According to Carver, geopolitics shape the operating environment “whether it’s navigating local councils as a property developer, working at the state level or dealing with federal policies”. She added that the complexity increases the further afield one goes, to the extent that there are multiple perspectives to absorb on ever-evolving issues.

Carver acknowledged Australia’s robust fiscal environment. She told the roundtable participants: “Australia’s debt-to-GDP ratio is in a reasonably strong position. This is something we need to protect, while at the same time continuing to grow and invest in the future. Successive governments have taken pride in maintaining responsible fiscal management, and I believe it’s something we should be proud of as a country.” Australia also benefits from a strong social safety net, Carver added, while cautioning on taking this for granted. “Many other advanced economies, including those that could easily afford it, don’t have the same level of support in place.”

This is underscored by the volume of capital commitments to major societal needs that Carver revealed are growing significantly. “The numbers are big, and for good reason,” she said. “Over the last decade, and particularly in the past five years, we’ve seen enormous increases, driven in part by COVID-19-related stimulus – but also by long-term structural need.”

Partnerships and trust-building are fundamental to doing business, Carver continued. She said the role of governments, funds, banks and businesses contributes to making Australia more vibrant. At the same time, every sector – including banking – should focus on continuous improvement.

Another critical focus called out by Carver is climate transition. “Supporting our clients through their transition means constantly navigating competing pressures. It’s a complex and adaptive challenge, but it’s one we are fully committed to.”

Carver praised the steps taken by the organisations represented at the roundtable and their leaders to tackle large-scale societal challenges linked to climate change.

In particular, she mentioned the Australian Office of Financial Management (AOFM)’s green-bond programme and debut issuance, in 2024, as well as labelled bonds issued by NBN Co and state funding authorities.

“When it comes to climate transition, we were particularly honoured to serve as the structuring adviser and joint lead manager on last year’s AOFM programme. All our projects are important, but this one stands out. It was a bold statement in the broader societal push for change.”

The roundtable discussion was attended by a group of female leaders, which was a deliberate goal. However, according to Carver: “The real meaning of diversity is not just gender – it’s about diversity of thought. We had to start somewhere, and gender was a logical step. But ultimately the goal is to foster a variety of perspectives. This is more important than ever in today’s complex business environment.”