Desiree is globally recognized as a top expert and one of the most influential figures in sustainable finance. She is known for her candid advocacy to reform policy and practices around ESG and impact investing, and she is frequently featured in the media. As a professional speaker, Desiree provides expert insights on the current state and outlook of the ESG movement, the prevention of greenwashing, whistleblowing, and risk management.
With over 25 years of experience in sustainable finance and investment banking, Desiree serves as a trusted advisor to financial institutions, NGOs, and regulators, including the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority and the Monetary Authority of Singapore. She also guest lectures at Cambridge University, positioning herself at the forefront of global efforts to drive greater transparency, accountability, and impact in the practice of sustainable finance.
Desiree served as Group Sustainability Officer at Deutsche Bank’s asset manager, DWS, where she exposed extensive greenwashing—highlighting the discrepancies between the firm’s public ESG claims and its internal statements and actions. After her concerns and job were dismissed by the C-suite and Board, she spoke out publicly, leading to investigations by US and German authorities. This culminated in a police raid at the firm’s headquarters, the ousting of the CEO and senior executives, and the largest SEC greenwashing fine. Desiree’s whistleblowing action sent shockwaves throughout the finance industry and galvanized efforts to tackle greenwashing. She shares her story to advocate for clearer ESG disclosures and a more evidence-based approach to sustainability.
Before her tenure at DWS, Desiree held senior roles at JP Morgan, Deutsche Bank, and Zais Group, where she built and managed ESG investing and structured credit businesses. Her track record of product innovation includes several award-winning and market-transformational products, such as the development of the iTraxx and CDX indices, as well as a series of impact securitizations.
Desiree holds a BSc in Economics (Hons) from the London School of Economics. She is a member of the CFA’s ESG Technical Committee, the LSE’s Entrepreneurship Advisory Group, and the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on Responsible Investing.
Desiree is globally recognized as a top expert and one of the most influential figures in sustainable finance. She is known for her candid advocacy to reform policy and practices around ESG and impact investing, and she is frequently featured in the media. As a professional speaker, Desiree provides expert insights on the current state and outlook of the ESG movement, the prevention of greenwashing, whistleblowing, and risk management.
With over 25 years of experience in sustainable finance and investment banking, Desiree serves as a trusted advisor to financial institutions, NGOs, and regulators, including the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority and the Monetary Authority of Singapore. She also guest lectures at Cambridge University, positioning herself at the forefront of global efforts to drive greater transparency, accountability, and impact in the practice of sustainable finance.
Desiree served as Group Sustainability Officer at Deutsche Bank’s asset manager, DWS, where she exposed extensive greenwashing—highlighting the discrepancies between the firm’s public ESG claims and its internal statements and actions. After her concerns and job were dismissed by the C-suite and Board, she spoke out publicly, leading to investigations by US and German authorities. This culminated in a police raid at the firm’s headquarters, the ousting of the CEO and senior executives, and the largest SEC greenwashing fine. Desiree’s whistleblowing action sent shockwaves throughout the finance industry and galvanized efforts to tackle greenwashing. She shares her story to advocate for clearer ESG disclosures and a more evidence-based approach to sustainability.
Before her tenure at DWS, Desiree held senior roles at JP Morgan, Deutsche Bank, and Zais Group, where she built and managed ESG investing and structured credit businesses. Her track record of product innovation includes several award-winning and market-transformational products, such as the development of the iTraxx and CDX indices, as well as a series of impact securitizations.
Desiree holds a BSc in Economics (Hons) from the London School of Economics. She is a member of the CFA’s ESG Technical Committee, the LSE’s Entrepreneurship Advisory Group, and the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on Responsible Investing.
