RFI Foundation adds managing director of Australian superannuation fund to Board of Trustees

In line with growth in the membership base, the Responsible Finance & Investment (RFI) Foundation welcomes the Managing Director of superannuation fund Crescent Wealth, Talal Yassine OAM to the Board of Trustees. In addition to providing representation from Australia, a market where environmental, social and governance (ESG) integration has become deeply ingrained, Talal is the Managing Director of the fastest growing Islamic superannuation fund in Australia, Crescent Wealth.

The Responsible Finance & Investment Foundation was established with the aim of bringing together various forms of responsible finance practices, encouraging consensus as the basis for convergence between standards, practice and regulation. The global foundation was born out of the global financial crisis, where it became apparent that the link between risk and reward had been broken.

Commenting on the new trustee, RFI CEO Blake Goud said “We are excited for Talal to join the RFI Foundation Board of Trustees and I look forward to working with him and the rest of the board in our work on identifying shared principles common across the responsible finance industry. Talal’s experience in Islamic pension management in a market where consumers have high expectations for responsible finance will make his experience an extremely valuable addition to the RFI Foundation”.

On the recent appointment Talal commented, “I’m incredibly honoured to be tasked with being the Australian representation at the RFI Foundation. Crescent Wealth, as Australia’s first privately run ultra-ethical, socially responsible and Shariah compliant fund, has given us extensive experience and insight into the demand and value for responsible investment. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute our experience internationally .”

In addition to his role with Crescent Wealth, Talal Yassine is an Adjunct Professor within the Business School, Western Sydney University. Prior to his current role, Talal previously served on the Board of Australia Post, Sydney Ports, Macquarie University, and as the Chairman of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade, Council of Australian Arab Relations.

Talal holds a Master of Laws, a Master of Business Administration and several undergraduate degrees. On Australia Day 2010, Talal was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his service to business and to the community through a range of education, health and multicultural organisations.