The Impact Seminar Series - UK seminar is tailored to institutional investors and asset owners based in England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. This Invitation-only one-day programme fosters region-specific dialogue, offering a confidential and collaborative environment to explore the latest trends, challenges, and innovations in impact investing across both private and public markets.
A highly curated audience of institutional investors, a select group of impact fund managers, and industry specialists will be able to exchange best practices and share ideas on creating innovative, scalable solutions to generate impact in private and public markets. The Seminar will takes place in London and engages with regional and international impact specialists in a dynamic setting designed to inform, inspire, and connect.
Impact Investing Event for Institutional Investors in the UK
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
This event is catered to C-Suite, Board Members, Portfolio Managers and ESG/Impact Investing officers, and their respective teams:
● Public and Corporate Pension Funds and their Fiduciary Managers
● Insurance Companies,
● Sovereign Wealth Funds
● Family Offices
● Foundations and Endowments
● Wealth Managers/Private Banks
● Development Finance Institutions
● Faith-based Organisations
● Public and Corporate Pension Funds and their Fiduciary Managers
● Insurance Companies,
● Sovereign Wealth Funds
● Family Offices
● Foundations and Endowments
● Wealth Managers/Private Banks
● Development Finance Institutions
● Faith-based Organisations
FEATURED PAST SPEAKERS
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Abdul R Shiil
Co-Founder & DirectorSahan Cares CIC
Alessandra Caine
Impact ManagerToniic
Ben Denton
Chief Executive OfficerLegal & General Affordable Homes
Chantal Hermans
COOPhenix Capital Group
Cristiana Dochioiu
Investment ManagerRailpen
Francesca Spoerry
Head of Trainings and PartnershipsCenter for Sustainable Finance and Private Wealth, University of Zurich
Grace Almendras- Castillo
Founder and CEOGifftid
Gemma Roex
Impact Measurement and Management LeadPhenix Capital Group
Harry Davies
PrincipalCeniarth
Jonathan Craddock
Director - Fiduciary Management & Institutional SolutionsVan Lanschot Kempen
Jonathan Flory
Senior Adviser, Government and EnterpriseSocial Finance UK
Leopold Oettingen-Wallerstein
Co-FounderBullfrog Capital
Lindsey Stewart
Chair, CFA Institute DEI Code UK Working GroupCFA Institute
Mark Florman
CEOTime Partners
Marie-Alix Prat
Investment ManagerBetter Society Capital
Marta Jankovic
Head of SustainabilityStafford Capital Partners
Matt Robinson
Head of Private Capital MobilisationBritish International Investment
Niki Natarajan
Head of ResearchPhenix Capital Group
Nick Rees
Managing Director, Private Client PracticeCambridge Associates
Raphaël Ghiandai
Chief Financial OfficerPrince Albert II of Monaco Foundation
Sergio Ung
Investment AssociateGuy’s & St Thomas’ Foundation
Abdul R Shiil
Co-Founder & Director
Sahan Cares CIC
Abdul R Shiil is a former refugee turned social entrepreneur who co-founded and directs Sahan Cares CIC. This social enterprise supports refugees in gaining qualifications and finding employment within the health and social care sector. Drawing from his personal experience, Abdul has guided Sahan Cares in contributing to positive outcomes for over 11,000 individuals.
In addition to leading Sahan Cares, Abdul is pursuing doctoral studies part-time and serves as a trustee for ActionAid UK, an international charity that empowers women and girls worldwide.
Abdul's journey from refugee to social entrepreneur informs his approach to refugee integration, workforce development, and creating sustainable social impact.
In addition to leading Sahan Cares, Abdul is pursuing doctoral studies part-time and serves as a trustee for ActionAid UK, an international charity that empowers women and girls worldwide.
Abdul's journey from refugee to social entrepreneur informs his approach to refugee integration, workforce development, and creating sustainable social impact.
Alessandra Caine
Impact Manager
Toniic
With a background in Earth Sciences and Economics, Alessandra brings to the conversation 10 years of experience in managing international sustainability programs worldwide where she worked on regenerative business models in the agri-food and reforestation sectors and where she deployed innovative financial strategies among a multitude of financial actors - impact investors and impact asset managers being one of these.
