The Personal Finance Society has created a new panel of advisers, policy professionals, and sustainable finance experts to improve advising standards and consumer outcomes regarding climate change and other sustainability challenges.
The PFS Sustainable Financial Advice Panel will support PFS members in incorporating sustainability into the consumer advice they offer and ensuring that the industry is at the forefront of policy development in this area.
The Panel comprises 10 external experts and includes Don MacIntyre, who serves as the chair representing PFS, Clémence Chatelain from CCLA, Lee Coates OBE representing ESG Accord as part of the Accord Initiative, Petra Deavall from St James Place, Elly Dowding also representing ESG Accord within the Accord Initiative, Julia Dreblow representing SRI Services, Sebastian Elwell from Switchfoot Wealth, Rebecca Kowalski representing Overstory Finance, Nicole Sykes from Pro Bono Economics, Alan Whittle fromUnburdened Solutions, Alena Zbirenko from Hugh James, Ian Simons from CII, and Dr. Matthew Connell, also from CII. The Panel also includes Nicoletta Paraskeva, Senior Associate at FCA, in an observing capacity.
PFS CEO Don MacIntyre says: “Personal finance professionals have a vital role to play in making the urgent changes needed to meet the Paris Climate goals and the transition towards a sustainable economy. Our new panel will set standards for advisers as well as provide PFS members with the support, guidance and training that will enable them to give consumers consistent, high-quality advice on sustainable finance and related areas.”
CCLA ESG integration manager Clémence Chatelin says: “Financial Planners and Advisers play a key role in guiding clients on investing in line with their values but also in a way that is sustainable for the long-term, sometimes beyond their immediate client’s lifetime. The sustainable investing space has become increasingly complex to navigate and therefore it is imperative that the profession receives clear, actionable support.”
Switchfoot Wealth director Sebastian Elwell says: “Financial Planners and Advisers have an opportunity to reform the profession into a regenerative force for good in society, simultaneously supporting the transition to net zero and building the resilience of our clients to the inevitable impacts of climate breakdown.”
St. James’s Place responsible investment consultant Petra Lee says: “Our industry has the privilege and responsibility to help clients. Improving skills, competency and knowledge around sustainability can help advisers align client’s goals and objectives to deliver meaningful recommendations which is something we are all passionate about.”
SRI Services founder Julia Dreblow says: “The alternative to delivering a sustainable future is seriously bleak, and progress to date has been painfully slow, so I am delighted to welcome, and be part of, this important initiative which is very much ‘part of the solution’. Ensuring the financial advisory community and colleagues are well placed to understand sustainability risks and opportunities so that they can meet clients’ needs better is vital.”
Accord (Accord Initiative) director at ESG Elly Dowding says: “To prevent greenwashing and to ensure that every financial decision considers climate and sustainability so that we reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, all advisers and planners must adapt and upskill.”
Lee Coates OBE, Director at ESG Accord (Accord Initiative) added: “ESG and Sustainability is such an exciting area for advisers to be involved with. It isn’t suitable for all clients, but for those clients who do want ESG/Sustainability, the adviser that discusses it with them will be their adviser for life, with significant opportunities for referrals.”
Overstory Finance founder Rebecca Kowalski says: “It’s great to see the CII bringing us together to support and encourage our fellow finance professionals. We all want to make the world a better place and know that personal wealth cannot protect against planetary system overload. Finance is key to the sustainable transition and advisers and planners have a unique opportunity to be instrumental in this.”
