OUR MISSION
What is Altiorem?
Altiorem is the world’s first community-built sustainable finance library. We are a registered charity, dedicated to changing the finance industry as a force for good. We achieve this by curating and synthesising impactful, credible, and relevant educational content on sustainable finance and ESG.
Altiorem is contributing to sustainable finance by:
- Helping people understand the role finance must play in addressing sustainability challenges.
- Highlighting to finance professionals the essential role of ESG integration, demonstrating how financial success can harmoniously coexist with the well-being of people and the planet.
- Fostering a new generation of finance leaders and student volunteers to deepen their understanding of critical sustainability issues and their relevance to business and finance.
- Equipping finance professionals with theoretical insights and practical tools to make decisions that truly benefit people and the planet.
What problem is Altiorem trying to solve?
Social and environmental crises such as climate change and modern slavery are urgent global concerns, but the finance industry can drive many of the solutions the world needs to resolve them.
While there is a strong body of knowledge making the case for sustainable finance and many resources available that could help in implementing real world change, information is often difficult to find and apply.
What do we mean by sustainable finance?
Sustainable finance encompasses a broad range of practices and principles. At Altiorem, we define it as an industry committed to allocating financial capital in a manner that not only preserves but enhances social and environmental systems during financial decision-making processes.
The Altiorem community is grounded in the belief that sustainable finance should be fundamentally based on stewardship and responsibility.
Our vision at Altiorem is to transform and align the financial system in ways that foster a sustainable, equitable, and thriving environment, society, and economy.
A comprehensive library and resource centre for all advocates of a sustainable future
Altiorem is the go-to platform for individuals who recognise the crucial role of finance in overcoming the significant sustainability challenges we face today. It aims to empower not just those within the financial sector, but a wider audience committed to fostering a sustainable future.
Finance professionals across all roles
For those in the finance industry, sustainability might not be the primary focus of their job. Whether their role involves making critical decisions in investment, insurance, or financing, or they contribute through various support functions, Altiorem offers access to trustworthy information and resources. This enables them to integrate sustainability considerations into their daily tasks and champion transformative changes.
Experts in sustainable finance
Individuals holding specialised positions focused on sustainable finance will find Altiorem an invaluable and continually evolving resource that assists them in promoting and applying sustainable investment and financing strategies. Additionally, their contributions are vital for the expansion of the library and fostering a supportive community network.
Media, journalists and finance influencers
Altiorem serves as a resource for media and other influencers aiming to highlight environmental and social issues within the financial industry discourse. It assists in demystifying finance’s role in sustainability, thereby encouraging more informed discussions.
Academics, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and regulators
For academics, NGOs, and regulatory bodies, understanding sustainability is crucial, yet engaging with the finance sector on these matters can be challenging. Altiorem bridges this gap, helping to articulate sustainability issues in a finance-contextual framework and ensuring industry accountability.
Students and the general public
Given the extensive reach of finance globally, Altiorem is a valuable tool for individuals eager to enhance their understanding of the sector and its connection to sustainability. It supports those who are keen on advocating for and advancing sustainable investment and finance practices.
Policy makers and government officials
Altiorem also caters to policy makers and government officials who play a crucial role in shaping regulations and policies that govern financial activities. By providing resources and insights into sustainable finance, Altiorem assists in the formulation of policies that promote environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and economic sustainability, ensuring a holistic approach to overcoming global sustainability challenges.
Leadership
Pablo Berrutti
Pablo has deep investment and financial services experience including responsible investment, risk management, marketing, communications and strategy. He is currently a senior investment specialist for Stewart Investors and was formally the Head of Responsible Investment, Asia Pacific for Australia’s second largest fund manager.
Mariana Wheatley
Mariana is responsible for Altiorem’s overall business operations. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and Social Sciences (Honours) degree and seeks to create a better future for the environment and society through her work.
Emmalene Wysocki
Emmalene leads Altiorem’s volunteer projects and original content strategy. Emmalene holds a Bachelor of Psychological Science (Honours) and plans to combine her ongoing knowledge of sustainability with her understanding of human behaviour to create positive societal behaviour change.
Ellysa Zainul
Ellysa is our Altiorem researcher based in Melbourne. Dedicated to social justice and queer rights, she is on a mission to offer financial sustainability resources in support of these causes, amplifying Altiorem’s advocacy efforts. Ellysa curates resources that empower and inform, bridging the gap between financial literacy and advocacy.