She now works at Toniic, a global action community of impact investors, where she connects and supports members on their holistic journey towards deep impact. She also advises part-time Danum Ecosystem Fund, a fund which invests in listed companies with the ambition of preventing or halting global biodiversity loss. She works mainly in Belgium, Netherlands, Luxemburg and the UK as she is based in Amsterdam.
She now works at Toniic, a global action community of impact investors, where she connects and supports members on their holistic journey towards deep impact. She also advises part-time Danum Ecosystem Fund, a fund which invests in listed companies with the ambition of preventing or halting global biodiversity loss. She works mainly in Belgium, Netherlands, Luxemburg and the UK as she is based in Amsterdam.
Ben Denton
Chief Executive Officer
Legal & General Affordable Homes
Ben joined as MD of Legal & General Affordable Homes in in August 2018 from Sovereign Housing Association, the 6th largest housing association in the UK.
As Executive Director of Property and Development, he delivered a development programme of 1,300 homes a year, managing an annual budget of c. £250 million. Ben has over 30 years of experience across residential housing, regeneration and real estate.
Prior to Sovereign, Ben held the position of Group Director of Strategy and Business Development at house builder Keepmoat, Executive Director of Growth, Planning and Housing at Westminster City Council.
He also serves as the Director of Investment at First Base and was a Director and Executive Consultant for ABROS financial advisory and KPMG. Additionally, Ben was previously Chair at Westminster Community Homes, Deputy Chair of Thames Valley Housing Association.
As Executive Director of Property and Development, he delivered a development programme of 1,300 homes a year, managing an annual budget of c. £250 million. Ben has over 30 years of experience across residential housing, regeneration and real estate.
Prior to Sovereign, Ben held the position of Group Director of Strategy and Business Development at house builder Keepmoat, Executive Director of Growth, Planning and Housing at Westminster City Council.
He also serves as the Director of Investment at First Base and was a Director and Executive Consultant for ABROS financial advisory and KPMG. Additionally, Ben was previously Chair at Westminster Community Homes, Deputy Chair of Thames Valley Housing Association.
Chantal Hermans
COO
Phenix Capital Group
Chantal Hermans is the head of events & publications at Phenix Capital Group, leading the events & marcomm team. Chantal started her career at Management Events, working with C-level executives across industries. In 2014 she moved to London and started working for financial publisher Euromoney Institutional Investors as an Investor Relations Manager. Here she was responsible for building relationships with the key financial players in the Benelux, UK and Eastern Europe. Next to her IR role, she was also responsible for building the European network for the II conferences. In 2018, Chantal joined EQDerivatives as Executive Director of machineByte. A platform focused on delivering education around machine learning and AI in the investment industry.
Her passion for sustainability and building a better world brought her to Phenix Capital Group, where she can fully focus on delivering education on impact investing and helping the industry move forward.
Her passion for sustainability and building a better world brought her to Phenix Capital Group, where she can fully focus on delivering education on impact investing and helping the industry move forward.
Cristiana Dochioiu
Investment Manager
Railpen
Cristiana is an Investment Manager on Real Assets team, Railpen where she works on both the long-term income fund and the growth infrastructure portfolio.
Over the past few years, she has concentrated on originating, executing, and managing assets in core and growth infrastructure, as well as handling long-term real estate transactions. Additionally, Cristiana has played a crucial role in developing the fund’s ESG framework.
Cristiana began her career at Bloomberg, focusing on analysis in the structured products market. She then joined Railpen’s investment risk team, providing risk analysis for both public and private markets.
Cristiana holds a BSc in Economics from the University of Warwick and an MSc in Financial Risk Management from University College London.
Over the past few years, she has concentrated on originating, executing, and managing assets in core and growth infrastructure, as well as handling long-term real estate transactions. Additionally, Cristiana has played a crucial role in developing the fund’s ESG framework.
Cristiana began her career at Bloomberg, focusing on analysis in the structured products market. She then joined Railpen’s investment risk team, providing risk analysis for both public and private markets.
Cristiana holds a BSc in Economics from the University of Warwick and an MSc in Financial Risk Management from University College London.
Francesca Spoerry
Head of Trainings and Partnerships
Center for Sustainable Finance and Private Wealth, University of Zurich
Francesca Spoerry is an expert in impact investing within private wealth. She is the Head of Trainings and Outreach at the Center for Sustainable Finance and Private Wealth (CSP) at University of Zurich. CSP, University of Zurich is a training center at the University of Zurich who conduct research and train private wealth holders to move capital towards sustainable growth. At CSP, she is responsible for all of CSP’s training programmes, wealth holder engagement and partnership management.
