Speakers
According to RIAA’s consumer research, 88% percent of Australians expect their super or other investments to be invested responsibly and ethically and 87% of Australians expect the money in their bank account/s to be invested responsibly and ethically. More than half expect their financial advisers to be knowledgeable about responsible investment options.
Join industry experts for a practical deep dive into responsible investment approaches, RIAA’s Certification criteria and key trends in the industry. Discover how different frameworks can support high-quality compliant advice. This session is suitable for advisers experienced in providing responsible investment advice as well as those just starting their responsible investment journey. You’ll walk away with clear, practical tools and skills to advise clients on responsible investment objectives, confidently navigate ESG complexities, and integrate responsible investing principles into your advice process.
Certification Manager at RIAA
Anson is responsible for the smooth running of RIAA's long-standing Certification Program. In this capacity, he manages and improves processes, guides the team of Responsible Investment Analysts their certification and sustainability classifications assessments, and is an AFSL Responsible Manager. Anson also leads on complex certifications, develops and refines RIAA's assessment guidance so it remains fit for purpose in a changing market environment.
Prior to joining RIAA, he spent 19 years at Daiwa Capital Markets and Piper Jaffray (Asia) conducting equity research focusing on emerging markets. He has produced high-quality equity research and ESG thematic reports for institutional clients, and advised institutional investors worldwide on stocks, providing them financial and risk analyses, including ESG factor analyses.
Anson holds a Master of Arts (Mathematics), Certificate in ESG Investing (CFA UK) and is a Charted Financial Analyst (CFA).
Founder and CEO of Ethical Invest Group
Alexandra Brown is Founder and CEO of Ethical Invest Group, an education business focused on improving how ethical and sustainable investing is understood and applied, for individuals making decisions about their own money and for advisers guiding others. With over a decade of experience working exclusively in ethical and sustainable investing, Alexandra is known for bridging the gap between ideals and real-world investment practice, helping people move beyond labels and marketing claims to better understand where money goes, what it supports or avoids, and how investment decisions can create meaningful environmental and social outcomes while still seeking financial returns. She is the creator of Sustainable Investment Advice, a CPD-accredited course supporting financial advisers to research, compare and recommend values-aligned investments with confidence, and Sustainable Investing Plan, a practical education program for everyday investors who want to be more intentional with their money. Alexandra is a Co-founder and Board Member of Altiorem and serves on the Board of the Ethical Advisers’ Co-operative, working closely with advisers and industry partners to strengthen research, standards, and collaboration across the ethical investing ecosystem. Her broader mission is to help reshape the investment chain so responsible investing becomes the norm, supporting informed investment decisions that contribute to a more sustainable and equitable future.
Portfolio Manager of Perennial’s Better Future Strategies
Damian Cottier is Portfolio Manager of Perennial’s Better Future Strategies which are focused on investing in ASX-listed small and mid-cap companies that are shaping a better future. Damian is also Head of ESG for Perennial.
Damian joined the Perennial investment team in 2005 and has accumulated considerable experience during this time as a Portfolio Manager and Analyst of companies across the market spectrum, including as a Portfolio Manager of the Perennial Value Microcap Opportunities Trust and the Perennial Value Australian Shares fund.
Prior to joining Perennial, Damian worked as a lawyer in Sydney and Hong Kong with Freehills, Gilbert+Tobin and Baker & McKenzie. During this time he worked primarily in the corporate law area, often on matters involving governance issues and mergers and acquisitions.
