In Parliament tomorrow, UKSIF, the sustainable investment and finance association will call on government, pension funds and the wider financial industry to make finance sector expertise in sustainability a strategic asset for the UK.

The trade body will say that the new Kay Review into UK equity markets, ordered by business secretary Vince Cable last month, alongside the upcoming replacement of the FSA, marks a unique ‘crossroads’ for UK financial markets.

UKSIF will call on policy-makers and financial institutions to more explicitly embrace environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) factors if the UK is to retain its position as a leading financial centre.

Alongside this, the report Taking Responsibility: Achieving Resilience will be launched, calling for the UK to show global leadership in sustainable investment and finance in the next 20 years.

Penny Shepherd MBE, UKSIF chief executive said,
“Today, over £900bn is managed responsibly in the UK, and the UK is widely recognised as a global hub for the sector.

"Over the next 20 years, sustainable investment and finance are set to become fundamental to good returns as the world faces up to the challenge of moving to a resilient and resource efficient society. By 2031, we will be facing the 'perfect storm' of rising demand for food and resources while mitigating and adapting to climate change.

"The UK must grasp the nettle and show global leadership on sustainable investment and finance if it is to help calm the storm and stay ahead of the competition.”