ESG & the City

Tariffs, Turmoil, and the Climate Crossroads: ESG in a Protectionist World

This month on ESG and the City, we examine the sweeping impact of President Trump’s renewed protectionist agenda on global markets, ESG policy, and the clean tech transition. From frozen climate funding to disrupted supply chains, we unpack what this means for investors, sustainable finance, and the future of climate progress.

The Unstoppable Force of China's EV Industry Meets the Immovable Object of Protectionism: Is Climate Caught in the Middle?

In this episode, we explore China’s current dominance of the global electric vehicle market and how US and EU policymakers respond in order to protect domestic manufacturers. Join us as we untangle the knock-on effects upon transition strategies and whether lithium battery-powered vehicles are as green as they seem!

Episode 9: All Aboard the Omnibus: Is the EU Changing Tracks on ESG?

The EU’s Omnibus Regulation is here—and it’s reshaping the ESG regulatory landscape in ways no one saw coming. In this episode of ESG and the City, Maitrai and Alice unpack the sweeping changes to CSRD, the EU Taxonomy, and what it all means for financial firms and sustainability practitioners. Is this a smart move to cut red tape, or does it risk derailing Europe’s green finance ambitions? Tune in to find out!

Episode 8: What is Going On with UK Investment Trusts? A Breakdown of Saba Capital’s Proposals

Activist hedge fund Saba Capital just launched a bold campaign to overhaul UK investment trusts—but shareholders weren’t having it. Join Arwen and Chris Green, senior consultant at Novatus Global as we break down the governance debate, investor pushback, and the wider implications for regulation, ESG, and stewardship. 

Episode 7: Understanding TCFD, ISSB, and CSRD: Navigating the Overlaps

Join us as we unravel the fundamentals of three major sustainability reporting frameworks: TCFD, ISSB, and CSRD. We'll explore how they overlap and what this means for companies and investors. *Please note, this episode was recorded in advance of the Omnibus package announced by the European Commission. Check out our episode examining its impacts with a special guest in the weeks to come!

Episode 6: Defence Sector

Following the invasion of Ukraine, the defence sector has seen a significant increase in investment flows, including from ESG-aligned funds. In this episode, we explore what has caused this rapid shift and how the debate on the sustainability of defence companies is evolving in response to geopolitical needs.

Episode 5: Stewardship Code Update

The Financial Reporting Council's consultation document on the UK Stewardship Code is making waves across the industry! In this episode of ESG and the City, Maitrai and Lauren sit down to dissect the proposed changes, and discuss why the updated Code is essential in today's evolving investment landscape.  Join us as we break down the five key changes to the Code, from the revised definition of stewardship to the new reporting structures & tailored principles. Learn about the industry's initial reaction to the consultation, and discover the debate surrounding the revised definition of stewardship. Whether you're an asset owner, manager, or just interested in how stewardship is evolving, this episode is packed with information you won't want to miss.
 
Filmed & Edited by Thibault Lacombe.
 
A 2025 Novatus Global Production.

Episode 4: LA Fires - The Not-So Hidden Cost of Natural Disasters on Insurance

In this special episode of ESG & the City, we explore how natural catastrophes like the LA fires are reshaping the insurance industry.
Join us as we explore the impact of climate disasters on insurance, why insurers are pulling out of high-risk regions, and the crucial role insurance plays in rebuilding efforts.  
Podcast contributors: Lauren Chin, Gillian Gracias and Cameron Maguire.
 
Filmed & Edited by Thibault Lacombe.
 
A 2025 Novatus Global Production.

Episode 3: Sustainability reporting’s global baseline goes live – the ISSB Standards

New year, new sustainability disclosure standards?
In this episode of ESG and the City, we dive into the latest developments from the IFRS Foundation and the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB). With over 1,000 companies already referencing ISSB standards and 30 jurisdictions integrating them into their frameworks, we explore the global momentum behind IFRS S1 and S2. Join Arwen and Maitrai as they unpack the opportunities for streamlining ESG reporting, discuss phased compliance options, and highlight why early adoption is a strategic advantage for CFOs and CSOs preparing for year-end reporting. Plus, a thought-provoking question to end: is your ESG reporting ready for the future?

Episode 2: SDR – The drive to restore consumer confidence

In this episode, Cameron and Maitrai explore the 2024 Sustainability Disclosure and Labelling Regime, discussing the reasons behind its introduction, its adoption progress, and whether it has the potential to stimulate renewed investment in sustainable funds.
Journey with us as we navigate through the tricky waters of ESG marketing, discovering why consumers are losing faith in sustainable funds, why this matters, and whether the SDR will be able to stem the tide of outflowing investment.
Listen in, share your thoughts, and be part of the conversation!