NigelBeck

Nigel has pioneered the development of several innovative and award-winning sustainable finance products and solutions in Africa. He is RMB’s Head of Sustainable Finance and ESG.

 

Nigel arguably followed a very unconventional route to becoming the Head of Sustainable Finance and ESG Advisory at RMB. He started his career as a personal assistant, ecologist and game ranger, then became an environmental consultant and eventually became a banker. The common thread throughout has been his life-long passion for society and the environment.

Nigel has pioneered the development of sustainable finance on the African continent, executing several innovative and award-winning products. These include: the first Sustainability Linked Loans in Africa (KPI linked and ESG ratings); the first Green Bond in South Africa; the first Social Bond in South Africa; the first Sustainability Linked Bond in Africa; first Gender Linked Bond and Africa’s Largest Offshore Green Bond. 

He is a Member of the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (MIEMA) and is a Chartered Environmentalist. He holds the longest Chairmanship of the Global Equator Principles steering committee and was previously lead at the International Chamber of Commerce (Sustainable Trade Finance) and a member of the Impact Investing National Task Force. 

He holds a BSc from UCT; a BSc (Hons) from the UP; MSc and DIC (Environmental Technology) from Imperial College; University of London; an MBA (Finance) from Wits Business School and completed an Executive Leadership Programme from Duke Fuqua School of Business. He has also completed the course Business and Climate Change: Towards Net Zero through the University of Cambridge. 

Prior to joining RMB, he developed the Sustainable Finance and ESG capability at Standard Bank and was the Global Managing Director of Sustainable Finance and ESG Risk. Before banking, he was a consultant on large infrastructure and resource transactions and consulted on sustainability appraisals and strategic environmental assessments within the British Public sector. 

As the Head of RMB’s Sustainable Finance and ESG, Nigel and his team partner with clients to advise on their sustainability strategies and support the transition to a more climate resilient, lower carbon and sustainable, socially inclusive economy. They develop sustainable products and services solving for access to financial capital, provide support on developing a sustainability funding strategy, identify strategic opportunities and keep clients abreast of the latest developments in the local and offshore sustainable financial markets.

Nigel believes there is a massive opportunity for sustainable finance across Africa. "With its expert team and passion for innovation, I believe RMB will continue to pioneer funding solutions that have a material positive impact in the future."

Nigel and his wife, Tammie, have two children, Cayden and Ava who love joining them on their family adventures. He enjoys travelling and tries to spend as much time immersed in nature (whether it be wildlife, sea, or mountains). He loves absorbing global cultures and sharing their conversation, dishes and drinks. He also likes to keep fit with water polo, running and cycling.