Women in Sustainable Finance

Sustainable finance is about integrating economic, social and environmental decision making in an organisation to deliver better overall outcomes, not just for shareholders but for all communities. Diversity is a key component of sustainable finance and there is a growing body of evidence that diverse
companies perform better financially and also support improved sustainability outcomes.

For example, a report by BNEF in collaboration with the Sasakawa Peace Foundation found that corporate boards with a proportion of 30 per cent or more women show a positive correlation with better climate governance and innovation in the global electric utilities, oil and gas, and mining sectors.

Carbon markets event, September 2022, hosted by Gilbert + Tobin.

With this evidence in mind, WISF aims to empower a gender-diverse workforce in sustainable finance. The group believes in making a positive contribution to the sustainable finance sector by providing opportunities for discussion, learning and collaboration.

WISF attracts a diverse cross-section of professionals who are passionate about making a difference at societal level. The group understands that change can be driven through collaboration and by broadening networks across sustainability-linked sectors. Furthermore, to succeed as individuals in professional fields, WISF believes we must come together to support one another and celebrate our achievements. 

WISF was established in 2016, filling a market gap at a time when interest in sustainable investment was gathering momentum. What began as a single event at the CEFC Sydney office with about 30 attendees has grown to an active network of more than 1,500 people.

Events held by WISF feature leading speakers on a range of topics pertinent to the sustainable finance sector, such as carbon markets, modern slavery, the circular economy, genderlens investing, renewables investment, sustainable fashion, sustainable transport and impact investing.

There is no formal membership of the WISF network. Events are free for attendees, thanks to the generosity of hosts and sponsors. All genders are encouraged to attend. WISF events reach people in investment funds, banks, and environment and sustainable development organisations, as well as corporates, and energy and renewable energy companies.

WISF is backed by CEFC with committees made up of industry professionals based in New South Wales, Victoria and Queensland. The group’s many events are made possible thanks to sponsors and hosts from across the sector. Past event sponsors include First Sentier Investors, Gilbert + Tobin, National Australia Bank, ANZ, HESTA, Bloomberg, Mirvac, Macquarie Bank, Baker McKenzie, Herbert Smith Freehills, EY, Citi, Norton Rose Fulbright, KPMG, Arup and Australian Ethical.

WISF hosts online events as well as in-person events in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane.