finance

Ernst & Young’s Aloysius Fua to moderate summit discussions on bridging the company-investor gap for sustainable finance.

As the Asian Banking & Finance Summit approaches this September in Singapore, industry experts and thought leaders are gearing up to share their insights on the dynamic landscape of finance, particularly in the realm of sustainability.

Among them is Ernst & Young ASEAN Sustainable Finance Leader Aloysius Fua, who will shed light on the imperative task of bridging the gap between companies and investors to drive sustainable finance.

Fua is a financial services partner at EY Singapore, where he spearheads the ASEAN financial sustainable finance team and serves as an assurance partner. With a wealth of experience in the financial sector, Fua’s expertise lies in his comprehensive understanding of sustainable finance practices and the evolving ecosystem surrounding it.

The summit will feature a panel moderated by Fua, hosting three distinguished panelists who are prominent sustainable finance leaders in the region with extensive backgrounds in banking.

The primary focus of the discussion will revolve around how to foster a more cohesive connection between the aspirations and objectives of companies and the expectations of investors. This alignment is crucial to mobilising capital and resources for sustainable ventures.

In a recent interview with Asian Banking & Finance, Fua addressed the prevalent disconnect between companies and investors. “Companies are channeling considerable time, resources, and leadership into sustainability initiatives,” he asserted.

“However, a significant gap exists between their objectives and investors’ expectations. This disconnect not only jeopardises collective efforts against challenges like climate change but also erodes the foundation of trust between companies and stakeholders,” he added.

At the upcoming summit, the panel aims to offer profound insights into resolving this issue and promoting greater synergy for achieving sustainability.

Two key takeaways that Fua envisions for attendees are: strategies for managing the company-investor disconnect; and the significance of effective corporate reporting.

The former entails a long-term approach to value creation and sustainable growth whilst avoiding short-term thinking. “Our goal is to guide attendees towards fostering closer relationships between companies, investors, and other stakeholders to collectively advance sustainability within the broader ecosystem,” he said.

On the other, effective corporate reporting is a takeaway that underscores its pivotal role in building trust between corporations and stakeholders, especially investors.

Fua highlighted the importance of accurate and transparent reporting to enhance alignment and understanding. “Current ESG disclosures are falling short of investor expectations. Our discussion aims to delve into solutions to rectify this situation and ensure that participants leave the summit equipped with actionable insights to drive common sustainability objectives,” he said.

The Asian Banking & Finance Summit promises to be an enriching platform for financial professionals seeking to navigate the intricacies of sustainable finance and Fua’s participation as a panel moderator guarantees a robust exploration of strategies.

The precious takeaways can foster a harmonious relationship between companies and investors, ultimately propelling the sustainable finance agenda forward.

To stay updated on other summit highlights, visit Asianbankingandfinance.net and be part of the meaningful discussions shaping the future of finance and sustainability.