Walking The Talk: Explore Century Financial's Bold Sustainability Path With Sameera Fernandes At The Helm

Century Financial is taking bold steps to align finance with sustainability under the leadership of its Chief Sustainability Officer, Sameera Fernandes. With a background in communications and a passion for blending sustainability with finance, Sameera has been instrumental in driving initiatives that aim to address gaps in the financial sector while creating a positive societal impact. She also holds the position of Chairperson, Dubai Business Group for Stockbrokers & Investment Services – Dubai Chamber.

In a recent conversation, Sameera shared insights into her journey, the company's ongoing sustainability initiatives, and its ambitious future plans with OneArabia.me on the sidelines of India Global Forum held earlier this week in Dubai.

From Communications to Sustainability

Sameera's career transition from communications to sustainability may seem unconventional, but as she explains, it was a natural progression.

"I've always been in communications, serving as the Group Head of Communications for Algorand. Finance, however, has always been a personal belief system for me. Blending sustainability with finance is the way forward, and using my experience to create something future-oriented felt like a global need," she says.

This forward-thinking approach has shaped Century Financial's efforts to integrate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into its operations and offerings.

Building a Strong ESG Framework

Sustainability in the financial sector remains underdeveloped, but Century Financial is determined to change that. According to Sameera, the company has focused on embedding ESG frameworks into its business model.

"From internal operations to client-focused services, we're working on integrating ESG at every level. The goal is to create a model that not only works for us but can inspire industry-wide change," she explains.

One key initiative is "Financial Freedom for All," a program launched in collaboration with the UN Principles for Responsible Management Education. This initiative empowers blue-collar workers through financial education and resources, enabling them to achieve personal and professional financial stability. Starting in Dubai, the program has expanded to Abu Dhabi, with plans to extend to Ras Al Khaimah.

Empowering Communities

Century Financial's sustainability initiatives extend beyond financial education for workers. The company also focuses on youth and women.

For students, Century conducts financial literacy seminars in universities. These workshops cover essential topics like the power of compounding, budgeting, and investing wisely. "Financial literacy at a young age fosters a growth mindset and equips students with the knowledge to manage money effectively," says Sameera.

Women are another focus area, with Century's "She Matters" program empowering female entrepreneurs and homemakers. The initiative connects women to investment opportunities and professional networks, fostering a community of mutual support.

Fostering Future Talent

Century Financial also supports young professionals through a differential internship program. This initiative allows interns to rotate through various departments before specializing, providing a holistic understanding of the financial sector. Collaborations with institutions like the University of Dubai and Canadian University ensure a steady pipeline of skilled talent.

"We want to give students the experience they need to kickstart their careers. If they excel, we often offer them starting positions within the company," Sameera notes.

Government-Private Partnerships

Collaboration between the private sector and government is essential for achieving sustainable goals, says Sameera. Century Financial actively engages in such partnerships to drive progress. "The government is opening doors for collaboration, which is fantastic. We're working on creating ESG frameworks that can inform policy and encourage industry-wide adoption," she explains.

As Chairwoman of the Dubai Chambers Stockbrokers and Investment Services Business Group, Sameera facilitates dialogue between stakeholders to address challenges in the sector. Recent initiatives include a seminar on AI and sustainable investments, exploring how technology can enhance equitable wealth distribution and sector credibility.

Sustainable Investments

In its commitment to sustainability, Century Financial is venturing into sustainable investments. The company is piloting a branch focused on ESG-vetted projects, which Sameera describes as the "ESG Collective."

This initiative creates a transparent matchmaking system for investors and projects, ensuring responsible investments aligned with the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Leveraging AI, the process evaluates projects from inception to completion, maintaining credibility and ensuring alignment with sustainability targets.

The Road Ahead

Looking forward, Century Financial is setting ambitious goals to reduce its carbon footprint and align with global sustainability standards.

"We're working toward a net-zero roadmap, targeting a 30% reduction in carbon emissions and a 20% cut in operational expenses. We're also preparing for the Dubai Chambers ESG label, which will position us as leaders in sustainable finance," Sameera shares.

In addition to these operational goals, the company is integrating ESG principles into its client offerings, creating a comprehensive approach to sustainability.

A Model for Sustainable Finance

Century Financial's initiatives exemplify the growing importance of sustainability in the financial sector. By focusing on education, empowerment, and responsible investments, the company is paving the way for a more equitable and sustainable future.

Under Sameera Fernandes' leadership, Century Financial is proving that aligning finance with sustainability is not just a necessity but an opportunity to drive meaningful change in the industry and beyond.