Frequent speaker on topics ranging from transition finance to taxonomies to sustainable finance regulation, Jason Taylor is a capital markets professional with over 20 years of experience. He has worked with groups ranging from investors to corporates and governments on the design of sustainable finance solutions to enable them to successfully finance their transition activities and sustainability objectives.

Prior to founding Climate Finance Advisors, Jason Taylor led the development of the sustainable finance strategy for two Canadian banks. With his experience in ESG integration, thematic investing and behaviour-based financing, he worked to mobilize capital to close the financing gap in a financially efficient manner.

Jason Taylor has also participated in several working groups to establish industry standards to accelerate the standardization of sustainable finance in Canada. He champions using the power of capital to influence systemic change and contribute to building just, equitable, and resilient communities.

Holder of an MBA focused on sustainability, collaboration and innovation management at McGill/HEC Montreal, Jason Taylor was recognized by the Best & Brightest list published by Poets and Quants following the program. He has also completed several certification programs, including on ESG integration, climate finance, GHG accounting and energy innovation, and is pursuing a masters in sustainability management at HEC Montreal.

This aspiration for excellence was the catalyst for the creation of Climate Finance Advisors. Identifying and seizing opportunities in sustainable finance to preserve the natural elements was already an integral part of Jason’s essence long before he conquered Kilimanjaro and the Yukon River by canoe passing through indigenous territories, stewards of nature. Observing the horizon with clarity is a luxury reserved for those who excel in the art of pushing their own limits.

Amr Addas is a strategic sustainability advisor and professor at Concordia University. He also leads the Van Berkom Investment Management Program, as well as the Sustainable Investment Practicum and the Sustainability Ecosystem. Its work is to mobilize the broader economy in a coordinated manner to respond to humanity’s greatest existential threats in a technical, practical and collaborative manner. In particular, he advocates for the need to align the financial system with Canada’s climate commitments.

In 2010, Amr Addas led the development of the first professional certification in sustainable investing offered by a Canadian university, SIPC. He has since passed on his knowledge to over 200 professionals and taught over 2000 students the importance of integrating sustainability into their profession.

As a member of the executive committee of the Finance and Sustainability Initiative, Amr Addas helped make Montreal a global center for sustainable finance and investment, as evidenced by the choice of the metropolis as the global co-headquarters of the International Sustainability Reporting Standards Board (ISSB).

Earning an MBA from the University of Michigan in 1995 and a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Amr Addas is often called upon to provide portfolio management and sustainable investment advisory services to companies and financial institutions. He also serves on several ESG advisory boards and industry working groups.

He is frequently quoted and interviewed by the media on sustainable finance and investing. Amr Addas developed a passion for climate and the natural world as a young scuba diver. Later becoming an instructor, he saw the impact of environmental damage on vulnerable marine habitats and learned to appreciate the interdependence between humanity and nature.

Andrea is drawn to capital markets by a simple yet profound aspiration: to discover a more effective way of weaving sustainability — particularly climate, social effects and impact — into the intricate fabric of decision-making.

Prior to joining Climate Finance Advisors, Andrea was core to the development of the sustainable finance practice at one of Canada’s big six banks. Collaborating with large private and public organizations, she has crafted innovative sustainable finance products, notably the first Blue Loan and the first syndicated Social Loan in Canada. These transactions were aimed at raising awareness for water scarcity concerns and for health equity and access in Canada’s Northern communities. With them, she hoped to support the issuers in accessing a dedicated pool of sustainable capital by ‘crowding-in’ financial markets participants. Andrea has also participated in IPO and M&A transactions where she leveraged her expertise to integrate sustainability at the forefront. Her expertise extends to advisory roles on transition finance as well as on carbon and nature-based solutions. She has provided insights into business strategy, governance oversight, commitment setting, and product development.

During her undergraduate degree in Finance at Concordia University, Andrea was a member of the inaugural cohort of the Sustainable Investment Practicum developed in partnership with Manulife Investment Management and is a graduate of the Van Berkom Investment Management Program as a Jarislowsky Fellow. These experiences culminated in her valedictorian speech, where she emphasized how our individual significance is intertwined with the well-being of our ecosystems. Her message called for a collective effort to redefine success by striving for a multiplier effect beyond our personal contributions. Andrea holds the CFA Certificate in ESG Investing as well as micro-certificates in Biodiversity & Natural Capital Markets as well as in Water Stewardship and Market Mechanisms from Concordia University.

Andrea is in the process of completing her MSc in Global Environment and Sustainability from the University of London, Birkbeck. Here she will continue to grow an interdisciplinary understanding of environmental issues through an international lens built on the foundation of leading climate science.

As a young climate finance professional, Ben is passionate about the intersection between finance and the environment. He believes in the power of leveraging financial instruments to effect change and close the sustainability funding gaps.

Ben brings a diversity of experiences to Climate Finance Advisors through his work in government, academia, and the private sector both in Canada and the United States. Leveraging analytics and data insights, effective communication, and stakeholder collaboration skills, he assisted the Ontario Ministry of Environment, Conservation, and Parks with recycling policy research that informed decision-making in the province. Working within the renewable energy sector in Vermont, Ben helped develop the business and marketing strategy to bring innovative solar energy technologies to market.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies and Economics from Dartmouth College in New Hampshire, focusing on economics, policy, and sustainability. During his coursework he produced independent research analyzing the viability of multi-jurisdictional carbon pricing policies, and the human capital loss associated with the effects of climate change. He also worked as a research assistant for the Dartmouth Energy Justice Clinic and for the Department of Environmental Studies. These experiences inspired Ben to pursue a career in climate finance to create social and environmental impact in his community.

Ben’s passion for sustainability and the environment grew organically –through exploring northern Canada over a combined 150 days of participating and leading wilderness canoe expeditions on whitewater and flatwater.

Ben attended Trinity College School where he served as head prefect where he applied a philosophy of leadership though service to ensure people around him are placed in the best position to succeed. Upon graduation from Trinity, Ben was offered a Loran Award, one of the most prestigious scholarships in Canada for his leadership, determination, and character.