Rebecca Kowalski, formerly compliance manager and paraplanner at Cornerstone Asset Management, has launched Overstory Finance, an independent consultancy business that aims to help advisers and their clients engage with sustainable investment.
Rebecca’s passion for sustainable investing originated in 2016 and as sustainable investment advocate for Cornerstone Asset Management, Rebecca was involved in launching the firm’s responsible investment proposition –Responsible Futures – in 2019. By 2021 it was a key business initiative for the firm, with Rebecca hosting a monthly podcast on sustainable investment.
However, in the summer of 2021, coinciding with a heightening of the climate emergency and opportunities presented by the upcoming COP 26 conference, she says she realised she could have a greater impact by sharing her expertise and enthusiasm with a wider audience.
Rebecca says she is inspired by the words of UN High Level Climate Champion, Nigel Topping, “The Race to Net Zero is not a competitive one, it’s one we all win or we all lose”, and describes her company’s vision as follows:
“To make the biggest possible difference to the financial services industry, to client experience and to the world we all share. Sustainable investment should be feel-good finance and is the finance we all need in a finite world.”
Personally influenced by her daughter, an environmental scientist and climate activist, Rebecca is motivated by making the world a better place for younger generations, a motivation she believes many other parents and grandparents share.
Professionally, Overstory Finance also takes a “good for business” approach. The business aims to help advisers have mutually beneficial conversations with their clients about how their money can benefit the world, as well as deliver the financial returns they need.
Rebecca says that from her conversations with investors and members of the public, she believes that those who choose to invest sustainably are typically more interested, more engaged and more likely to recommend their adviser to others.
She also wants to bust the myth that “green” investments are just for “eco-warriors”, Overstory Finance maintains that the transition to the low carbon economy is a matter of when, not if, and that all investors need to take this into account.
The business will be launching an interactive IFA and client-facing website later this year, with tools, tips and educational materials.
Find out more about the sustainable investment consultancy services here: Sustainable Investing Consultancy | Overstory Finance (over-story.info) or email: [email protected]
