New innovations make responsible finance stronger and more inclusive

Bringing together a diversity of perspectives is critical for continuing the growth occurring within responsible finance.  On this premise, the Responsible Finance & Investment Summit 2017 will convene in Zurich, Switzerland from 3-4 May 2017 around the theme “Building Bridges, Expanding Impact”.

Recent estimates from industry stakeholders show continued growth in responsible finance assets in many geographies and sectors. Responsible investment in Europe grew by 42% during the past 2 years, while in the U.S., assets grew by 33%. In Islamic finance, which has a global presence with a significant presence in Europe, the Middle East and Asia, growth in the last 2 years has been 21%. Identifying actionable areas for collaboration will support continued growth towards a more sustainable financial system. 

The Responsible Finance Summit 2017 will address some of the most important areas for future growth of responsible finance including ethical & responsible fintech, ESG integration by asset owners in Emerging Markets, and ways in which Islamic finance can support greater financial inclusion.  These will be the important drivers needed for responsible finance to continue its recent growth trajectory and enter new markets.

Blake Goud, CEO of the Responsible Finance & Investment Foundation (RFI) commented: “The upcoming Summit builds on our event last year in Kuala Lumpur hosted by Bank Negara Malaysia which focused on opportunities for responsible finance in emerging markets.  This year we expect to build on the common themes driving responsible finance activities while adding perspectives from many of the global asset managers who bring long track records of responsible investment and ESG integration.”

Mounir Khouzami, President and Co-Founder of Swiss Arab Network commented: “We have been excited by the response to the Summit’s announcement from responsible investment leaders in Europe, the largest responsible investment market in the world.  Connecting European asset and wealth managers with financial institutions and asset owners from other regions including from across the Arab World is key to promoting further dialogue”

For more information about the Responsible Finance & Investment Summit 2017, or to register at an exclusive early bird rate, visit www.rfisummit.org.

We would like to thank our partners for their support for the Summit including Alexander & Partner, DDCAP Group, the Bahrain Economic Development Board, Eiger Trading Advisors Ltd, Forum Nachhaltige Geldanlagen (FNG), IsFin, the Islamica 500, Luxembourg for Finance, Millenium Associates AG, Saudia, SEDCO Capital, Swiss Finance + Technology Association, Thomson Reuters and Zoccolillo Partner. 

For updates on the Summit, follow the RFI Foundation and Swiss Arab Network on LinkedIn, or connect with us on Twitter @RFIFoundation or using #RFISummit17.