Scotland Beyond Net Zero role for St Andrews Business School lecturer

Dr Maria Chiara Iannino, a Finance lecturer at The St Andrews Business School, has been appointed academic co-lead for Finance at Scotland Beyond Net Zero (SBNZ), a network of Scottish universities developed to help Scotland achieve its environmental goals. 

Dr Iannino’s expertise lies in behavioural finance, banking stability, and sustainable finance.  Her research in banking have previously highlighted the unintended consequences of regulation on systemic risk as well as the positive impact of social and environmental responsibility on banks’ resilience.

In her new role, announced this month, Dr Iannino will facilitate connections between academics, financial institutions, and policymakers to drive sustainable finance initiatives. She aims to support the financial sector to actively contribute to achieving Scotland’s net-zero and biodiversity targets.

Reflecting on her appointment, Dr Iannino stated her focus will be on impactful research that bridges the gap between academia and real-world applications: “By connecting sustainable finance researchers across Scotland and creating networking opportunities, I aim to not only raise the visibility of SBNZ in Scottish universities but to inspire researchers to contribute to this important area and to foster pathways that connect research to practice,” she said. 

“The banking sector is increasingly attuned to climate-related issues. However, to make a significant difference, my goal is to increase the application of academic knowledge within the finance industry, so that financial institutions can effectively contribute towards net zero goals.” 

Dr Iannino’s current research explores environmental responsibility in banking and how financial institutions can integrate sustainability metrics—such as biodiversity—into decision-making, balancing profitability with long-term environmental and social objectives. 

She will share the co-lead position with Dr Karishma Ansaram, a lecturer in Climate Finance and Investment at the University of Edinburgh Business School. Together, they will work to advance sustainable finance initiatives and develop networks across Scottish universities to highlight Scotland’s leadership in international climate finance. 

For more information about how you can get involved in SBNZ, please visit their website: About Scotland BNZ – Scotland Beyond Net Zero