Russell Cook is a Consultant with Sustainable Finance Limited, and was formerly Sustainable Risk Advisor within ABN AMRO Bank's risk management function.  His role within ABN AMRO involved co-ordinating Environmental, Social and Ethical (ESE) risk policy implementation and further embedding their use practically into bank-wide operations.  A key milestone within this role at ABN AMRO was the design and development of an industry specific risk filter to incorporate ESE risk policies and considerations into the main risk governance structure of the bank. This had the dual role of enabling ESE risks to be key considerations in every credit decision for the bank, and to further support relationship bankers screen for potentially sensitive transactions or clients.

Other work included supporting the integration of ESE risks into specific product business units like Trade Finance and also supporting the design of sector briefings to more effectively educate staff on ESE risks across the global banking operations. The role also involved risk advisory work on specific cases and projects and across a wide range of sensitive industries.  

Prior to joining ABN AMRO, Russell worked in the international non-profit sector aimed at developing socially responsible leadership in young adults both in Europe and in Asia.  Russell holds a BSc in Oceanography and Geology from the University of Southampton, UK.<back>