Tariq Fancy, a prominent figure in finance, ESG, and sustainable investing, has made significant strides in addressing the complexities of merging profit with purpose. Formerly the Chief Investment Officer for Sustainable Investing at BlackRock, Tariq’s role involved integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations into the company's global investment strategies. His insights into sustainable investing are shaped by a diverse career, including his early years as an Investment Banking Analyst at Credit Suisse First Boston and later as a Senior Investment Professional at the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board.
Tariq is perhaps best known for founding The Rumie Initiative in 2013, a non-profit organisation that harnesses the power of microlearning to make education accessible and engaging. This innovative platform, a graduate of the elite Y-Combinator programme, has been recognised globally, including winning Google's National Impact Challenge. Rumie is used by millions worldwide, including young girls in Afghanistan, to access educational content safely. This work underscores Fancy's commitment to using technology for social good, providing a practical counterpoint to his critiques of the ESG industry's often superficial approaches.
In addition to his entrepreneurial ventures, Tariq Fancy is a sought-after keynote speaker. His speeches often challenge conventional wisdom in the ESG space, urging for more substantial and genuine commitments to sustainability. This stance is articulated in his 2021 viral essay series, "The Secret Diary of a 'Sustainable Investor'," where he candidly critiques the prevalence of greenwashing within the industry. The series received widespread acclaim, with The Economist describing it as 'riveting'. His recent initiatives, such as the "Mister Fancy Speaks" video podcast series launched in 2024, continue to educate and provoke thought on the intersection of finance, sustainability, and ethics.
Tariq’s journey from traditional finance roles to becoming a leading advocate for genuine ESG practices highlights his unique perspective and credibility. His diverse background, including founding a tech-driven educational non-profit and serving on boards like Wildfire, equips him with a broad view of both the challenges and opportunities in sustainable investing. As a keynote speaker, Tariq Fancy provides audiences with insightful perspectives on navigating the evolving landscape of ESG and sustainable business practices, making him an invaluable voice in the conversation on the future of capitalism.
