Responsible Investment Forum Europe 2025

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Key themes

• Sustainability as a value driver
• Climate and nature resilience
• Data, AI & evolving regulations
• Action over reporting
• Strategic headwinds

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The Responsible Investment Forum (RIF) Europe 2025 convened in London at a pivotal moment for the investment community. Against a backdrop of economic and political uncertainty, resulting regulatory evolution, but intensifying climate and nature risks, the forum underscored how sustainability increasingly has to be presented primarily as a critical ingredient in investment value protection and creation.

This year’s discussions at RIF Europe 2025 emphasised the importance of moving beyond disclosure and reporting towards tangible implementation. Investors are increasingly focused on embedding sustainability into investment practice in ways that deliver measurable outcomes, recognising that action cannot be justified solely on regulatory frameworks which may evolve over time. The simplification of regulatory requirements is also perhaps supportive of sustainability-related action from a perspective where it becomes less of a compliance exercise and more of a driver of value creation, while portfolio companies continue to operate within a complex web of obligations across jurisdictions.

Technology and data are playing a critical role in enabling this transition. Artificial intelligence and advanced ESG analytics are equipping deal teams and portfolio managers with deeper, faster insights, supporting more strategic decision-making. Alongside this, climate adaptation, biodiversity, and nature-based solutions are increasingly being considered, broadening the definition of resilience well beyond carbon and reinforcing sustainability as a cornerstone of long-term value.

Amid current headwinds, the prevailing sentiment was one of pragmatic optimism and tactical changes rather than a strategic shift, while acknowledging an impact on the sustainability agenda and associated jobs. Sustainability continues to be seen as a cornerstone of strategic resilience, helping to guide and position investors to navigate volatility while building portfolios that are future ready.

Key Themes

1. Looking for sustainability to drive value

The conversation has shifted from “why” to “how” — with investors seeking practical pathways to embed sustainability into value creation plans. While progress is being made in this regard with the support of guidance such as the PRI’s Sustainability Value Creation framework published in July 2025, there was acknowledgement that the value created often remains intangible or unquantified. As such there remains some scepticism around value creation claims often made, with key stakeholders including LPs looking for more robust and quantifiable evidence that shows “real” value creation.

2. Climate and nature resilience as priorities

Climate change and biodiversity loss are no longer abstract risks; they are material, interconnected factors shaping portfolio resilience. Investors are assessing both physical risks (such as extreme weather events) and transition risks (policy shifts, carbon pricing, and market changes). Nature-based solutions and biodiversity strategies are gaining traction as investors recognise their role in safeguarding long-term value. Building resilience is now seen as essential to protecting returns in a volatile environment.

3. Data, evolving regulation, and AI reshaping investment

Regulation was discussed as fluid and evolving, with a clear message that sustainability action should not be justified solely on compliance. If the rationale for change rests only on regulatory mandates, it risks losing momentum when rules shift. Instead, the simplification of requirements and reduced reporting burdens are helping sustainability move beyond a compliance exercise, reframing it as a driver of value creation. Portfolio companies still face a wide array of obligations across jurisdictions, reinforcing the need for proactive planning and resilience.

At the same time, advances in data and AI are transforming how investors approach risk and opportunity. Technologyenabled ESG insights are allowing deal teams and portfolio managers to go deeper and faster, turning regulation into a baseline rather than a ceiling. The result is a more strategic use of information: not just meeting requirements, but harnessing data and digital tools to unlock competitive advantage and deliver measurable outcomes.

4. Action over reporting

While robust data remains important, investors are increasingly judged by the outcomes they deliver. The emphasis is starting to shift from reporting metrics to demonstrating tangible impact — whether through decarbonisation, diversity initiatives, or nature-positive strategies. Implementation and impact are the new differentiators: investors who can show credible progress are better positioned to attract capital and build trust with stakeholders.

5. Strategic resilience amid headwinds and potential sustainability ‘bounce back’

Despite macroeconomic uncertainty and geopolitical challenges, the long-term trajectory for sustainability remains strong. Investors are positioning for resilience, confident that sustainability will continue to underpin value creation and in the process, giving their portfolio companies a competitive advantage over their peers. The prevailing sentiment at RIF Europe 2025 was pragmatic optimism: current headwinds may slow progress, but they are not reversing the direction of travel.

Anthesis at RIF Europe 2025

Anthesis was proud to contribute to the programme through expert-led sessions and leadership roles:

• Becky Willan moderated a panel on how sustainability can influence deal teams and drive stronger returns.
• Sarah Jones contributed to a session on building climate- and nature-resilient portfolios, alongside industry panellists.
• Tim Clare served as Chair for Track B on Day 1, guiding discussions on embedding resilience into investment strategies.

Looking Ahead

The conversations at RIF Europe 2025 underscored a clear message: sustainability has the potential to be a decisive factor in investment performance. As regulation evolves, data becomes more sophisticated, and climate and nature risks intensify, investors who act strategically will be best positioned to deliver long-term value.

At Anthesis, we continue to support investors in turning sustainability ambition into measurable outcomes: building portfolios that are resilient, future-ready, and value-driven.