Australian Sustainable Finance Summit 2025

About the Summit

Action for Progress

Building on Strength, Seizing Opportunities

The global context is rapidly shifting.

At the 2025 Australian Sustainable Finance Summit, we will sift through the noise and identify key trends that drive long-term member and shareholder returns, presenting a valuable opportunity for growth and strategic advantage.

It will explore how different parts of the financial system are addressing challenges to mitigate long-term risks and capture commercial opportunities. Building on previous years, we will elevate First Nations perspectives, illustrate the importance of cross-sector collaboration, and provide a curated blend of technical content, real world case studies, and interactive sessions.

The Summit has developed a reputation for bringing informed perspectives from across government, finance, industry and community, to focus on sustainable finance issues that matter now and will shape long-term competitiveness.

What can you expect to hear:

The global transition and opportunities for Australian leadership
Practical insights into the application of blended finance, and sustainable finance tools and frameworks
Finance for empowered communities and the business case for First Nations outcomes
How to drive nature-positive outcomes through sustainable finance
Strategies for enduring progress

Background image: We acknowledge Karijini National Park as the land of the Banjima, Yinhawangka, and Puutu Kunti Kurrama peoples, who have been its custodians for tens of thousands of years. As a stunning example of Australia's unique ecosystems and landscapes, it is a powerful symbol for the preservation of natural capital and the vital role of Indigenous knowledge in managing and protecting country.

Agenda

July 30, 2025

Main Schedule

8:30 AM - 9:00 AM

Registration opens

9:00 AM - 9:10 AM

Welcome to Country

9:15 AM - 9:20 AM

Welcome from Kristy Graham, ASFI CEO

Kristy Graham

9:20 AM - 9:40 AM

Keynote

9:40 AM - 10:00 AM

Keynote

Jigar Shah

10:00 AM - 10:50 AM

Panel session - Australia’s role in the global transition

With Australia’s major trading partners committed to decarbonisation, what role will Australia play in the global transition to zero emissions? Australia’s export markets are at risk as the world changes, but our abundant mineral and natural resources mean there are new opportunities in green trade on the horizon. Can we seize this moment to secure long-term economic prosperity?

Achieving this transformation requires strategic planning, international collaboration, and—above all—significant investment in renewable energy and green industries. What policy and financial mechanisms are needed to mobilize capital at scale? How can sustainable finance help to drive this shift? And how might Australia’s hosting of COP31 with the Pacific be leveraged to accelerate climate action and enhance our green export agenda?
This panel will explore how Australia can shift from being a fossil fuel exporter of choice to a green export superpower, unlocking economic growth while supporting global climate goals and the critical role of finance in that shift.

Karrina Nolan

David Higgins

10:50 AM - 11:20 AM

Morning tea

11:20 AM - 12:10 PM

Panel session - Leading the transition: Early Adopters of Australia’s Sustainable Finance Rules

The Australian Sustainable Finance Taxonomy provides robust and credible standards for defining “green” and “transition” activities across key sectors of the Australian economy, including being a global first to cover sustainable mining and agriculture.
ASFI is working in partnership with leaders in the Australian finance sector across banking and investment, SPO and certification providers and government treasury corporations to pilot the implementation and uses of the taxonomy, support flagship green and transition issuances and inform future market guidance to accelerate uptake. As well as the taxonomy, other industry frameworks, like the Dharwa Ngilan Business and Investor Guide is now being piloted by companies and investors.

In this panel you will hear from some of these participants on the practical insights from early engagement and use of the taxonomy and other key industry frameworks and thoughts on future opportunities.

Anna Hughes

Sonya Sawtell-Rickson

12:10 PM - 12:30 PM

From Canberra to London: What's Next for Sustainable Finance Policy & Regulation

Kristy Graham

Sacha Sadan

Angelia Grant

12:30 PM - 1:20 PM

Panel session - Scaling capital for sustainability: innovative and blended finance

Blended finance—leveraging public and philanthropic capital to de-risk and attract private investment—is an increasingly tool for channelling more capital for sustainability outcomes. This panel will explore emerging trends, and challenges, for blended finance and other innovative finance mechanisms. How is it being used across different markets, asset classes and thematics? What are the lessons from global best practices? Where do we need more, and are there places where blended finance has overstepped its mark?

