Key takeaways

How boards can lead through geopolitical uncertainty and maintain momentum on climate was the topic under discussion at an event – entitled ‘Geopolitics, resilience and strategic courage’ – in which Chapter Zero partnered with McKinsey. From the shift in the status quo, to understanding the system we are working within, to the importance of board and executive leadership during uncertainty while continuing to innovate and decarbonise, the event offered Chapter Zero members insights into how boards can navigate the dual challenges.

In an online workshop, Chapter Zero and the Climate Governance Initiative explored the critical role of climate scenario analysis and planning for financial sector boards. The big question for the participants was: what does performing these exercises – to understand the future impact of climate on business – mean for boards; and what questions should non-executive directors (NEDs) ask?

It is a tough time to be driving forward sustainability initiatives, as many other issues are threatening to crowd out the climate conversation. In parallel, physical risks are becoming increasingly material across supply chains and impacting insurability, and investors and regulators are scrutinising transition plans to ensure that the companies they work with are fit for the future. Amid this uncertainty, the relationship between chief sustainability officers (CSOs) and non-executive directors (NEDs) is key to refocusing dialogues about sustainability as a strategic driver of growth and long-term value.

Chapter Zero, in collaboration with the Climate Governance Initiative (CGI), hosted a workshop during London Climate Action Week for non-executive directors and senior leaders of financial services firms. Delivered by Suzy Glass, Co-CEO of BRAE, the workshop explored how board members of financial services firms should communicate the business case for climate consistently and with conviction in the context of current geopolitical and ESG headwinds.

In collaboration with the Oliver Wyman Forum, as part of our transition planning materials, we launched this series of three interactive, masterclasses. The third masterclass focused on transition planning beyond the boardroom, exploring the ever-changing external landscape, engaging with key stakeholders, and considering the broader implications of business transition.

Explore the key takeaways from Chapter Zero and the Deloitte Academy's event "AI & Sustainability in Action - Leveraging technology for growth and a sustainable future", hosted in April 2025.

In this online session from Chapter Zero, the Climate Governance Initiative and the World Benchmarking Alliance​ (WBA), our speakers presented the Financial System Benchmark 2025 results and why the leaders are leading. The session offered Financial Sector (FS) Board members and executive teams a clear view of their institution's performance relative to peers and how this has been measured, particularly regarding governance and strategy. 

In collaboration with the Oliver Wyman Forum and as part of our wider series on transition planning, Chapter Zero members came together for the second of three interactive, practical transition planning masterclasses. These are in-depth learning experiences where attendees learn from both experts and peers. Building from the first masterclass on transition planning foundations and the role of the NED, the second masterclass explored how NEDs can lead through uncertainty, effectively review and challenge transition plans and take into account legal considerations associated with transition planning. This document provides a summary of the rich learnings and key takeaways from the session.

In February, we held an exclusive online session as a part of our Financial Services Community Programme, together with the Transition Finance Market Review and the City of London Corporation.  

In collaboration with the Oliver Wyman Forum, as part of our wider Transition Planning series, Chapter Zero recently launched the first of three interactive, practical transition planning masterclasses. Building from our Getting Started series, these in-depth masterclasses explore transition planning concepts in greater detail. The first masterclass explored the basics and best practices for transition planning, as well as the evolving role of non-executive directors (NEDs) in this space. You can find the key takeaways from the first session below.