Net Zero Finance: Hiro Mizuno on discovering ESG, shifting baselines, and an age of opportunity

James Murray
clock • 1 min read

In a BusinessGreen exclusive we bring you the directors' cut of Hiro Mizuno's conversation at last week's inaugural Net Zero Finance Summit

Hiro Mizuno's CV is as long as it is impressive. 

The Japanese businessman and green finance expert is the UN's Special Envoy on Innovative Finance and Sustainable Investments, a board member of the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI), and the firmer executive management director and CIO of the Government Pension Fund of Japan (GPIF), which manages around $1.5tr of assets.

Prior to joining GPIF, too, Mizuno worked around the world, having been a partner of London-based private equity firm Coller Capital, as well as working for Sumitoro Trust & Banking Co. in Japan, Silicon Valley and New York. He also works with a raft of major corporates, as an external boardmember at Tesla and a Mission Committee Member at Danone.

In a wide-ranging chat at the recent Net Zero Finance summitwith BusinessGreen's editor-in-chief James Murray, Mizono discussed his crucial role as a UN Special Envoy, what he has learned about sustainable finance from his illustrious career in the sector, and the huge opportunities ahead for innovation in finance that can drive the global economy towards a net zero future. The fascinating converstation can be watched in full above. 

All of the panel debates, keynote speeches, and presentations from BusinessGreen's recent Net Zero Finance summit event - which took place on 16 March and featured scores of top speakers from business, politics and academia - are now available to watch again on demand for those who have signed up to the event through the Net Zero Finance website and on Swapcard.

More on Investment

Aegon AM launches new Investment Grade Climate Transition Fund

Aegon AM launches new Investment Grade Climate Transition Fund

New fund aims to deliver a net zero aligned portfolio by 2040

BusinessGreen staff
clock 28 August 2025 • 1 min read
Crisis-hit Net Zero Banking Alliance holds vote on ditching membership model

Crisis-hit Net Zero Banking Alliance holds vote on ditching membership model

NZBA members to vote on proposal to 'transition from a membership-based alliance to establishing its guidance as a new framework initiative'

Michael Holder
clock 27 August 2025 • 4 min read
Pension organisations invest in £3bn UK water infrastructure project

Pension organisations invest in £3bn UK water infrastructure project

PPF, Just Group, Aviva Investors, and GLIL among investors in 'landmark' Haweswater Aqueduct Resilience Programme

Holly Roach, Professional Pensions
clock 27 August 2025 • 3 min read