Reflections from a Lille conference on how sustainability regulation, transition frameworks and AI are reshaping investment decisions. The blog argues that disclosure is necessary but not sufficient: the real test is whether frameworks change risk pricing, capital allocation and access to finance, especially in emerging markets and developing economies.

Public development banks are central to the next phase of development finance. But their potential will not be realised through scale alone. The challenge is to translate public mandates into credible, investable and impact-oriented structures that can mobilise capital effectively while preserving development purpose and accountability.

Speaking at the British Chamber of Commerce in Spain's Carbon Forum in Barcelona, I will explore how carbon markets can move beyond offsetting to mobilise capital into real-economy investments. The focus is on linking growing demand for carbon credits with scalable opportunities in the blue economy and sustainable infrastructure.