Re-thinking the role of Finance in driving sustainability transition, addressing environmental and social considerations in supply chains

Day 1 : 14:15 – 15:30

Full Programme

The workshop aims to gather a community of financiers, investors, corporates and related ecosystem partners to share learnings on climate action, just transition and unlocking sustainable finance notably in the apparel and retail sector.

We will discuss and strategize on the challenges and opportunities across the industry, including specific types of financing structures and ways for banks, investors, brands, and industry actors to work together towards decarbonization, Just Transition and biodiversity protection.

Learnings

• Sharing the latest sustainable supply chain finance practices and latest evolutions.
• Exploring climate finance needs and greater collaboration between brand/ retailer partners, banks/investors, and suppliers/manufacturing facilities.
• Setting the stage for increasing blended capital and just transition via specific partnership opportunities.

Post-Event Actions

• Sharing the latest sustainable supply chain finance practices and latest evolutions.
• Exploring climate finance needs and greater collaboration between brand/ retailer partners, banks/investors, and suppliers/manufacturing facilities.
• Setting the stage for increasing blended capital and just transition via specific partnership opportunities.

Speakers

Crystal Geng

Co chair for HKGFA TNFD workstream

Crystal joined BNPPAM’s Sustainability Centre in the beginning of 2023 focusing on ESG integration across all asset classes in Asia. As the dedicated research lead for the Asian region, she drives the research, development and implementation of ESG research which supports ESG integration in the region – including with our Asian joint venture business partners – aligned with BNPP AM’s Global Sustainability Strategy. Crystal is also responsible for supporting sustainability engagement activities with companies in the region.

She has 10 years of diverse sustainability experience. She was the Principle ESG expert and Head of ESG Strategy at Ping An Insurance Group (2018-2022). Crystal was also previously ESG consultant at Ernst & Young and the Head of China ESG solutions at S&P Global. She has participated in the establishment of several ESG regulations in China and overseas.

Crystal holds MBA in Finance from Cornell University and Tsinghua University, Msc in Building Performance and Sustainability from the National University of Singapore, and is an accredited professional with LEED and WELL.

Christine Loh

The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology

Chief Development Strategist, Institute for the Environment

Chief Development Strategist at the Institute for the Environment, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. She is a leading voice on public policy, climate governance and sustainable development in Hong Kong, with experience spanning government, the legislature, think tanks, business and academia. Loh was Under Secretary for the Environment in the HKSAR Government from 2012 to 2017, where she worked on air quality, climate change, energy, nature conservation and stakeholder engagement. She also served as Special Consultant to the Chief Executive’s Office on ecological civilization and the Greater Bay Area from 2019 to 2020. Earlier in her career, she was a Member of the Hong Kong Legislative Council. At HKUST, Professor Loh focuses on climate policy, sustainability transitions, green finance, governance and regional cooperation. She is also a published author and frequent commentator on environmental policy, climate risk, China and Hong Kong affairs. She currently serves on the board of Towngas Smart Energy and is a Scholar in Residence at Asia Society Hong Kong from 2023 to 2026.

Cynthia Tchikoltsoff

Head of Global Trade Solutions, APAC

Cynthia Tchikoltsoff is the Head of Global Trade Solutions, Transaction Banking Asia Pacific. Based in Singapore, Cynthia oversees the growth and deepening of the bank’s trade franchise in Asia Pacific, which covers traditional trade and supply chain financing for international MNCs and Asian corporates.

Prior to her current role, Cynthia was Head of Supply Chain Management, where she led a team of experts who assist corporate clients in Asia Pacific to optimise their working capital, balance sheet and cash flows, by putting in place receivables, payables and inventory management programmes. She also drove the sustainability initiative for Transaction Banking Asia Pacific, supporting the commercial acceleration and continued development of the bank’s sustainability offering.

Cynthia is an industry veteran with over 15 years of experience in financial supply chain management across three continents, having held various positions with BNP Paribas in Paris, Australia, Singapore and Hong Kong. Cynthia holds a Master’s degree in Finance and Strategy from Sciences-Po Paris (Paris Institute of Political Studies) and a Bachelor of Arts from the Hong Kong University.

 

Eric Tran

Head of Sustainability, Transaction Banking APAC`

As Head of Sustainability for BNP Paribas Transaction Banking APAC, Eric oversees the origination of sustainable finance transactions and development of the sustainability practice for the region, in particular helping large corporate clients on sustainable supply chain and sustainable trade.

Prior to joining BNP Paribas, Eric spent most of his career leading large business transformation programmes in various industries, including financing services, airline and banking across the Asia region. He holds a Master’s degree in Management, Auditing & Advisory from Paris Dauphine University.

My Sustainability Goals for 2024:

Greater public private collaboration to accelerate and materialize ESG commitments working with corporate clients and partners.

With thanks to