Speakers
Deforestation is a material financial, governance, and systemic risk, driving nature loss as clearly identified by the World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report 2026, as one of the most severe threats of the coming decade - spanning biodiversity loss, ecosystem collapse, and critical Earth-system change. Deforestation directly amplifies climate-transition risk and exposes investors to tightening regulation, supply-chain volatility, and reputational and valuation pressures across forest-risk commodity sectors. Indigenous economic principles offer a contrasting stewardship-based approach to managing investor-based deforestation risk, one that strengthens asset resilience, ecosystem integrity, and social licence over time. Brought to you by the RIAA Nature Working Group, this panel will explore: the financial materiality of deforestation risk; the rapidly evolving regulatory and disclosure landscape; practical investor responses across stewardship, allocation, and engagement; and opportunities to support credible, nature-positive, and Indigenous-aligned transition pathways.
Co-Chair of RIAA's Nature Working Group and Founder at Ziranjiti
Guy brings 20 years’ working in the field of business and biodiversity and currently guides the work at ziranjiti a nature based solutions and advisory firm. Guy has held global roles at some of the largest consulting firms, as well as being an integral part in the development of many nature-related frameworks and standards such as the TNFD and SBTN. Guy's work in nature finance has included the development of emerging nature credit frameworks including co-authoring the high integrity principles for the UNDP-led biodiversity credit alliance. Guy possesses a deep interest in primate conservation science, and the use of digital media and community-led storytelling to support effective conservation strategies.
Head of APAC Sustainability & Climate Product at MSCI
Eric Nietsch is Head of APAC Sustainability & Climate Product at MSCI, where he leads the regional strategy, product development, and commercialization of MSCI’s sustainability and climate solutions across Asia Pacific.
Prior to joining MSCI, Eric was the Asia Lead and Global Head of Sustainability Research and Innovation at Manulife Investment Management. In this role, he worked across investment teams to advance ESG research, integration, and active ownership, and
led the development of sustainable and climate focused investment strategies.
Earlier in his career at S&P Global, Eric helped launch the ESG Evaluation Framework after working as a credit ratings analyst in both the United States and Asia. He began his career in New York in investment banking and equity portfolio management roles.
Eric has been actively engaged with industry organizations including the UN Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI). He chaired the Physical Risk & Resilience Working Group of the Asia Investor Group on Climate Change (AIGCC) and the Natural Capital
and Biodiversity Workstream of the Singapore Sustainable Finance Association (SSFA).
