Metrics are typically used to assess, compare and track performance. Members of the GABV’s Metrics community are also wonderful entry points to collaborate to push our thinking and practice for greater positive impact, alignment of portfolios with the Paris Agreement, and transition of clients for a low-carbon future. To help facilitate this community, we welcome the GABV’s new Head of Impact and Research, Tytti Kaasinen. 

Tytti Kaasinen is the new Head of Impact and Research at the Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV). She starts the new year full of energy after a 2-week peace and quiet retreat “in the middle of nowhere in the Finnish countryside”, visiting family and friends during the past holiday season.

Originally from Finland, Tytti is based in Stockholm, Sweden, where she has been living for 12 years. Before, she lived in Manchester, UK, where she studied a bachelor’s degree in politics (Manchester Metropolitan University) and a master’s degree in international relations (University of Manchester).

Tytti will lead the Metrics Community of Practice, the group of experts in Sustainability and Impact Measurement within the GABV banks, as well as policy and research work and member assessments, among other things. Let’s get to know her a bit more!

The big question: who is Tytti?

I’m an enthusiastic advocate for holistic sustainability and multistakeholder collaboration. I just love changing the structures and systems that are shortsighted and/or polarising. I’m kind of a pragmatic visionary in that I’m keen to push the boundaries and encourage innovative thinking, but I’m also very keen to ensure that whatever is planned works in practice. 

I am endlessly curious and interested in everything from sports to culture, from house plants to psychology, and from train travel to international relations, and always love hearing about other people’s passion projects!

What were you doing before GABV and why did you decide to join us?

I’ve been working with responsible investments for over 15 years. I have focused on making the most of institutional investors’ role in contributing positively through thought leadership, constructive dialogues with portfolio companies and joint efforts to address shared challenges. 

I have had the chance to work with global organisations and fantastically inspiring people. My most recent experience was at the Council on Ethics of the Swedish national pension funds (also known as the AP funds 1-4), where I worked as the Engagement Director. 

After all that time with investor stewardship, I wanted to broaden my perspectives and explore other ways of making a difference. I was eager to get closer to real economy and communities, so when I found out about the Head of Impact and Research vacancy at GABV, I knew it was the perfect match! I’m particularly excited about learning more about the amazing transformative potential and achievements of the GABV members in their respective locations, and about collectively leading the way globally.

 Why is sustainable finance important to you?

On a personal level, I want to do my part in advancing a more sustainable and fair future in whatever capacity. sustainable finance is an area where I can be really useful. 

Professionally, in terms of the most impactful sectors in society, money has a lot of leverage in our current system, so finance can be a powerful force for good. 

“Sustainable finance is directly linked to real economy and real people. I want to show the doubters that prosperity and humanity go hand in hand.”

 

What do you think are the main priorities in sustainable and inclusive finance in the coming years?

The world is obviously up against some huge challenges. I know I’m not saying anything new when I highlight that we need to work together; but we really need to revise our current trajectory within the financial sector while seeking other synergies and partnerships. 

Climate change needs decisive and urgent action, but we cannot afford to lose sight of the other sustainability and social challenges; these won’t take a break while we focus on mitigating and adapting to climate change! 

Besides, most issues are intrinsically connected and mutually reinforcing with climate change, so it is simply crucial to have a holistic approach, and avoid silos and tunnel vision. 

Personally, I’m also hopeful that sustainable and inclusive finance can play a part in alleviating the deepening divisions and polarisations that underlie many societal challenges and environmental inaction. Finance creates opportunities, security and hope, and supports solutions that lead us onto a more sustainable path and towards the positive tipping points.

What can you expect of an organisation such as the GABV? And what can you bring?

Leadership. GABV members lead by example and can be much more impactful than the sum of its parts by continuing to share good practices within and beyond the alliance. 

Positive results and stories inspire others and create rings in the water that can help transform other sectors and affected communities. Integrity is also key for this. 

The Banking on Values movement and its members need to get much more visibility and credit for all the great work they do! I cannot wait to support the aims of the alliance with my experience in programme management, business development, stakeholder relations and advocacy. My understanding of sustainability risks and impacts across the board will also help in achieving this, and my determination and commitment to the cause won’t do any harm either!

A book – Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

A film – Grand Budapest Hotel by Wes Anderson

A place – The farm in Eastern Finland where my mom grew up and where I’ve spent almost all my summers and Christmases.

A hobby – Pet-sitting! I love looking after my friends’, colleagues’ and neighbours’ cats and dogs. (In the attached photo is Tobi (short for Toblerone), my former colleague’s sister’s dachshund.)

A quote – “Yet occasionally we discover in the folds of an old handkerchief a shell or insignificant stone that had once embodied our happiest of afternoons.” (Patti Smith)