Darren Godwell

John Hopkins

Tom Mortlock

1:20 PM - 2:20 PM

Lunch

2:20 PM - 2:40 PM

Fireside chat - Building Sustainable and Sovereign First Nations Economies. From Strategy to Impact

In this fireside chat, we sit down with leaders driving some of Australia’s most influential First Nations strategies across finance and community. Together, we’ll explore how institutions are shifting from transactional engagement to long-term partnerships that create shared value — not just social good, but commercial advantage. From embedding cultural knowledge into corporate strategy to backing First Nations businesses and talent, this conversation unpacks what true economic sovereignty looks like, and why it’s critical to the future of a more inclusive, innovative, and resilient Australian economy.

Prof. Deen Sanders OAM

Tyrone Glenbar

2:40 PM - 3:30 PM

Panel session - Investing in First Nations Economies: Strategy, Partnerships & Performance

Empowering First Nations communities is more than a corporate social responsibility checkbox, it’s a strategic commercial opportunity. Businesses that authentically engage with First Nations people, businesses, and knowledge systems are discovering untapped value across markets, innovation, and workforce capability. This panel explores how leading institutions are embedding First Nations partnerships into their core business strategy to drive commercial performance and long-term growth.

Prof. Deen Sanders OAM

Tyrone Glenbar

3:30 PM - 4:05 PM

Unconference Session

Participants have the opportunity for roundtable discussions on sustainable finance topics and issues that matter.

4:05 PM - 4:35 PM

Afternoon tea

4:35 PM - 5:00 PM

Opportunity in change

Andrea is a work-futurist who encourages people and organisations to be future fit through her books, speaking and leadership programs.

In this session she will talk about how change can be harnessed as an opportunity and how her simple yet powerful approach to adaptive leadership can be applied on a personal and organisational level to thrive rather than survive the continually shifting context.

Andrea Clarke

5:00 PM - 5:30 PM

The Great Pitch

Australia is expected to host the UNFCCC Conference of the Parties in 2026 (COP31), in partnership with Pacific Island Nations. This global event will shine a spotlight on Australia’s climate change action, providing an opportunity to demonstrate leadership at home and in our region.
This year, ASFI’s annual Great Debate will take on a new format: The Great Pitch. In this fun and interactive end-of-day session, two teams will go head-to-head, each presenting their boldest, most compelling vision for what Australia’s COP31 legacy should be.
Teams are encouraged to coordinate to pitch their idea – one that captures the sentiment of our 2025 Summit theme: ‘Action for Progress: Building on Strength, Seizing Opportunities’.

Purdie Bowden

Luke Brown

Jeff Brunton

Tishiko King

Richie Merzian

Katharine Tapley

Jo Kelly

5:30 PM - 5:35 PM

Closing remarks: Kristy Graham, CEO, ASFI

Kristy Graham

5:40 PM - 7:40 PM

Networking drinks

Speakers

Kristy Graham

Chief Executive Officer at Australian Sustainable Finance Institute

Jigar Shah

Energy entrepreneur, investor, and strategist. Served as Director of the U.S. Department of Energy Loan Programs Office.

Sacha Sadan

Director of Sustainable Finance at Financial Conduct Authority

Purdie Bowden

Executive Manager: Policy and Blended Finance at Australian Sustainable Finance Institute

Luke Brown

Director, Australia Initiative of Climate Imperative Foundation

Jeff Brunton

Head of Portfolio Management at HESTA

Andrea Clarke

WorkFuturist. Author. Speaker.

Tessa Dann

Head of Sustainable Finance APAC at Societe Generale

Tyrone Glenbar

Executive Manager, First Nations and Finance at Australian Sustainable Finance Institute

Darren Godwell

Chair of the Board at Indigenous Business Australia

Angelia Grant

Deputy Secretary at Macroeconomic Group

Ian Hamm

Chair at First Nations Foundation

David Higgins

Head of Division | International Climate and Energy at DCCEEW

John Hopkins

CEO of EFA

Anna Hughes

Chief Executive Officer at Australian Office of Financial Management

Jo Kelly

Chief Executive at The Centre for Sustainable Finance: Toitū Tahua

Tishiko King

Just Futures Collab

Richie Merzian

CEO of Clean Energy Investor Group

Tom Mortlock

Head of Climate Analytics APAC at Aon

Karrina Nolan

Executive Director of Original Power

Noel Prakash

National Head of Indigenous Business and Community at National Australia Bank Limited

