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In this episode, Joseph converses with Srini Nagarajan, who heads Asia for British International Investment (BII). BII is the UK’s development finance institution. It is focused on investing in sustainable infrastructure and businesses in developing countries to promote economic growth and support the UK's development goals. Between 2022 and 2026, BII plans to allocate at least 30% of its total new commitments by value to climate finance. It already has investments in almost 1,500 businesses across 65 countries in emerging economies, with total assets exceeding $10.9 billion. The conversation covers the critical role of financial institutions in Asia's energy transition, actions governments can take to attract foreign investors, and the intersection of inclusion and climate change. Srini provides insights into BII's strategies, including investment in funds, direct equity investments, and the importance of blended finance. He also highlights successful examples from India and Southeast Asia. Enjoy the discussion and please do e-mail us to suggest topics for future episodes.

RESOURCES: About BII; Latest news from BII.

ABOUT SRINI: Srini Nagarajan is Managing Director and Head of Asia at British International Investment. Srini joined BII in 2013 to lead the Asia team under the organisation’s new investment strategy. He has the distinction of having been our first overseas employee and recently moved to Singapore to lead BIIs expansion into the Indo-Pacific region. He has been instrumental in building a high-quality portfolio in the region, which focuses across products and sectors. Under his leadership, BII has a strong presence on the ground and the team has made successful investments in the financial services, healthcare, logistics and renewable energy sectors – including the creation of BII subsidiary Ayana Renewable Power in India, a pioneer renewable energy developer. His role includes support in the origination, execution and management of the portfolio for delivering development goals and value. In addition, he is building BII’s presence in the South-East Asian markets with a focus on climate change. Srini started his career with Standard Chartered Bank, both in India and Southern Africa, before joining British International Investment in 1996. He has managed leasing companies in Africa and in India he managed legacy assets for value before moving into mainstream private equity investing for both British International Investment and Actis. He has a Masters degree in Economics and a post-graduate qualification in Business Administration from Warwick School of Business.

FEEDBACK: Email Host | HOST, PRODUCTION, ARTWORK: Joseph Jacobelli | MUSIC: Ep0-29 The Open Goldberg Variations, Kimiko Ishizaka Ep30-50 Orchestra Gli Armonici – Tomaso Albinoni, Op.07, Concerto 04 per archi in Sol - III. Allegro. | Ep51 – Brandenburg Concerto No. 4 in G, Movement I (Allegro), BWV 1049 Kevin MacLeod. Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License