Green Finance in Action with Alumnus Bryan Fashola
Alumnus Bryan Fashola returns to share insights on green finance and ethical investing with postgraduate finance students.
Leeds University Business School was thrilled to welcome back Bryan Fashola (MSc International Finance, 2011) on 14 July for a thought-provoking guest lecture with our postgraduate finance students. Bryan, currently Director of Infrastructure and Renewables Fund Finance at RBS International, spoke on “Green Finance & Ethical Investing: Principles, Profit and Provocation”, delivering sharp insights from his unique professional journey.
Having begun his career financing oil and gas projects in sub-Saharan Africa, Bryan later made a dramatic transition into driving renewable energy funding across the UK. This contrast gave him a powerful lens through which to explore the ethical dimensions of financial decision-making.
Students were introduced to several key themes shaping today’s financial landscape:
- The growth and challenges of ESG and impact investing
- The role of capital markets in the low-carbon transition
- Ethical considerations in emerging markets
- Greenwashing
- Practical research avenues for future financial leaders
Byrans message was both clear and compelling:
Finance is not neutral, it is a force that shapes the societies and economies that we live in.
With over $7 trillion in sustainable assets under management globally, Bryan’s talk couldn’t have come at a better time. His real-world examples and reflections bridged theory and practice, giving students a first-hand look at the dilemmas and possibilities within sustainable finance. He encouraged them to use their research and help shape the future discussion on green and ethical finance and investing.
Reflecting on his return to campus, Bryan said: “It feels like coming back home.”
Dr Lu Qiao, Assistant Professor in Accounting and Finance, added:
Our department was delighted to welcome Bryan Fashola back home for an engaging session on green and ethical investing. It was a fantastic opportunity for our students to hear directly from an experienced professional in sustainable finance and to deepen their understanding of ESG and impact investing.
Leeds Business School is incredibly grateful to Bryan for sharing his time, wisdom, and passion for ethical finance. His session left students energised and ready to think critically about their role in shaping a more equitable and sustainable financial future.
Those interested in inspiring students as a guest speaker can register their interest here: Get involved | Get involved | Leeds University Business School | University of Leeds