Ben Sakker Kelly

International Sustainable Finance Program Manager at Australian Sustainable Finance Institute

Prof. Deen Sanders OAM

Special Counsel at Deloitte Access Economics

Sonya Sawtell-Rickson

Chief Investment Officer at HESTA

Katharine Tapley

Global Head of Sustainable Finance at ANZ Banking Group Ltd

Nicole Yazbek-Martin

Executive Manager: Sustainability Standards and Practice at Australian Sustainable Finance Institute

Kristy is the inaugural CEO of ASFI. Established in 2021, ASFI works to create a financial system in Australia that can support a sustainable, resilient and prosperous future for all Australians. By working across the finance sector, with banks, investors, insurers, government, regulators, research institutions and peak bodies, ASFI is at the forefront of sustainable finance in Australia.

With a background in sustainable finance and social impact investing across the public and private sectors, prior to ASFI Kristy led the Australian Government’s work with private and institutional investors to mobilise capital for climate and social impact in Australia, Southeast Asia and the Pacific. In this role she established the Australian Government’s first impact investment fund, designed to build sustainable and inclusive financial markets in Southeast Asia. She was also a special advisor on the Prime Minister’s Social Impact Investing Taskforce in 2020. She has previously worked in Australia, Latin America, the UK and in global roles for large and small organisations, driving global progress on sustainability issues.

She holds a BSc (Environmental), a Masters in Environmental Law from the University of Sydney and an MBA (Social Impact) from AGSM at UNSW and has been named in the Australian Green Power Players List for 2023 and 2024.

Jigar Shah is an energy entrepreneur, investor, and strategist who was featured on the 2024 TIME100 list of the world’s most influential people.

He is co-Managing Partner of Multiplier LLC, a boutique advisory firm helping clean energy, cleantech, and climate tech companies accelerate their growth.

Shah most recently served as Director of the U.S. Department of Energy Loan Programs Office, the federal government’s clean energy investment vehicle. He transformed the agency, overseeing a tenfold increase in loan authority and deploying $108 billion in debt financing for clean energy and advanced transportation projects across the United States.

Prior to his government service, Shah was co-founder and President of Generate Capital ($10B AUM), which largely invented low-cost, infrastructure-as-a-service financing. Previously, Shah founded SunEdison, where he pioneered third-party power purchase agreement solar financing. He successfully sold SunEdison for $389 million. Shah also served as the founding CEO of the Carbon War Room, a global non-profit founded by Sir Richard Branson and Virgin Unite to help entrepreneurs address climate change.

Shah is a co-host of the popular podcast “Open Circuit” from Latitude Media. Originally from Illinois, Shah holds a B.S. from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and an M.B.A. from the University of Maryland.

Sacha Sadan is the Director of Sustainable Finance at the FCA (Financial Conduct Authority). Facilitating the UK financial regulator to embed ESG across the wide spectrum of regulatory activities and reporting to the CEO. He has been named a City Influencer by Financial News as one of the biggest 25 names who have been instrumental in shaping the UK's financial services industry, and has also recently been appointed an Honorary Professor at the Alliance Manchester Business School at The University of Manchester. Previously Sacha was Director of Investment Stewardship (10 years) and on the board at LGIM, one of the world’s largest asset managers. Sacha had responsibility for investment stewardship, including environmental, social and governance (ESG). He was recognised in the Financial Times as one of ‘the 30 most influential people in the City of London’. Sacha was previously a UK equity portfolio manager at Gartmore. He was voted the top-rated Pan European fund manager in the Thomson Reuters Extel awards. He started his career at Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) pension fund. Sacha is a Fellow of CFA, CGI and a founding member of the UK Investor Forum.

Purdie leads ASFI’s climate policy and sustainable finance solutions work. Prior to this role, she designed and managed catalytic blended finance initiatives for DFAT. She has a background in climate finance and international climate policy and in 2021 was instrumental in advising the Commonwealth Government on its climate finance target and strategy. From 2014-2017, Purdie was a lead negotiator for Australia at the UNFCCC Paris Agreement negotiations. Prior to this she worked as a solicitor in the energy and environment teams at King & Wood Mallesons. She holds a Masters of Environment from the University of Melbourne, and a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Arts from Flinders University.