Libby Dummett
Libby oversees partnerships and memberships with corporate members, bringing over 20 years of experience in impact finance. She previously supported Bendigo Bank’s Community Banking group and developed the Federal Government’s impact investment initiatives, including Australia’s first Social Enterprise Investment Fund. Libby holds a degree in Economics (1st, Dux) from Monash University.
Madeline Combe
Madeline brings over eight years of expertise in environmental sciences, from marine conservation in the Maldives to wildlife rehabilitation in Costa Rica. With degrees in Marine Biology and Sustainability from Sydney, her career spans corporate sustainability at Sydney Opera House to market development in sustainable finance at Refinitiv.
Phoebe Michelin
Phoebe brings a wealth of experience in content creation, ecological research, and campaign management. With a background in wildlife conservation and a strong marketing skillset, she crafts impactful content, enhances client engagement, and drives digital strategy, leveraging her expertise to support sustainable finance and ESG initiatives.
Board
Pablo Berrutti
Pablo has deep investment and financial services experience including responsible investment, risk management, marketing, communications and strategy. He is currently a senior investment specialist for Stewart Investors and was formally the Head of Responsible Investment, Asia Pacific for Australia’s second largest fund manager.
Yen Wong CFA
Yen was the Head of Credit Research at Altius Asset Management. Yen was the deputy head of global credit research at CFSGAM and has 21 years of financial services experience in financial services including at Commonwealth Bank, JP Morgan and Citigroup Asset Management. Yen has a bachelor of Mathematics, First Class Honours and is a CFA charter holder.
Alexandra Brown
Alexandra is the Founder of Ethical Invest Group and supports finance professionals with understanding and implementing ethical and sustainable investment. Alexandra provides ESG, sustainable finance and advice solutions including consulting, education, and professional development.
Jackie King
Jackie brings over 20 years of consulting experience in the for-purpose sector, with executive roles in strategy, governance, sustainability, and transformational change. She co-chaired the ANZ Chapter of the UN Global Compact Principles of Responsible Management, advancing sustainability in business education. Jackie holds a BA (Hons), LLB (Hons), PhD in refugee policy, and an EMBA.
Harvey Farrington
Harvey has over 25 years of technology and finance multinational experience in mining, telecommunications and the Not for Profit (NFP) sectors. Harvey is a Chartered Account (ANZ) and a member of the Governance Institute of Australia and the Australian Computer Society (ACS). He is also a Non-Executive Director (NED) of Hello Initiative. Harvey was appointed to the Alitorem board in 2023 and is based in Perth, Western Australia.
Fiona Donnelly
Fiona is a multi-disciplinary professional. She started as a Big 4 trained Chartered Accountant, and moved into broader, country, regional and global roles and projects, developing a niche in sustainability. Clients include issuers, governments, academia and start-ups. Fiona’s forte is being able to speak business, sustainability and finance.
Mariana Wheatley
Mariana is responsible for business operations, marketing initiatives, internships and university partnerships. She holds a Bachelor of Arts and Social Sciences (Honours) degree and seeks to create a better future for the environment and society through her work.
Simon O'Connor
Simon has spent over twenty years at the nexus of economics, finance, and sustainability, shaping responsible investment globally. As CEO of a prominent industry body in Australia and New Zealand, he led initiatives managing over US$29 trillion in assets aimed at fostering a sustainable society. His roles have included chairing the Australian Sustainable Finance Initiative and the Global Sustainable Investment Alliance, and advising on impact investing and nature finance in Australia and New Zealand.
Catalina Secreteanu
Catalina is a distinguished ESG professional with over 12 years of experience, currently serving as Managing Director of ESG Solutions at Morningstar Sustainalytics. A UKSIF and Altiorem board member, she holds an MA in Corporate Social Responsibility, specializing in sustainable investment strategies, global client relations, and advancing responsible business practices worldwide.
Stewart Investors
We are grateful to Stewart Investors’ Tar-Ra Fund for their unwavering support and belief in Altiorem from the very beginning. Their generous funding and commitment to our team and mission have played an instrumental role in our growth and success.
Stewart Investors is a dedicated and ambitious group of long-term investors with a shared set of values and a passion for investing in companies that are well positioned to meet the challenges of sustainable development. Learn more.
Altiorem’s university partnerships
At Altiorem, we are committed to nurturing the next generation of sustainable finance leaders. Through our university internship program, students gain valuable experience in sustainable finance while expanding their networks and demonstrating job-ready skills, helping to prepare them for impactful careers. We are grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with our university partners and support the next generation change finance for good! Learn more about our university partners below.
