Sasja Beslik on the importance of embedding ESG & sustainability practices into business strategies

Ahead of the Virtual Edition of the Sustainable Investment Forum Europe 2020, 4-Part Digital Event Series starting from 8 September, we caught up with Sasja Beslik, Managing Director, Sustainable Finance at J. Safra Sarasin Bank, to discuss the importance of embedding ESG and sustainability practices into business strategies.

Q. What role does ESG play in risk management and how can investors turn sustainability risk into opportunities?
It depends how is ESG is done in the investment context and how insights on material ESG risks are used in the investment decision making process. Most of the current ESG risk information is backwards looking and very static, and is related to corporate values not what companies produce in terms of products and services. This will change and soon there will be ESG Values Ratings and ESG Business model ratings, we don’t have that today. 
 
Q. How important is it for investors to prioritise and manage risk?
Risk is always important and managing risk is the very way we make money. At the same time, if mispriced, risk can lead to dire consequences. Climate emergency is one of them and due to data-shortage on the product and service side we still don’t really know what it will mean for most sectors.

 

Download the full interview along with other industry leader interviews by clicking here.

 

Sasja Beslik will be sharing further insights at the Virtual Edition of the Sustainable Investment Forum Europe 2020, organised in Partnership with UNEP-FI. The 4-Part Digital Event Series will take place on the 8th, 11th, 15th and 22nd September 2020. Secure your place today by registering for free here.