Luke Brown is the Initiative Director, Australia, for Climate Imperative, leading efforts to accelerate Australia’s transition to clean energy by advancing ambitious policy and regulatory solutions at both national, subnational and regional levels.

Luke brings extensive experience in international policy, economic analysis, and strategic engagement to his role. He previously led international program delivery and cross portfolio policy engagement at Climateworks Centre, supporting regional collaboration and policy development to drive decarbonisation across Australia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific. He worked closely with governments, businesses, and multilateral institutions to align climate ambition with actionable pathways for net zero transitions.

Luke has previously spent 15 years in the Australian Government, including 12 years with Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade where he served in senior diplomatic roles in Indonesia, Samoa, and Fiji. He also held earlier roles in economic research at the Reserve Bank of Australia and in renewable energy investment promotion at the Australian Trade Commission in San Francisco.
Luke has a Master of Economics from the University of New South Wales, postgraduate certificates in economics and environment from the University of Sydney and the Australian National University, along with a Bachelor in Computer Science (Honors) and Commerce. He studied Bahasa Indonesia at the Australian National University and Universitas Kristen Satya Wacana in Salatiga, Indonesia.

Jeff’s role is Head of Portfolio Management at HESTA and he has overall responsibility for investment management within HESTA's Growth, Defensive and Unlisted Assets sectors. This encompasses all investment manager partner relationships as well as the internalisation program of investment decision making across Jeff’s role is Head of Portfolio Management at HESTA and he has overall responsibility for investment management within our Growth, Defensive and Unlisted Assets sectors. This encompasses all of our investment manager partner relationships as well as the internalisation program of investment decision making across these sectors. Prior to joining HESTA this year, Jeff held Deputy CIO and CIO roles at Resolution Life, AMP Life and senior investment roles at AMP Capital and QIC. Jeff holds an MBA from Northwestern University and HKUST, along with a Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) and a Bachelor of Laws from University of Queensland. Jeff is a CFA Charterholder and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Director.these sectors.

Prior to joining HESTA this year, Jeff held Deputy CIO and CIO roles at Resolution Life, AMP Life and senior investment roles at AMP Capital and QIC.

Jeff holds an MBA from Northwestern University and HKUST, along with a Bachelor of Commerce (Hons) and a Bachelor of Laws from University of Queensland. Jeff is a CFA Charterholder and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Director.

Andrea is a Sydney-based Work Futurist who encourages people to be future-fit for their work/life through writing books, speaking, and delivering leadership masterclasses.

Her hope is to advance and inspire you towards your ideal future through simple ideas, small habits, and powerful stories that remind us of how much change we are truly capable of.

A former television news reporter and foreign correspondent based in Washington D.C., Andrea covered major news events for Thomson Reuters & Network Seven before working across human rights, firstly helping to generate grants to rebuild Iraq & Afghanistan with funding from USAID and the US State Department. And secondly, leading the communications team for the 'Save Darfur' advocacy movement to stop the genocide in Darfur.

With a love for building agency in others, Andrea started Future Fit Learning in 2012. Through simple programs anchored around communication, change & adaptability - we shift mindset at scale for ASX businesses that have a global footprint, including Rio Tinto and Austrade.

In March 2019, she released my first book about the essential human skills that we'll need to excel in a new era. 'Future Fit: How to Stay Relevant and Competitive in the Future of Work' won the Australian Business Book of the Year 2019 and was a finalist in the UK Business Book Awards 2020.

Her second book (Simon & Schuster) called 'Adapt,' was released on March 5.

As Head of Sustainable Finance for Australia and New Zealand at Societe Generale (SG), Tessa joined SG in February 2023 to lead sustainable finance origination and execution in the region, supporting clients to accelerate the development of innovative solutions that deliver positive impact. Based in Sydney, Tessa is part of the broader APAC team of 13 professionals across Hong Kong, Singapore and Australia and part of a larger team spanning across the globe.

Tessa has more than 10 years of experience in sustainable finance as well as debt capital markets, investor relations and funding management. Prior to joining SG, Tessa was a Director in ANZ’s Sustainable Finance team and previously worked in Funding and Investor Relations at Queensland Treasury Corporation, including developing the QTC green bond program.