Before CSP, Francesca was the Head of Knowledge Development at the Global Steering Group for Impact Investment, where she was responsible for knowledge creation and knowledge development activities across a global community of impact investors. She previously worked at SystemIQ, Big Society Capital and Morgan Stanley. She is a board member at North Kensington Community Energy, a cooperative creating community owned solar energy projects in London
Before CSP, Francesca was the Head of Knowledge Development at the Global Steering Group for Impact Investment, where she was responsible for knowledge creation and knowledge development activities across a global community of impact investors. She previously worked at SystemIQ, Big Society Capital and Morgan Stanley. She is a board member at North Kensington Community Energy, a cooperative creating community owned solar energy projects in London
Grace Almendras- Castillo
Founder and CEO
Gifftid
Grace Almendras-Castillo is a seasoned entrepreneur, corporate executive, technology investor, and dedicated problem solver with a focus on social impact. With over two decades of global experience in consumer healthcare and life sciences, she successfully exited with the acquisition of Self Care Catalysts, a pioneering digital health company. Now, she embarks on new ventures with Gifftid, once again challenging conventional norms. Her groundbreaking work in digital health transformation has earned her numerous accolades, including recognition as one of the Top 50 Women in STEM in Canada, an E&Y Entrepreneur of the Year nominee, and an alum of Springboard Enterprises, JLabs, and MaRS. She is a health innovator and holds patents for Health Storylines, a digital health platform.
Currently, Grace focuses on addressing the challenges of achieving fair and equitable distribution of financial capital for social and purposeful enterprises. Recognizing the transformative potential of untapped human talent, she aims to empower global social entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and investors through Gifftid. By uniting bright minds, catalytic capital, and impact investors via an innovative digital intelligence platform, Grace is poised to make a significant impact.
Committed to continuous learning, Grace has completed various programs, including Impact Investing, Social Finance, and Impact Management at the University of Oxford; the Executive Development Program from The Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania; Entrepreneurship studies at The Rotman School of Business at the University of Toronto; and Sustainable Finance and ESG Frameworks at the Yale School of Management, among others.
Coming from a family of women entrepreneurs and micro-finance investors, she upholds the legacy of providing opportunities for impact investing and creating meaningful impact.
Currently, Grace focuses on addressing the challenges of achieving fair and equitable distribution of financial capital for social and purposeful enterprises. Recognizing the transformative potential of untapped human talent, she aims to empower global social entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and investors through Gifftid. By uniting bright minds, catalytic capital, and impact investors via an innovative digital intelligence platform, Grace is poised to make a significant impact.
Committed to continuous learning, Grace has completed various programs, including Impact Investing, Social Finance, and Impact Management at the University of Oxford; the Executive Development Program from The Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania; Entrepreneurship studies at The Rotman School of Business at the University of Toronto; and Sustainable Finance and ESG Frameworks at the Yale School of Management, among others.
Coming from a family of women entrepreneurs and micro-finance investors, she upholds the legacy of providing opportunities for impact investing and creating meaningful impact.
Gemma Roex
Impact Measurement and Management Lead
Phenix Capital Group
Gemma Roex is Senior Associate of Impact Measurement and Management at Phenix Capital Group. She focusses on helping both LPs and GPs to set-up robust impact practices to get the most out of their intended impact goals and strategies.
Previously Gemma worked in strategy and leadership consulting.
She holds a BA in History from Oxford University and an MSc in Global Energy and Climate Policy from SOAS.
Previously Gemma worked in strategy and leadership consulting.
She holds a BA in History from Oxford University and an MSc in Global Energy and Climate Policy from SOAS.
Harry Davies
Principal
Ceniarth
Harry Davies is a Principal at Ceniarth, where he helps lead on organisation-wide strategy, impact management and pipeline origination. Ceniarth is the impact-first, single-family office of Diane Isenberg and focuses on investments that benefit underserved communities globally. Together with the Isenberg Family Charitable Foundation, they deploy capital to funds, financial intermediaries, and social enterprises that support marginalized and vulnerable populations. They invest with non-profits, for-profits, and hybrid organizations with an emphasis on sectors such as agriculture, affordable housing, financial inclusion, and climate justice. They prioritize investments that are catalytic in nature and may require flexibility on risk and return parameters.
