Introducing Clinton Adas, Co-Chair of the Engagement with Companies Working Group

We are delighted to welcome Clinton Adas, Global Stewardship Lead for Biodiversity at HSBC Asset Management, as the new co-chair of the Engagement with Companies Working Group at the Finance for Biodiversity Foundation. With a distinguished career in sustainable finance and responsible investment, Clinton brings exceptional expertise, strategic vision, and a profound commitment to advancing biodiversity goals through the financial sector. 

In this exclusive profile, we explore Clinton’s vision for the future of biodiversity finance, his leadership approach, and the key priorities he has identified for the Engagement with Companies Working Group. Join us as we gain insight into the aspirations and expertise of a leader committed to fostering impactful action for biodiversity. 

1- Why do you believe Engagement with Companies is a critical step for the finance sector to address biodiversity challenges, and what are the most significant opportunities to influence meaningful action? 

Engaging with companies is key to encouraging and supporting ambitions and actions that can help address biodiversity loss. It´s also connected to the second FfB Pledge commitment. A major aim of the working group is to provide investors with guidance that can meaningfully support their engagements, as this helps focus the conversation on what is important from a biodiversity perspective in a given sector or industry. As consensus continues to emerge on what companies may need to do to manage their biodiversity-related risks, there is an opportunity for investors to contribute to positive change. 

2- How has your professional experience to date prepared you to co-chair this group effectively? 

I have been engaging with companies for many years, initially focusing on climate, and later on biodiversity. There are many parallels between the development and evolution of climate and biodiversity approaches within the financial sector, and these interlinkages can be beneficial. Outside of work, I have spent many years studying different aspects of biodiversity and conservation at university, and believe this has given me a complementary lens through which to view the work we are all doing.

3- What key outcomes or milestones will the Engagement with Companies working group work towards achieving under your co-chairmanship, and how will you work with stakeholders to advance the group’s objectives to contribute towards broader systemic changes? 

I am fortunate to have stepped into a co-chair role for a working group that has had strong leadership and achieved notable outcomes since its inception. Going forward, we will continue to equip members with knowledge on specific sectors or topics they may wish to engage in, and we will look to identify any gaps and needs in engagement topics. We will also continue to share expertise on various issues by inviting guest speakers to discuss the impactful work they have been doing.

4- What are your aspirations for the future of biodiversity finance, and how can the Foundation help accelerate progress? 

Being able to understand our impacts and dependencies on biodiversity and nature, and addressing these in a manner that not only helps to manage risks but also seeks to make a positive contribution, is something we should strive towards. As a complex topic with continuously evolving knowledge and expertise, this will take time and effort. The Foundation’s vital role in bringing together people with diverse backgrounds, skills, and knowledge is a key part of enabling progress now.

About the Engagement with Companies Working Group

This working group is connected to the second Pledge commitment: engagement with companies. In this working group, members are sharing experiences and new developments and exploring biodiversity-related ESG engagement with companies

Read more on this working group here.