David Carlin

David Carlin is a globally recognised climate, sustainability and artificial intelligence keynote speaker, advisor and thought leader who helps organisations understand the forces reshaping business and society. Best known for founding the Risk Centre at the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative, UNEP FI, David combines expertise in sustainable finance, environmental risk, AI and economic disruption with an ability to make complex subjects clear, engaging and actionable.

David began his academic journey at Williams College, graduating in 2012 with a BA in History and Psychology, Highest Honours in Psychology and Phi Beta Kappa recognition. His studies included an honours thesis in social psychology, providing an early foundation for his understanding of decision making, human behaviour and risk. David subsequently worked as a Model Validator at PNC Bank, developing expertise across retail, wholesale, economic capital, anti-money laundering and securitisation models. He also worked as a Research Assistant at Carnegie Mellon University’s Tepper School of Business, contributing to studies on decision making and consumer behaviour. In 2014, David joined Oliver Wyman, where he progressed to Principal within the Financial Services, Risk and Public Policy Practice. His work covered financial modelling, institutional strategy, risk and major financial transactions, while a non-profit fellowship with Kiva gave him further experience in microfinance, operational improvement and social impact.

David’s career has since established him as an internationally respected authority on climate risk and sustainable finance. As Head of Risk at UNEP FI, he founded and led the UNEP FI Risk Centre, creating a hub focused on helping financial institutions understand, assess and manage climate, nature and environmental risks. His work has supported more than 100 banks, investors and insurers worldwide, and he has advised major initiatives including the Glasgow Financial Alliance for Net Zero, GFANZ and the UK’s transition finance agenda. In 2021, David founded D.A. Carlin and Company, where he leads a global expert network advising executives, financial institutions and governments on climate change, sustainability, regulation, the energy transition and AI. David is also a Senior Associate at the Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership and has served as a Visiting Research Fellow at King’s College London. Named among Reuters Events’ Future Leaders in Climate 2024, he has contributed to Forbes, written for publications including TIME and Reuters, and co-authored ‘Accelerating Transition’ and ‘The Customer is the Planet’.

As a keynote speaker, David gives audiences practical insight into some of the most consequential issues facing organisations. He has delivered keynotes and workshops at major international forums, including COP summits, New York Climate Week, London Climate Week and events associated with leading global business and financial publications. David is particularly effective at translating technical subjects into memorable ideas, using colourful analogies, real examples and current research to show audiences what major global changes mean for their organisations. For organisations looking to understand how climate pressures, AI, regulation and economic disruption will influence future strategy, David delivers informed, accessible and forward looking perspectives that equip audiences to make better decisions in a rapidly changing world.