Prior to joining Ceniarth, Harry worked extensively across Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia helping to design and scale inclusive business models that can improve outcomes for low-income groups.
Prior to joining Ceniarth, Harry worked extensively across Sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia helping to design and scale inclusive business models that can improve outcomes for low-income groups.
Jonathan Craddock
Director - Fiduciary Management & Institutional Solutions
Van Lanschot Kempen
Jonathan is a Director in Van Lanschot Kempen’s Fiduciary Management & Institutional Solutions team, leading a number of key client relationships.
He has over 12 years’ experience in providing investment advice to trustees and corporates, covering all aspects of investment.
Prior to joining Van Lanschot Kempen, Jonathan helped to lead Ernst & Young’s fiduciary management oversight and selection business, with the team winning Professional Pensions Fiduciary Evaluator of the Year Award in 2020 and 2021.
Jonathan is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and obtained a First Class Honours degree in Accounting and Finance from the University of Bath. He also holds the Investment Management Certificate (IMC), Investment Operations Certificate (IOC), and Certificate in ESG Investing.
Outside of work, Jonathan is a Wolves season ticket holder and enjoys to play golf when he has a bit of spare time.
He has over 12 years’ experience in providing investment advice to trustees and corporates, covering all aspects of investment.
Prior to joining Van Lanschot Kempen, Jonathan helped to lead Ernst & Young’s fiduciary management oversight and selection business, with the team winning Professional Pensions Fiduciary Evaluator of the Year Award in 2020 and 2021.
Jonathan is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and obtained a First Class Honours degree in Accounting and Finance from the University of Bath. He also holds the Investment Management Certificate (IMC), Investment Operations Certificate (IOC), and Certificate in ESG Investing.
Outside of work, Jonathan is a Wolves season ticket holder and enjoys to play golf when he has a bit of spare time.
Jonathan Flory
Senior Adviser, Government and Enterprise
Social Finance UK
Jonathan Flory works across a number of social impact areas including criminal justice, housing, welfare / work, youth, homelessness, and the arts. His particular focus areas are in design and performance management for outcomes contracts, blended finance structures, and the provision of corporate finance advice to charities and social enterprises. He also acted as adviser to Big Society Capital on its establishment.
Jonathan has served as Director / Board member / Chair of five social impact bond project companies, which aim to improve educational and employment outcomes for young people and adult homeless.
Prior to joining Social Finance in 2011, Jonathan served as Acting Director of Pro Bono Economics, a charity which introduces economists to charitable organisations to help address questions around measurement, results and impact. Previously, he spent over 25 years as a Corporate Finance adviser within the investment banking sector, principally at Dresdner Kleinwort.
He serves as NED of HMPPS Agency and Vice Chair/Trustee of Perins Multi Academy Trust. .
Jonathan has served as Director / Board member / Chair of five social impact bond project companies, which aim to improve educational and employment outcomes for young people and adult homeless.
Prior to joining Social Finance in 2011, Jonathan served as Acting Director of Pro Bono Economics, a charity which introduces economists to charitable organisations to help address questions around measurement, results and impact. Previously, he spent over 25 years as a Corporate Finance adviser within the investment banking sector, principally at Dresdner Kleinwort.
He serves as NED of HMPPS Agency and Vice Chair/Trustee of Perins Multi Academy Trust. .
Leopold Oettingen-Wallerstein
Co-Founder
Bullfrog Capital
Leo has crafted his career in capital markets, focusing on the education and energy transition sectors across DACH and the UK. As a co-founder of Bullfrog Capital, he leads deal sourcing and corporate development.
He previously held roles as a Partner at Protos Partners, specializing in growth equity investments, and as a Director in Europe for Tyton Partners- a US merchant bank. His experience includes positions as an Investment Analyst at Stella Advisors EOC and as an Equity Analyst at Credit Suisse.
Leo actively contributes to his family office as a board member and provides guidance to Protos Partners in DACH.
His academic background includes studies at Columbia University and Harvard Kennedy School.
He previously held roles as a Partner at Protos Partners, specializing in growth equity investments, and as a Director in Europe for Tyton Partners- a US merchant bank. His experience includes positions as an Investment Analyst at Stella Advisors EOC and as an Equity Analyst at Credit Suisse.
Leo actively contributes to his family office as a board member and provides guidance to Protos Partners in DACH.