Tessa is part of a number of regional initiatives and working groups including SG’s membership of the Australian Sustainable Finance Institute, the Asia Pacific Loan Market Association’s Green and Sustainable Loan Committee and the New Zealand Green and Sustainable Loan Working Group. Tessa holds a Bachelor of Commerce (Finance), from Bond University in Australia.

I am a recognised Kabi Kabi Traditional Owner through the support and guidance from my grandfather Bill Glenbar and KKPAC. I am also a Wakka Wakka, Nughi of Moorgumpin and Wulugurukaba/Bindal tribe's in Queensland through both my grandfather and grandmother.

I have completed a Masters of Business Administration at the University of Queensland, Masters of Teaching where I presented my thesis at the World Indigenous Peoples Conference on Education titled "Thriving not surviving: Exploring the notions of success and cultural identity in urban boarding school opportunities for remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students" and a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Criminology and Sociology at the University of Melbourne.

I am passionate and have the experience in delivering sustainable economic developments and outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities that positively impact our greater economy.

Darren is a nationally respected authority in Indigenous commerce, investment, trade and economic policy, with more than 25 years of impact across Australia and international markets. In 2024, he was appointed Chairman of Indigenous Business Australia, where he oversees a $2.2 billion portfolio driving Indigenous enterprise and self-determination. He also serves on National Australia Bank’s Indigenous Advisory Group, supporting its bold $1 billion commitment to the fast-growing Indigenous-led economy.

A proud Kokoberren man from Cape York, Darren has advised the World Bank, helped shape APEC’s Indigenous Peoples Economic and Trade Cooperation Agreement (IPECTA), and led pioneering negotiations embedding Indigenous interests in Australian trade policy. His work has been published by the World Economic Forum, and he has supported the OECD’s program in Mining and Regional Economic Development.

Darren appears regularly across Australian media, including ABC’s New Breakfast, and has completed executive education at both INSEAD and MIT Sloan School of Management. With deep cultural grounding and global vision, he is forging new pathways for inclusive economic growth, both at home and abroad.

Angelia is the Deputy Secretary of the Macroeconomic Group in the Australian Treasury. This Group advises the Government on a wide range of matters of macroeconomic importance. This includes economic conditions and the economic outlook in Australia and internationally, macroeconomic policy settings, and structural trends, including those related to productivity and climate change.

Prior to this role, Angelia was Australia’s G20 Sherpa, working alongside her G20 counterparts to forge a pathway for heads of government to successfully reach agreement at the G20 Leaders’ Summit and address major global challenges such as international financial stability, climate change and sustainable development. In addition to this role, she was the First Assistant Secretary of the Multilateral Economic Engagement Division in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and was responsible for leading a team providing advice on the G20, G7, APEC and multilateral trade.

Angelia previously led the Macroeconomic Analysis and Policy Division and the Macroeconomic Conditions Division in the Australian Treasury. She was also an Alternate Executive Director on the Board of the International Monetary Fund in Washington DC, representing the Asia and Pacific constituency.

Angelia has also previously worked as the Principal Economics Adviser to a former Treasurer, as an economics adviser in the Office of two former Prime Ministers, and as the Chief of Staff to a former Parliamentary Secretary to the Treasurer.

Angelia was awarded a PhD in economics from the Australian National University in 2015.

Ian Hamm is a Yorta Yorta man and a respected advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. With a distinguished career spanning government and the community sectors, he has been instrumental in contributing to Closing the Gap and advancing Aboriginal representation in high-level decision-making.

Ian has led strategic reforms in government and numerous organisations and remains deeply committed to advocacy and mentoring. He is, amongst others, the Chair of the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation, Chair of the First Nations Foundation, a Board Director of The Healing Foundation, and former Chair of Connecting Home Ltd, a Victorian Stolen Generations service. In recognition of his work , Ian was recently awarded an Honorary Doctor of Business by Swinburne University of Technology.

David Higgins is the Head of the International Climate and Energy Division in the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water. David has a wealth of public sector experience in international and multilateral affairs, with over 25 years' experience in the Australian Public Service. His positions have included economic and finance policy matters in the Australian Treasury, Department of Industry, and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, where he served as a diplomat to the European Union and on secondment to the World Bank. Over the past 12 years, his main area of focus has been international climate change and is a leading policy expert on climate finance and the international climate change negotiations. David has extensive senior executive experience and has led several taskforces and occupied leadership roles in the Australian Government on international climate change, energy, and finance policy. He has academic qualifications in science and law.

