ISF Marks Five Years Building Canada’s Sustainable Finance Capacity; Announces New Leadership

Toronto/Kingston, Ont. – The Institute for Sustainable Finance (ISF), housed at Smith School of Business, is celebrating five years as the first-ever collaborative hub bringing academia, the private sector and government together to create the critical conditions needed to foster Canadian leadership on sustainable finance.

The Institute was established in 2019 to fill the gap of relevant data, expertise and business-oriented solutions for sustainable finance with the aim of advancing sustainable finance policy and practice in Canada.

“Our vision is of a Canadian economy that leads in attracting global capital, remains resilient in the face of disruption and charts a sustainable course forward. With a renewed mandate, a talented and expanding team and deep partnerships across sectors, ISF is proud to continue serving this mission at a critical time,” said Jim Leech, Chancellor Emeritus, Queen’s University, former President and CEO of the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan and Advisory Board Chair, Institute for Sustainable Finance.

To mark this important milestone, ISF has released its 5-Year Progress and Impact Report, a detailed look back at the Institute’s achievements. Highlights include:

• Leading the conversation as a vital source of informed analysis on sustainable finance issues at conferences, round tables, education sessions and webinars in Canada and internationally to advance understanding and drive change.
• Establishing a research program that supports financial leaders and policy makers in aligning with and shaping evolving trends. From quantifying the investment required to meet national GHG emissions targets, to unpacking information about emerging tools like green bonds and voluntary carbon markets, ISF has provided timely insights into complex issues.
• Building capacity by supporting researchers through fellowships, grants and awards to expand knowledge and explore new fields in sustainable finance.
• Connecting key players in the finance sector, business, regulators, standard setters and industry groups, as well as ISF’s influential advisory board, research advisory council and network of academic experts has allowed ISF to have outsized reach and influence with decision makers. By working with respected partners, ISF has expanded its capacity and impact on advancing sustainable finance policy and practice in Canada.

The ISF also held a celebration event in Toronto on May 5 featuring a networking event for industry leaders and supporters, remarks from Smith Interim Dean Lynnette Purda and ISF Chair Jim Leech, and an expert panel discussion on how business and finance can provide leadership in times of uncertainty.

In advance of the celebration, ISF announced the appointment of Dr. Thomas J. Walker as its new Executive Director (Academic). A respected leader in the field of sustainable finance, Walker’s expertise includes risk management, sustainability and climate change, corporate governance and venture capital. He is also a member of the ISF Advisory Board.

“ISF’s record of achievement in its first five years is something to be celebrated and to build on,” said Dr. Walker. “It’s truly exciting to be leading the ISF team as we support Canada’s finance sector to navigate an economic and political environment that brings uncertainty, yes, but also opportunity for innovation and growth.”