His academic background includes studies at Columbia University and Harvard Kennedy School.
Lindsey Stewart
Chair, CFA Institute DEI Code UK Working Group
CFA Institute
Lindsey Stewart, CFA, is director of stewardship research and policy for Morningstar Sustainalytics, a wholly owned subsidiary of Morningstar, Inc. Based in London, Lindsey works closely with Morningstar Sustainalytics’ engagement services and ESG proxy voting specialists worldwide to deliver insights on how institutional investors, companies and regulators are approaching key sustainability and governance themes in global finance.
Lindsey joined Morningstar in 2022 from the UK Financial Reporting Council where he was head of stakeholder engagement. Prior to that, his career spans over 20 years in investor relations consulting, equity research, and financial reporting and regulation at KPMG and Makinson Cowell. Lindsey is a Chartered Global Management Accountant and a CFA® Charterholder.
He is a trustee of the Institute of Neurodiversity and an ambassador for Reboot, a think tank advocating of greater racial and ethnic inclusion in financial services. Lindsey also won a Senior Leader Finalist prize for Professional Services at the 2021 Black British Business Awards.
Lindsey joined Morningstar in 2022 from the UK Financial Reporting Council where he was head of stakeholder engagement. Prior to that, his career spans over 20 years in investor relations consulting, equity research, and financial reporting and regulation at KPMG and Makinson Cowell. Lindsey is a Chartered Global Management Accountant and a CFA® Charterholder.
He is a trustee of the Institute of Neurodiversity and an ambassador for Reboot, a think tank advocating of greater racial and ethnic inclusion in financial services. Lindsey also won a Senior Leader Finalist prize for Professional Services at the 2021 Black British Business Awards.
Mark Florman
CEO
Time Partners
Mark has been involved in the private equity industry for over 35 years, working as an investor and adviser. At Time Partners, he specialises in advising institutions and families in areas of strategy, overall purpose, corporate structure, private capital and long term investing.
Mark’s early career at the Northern Trust Bank in Chicago saw him co-found the interest rate swap business in America; later advising on corporate restructurings, M&A and equity capital markets. In 1992, Mark was the co-founder and CEO of the merchant banking group, Maizels Westerberg, which was ranked the number one M&A firm in Europe (1998, 1999) amongst independent firms. Maizels Westerberg advised on the formation of private equity groups including EQT. Mark joined the European private equity firm, Doughty Hanson, in 2001 and was involved in investing in and developing portfolio companies including The Priory, RHM, Tumi and he chaired their largest investment, LM Glasfiber. Mark has been involved in multiple projects across the PE industry, starting in 1989 with the formation of IK, exits and takeovers of managers. At Doughty Hanson, he grew the LP base of the manager significantly. Mark led the BVCA for two years, negotiating AIFMD on behalf of the European industry.
He has worked with multiple private equity firms, investors and regulators. He specialises in designing investment strategies for those looking to build endowments. Mark was a member of the Prime Minister’s G8 Social Impact Investment Task Force, working with Sir Ronnie Cohen in the development of the impact investing industry. He was appointed by the Government to co-lead a review of the Big Lottery Fund in 2013. He was later appointed as Governor for England at the BBC, where he led a new approach to purpose-led reporting and was Chair of the BBC Service Review for England. Mark chaired the European listed PE association (LPeC), growing it across Europe over the past five years.
Mark is Chairman of the Mauritius Investment Corporation, the country’s new sovereign wealth fund.
Mark is a Visiting Senior Fellow at the London School of Economics, a Visiting Professor at the Policy Institute, King’s College, London, and a Distinguished Fellow at INSEAD, lecturing on private markets and impact investing.
Mark’s early career at the Northern Trust Bank in Chicago saw him co-found the interest rate swap business in America; later advising on corporate restructurings, M&A and equity capital markets. In 1992, Mark was the co-founder and CEO of the merchant banking group, Maizels Westerberg, which was ranked the number one M&A firm in Europe (1998, 1999) amongst independent firms. Maizels Westerberg advised on the formation of private equity groups including EQT. Mark joined the European private equity firm, Doughty Hanson, in 2001 and was involved in investing in and developing portfolio companies including The Priory, RHM, Tumi and he chaired their largest investment, LM Glasfiber. Mark has been involved in multiple projects across the PE industry, starting in 1989 with the formation of IK, exits and takeovers of managers. At Doughty Hanson, he grew the LP base of the manager significantly. Mark led the BVCA for two years, negotiating AIFMD on behalf of the European industry.