John was appointed Managing Director & CEO of Export Finance Australia in August 2022. He has more than 25 years’ experience in the finance, corporate and government sectors, with an international career focused on risk, legal and operational roles.

Prior to joining Export Finance Australia, John held various senior management positions at Westpac, Goodman Group and National Australia Bank in Sydney, London and New York. During this period, he advised on a broad range of transactional and corporate matters, including major financings, capital raisings, domestic and cross-border governance, regulatory and compliance issues.

John joined Export Finance Australia in 2012 and played a central role, both as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Risk Officer, in overseeing the expansion of Export Finance Australia’s mandate and the delivery of complex financing transactions in support of Australian business and key government policy objectives.

Anna was appointed Chief Executive Officer of the AOFM in January 2023. Anna has extensive domestic and international experience across both the private and public sectors with her previous positions including Deputy Under Treasurer of the South Australian Department of Treasury and Finance and the CEO of the South Australian Government Financing Authority (SAFA).
During her time with the AOFM, Anna has overseen the successful delivery of the Green Bond Framework and the issuance of the inaugural Green Treasury Bond.
As the AOFM’s CEO, Anna has also participated in significant domestic and international engagement with investors, market bodies, and other key stakeholders. This engagement is critical to the success of the AOFM, with key activities including the AOFM’s Tokyo Forum, the Green Bond Roadshow, the Global Borrowers Forum, appearances at various conferences and industry events, and continual engagement with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
Anna’s private sector experience includes twelve years with S&P Global Ratings as both an analyst and as an APAC Managing Director. Her asset class experience includes governments, financing vehicles, multi-lateral institutions, government-related corporate entities and non-bank financial institutions.
An INSEAD Global Executive MBA graduate, Anna also has a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Resource Economics and a Science Master’s.

Tishiko King is a proud Kulkalaig woman from the Island of Masig and is a Ocean & Climate Advocate. In addition to her advocacy in Climate, Tish works with the Philanthropic sector to redistribute wealth back into First Nations communities for economic justice and self-determination.

Based in Naarm/Melbourne, Tish is spirited about sharing culture and amplifying social inequality and the rights of First Nations people. With studies in Ocean Science, lived experiences in the mineral and exploration industry, Tish continues to be a part of grassroots organisations, supporting the Our Islands Our Home campaign led by Torres Strait Island people and plays a role in advocating for Torres Strait Island Climate Justice.

Collaboratively working with like minded folks to shift the dial, Tish is a member of the Australian Museum Climate Solutions Centre Advisory Group, current Board Director for Divers for Climate, current Global Director for AIME and She Changes Climate Australian Ambassador.

Tom is Senior Director and Head of Climate Analytics for Asia Pacific at global professional services firm, Aon. He has worked for over 15 years in climate science, natural perils risk modelling and insurance, resilience and risk management.

During this time, he has supported organisations understand the materiality of climate risks to their business, and how to de-risk capital associated with transition finance using innovative insurance structures.

Tom is active in the insurance industry response to climate change. He sits on the Insurance Council of Australia’s Climate and Resilience Committee, and their Net Zero Working Group, and the External Expert Panel for the Actuaries Institute’s Climate & Sustainability Practice Committee. He is also a member of the Advisory Board of the Climate Change Research Centre at UNSW.

Karrina Nolan, a descendant of the Yorta Yorta people, is an experienced manager and has worked as a facilitator, researcher and strategist alongside First Nations communities for over 30 years, supporting people to organise, access resources, share knowledge, and where needed, powerfully intervene to protect country.

Karrina has focused her research work on the economic dimensions of mining in Aboriginal communities; her Churchill Fellowship on learning about nation building from Native American women in the context of building community power and the energy transition; and her Atlantic Fellowship determining how best Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people can harness clean energy opportunities.

Karrina leads Original Power, a not-for-profit she founded in 2018 aimed at building the power of First Nations people to self-determine what happens in their communities and on their country in the context of climate change and the opportunities presented by the clean energy transition.

