Generally speaking, sustainable finance refers to the process of taking sustainability-related considerations into account when making investment decisions. Those sustainability considerations often focus on environmental, social, and governance-related elements.

Having said that, sustainable finance can mean different things to different people, which is why the “sustainable investing journey” often differs from investor to investor depending upon their aims. At State Street Global Advisors, we are committed to supporting clients on their unique investing journeys, leveraging our breadth and depth of investment and product expertise, as well as data and analytics.

Our view is that sustainability factors provide important information about a company’s risk and reward profile. Evaluating sustainability factors alongside traditional investment factors can help investors form a more complete view of a company’s financial trajectory and business risks. 

I started in traditional financial services in the 1990s, working in areas like fund accounting and private banking at Bank of Ireland. When I joined SSGA in 2000, sustainability wasn’t yet a major focus in investment management. But over my various roles here and in my current position as Head of EMEA, I’ve seen firsthand how sustainability has become increasingly central to our clients’ needs and our business.

I’ve had the privilege of working closely with several clients as they navigate the transition to more sustainable investment approaches. It’s been fascinating to see how sustainability has become an important part of how they think about risk, opportunity, and long-term value creation.

Recently, I’ve been excited to see the development of our new Sustainability Stewardship Service, which we created in direct response to client feedback. The new service is an innovative solution for clients seeking more active engagement with portfolio companies on sustainability topics with the aim of seeking sustainability-related outcomes.

This client-led approach really demonstrates how the industry is evolving – moving from a one-size-fits-all model to providing more customised solutions that reflect different client needs and preferences.

This is one of many examples at SSGA that showcases that we are committed to providing choice to investors to build investment portfolios matched to their goals and preferences.

As a leader in one of the world’s largest asset managers, what energises me is seeing how our work in sustainable finance helps our clients achieve their objectives. When we develop new solutions or enhance our capabilities, it’s often in direct response to specific client needs and preferences. These aren’t theoretical exercises – they’re about helping real organisations integrate sustainability considerations into their investment decisions in ways that work for them.

 The financial services sector in Ireland has an enviable reputation globally. As we look to extend this to further meet the needs of clients on a sustainable investing journey, the industry needs a coordinated approach to ensure that we keep pace with the evolving sustainability landscape.

While continuing to invest domestically to build the right environment and skill sets, the government should also leverage every opportunity at a European level to emphasise the key strengths that have created Ireland’s enviable reputation internationally as a domicile of choice for exchange-traded funds and other fund vehicles. These strengths can be utilised to advocate for Ireland becoming a greater hub for sustainable finance initiatives.

For those interested in sustainable finance careers, I’d recommend first developing a strong foundation in traditional finance – whether that’s investment management, banking, or another area that interests you. Then, build specific sustainability expertise through professional certifications, staying up to date with evolving regulations and frameworks, and understanding how sustainability factors affect different aspects of finance. Most importantly, remain curious and adaptable – this field is constantly evolving, and the ability to learn and grow with it is crucial.

At a practical level, look for opportunities to work on sustainability-related projects in your current role, join industry working groups, and build networks in the sustainable finance community. Many financial institutions now have dedicated sustainability teams, but there are also opportunities to incorporate sustainability into traditional finance roles.