He has worked with multiple private equity firms, investors and regulators. He specialises in designing investment strategies for those looking to build endowments. Mark was a member of the Prime Minister’s G8 Social Impact Investment Task Force, working with Sir Ronnie Cohen in the development of the impact investing industry. He was appointed by the Government to co-lead a review of the Big Lottery Fund in 2013. He was later appointed as Governor for England at the BBC, where he led a new approach to purpose-led reporting and was Chair of the BBC Service Review for England. Mark chaired the European listed PE association (LPeC), growing it across Europe over the past five years.
Mark is Chairman of the Mauritius Investment Corporation, the country’s new sovereign wealth fund.
Mark is a Visiting Senior Fellow at the London School of Economics, a Visiting Professor at the Policy Institute, King’s College, London, and a Distinguished Fellow at INSEAD, lecturing on private markets and impact investing.
Marie-Alix Prat
Investment Manager
Better Society Capital
Marie-Alix Prat is an Investment Manager at Big Society Capital, the UK’s leading social impact investor. Their mission is to grow investment tackling social issues and inequalities in the UK. At BSC, her work focuses on investing in social and affordable housing, including supported housing for people who are experiencing homelessness and improving impact measurement in the sector. She has also worked on community investment to create economic growth in deprived areas.
Before joining Big Society Capital five years ago, Marie-Alix spent a year on the social enterprise leadership programme, On Purpose during which she worked with a community transport charity on their impact measurement. Prior to that, she worked for a few years in international development as a finance and economics consultant on the financing of water and sanitation programmes in developing countries.
Marie-Alix holds a Masters in Management from ESCP Business School in Paris and a Masters in Development Management from the London School of Economics.
Before joining Big Society Capital five years ago, Marie-Alix spent a year on the social enterprise leadership programme, On Purpose during which she worked with a community transport charity on their impact measurement. Prior to that, she worked for a few years in international development as a finance and economics consultant on the financing of water and sanitation programmes in developing countries.
Marie-Alix holds a Masters in Management from ESCP Business School in Paris and a Masters in Development Management from the London School of Economics.
Marta Jankovic
Head of Sustainability
Stafford Capital Partners
Marta Jankovic is the Head of Sustainability at Stafford Capital Partners. Marta works closely with Stafford’s leadership and investment teams and is focused on shaping Stafford’s sustainable investing strategy, fostering engagement with clients, policy and industry stakeholders.
Prior to joining Stafford, Marta held senior advisory and directorship positions at global investment firms. She was responsible for the delivery of client RI objectives at APG Asset Management, representing the global RI team on the Committee for Investment Proposals, and later advised APG’s Private Markets teams on implementation of EU’s SFDR. Marta was also a Director in the Stewardship team at BlackRock, where she was responsible for providing leadership on ESG research and insights, as well as voting and engaging with public companies in the EMEA region. Marta is a member of the Mission Committee of Armen, a purpose-driven GP stakes investor.
Prior to joining Stafford, Marta held senior advisory and directorship positions at global investment firms. She was responsible for the delivery of client RI objectives at APG Asset Management, representing the global RI team on the Committee for Investment Proposals, and later advised APG’s Private Markets teams on implementation of EU’s SFDR. Marta was also a Director in the Stewardship team at BlackRock, where she was responsible for providing leadership on ESG research and insights, as well as voting and engaging with public companies in the EMEA region. Marta is a member of the Mission Committee of Armen, a purpose-driven GP stakes investor.
Matt Robinson
Head of Private Capital Mobilisation
British International Investment
Matt leads British International Investments’ efforts to mobilize private capital in conjunction with or following BII’s own investments.
Since joining BII in 2016, Matt has held several key positions, including Investment Director in the Intermediated Equity team, Chief of Staff to the CEO, and Head of Group Strategy and Development. In his role as Head of Group Strategy and Development, he managed all aspects of creating and negotiating BII’s 2022-26 strategy: Productive, Sustainable, and Inclusive Development.
Before joining BII, Matt was Head of Strategy at Big Society Capital, the UK’s social investment bank, where he played a crucial role in its establishment from inception in 2012. He was responsible for overall strategy-setting and major initiatives, such as securing the UK social investment tax relief, setting up the Access foundation for blended capital, and the Business Impact Challenge.
