From the return of Trump to the rise of AI, we review the key events and themes that have informed sustainable investment decisions over the past 12 months - and will set the tone for 2026.

What does financial wellbeing really mean for pension members today? For the latest episode of Sustainable Investor, Stuart Hall, Managing Director of Sustainable Media Group sat down with Blake Allison, founder and CEO of LifeCents, to look beyond the slogans and into the reality of how people behave with money. Blake has spent more than twenty years working with major US employers and financial institutions on financial wellbeing programmes. What stood out in our discussion is how often the industry focuses on account balances and contribution rates, while members are dealing with day to day pressures that make long term decisions far harder than we admit. We talked about: • why financial wellbeing has moved beyond information and apps • what under 35s actually prioritise when money is tight • the growing gap in retirement readiness for over 50s • how members really think about sustainability and returns • why generic “save more” messages no longer work • and how pension funds can rebuild trust by treating people as people, not data points

In this episode, we explore the likely impacts on asset owners’ climate and nature exposures of reforms to the Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation and developments at COP30; also looking forward to the next steps for natural capital accounting and universal ownership.

In this ‘interview-only’ episode, we explore the role of Australia’s superannuation funds in the country’s embrace of clean energy, with Jeremy Cooper and David Bell of the Conexus Institute.

In this episode, we ask when will investors get the information they need to invest confidently in the net zero transition, following turmoil in Brussels and the banking sector; we also underline Sustainable Investor’s October focus on transition finance by exploring the status of corporate transition planning and the merits of making it mandatory.    Co-hosts: Guy Opperman, the UK’s longest-serving Pensions Minister & Chair of Sustainable Investor's editorial board; and Richard Gardiner, Interim Head of EU Policy at environmental charity ShareAction.    News Round-up: Following MEPs’ surprise rejection of a compromise deal on the European Commission’s Sustainability Omnibus, Richard outlines the uncertainties for corporates and knock-on delays facing asset owners and managers, including over the SFDR Review. Guy warns of trouble ahead for UK pensions reforms after minister Torsten Bell dismissed concerns over mandation at the Pensions UK annual conference. Both have global implications, as do the other key topics analysed: the demise of the Net Zero Banking Alliance, the withdrawal of US climate risk guidance for financial institutions, and failure to agree a deal on shipping emissions.    The Three Rs Interview: David Russell, Chair of the Transition Pathway Initiative, discusses the current value to sustainable investors of corporate transition plans, the information they should include to be more decision-useful, and the role of asset managers in supporting investor scrutiny of firms’ decarbonisation strategies.    Review / Preview: To wrap up this week’s discussion, Richard looks forward to COP30, expressing hope that governments will reveal climate plans that deliver for people and planet, following the call made by Allianz Board Member Günther Thallinger in his recent interview with Sustainable Investor that nationally determined contributions should serve as blueprints for economic competitiveness. And Guy comments on the UK’s net zero ambitions in light of the release of its ‘carbon budget delivery plan’ - as required by the High Court - and tensions over North Sea oil and gas revenues ahead of the Budget in late November.  Thanks for joining us: If you like what you hear, you can also subscribe to Sustainable Investor, subscribe to this podcast and find further information in the show notes, where you can also find our contact details.  We'd love to hear your ideas as we plan future episodes.    Links to news items discussed:    EU Lawmakers Reject Deal to Simplify Sustainability Rules  https://www.euractiv.com/news/eu-lawmakers-reject-deal-to-simplify-sustainability-rules-in-major-upset/ Omnibus Vote Throws SFDR Review into Doubt https://sustainableinvestor.online/live/omnibus-vote-throws-sfdr-review-into-doubt/ Socialists Cave to Centre-right Demands to Slash EU Green Rules https://www.politico.eu/article/socialists-liberals-epp-eu-green-rules/ UK Minister Brushes off Fiduciary Duty Concerns https://sustainableinvestor.online/live/uk-minister-brushes-off-fiduciary-duty-concerns/ Britain’s Biggest Pension Funds Back Regional Growth Drive https://www.gov.uk/government/news/britains-biggest-pension-funds-back-regional-growth-drive Mp Tables ‘System-Level’ Investment Duty Amendment to Pensions Bill https://www.ipe.com/news/mp-tables-system-level-investment-duty-amendment-to-pensions-bill/10133274.article Climate Alliance NZBA Disbands as Banks Vote For Guidance-Only Role https://www.thebanker.com/content/e2f79306-a596-4375-a33c-e1390cb64c17 GFANZ Transition Role in Question as NZBA Folds https://sustainableinvestor.online/live/gfanz-transition-role-in-question-as-nzba-folds/ Global Banks Stall on Climate Action Despite Net Zero Promises, Report Finds https://www.transitionpathwayinitiative.org/publications/141/show_news_article US Federal Agencies Announce Withdrawal of Principles for Climate-Related Financial Risk Management https://www.federalreserve.gov/newsevents/pressreleases/bcreg20251016a.htm Lan

In this episode, we examine the implications for asset owners of the heavy political weather for sustainable investment in New York and Washington, and look beyond to practical challenges - from Europe’s defence boom to delayed deforestation legislation to nature-related reporting. Co-hosts: Guy Opperman, the UK’s longest-serving Pensions Minister & Chair of Sustainable Investor’s editorial board; and Gemma James, Head of Biodiversity and Nature at specialist consultancy Chronos Sustainability.