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Speakers
Investors are increasingly recognising that some of the most material risks to long-term portfolio performance cannot be understood through company-level analysis alone: System-level risks threaten the functioning of entire economies and markets, affecting virtually all asset classes and creating risks that cannot be diversified away.
This session brings together leading investors and systems thinkers at the forefront of investment practice globally to explore one of responsible investment’s most important emerging frontiers: system-level investing. Using nature loss as a case study, speakers will examine how investors can identify and address the root causes of systemic risk, and what this means for investment beliefs, governance, strategic asset allocation, stewardship and risk management.
You will gain practical insights into how leading investors are evolving their approaches to protect portfolio resilience, strengthen the environmental and social systems that underpin economic prosperity, and create sustainable long-term value for beneficiaries.
Director of Sustainable Investing at Northern Trust Asset Management
Valeria Dinershteyn, Director of Sustainable Investing Client Engagement for EMEA and APAC at Northern Trust Asset Management, is responsible for education and innovation in the firm’s sustainable investing capabilities. Within her role, she helps clients in developing new strategies incorporating ESG and climate considerations in their portfolios and investment philosophies. She is a frequent presenter on sustainable investing solutions at firm and industry meetings and events.
Senior Investment Strategist, Sustainable Investment at Guardians of New Zealand Superannuation
Lucas is a Senior Investment Strategist in the Sustainable Investment team for the Guardians where he has played a central role in integrating sustainability considerations into their Total Portfolio Approach. He has also driven the transition of >NZ$40b into Paris Aligned strategies; led the process of setting climate targets and signing up to the Net Zero Asset Owners Commitment; led the development of their manager rating framework and wrote their first Climate Change Report and has.
Previously, Lucas has worked across the private sector, the public sector and NGOs, leading Fonterra's climate change strategy; modelling New Zealand's agricultural emission projections; working on the Emissions Trading Scheme and cofounding an online accelerator for young entrepreneurs working on green projects in developing countries. Lucas holds an MBA from INSEAD and a Bachelor of Arts and Commerce (with Honours) from the Victoria University of Wellington.
Partner and Portfolio Manager at Koda Capital & Chair of RIAA Board
As a Partner and Portfolio Manager at Koda Capital, Kate works closely with clients to bridge the gap between financial prosperity and personal purpose. By deeply integrating Responsible Investment (RI) principles into wealth management, she helps clients align their capital with their core values while building resilient, long-term portfolios.
Kate’s approach is backed by a nearly 20-year career across the full ecosystem of sustainable finance—spanning legal practice, investment banking, ESG research and data, funds management, and private wealth. Previously, as Global Head of Responsible Investment at First Sentier Group, she led a specialist global team advising investment professionals on applying an RI lens across multiple asset classes.
A recognised leader in governance and industry advocacy, Kate has served on numerous boards and committees, including as Chair of the Responsible Investment Association Australasia (RIAA) and Chair and Founding Member of Investors Against Slavery and Trafficking APAC (IAST APAC), actively driving systemic change on critical issues like climate risk and human rights.
Senior Lecturer at University of Otago | Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka
Dr Sebastian Gehricke the Director of the Climate and Energy Finance Group (CEFGroup) and a Senior Lecturer at the University of Otago - running events and pursing research and teaching in sustainable finance, reporting and investments. Dr Gehricke is a strong advocate for transitioning toward a sustainable future. He actively communicates with and supports the private and public sectors, sharing his knowledge through media, executive training and speaking at industry and community events.
