Our industry is a good example. Last year, a record 500 new ESG funds were launched and 250 conventional funds enhanced their sustainability parameters. Assets in European sustainable funds grew 52%, driven by significant flows, converted assets and rising financial markets.

The opportunity is immense, but challenges can’t be overlooked. The science, technology and data guiding much of the activity towards long-term sustainability are evolving daily. Social values and economic thinking are also shifting, and the regulatory framework is adapting to reflect this reality.

Aligning investment floors, ramping up compliance pro­cedures, developing measurement guidelines and acquiring external data are only some of the many short-term implications. The continued work to define the right framework for increased ­clarity on sustainability is the only way to fight ­greenwashing, which will benefit us all. Bringing more transparency to retail and institutional investors will help reorientate capital flows towards sustainable investments, getting us closer to a scenario where these solutions are the norm, and not the exception. This is quickly approaching, and our industry needs to be ready to respond. Institutional investors used to account for the lion share when it came to sustainable investment demand, but end investors are quickly catching up and the implications of their involvement require more imaginative solutions and channels. As someone who has been in this industry for over 20 years, seeing this evolution is certainly encouraging.

Large investors like us have always worked hard to help our clients live the life they want by meeting their financial needs. Now, we can also play a crucial role in driving real positive change to the world by channelling capital to those companies contributing to the solutions for the challenges we face as societies. From pri­­vate to public markets, from startup initiatives to driving change in large-listed companies, real active investors can help governments and societies fill the €2.1trn per annum SDG funding gap. We can change the future for the better, and we’re determined to deliver.