Back in May we reported on the suspension of Stuart Kirk, who dropped some truth bombs about climate finance at a Times newspaper conference. Stuart has now resigned his post, and issued this statement:
Today I wish to announce that I have resigned as global head of responsible investing at HSBC Asset Management.
Ironically given my job title, I have concluded that the bank’s behaviour towards me since my speech at a Financial Times conference in May has made my position, well, unsustainable.
Funny old world.
Over a 27-year unblemished record in finance, journalism and consulting I have only ever tried to do the best for my clients and readers, knowing that doing so helps my employer too.
Investing is hard. So is saving our planet. Opinions on both differ. But humanity’s best chance of success is open and honest debate. If companies believe in diversity and speaking up, they need to walk the talk. A cancel culture destroys wealth and progress.
There is no place for virtue signalling in finance. Likewise as a writer, researcher and investor, I know that words or trading shares can only achieve so much. True impact comes from the combination of real-world action and innovative solutions.
Which is why I’ve been gathering a crack group of like-minded individuals together to deliver what is arguably the greatest sustainable investment idea ever conceived. A whole new asset class. Sounds fanciful – but I am not one for hyperbole, as viewers of my presentation know well.
To be announced later this year, the first project will underline the central argument in my speech: that human ingenuity can and will overcome the challenges ahead, while at the same time offering huge investment opportunities.
Meanwhile, I will continue to prod with a sharp stick the nonsense, hypocrisy, sloppy logic and group-think inside the mainstream bubble of sustainable finance. Follow me on LinkedIn if you want to learn the right way to think about ESG – and let me tell you, most of what’s out there is bonkers.
Finally, can I take this opportunity to thank the tens of thousands of people – from chief executives and congressmen to scientists and mom and pop investors – who contacted me from around the world offering their support and solidarity over the past two months.
You have given me strength during what has been a tumultuous time for me and my family. It is for you that the next chapter in my career will be devoted. Please forward this to anyone you know who cares about money and planet earth.
Stuart
Tallbloke's Talkshop 
Reblogged this on Utopia, you are standing in it!.
Good luck to him. His departure was always likely to happen as someone who not only didn’t want to sing the company climate tune, but suggested in public that the tune is rubbish – which it is.
Good luck to you, Mr. Kirk!
Let’s hope many more follow your example.
Seems like he had his exit planned and knew what would happen so got himself lots of free publicity.
Phoenix – yes, it sounded like an “I’ve had enough” speech.
Phoenix44 – I don’t think it was pre-planned. The presentation had HSBC sign off. The subsequent media misreporting prompted the social media backlash which HSBC didn’t have the integrity to respond to on topic – instead they caved in and put Stuart on suspension. Good to hear that he received tens of thousands of expressions of support. I wish him well – the whole net zero agenda is based on an imaginary cost benefit analysis which is never exposed or tested.