In this episode, Kaitlyn Allen talks with Dr. Ana Nacvalovaite, a Research Fellow at Kellogg College, Oxford University. Dr. Nacvalovaite is an accomplished researcher, expert, and advocate for ethical business and investment practices. She obtained her doctoral degree from Oxford University, focusing on the regulation, sustainability, and transparency of investments made by sovereign wealth funds. Ana strives to bridge the gap between the immense resources of sovereign wealth funds and the urgent global challenges of climate change and social sustainability. Sovereign wealth funds are state-owned investment vehicles that manage and invest surplus assets on behalf of sovereign nations seeking to diversify their revenue streams and accumulate wealth.

Listen as Kaitlyn and Ana discuss her journey from a human rights lawyer specializing in protecting children in armed conflict to an expert in sovereign wealth funds. Her pivot was fueled, in part, by the 2008 financial crisis, which presented an opportunity for greater regulation of these funds.

Ana explains the sustainability-related financial strategies for sovereign wealth funds, which drive social benefits. Kaitlyn also reminds us of the longer time horizons for these funds (think: well past 3-5 years), while Ana also shares their current challenges and opportunities for greater positive impact in the future.

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Episode Resource Links

Dr. Nacvalovaite’sLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-ana-nacvalovaite-a0b367b/

Kellogg College: https://www.kellogg.ox.ac.uk/

Case Study: https://rebrand.ly/StanfordCaseStudy

Sovereign Wealth Funds & Global Challenges ft. Dr. Ana Nacvalovaite