During my study of the Diploma in Commodity Trading, we studied UNSDG’s 17 goals and I got an insight on how commodity companies perceive Corporate Social Responsibility, which has now transversed into ESG. I started to have keen interest in how ESG factors impact companies and businesses and the financial impact it can have.

I also came about the realization of how fragile our earth is after having my daughters and the kind of world we may be leaving behind for the future generation.

I strongly believe it is our duty to bring about change, one at a time and collectively to rebuild the earth and the best way forward is to collaborate with like minded people and share the knowledge with one another to create awareness and bring about  this change.

As a Banker providing financing solutions to traders and corporates, it has become imperative in today’s times to ensure that we finance projects which directly or indirectly promote sustainable investments and practices. As a relationship manager, I analyse our clients Sustainable practices across all three - ES&G along with assess the exploration of sustainable/green financing the client has engaged in. While we do not have an internal ESG marker, we do ensure The Equator Principles are abided by.
As we structure and put in place Sustainability linked loans for clients, we assess the potential KPI’s that the client should meet relevant to their sector. We then analyse the risks against which these KPI’s may or may not be met. Following this, we provide an assessment of the KPIs which are to be implemented in the financing structure. By doing so, we better understand the role our client is playing in committing themselves to advancing sustainability in the ecosystem they exist in.  
In addition, as a corporate employee in an office, the one resource we use abundantly and without thinking much of, is paper. The habit of relying on physical documents is one of comfort. Seeing is believing as they say. I have however, initiated transition from physical paper to e-paper, that is digital approvals and notifications. It isn’t something which can be rid of overnight, however, I have been strongly advocating towards a paperless office. Setting up e-approval processes requires convincing old school thoughts however, it is one being embraced albeit at a slow pace.

Being in a Japanese setup, thought processes and perceptions are old-school. Hence, incorporating changing policies and principles, adopting new methods have to be carefully positioned. My approach involves researching all available information and presenting it in an easy to absorb and understandable format. This has helped me to overcome challenges slowly.

Being a mother and teaching my kids to be sustainable each step of the way.