Desiree Fixler

Desiree Fixler recognised as one of the most influential experts on sustainable finance in the world. A renowned speaker, she delivers expert insights on the current state and outlook of the ESG movement, the prevention of greenwashing, whistleblowing and risk management.

With over 25 years of experience in sustainable finance and investment banking, she currently serves as a trusted advisor to financial institutions, NGOs and regulators, including the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority and the Monetary Authority of Singapore. She is also often welcomed as a guest lecture at Cambridge University.

Formerly, Fixler had been Group Sustainability Officer at Deutsche Bank’s asset manager, DWS, when she exposed extensive greenwashing at the company. She noticed how huge discrepancies existed in between the firm’s public ESG claims and its internal statements and actions. After her concerns and job were dismissed by the C-suite and Board, she spoke out publicly. US and German authorities launched consequent investigations, ultimately culminating in a police raid at the firm’s HQ, the ousting of the CEO and senior executives at the firm, and the largest SEC greenwashing fine yet.

Fixler’s whistleblowing action sent shockwaves throughout the finance industry and galvanized efforts to tackle greenwashing. She poignantly and candidly tells her story to drive clearer ESG disclosures and promote an truthful, evidence-based approach to sustainability.

Prior to DWS, Fixler had senior roles at JP Morgan, Deutsche Bank and Zais Group, where she built and managed ESG investing, and structured credit businesses. Her track record of product innovation includes several award-winning and market transformational products, including the development of the iTraxx and CDX indices, as well as a series of impact securitisations.

Desiree Fixler holds a BSc Economics (Hons) from the London School of Economics. Today, she is a member of the CFA’s ESG Technical Committee, a member of the LSE’s Entrepreneurship Advisory Group and a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on Responsible Investing.