In 2021, she initiated the First Nations Clean Energy Network, led by a powerful Steering group of First Nations and comprising a strong membership base of First Nations people, communities and
organisations in collaboration with industry, investors, unions, academics, legal and technical experts, aiming to ensure First Nations have the opportunity to consent to, participate in and benefit from the clean energy solutions required to transition away from fossil fuels, including just economic development opportunities including First Nations ownership and equity.

Ben manages ASFI’s international engagement programs. Prior to joining ASFI, he worked for seven years at global professional services firm KPMG. As an Associate Director focused on climate policy, he delivered transformational reforms through the government sector in Australia and led cross-sector sustainability initiatives globally including a three-year secondment with KPMG International. During this time, he led the development of a technology-enabled global climate policy advisory service, and worked as Executive Officer to KPMG Global Head of Government.

Before KPMG, he spent 12 years working within the Commonwealth Government, including as a Policy Adviser to a Federal Minister, as an Australian diplomat, and an industry policy specialist.

Ben holds a Bachelor of Arts (International Relations and Political Science) and Bachelor of Laws from the Australian National University.

Professor Deen Sanders OAM, is a Worimi Giparr (cultural man) from mid North Coast NSW, freshwater/saltwater people. He is a Professor in Law, with two PhD’s, an Order of Australia, and global recognition as an Indigenous Leader, with expertise in the thorny issues of climate, economic complexity, equity, integrity, ethics, space and Australia's future.

An Independent expert, an academic and Special Counsel for Deloitte, he also represents Australian Indigenous leadership in the World Economic Forum as Co-Chair of the WEF’s Global Future Council on Nature.

He is a positive voice for the value and leadership of Indigenous science, knowledge and culture as the basis for new economics, law and governance and a positive future for the nation, humanity and the planet.

Sonya was appointed to the role of Chief Investment Officer of HESTA in July 2017 and is responsible for overseeing the $91 billion investment program on behalf of HESTA’s 1.05 million members (as at 25 March 2025).
Sonya has 25+ years’ experience in the investment management industry, including Investment Director at QIC, leading a global multi-asset team, managing diversified portfolios of $45 billion.
Sonya is a Director of the Investor Group for Climate Change, a Member of the IFM Shareholder Advisory Board, and a Board Member of the Australian Advisory Board on Technology & Healthcare Competitiveness. Sonya is an Executive Member of the Australia/NZ Chapter of Bloomberg Women’s Buy Side Network, a Member of Chief Executive Women, a Member of the CFA Institute Research & Policy Centre Advisory Council and a Member of the University of Queensland School of Economics Advisory Board.
Sonya holds a Masters of Applied Finance, Bachelor of Arts (Economics & Political Science), is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, and is a Senior Fellow of the Financial Services Institute of Australasia.

Katharine Tapley is Head of Sustainable Finance at ANZ. She leads a 30+ person team across Australia, New Zealand, Asia, Europe, and the US, which is responsible for supporting ANZ’s clients to finance their ESG strategies, net-zero transition and nature-positive outcomes.
Her team delivers insights and originates solutions across sustainable finance markets, manages ANZ’s Sustainability Bond issuance program alongside ANZ Group Treasury, and contributes to ANZ’s $100b sustainable finance target. Her team also actively contributes to the development of sustainable finance markets across Asia Pacific via industry bodies including ICMA and APLMA.
Katharine’s passion is supporting customers and the financial services industry to accelerate net-zero transition and sustainable development. She is currently serving on the Australian Government’s Nature Finance Council and is an inaugural Board member of the Australian Sustainable Finance Institute, which is overseeing the development of a sustainable finance taxonomy for the Australian market. She served on the Board of Australia’s Carbon Market Institute from July 2016 - to July 2022.
In recognition of her contribution to the industry, Katharine was included in Financial Standard’s inaugural ESG Power50 in 2023, and in The Australian ‘Green List’ in 2021, 2022, and 2023. In 2020, she won Australia’s inaugural Women in Banking and Finance Award for Excellence in Institutional Banking and is a 2019 Kanga News Person of the Year.

Nicole led the development of the Australian Sustainable Finance Taxonomy at the Australian Sustainable Finance Institute (ASFI), working closely with government and regulators to develop common definitions for sustainable economic activities and investments. Nicole has a background in climate and sustainability across government, banking, private equity and law.