Matt was a member of Big Society Capital’s management committee and its investment committee, approving over £250 million across 40 deals in the first four years of operations.
Earlier in his career, Matt spent five years as Deputy Director in the Cabinet Office, where he led the social investment team and was part of the Prime Minister’s Strategy Unit. He also worked for six years as a development economist in Asia and Africa, including several years living in Malawi.
Matt holds an MA in Economics from Cambridge University and an MSc in Development Economics from the School of Oriental and African Studies. He is a non-executive director of the National Forest Company and has previously served on the board of two social investment bond companies.
Since joining BII in 2016, Matt has held several key positions, including Investment Director in the Intermediated Equity team, Chief of Staff to the CEO, and Head of Group Strategy and Development. In his role as Head of Group Strategy and Development, he managed all aspects of creating and negotiating BII’s 2022-26 strategy: Productive, Sustainable, and Inclusive Development.
Before joining BII, Matt was Head of Strategy at Big Society Capital, the UK’s social investment bank, where he played a crucial role in its establishment from inception in 2012. He was responsible for overall strategy-setting and major initiatives, such as securing the UK social investment tax relief, setting up the Access foundation for blended capital, and the Business Impact Challenge.
Matt was a member of Big Society Capital’s management committee and its investment committee, approving over £250 million across 40 deals in the first four years of operations.
Earlier in his career, Matt spent five years as Deputy Director in the Cabinet Office, where he led the social investment team and was part of the Prime Minister’s Strategy Unit. He also worked for six years as a development economist in Asia and Africa, including several years living in Malawi.
Matt holds an MA in Economics from Cambridge University and an MSc in Development Economics from the School of Oriental and African Studies. He is a non-executive director of the National Forest Company and has previously served on the board of two social investment bond companies.
Niki Natarajan
Head of Research
Phenix Capital Group
After nearly 30 years as financial journalist with a focus on asset management, in 2014 Niki founded In Ink (London), a company specialising in creative content and communication.
At Phenix Capital, she is responsible for the monthly reports and making the data in the Phenix Impact Database tell a story.
An experienced moderator on investor panels across the investment spectrum, Niki’s focus is now on impact and sustainable investing and ESG with expertise in the hydrogen and ocean economies, occasionally writing on these topics for Investment Pensions Europe and Impact Investor.
Previously, Niki was editor and publisher of InvestHedge, specialising in hedge fund investors for more than 12 years; covered hedge funds and securities finance at Financial News; and was at Institutional Investor’s newsletter division between 1994-1998 as launch editor of Global Fund News; editor of Foreign Exchange Letter; and reporter on Global Money Management.
A qualified NLP coach, Niki graduated in Geography from Durham University.
At Phenix Capital, she is responsible for the monthly reports and making the data in the Phenix Impact Database tell a story.
An experienced moderator on investor panels across the investment spectrum, Niki’s focus is now on impact and sustainable investing and ESG with expertise in the hydrogen and ocean economies, occasionally writing on these topics for Investment Pensions Europe and Impact Investor.
Previously, Niki was editor and publisher of InvestHedge, specialising in hedge fund investors for more than 12 years; covered hedge funds and securities finance at Financial News; and was at Institutional Investor’s newsletter division between 1994-1998 as launch editor of Global Fund News; editor of Foreign Exchange Letter; and reporter on Global Money Management.
A qualified NLP coach, Niki graduated in Geography from Durham University.
Nick Rees
Managing Director, Private Client Practice
Cambridge Associates
Nick Rees is a Managing Director for the Private Client Practice at Cambridge Associates. Nick works with private clients to build long-term, diversified investment portfolios, often with a significant allocation to alternative investments. A CFA ESG certificate holder, Nick has a proactive interest in sustainable and impact investing, in addition to his expertise in multi-jurisdictional fund structuring.
Nick has authored a two-part paper series on impact investing strategies for private families. He has been frequently cited in financial media outlets and presents at various conferences throughout the year.
Nick is also a philanthropist and fundraiser, having raised more than £200,000 for Breakthrough Breast Cancer in his attempt to row across the Atlantic in 2013.
Before joining Cambridge Associates, Nick served as CEO for Blu Family Office. He has also previously held roles at Absolute Return Partners and Goldman Sachs.