In the public service, she led the Australian Government’s engagement with the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD), representing Australia on the TNFD Stewardship Council. Prior to this she led the reviews and research function at the Australian Climate Change Authority.

Nicole holds a Master of Laws in international trade and post-graduate qualifications in finance and economics.

Further speakers to be announced soon.

ASFI members admissions

This ticket category is exclusively for ASFI members.

Please check if your organisation is an ASFI member by visiting ASFI Members — ASFI

ASFI primary members are entitled to one complimentary admission. The system will automatically recognize your eligibility once you log in.

Admission includes full agenda and networking drinks.

Registrations are regularly audited, and purchases by non-members will be subject to revision.

Please note, sharing tickets is not permitted.

ASFI non-members admissions

Admission includes full agenda and networking drinks.

Please note, sharing tickets is not permitted.

Interested in becoming a member? Visit our website to learn more Become an ASFI Member — ASFI

First Nations admissions

Supported by the City of Sydney, we are pleased to offer 50 First Nations tickets free of charge.

These tickets are available to First Nations and Torres Strait Islander people of Australia as well as Māori and Pasifika.

Online admissions

Admission includes live streaming access to the full agenda, and the opportunity to interact with presenters and panellists.

Closer to the event, you will receive personalised joining instructions with a unique non-transferable link.

Phased tickets release

Non ASFI members

Single admission, excl GST

Standard PriceA$780

ASFI members

Single admission, excl GST

Member PriceComplimentary

Standard PriceA$586

First Nations

Single admission

Standard PriceComplimentary

Online

Single admission, excl GST

Member PriceComplimentary

Standard PriceA$260

NGO, Uni, Advisory committee

Single admission, excl GST

Standard PriceA$630

Why should you attend?

The Australian Sustainable Finance Summit is more than an event—it's your opportunity to lead.

The Summit provides an unparalleled opportunity to discover new partnerships, move past the headlines that hijack your day to day and understand emerging practice in this rapidly evolving area.

Drive Ambitious Action

Explore bold solutions to critical sustainability challenges through our comprehensive agenda featuring expert panels, interactive sessions, and real-world case studies.

Connect with Diverse Leaders

Build valuable networks with senior professionals across all parts of the finance sector, industry, government, regulators, academia, civil society and First Nations organisations.

Foster Innovative Solutions

Be part of a dynamic program that encourages problem-solving and interactive collaboration, empowering attendees to contribute directly to advancing sustainable finance.

Who attends the Summit?

The Australian Sustainable Finance Summit attracts expertise from all spheres of sustainable finance, including decision-makers across finance, government and civil society, academic leaders, and teams with critical roles in accelerating sustainable finance.

C-Suite and boards – With a unique agenda focused on driving meaningful action, the Summit is an exclusive opportunity to capture emerging opportunities and connect with fellow leaders.
Sustainable finance professionals – Sessions offer practical tools and spark generative conversations to support real-world application of sustainable finance. Connect and collaborate with fellow changemakers.
Government, civil society and academic leaders – The Summit is an unmatched opportunity to engage with industry leaders and stakeholders, supporting cross-sector collaboration on sustainable finance. It delves into global trends and best practice, and explores their application in an Australian context.

Australian Sustainable Finance Institute

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About the Summit

Agenda

July 30, 2025

Main Schedule

Speakers

Kristy Graham

Jigar Shah

Sacha Sadan

Purdie Bowden

Luke Brown

Jeff Brunton

Andrea Clarke

Tessa Dann

Tyrone Glenbar

Darren Godwell

Angelia Grant

Ian Hamm

David Higgins

John Hopkins

Anna Hughes

Jo Kelly

Tishiko King

Richie Merzian

Tom Mortlock

Karrina Nolan

Noel Prakash

Ben Sakker Kelly

Prof. Deen Sanders OAM

Sonya Sawtell-Rickson

Katharine Tapley

Nicole Yazbek-Martin

Tickets

Non ASFI members

ASFI members

First Nations

Online

NGO, Uni, Advisory committee

Why should you attend?

Who attends the Summit?

Partners

Organiser

Supported by

Major Partners

Coffee Carts

Event Partner

Exhibitors

Media Partner

Photo Gallery

Venue

Venue

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