Nick received his MSc from the London School of Economics and his BA from the University of Manchester.
Nick has authored a two-part paper series on impact investing strategies for private families. He has been frequently cited in financial media outlets and presents at various conferences throughout the year.
Nick is also a philanthropist and fundraiser, having raised more than £200,000 for Breakthrough Breast Cancer in his attempt to row across the Atlantic in 2013.
Before joining Cambridge Associates, Nick served as CEO for Blu Family Office. He has also previously held roles at Absolute Return Partners and Goldman Sachs.
Nick received his MSc from the London School of Economics and his BA from the University of Manchester.
Raphaël Ghiandai
Chief Financial Officer
Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation
Raphaël Ghiandai serves as Chief Financial Officer of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.
He is involved on various missions including financial and budget monitoring, banking relationship management, financial investment strategy, and fundraising. The Foundation is dedicated to protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development at local and global level in order to progressing Planetary Health for the present and future generations. The Foundation’s actions are to fight against climate change and encourage renewable energies, safeguard biodiversity, manage water resources and combat desertification.
Before joining the Foundation in 2024, Raphaël had an extensive experience in finance and accounting over 15 years. He worked within “big four” audit firms in Paris, Sydney and Monaco, before moving to corporate world as CFO. His main achievements were related to corporate financing and restructuring, and strategic financial oversight.
Outside of work, he enjoys sports and travels. Raphaël is married and has two sons.
He is involved on various missions including financial and budget monitoring, banking relationship management, financial investment strategy, and fundraising. The Foundation is dedicated to protecting the environment and promoting sustainable development at local and global level in order to progressing Planetary Health for the present and future generations. The Foundation’s actions are to fight against climate change and encourage renewable energies, safeguard biodiversity, manage water resources and combat desertification.
Before joining the Foundation in 2024, Raphaël had an extensive experience in finance and accounting over 15 years. He worked within “big four” audit firms in Paris, Sydney and Monaco, before moving to corporate world as CFO. His main achievements were related to corporate financing and restructuring, and strategic financial oversight.
Outside of work, he enjoys sports and travels. Raphaël is married and has two sons.
Sergio Ung
Investment Associate
Guy’s & St Thomas’ Foundation
Sergio is an Investment Associate within the Endowment Team at Guy’s & St Thomas’ Foundation, an independent foundation seeking to tackle health inequity in our society by collaborating with our communities, partners and hospitals and using our assets.
Primarily focused on impact investing at the Foundation, Sergio’s prior background included working as a solicitor at a global law firm and as in-house counsel in the public, non-profit and private sectors.
Primarily focused on impact investing at the Foundation, Sergio’s prior background included working as a solicitor at a global law firm and as in-house counsel in the public, non-profit and private sectors.
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“InvestorConnect is an efficient and well-structured way to get to know a number of managers and learn about their impact strategies. The organization of the meetings with the personal schedule was great. I liked the format, which gave managers flexibility on how to present their funds. The slots were short, but forced everybody to be on point. “
LGT Capital Partners
“An excellent deep dive into the inspirational world of impact investing.”
Baillie Gifford
"The IC sessions were extremely well organised and we found them very useful. 15 minutes is just the right time to get to know each other and can always be followed up by a dedicated meeting. So I would not make any changes to the format from my point of view."
Christian Kleboth, Head of Loan Syndications, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development
“It is an excellent venue to meet others interested in the concept of investing with impact, both on the investment side and on the investor side.”
Conservation Resources
“The event plays a vital role in allowing industry stakeholders to get together and discuss how investment capital can address pressing social and environmental challenges. This coming together of minds is important as it allows attendees to share ideas and build networks. It also helps to raise greater awareness about the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
This engagement is particularly relevant to me this year, as I recently launched Mobius Capital Partners, a new asset manager with an emphasis on improving governance standards in Emerging and Frontier Market corporations. Listening to some of the other attendees speak, it gave me a fresh take on a wider range of issues affecting developing markets and what we can do as a firm to help.”
This engagement is particularly relevant to me this year, as I recently launched Mobius Capital Partners, a new asset manager with an emphasis on improving governance standards in Emerging and Frontier Market corporations. Listening to some of the other attendees speak, it gave me a fresh take on a wider range of issues affecting developing markets and what we can do as a firm to help.”
Mobius Capital Partners
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WHAT OUR ATTENDEES SAY
